Romans

My favorite book of the Bible is Romans, hands down. Add to that the fact that I'm a pretty solid Reformed theology nerd, and R.C. Sproul's Romans Commentary is a clear winner with me. Containing the sermons from his series on Romans delivered to Saint Andrew's Church in Sanford, FL, the book functions less like a traditional commentary in that it's not as "word-by-word" as some others. Instead, it's delivered in sermon form (the passages being discussed are bolded to help with references), with Sproul including stories, anecdotes, and other tangential thoughts to the specific scriptures. Being that it was a series of sermons, there are certain threads carried through the different chapters, so it's more beneficial when read through and the reader can trace those threads. I have utilized the book to help my study with my small group Bible study, which is currently going through Romans. I've had the privilege of leading the group a few times, and the insights I gained from this commentary were extremely helpful in that respect. Sproul does a great job of making the doctrine contained in Paul's amazing letter to the Romans come alive and connect to real life. His analogies and examples explained the scriptures in profound and clear ways. Being that it's R.C. Sproul, some will clearly disagree with his treatment of chapters 9-11 of Romans. These difficult passages are in many ways the backbone of Reformed, Calvinist theology, and they are the chapters that can easily cause division. I found Sproul's handling of these texts to be direct and truthful, but also gentle and warm. Doctrine is clearly not just an intellectual pursuit for him. He has a pastor's heart, and it shines through here. There are a handful of really solid Bible teachers that I look to when I have questions about what I read in scripture. I definitely count R.C. Sproul in that group. This Romans commentary is just the first in a series of expositional commentaries coming out from him (The Gospel of John has also released), and I can't wait to add those to my library.

This commentary is meat. Those who find the Westminster Catechism to simple can and will find that the commentary putting substance and weight to both the Catechism and Romans. This is a perfect commentary for those who are not theologian, but still want the "full" and in-depth explanation of the Word for layman. In Christ.

A nice introduction to the book of Romans from the man who introduced me to Reformed theology. I look forward to reading other volumes in this commentary series.

I own what are considered to be the best Technical and Application commentaries on the book of Romans. Don't get me wrong, they are wonderful for what they do. But honestly, this is the commentary I am looking for on the book of Romans. This is why it is done so well: - R.C. Sproul has taken his sermons through the book of Romans and put it into a book. Therefore, this book is filled with deep theological and doctrinal teachings, wonderful encouragements, pressing exhortations and highly desired applications all in one sitting. - You never have to refer back to the verse page of the chapter. He will introduce the passage that he intends to cover in the chapter and as he expounds on the text, he will continue to repeat the text. You will see the verse in bold print with his writings in normal print. - The guy gives you enough Greek to let you know you are getting your money's worth :) In all seriousness, this is the commentary for all peoples. From the theologian and seminarian stuck in the ivory tower to the pastor on the front lines to the Mr & Mrs. Smith leading a discussion series in a small group in Suburbia, USA to even the high school girl for whom the Scriptures simply explode with fire. I have already ordered another copy to send to a friend.