Romans 1-8 MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Volume 15

As a Bible study leader, Dr. MacArthur's commentaries have been ~invaluable~ in preparing me for study. I have never failed to find the answers to deep and vexing issues within his commentaries. I frequently read from them during our study time. The commentaries are extremely thorough and comprehensive, yet very easy to read. I found I can pick it up and read it like a novel. (Yea, it's that good.) Dr. MacArthur's exegesis skills are extraordinary. This commentary - Romans - is exceptional. Just about every other page I find myself exclaiming 'Wow, I never knew that' or 'Wow, I never thought of it that way'. These commentaries are a wonderful value, I am looking forward to collecting and studying the entire set.

I have been a John MacArthur fan for a number of years, but it wasn't until recently that I began to purchase his New Testament Commentaries, I'm glad I did. John has a way of bringing light to a difficult book. I have a few other Romans commentaries that are very good, but John doesn't go as technical as the others. Being a layperson I appreciate that. He gives Greek words and explains them in a understandable way. I am currently using this book in a Discipleship group I lead and I have purchased this book for a couple of people who want to teach, they love it. I am slowly building up my library with his commentaries, he is a great teacher and one of his greatest strenghts is his ability to "cut it straight." I don't think you can go wrong with any of his books.

Finally! John MacArthur has produced a commentary series that is willing to take a firm stand on the plainly-stated word of God. You will not find "Dr. Dead-Scholars' 7 Possible Interpretations" of this or that verse. You will not find literary deconstructionism or even an argument for canonical criticism. You will not find meaningless word studies or pointless nitpicking over Greek tenses. No, you will not find any of that here. What you WILL find is a thoroughly researched, well-written, insightful, sincere, biblically-founded and ultimately inspirational commentary. Dr. MacArthur has dedicated his life to the study of God's word and this volume (along with the others in the same series) is the fruit of that life of faithfulness. The book is dense, but rewarding. It is theology and exegesis, not devotionals and anecdotes (though the book is peppered with plenty of both these things also). It is so refreshing to read a commentary that actually seems to take the Bible more seriously than whoever happens to be teaching at Cambridge or Princeton at the moment. MacArthur's exegesis and interpretations are always founded solidly in the plain sense of the text. Of the whole book I only took issue at one point where it seemed that Dr. MacArthur's theological framework had overshadowed the plain interpretation (this is in Romans 6:1-11 where he suggests that Paul was not referring to water baptism, but "spiritual baptism"), but this is a minor thing and does not effect a proper interpretation of Paul's argument in that portion of the epistle. MacArthur, like Luther and Spurgeon before him, seems to have a gift for helping common folk (like me and you) understand the deeper things of God by opening to us the same scriptures we have read so many times but never fully taken hold of. May God raise up more men like Dr. MacArthur in this day and age.

There's a wealth of insight here for the serious student of Paul's letters. MacArthur is the gold standard for contemporary biblical exposition, and this book is a prime example of why that is so. Highly readable and strong on doctrine.

The MacArthur Commentary on Romans is a masterpiece. Dr. Mac. presents a crystal-clear picture of the gospel by "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" in this verse-by-verse study. Whether you are a "babe" in Christ, a veteran soldier of the cross, teacher, student, pastor or layperson, you will be enormously edified by this work, which is suitable for group study, or personal study. I am currently using this book in my own personal devotional time and it has blessed me enormously. In the opening verses of the book Dr. MacArthur makes the statements that any revival that has taken place, was initially sparked by the book of Romans. After reading this book, I can see why. Romans will compel the serious Christian to "earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints."Feel free to email me with questions or comments.