What Did You Expect?

Redeeming the Realities of Marriage

By: Paul David Tripp

Narrated by: Bevan Greiner

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Somehow, someway, every marriage becomes a struggle. Everyone’s marriage morphs into something they didn’t intend it to be. At some point you need something sturdier than romance. You need something deeper than shared interests and mutual attraction. You need changed expectations, you need radical commitments, and, most importantly, you need grace.

©2010 Paul David Tripp (P)2020 Paul Tripp Ministries, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Noel and I listened to most of this book driving in the car! Wise words. Authentic experience. Provocative application. Turned a long trip into a fruitful two-person marriage seminar.” (John Piper, founder and teacher, desiringGod.org; chancellor, Bethlehem College and Seminary; author, Desiring God)

“When Paul Tripp teaches, preaches, or writes he does so through the lens of the gospel. In What Did You Expect?, Paul faithfully and brilliantly lets the gospel bear its weight on the messiness and beauty of marriage. I, personally, found the book to be helpful, and we use it extensively at the Village Church.” (Matt Chandler, lead pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; president, Acts 29 Church Planting Network; author, The Mingling of Souls and The Explicit Gospel)

“What I’ve come to expect from Paul Tripp is consistently deep, transparent, biblical, wise, practical, gospel-driven counsel. Rather than muddying the water with self-focused strategies designed to meet our ever-multiplying needs, Paul, as the seasoned soul-physician he is, correctly diagnoses our problems and provides the cure - humble faith in Jesus Christ. I wasn’t disappointed. You won’t be either.” (Elyse Fitzpatrick, coauthor, Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women)

Very helpful!

This is such a good book that reminds us of what marriage really is about (to glorify God) and how our sin gets in the way. I loved how Tripp always pointed us back to God, His Word, and His Grace and mercy.

Highly recommend!

Excellent resource for marriage counseling

This book is an excellent resource for Christian couples, singles and or separated or divorced. Tripp does a great job in contextualizing biblical principles of marriage. My now wife and I read it during our engagement period and it has equipped us with tools for better communication, prayer and love for Christ and each other. A must read!

Excellent!!! A must read book

It's one of the best books about marriage I've ever read.
God centered, real, confronting, grace based and at the same time, it pushes the reader to keep working.
it's a blessing.

Great content

The content is scriptural and very helpful. However, the delivery is quite monotone. Need to edit out 99% of the “no”’s to help with the narration.

marriage saver

wow, this is such awesome insight. I am about to listen again. thank you for writing this book and I am so glad it was recommended to me. I will share with every married couple I know. Truth kicked my behind, but in a good, life changing way!

More than I expected

I've been married 32 awesome years and have a great marriage. Yet this book challenged me in area's I've overlooked or didn't pay enough attention to. Everyone needs to read this book

Eye opening Soul Changing

Do you want to understand WHAT marriage is all about? Listen to this book

Loved how the author was so real about the truth.

It is so helpful to me to read the truth scripture tells us, I often forget so very easily and become prideful and selfish.

Great reminder of what marriage is for.

Helpful, practical, biblical advice and true reminder of the purpose for marriage. Easy to read/listen. Great narration.

Worst NARRATION I’ve ever heard.

Excellent book. Very helpful content great thoughts and examples….ruined by horrible narration!! Monotone speech.