Each resource listed in this guide will include one of the following icons:
Open Access: This is an online resource that is freely available and does not require an institutional login.
KGS Login: This is an online resource open only to affiliates of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Access from off-campus will require a login through OpenAthens.
KGS Print: This is a print resource available in the Souvay Memorial Library. Click on the link to see the item's current status, location, and call number. Most items listed under "Essential Readings" in the LibGuides will appear in current and recent Kenrick syllabi, and will have a copy in our reference section.
MOBIUS Print: This is a print resources that is not available at Kenrick but that can be requested through MOBIUS.
Internet Archive: The Internet Archive has a digital copy of this book. It is completely free to read online, but you will need to set up a personal account, through which you "check out" (get temporary access) to the e-book. Kenrick alumni and non-Kenrick patrons can also freely access these volumes once they set up their own accounts.
Raymond Brown
The truth behind the Gospel accounts of the Nativity, updated to include the latest research--a classic by a renowned scholar, hailed as "masterly" and "definitive" in the original edition.
Mary Healy
Written by trusted Catholic biblical scholars, these commentaries interpret Scripture in the light of Catholic tradition. Accessibly written yet substantive, the C.C.S.S. fills a gap in the available literature by offering commentaries that cover more than brief study guides but are less daunting than scholarly commentaries.
Ulrich Luz
Luz offers a treasure of thoughtful exposition based on a careful study of the Greek text, the historical background, the relevant literature, the contribution of different traditions (ancient church, Catholic, Protestant, modern), and his special attention to the history of interpretation.
Francois Bovon
This series is justly renowned for its combination of judicious historical and literary treatment of the Evangelist’s context and for its theological sensitivity, informed by the wealth of the Christian interpretative tradition.
Hans Conzelmann
Filled with compact, almost aphoristic observations about the text, its background, and its theology.
Joseph A. Fitzmyer
These two volumes provides an exhaustive introduction, a definitive new translation, and extensive notes and commentary on Luke’s Gospel.
Fitzmyer provides a thorough introduction to the background, text, and context of the book, as well as chapter-by-chapter notes and comments in which are offered insights and answers to questions that have long plagued preachers and parishioners, teachers and students.
Pablo T. Gadenz.
Gadenz explains the biblical text clearly and concisely in light of recent scholarship and pays particular attention to the themes, theology, and Old Testament background of Luke's Gospel. Sidebars explain the biblical background and offer theological insights from Church fathers, saints, and popes, and reflection and application sections offer suggestions for daily Christian living.
Luke Timothy Johnson
As a commentary, this is a great tool for preaching and teaching. Johnson goes through Luke section by section, starting with a translation of the passage, followed by verse by verse notes, and then a fairly engaging interpretation section.
The commentary treats Luke-Acts as an apologetic history and takes with equal seriousness both Luke's literary artistry and his historical interests, fitting his methods comfortably within the ancient standards of historiography. This perspective illustrates in particular that Luke's historical narrative serves a definite religious intent. Tracing that intent through the specific contours of Luke's story is the special contribution of this commentary.
William S. Kurz
Kurz offers a close reading and explanation of the entire narrative of Acts, grounded in the original Greek but keyed to the NABRE for liturgical use. This volume, like each in the series, relates Scripture to life, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively.