The Works of Thomas Goodwin, Vol. 1: Containing an Exposition on the First Chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians

This is Volumes II of Goodwin's works which is the second half of his Exposition on Ephesians, plus some other sermons on Ephesians, and his precious little gem, Let Patience Have Its Perfect Work. There is nothing more, and nothing better that has been written on the first two chapters of Ephesians. All the following expositors of this portion of the Scriptures depended on this great work by Goodwin. "Goodwin combines in a remarkable fashion two of the main qualities requisite for a successful study of (1) A close attention to careful exegesis, in which every element of the written text of Scripture is the object of painstaking and loving scrutiny. (2) A comprehensive grasp of revealed truth in its entirety and in its structural relationships. In this way, in Goodwin, exegetical and doctrinal theology walk hand in hand, so to speak, every truth is substantiated by Scripture, and every text is carefully analyzed so that the verities [that it reveals may find their proper place in the total organism of the Christian faith. (Introduction by Roger Nicole). In these expositions Goodwin proves himself to be the very finest of communicators. His detailing of God's words are translated into power in the reader's understanding. The more one reads, the more the truth of God sinks in to the consciousness of the soul's ears. A holy excitement develops when one sees into the inner workings of God's mind given through the Apostle Paul as he was "being borne along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). With Goodwin as guide not only deep theology is taught, but very personal practical lessons are carried away to live in the hearts and practice of his readers. Goodwin gives such keen summations of each verse at the end of each chapter one may be lulled into thinking it is enough to just read them. This would leave such a one the poorer, having skipped over so many exquisite gems of scriptural knowledge as to rob himself of the richest revelations. For Goodwin roams the scriptures to reinforce the subject being discussed, scattering prisms of truth as he goes. Goodwin "represents the cream of Puritanism, capturing the intellect, the will, and the heart of his readers" (Joel Beeke)

Lincoln College; Honorary Canon of Worcester; Elector of St. Martin's; Birmingham.