Following is a summary of recommended commentaries on Colossians. This list is restricted to technical or semi-technical works (excellent
devotional commentaries include R. C. Lucas' The Message of Colossiansin the Bible Speaks Today series and Kent Hughes' Colossians & Philemon in the Preaching the Word series).
Colossians and Philemon (Word Biblical Commentary) 1998
Peter O'Brien
This is the best technical commentary but the WBC
series with its irritating format makes for difficult reading. Firstly, the commentary proper is separated from form and textual remarks and the absence of footnotes means that the writing is saddled with extra baggage. Nevertheless, O'Brien still manages his explanations well and the exegesis is incisive.
Colossians and Philemon (Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament) 1991
Murray J Harris
This
volume was supposed to be the first in a projected multi-volume series
but has now stood alone for 16 years! This is a pity because this fine
book is very helpful for those working closely with the Greek text.
A good working knowledge of Greek is required but while
highly technical, Harris thoughtfully includes homiletical sections to aid pastors preparing their expositions: a nice reminder that Greek exegesis should have a practical purpose.
The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (The New International Greek Testament Commentary) 1996
James Dunn
This is a very helpful volume in the NIGTC
series characterised by a display of consistent good sense in reasoning over disputed passages. Unfortunately, it does seem a little thin
at times: Dunn doesn't always engage thoroughly with other viewpoints.
Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon and to the Ephesians (New International Commentary on the New Testament) 1984
F. F. Bruce
Typically
solid exegesis from a first class scholar. Bruce is particularly
helpful at providing the history of interpretation of various passages
that have generated considerable debate.
Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (New American Commentary) 1991
Richard Melick
A
fine and very readable offering in this leading evangelical series.
Very useful exegetical information is to be found in the copious
footnotes. This is probably the best overall commentary for those who
have little or no Greek.
The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (Cambridge Greek Testament Commentaries) 1957
C. F. D. Moule
Don't be put off by either the small size or the date: Moule
blends scholarly knowledge with a judicious filtering that enables him
to comment only on those matters that matter most: those
niggly obscure terms that require explanation. A fine little handbook.
Colossians and Ephesians (Sacra Pagina) 2000
Margaret McDonald
It is
surprising that this fine commentary doesn't generates more
enthusiasm but McDonald should be commended for her clear writing style
and useful, careful exegesis of the Greek text. There are numerous
points of exegetical interest to be found here.
Colossians, Philemon (NIV Application Commentary) 1998
David Garland
This
volume, at just over 400 pages, packs a pleasantly large amount of
exegetical material in a series that is aimed more at application.
Garland's experience as a pastor is exhibited also in the excellent
devotional sections. This volume is much more technical than other commentaries in the NIVAC series.
.
Colossians and Philemon (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) 1988
N. T. Wright
This
small offering is frequently cited with approval but the limitations of the
Tyndale series means it contains much less useful information than
other commentaries on Colossians. For similarly priced works aimed at the same audience, Arthur Patzia's work in the New International Biblical Commentary series is to be preferred.
Note: I haven't had a chance to look at the recent (2005) ICC offering by Wilson. Amazon UK list it at a hefty £60!