Back to:
Acts ⇐ ⇒ 1 Corinthians
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For more great commentaries on Romans check:
Commentaries on the Epistles, Commentaries on the Whole New Testament
& Whole Bible Commentaries
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Subsection
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Order of Contents 62+
Best 12+
Commentaries
. 1500’s-1600’s 8+
. Simple 10+
. Intermediate 18
. Advanced 6
Early & Medieval Church 16
Intro to 2
Chapters 30
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The Best Commentaries on Romans
1500’s
Calvin, John – Commentary on Romans
*** – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Brown, John, of Wamphray – An Exposition of Romans with Large Practical Observations, Delivered in Several Lectures (†1679; Edinburgh: Paterson, 1766) 606 pp. no ToC
Brown (1610-1679) was a late Scottish covenanter, exiled in Holland.
** – ‘By a Calvinist of the old school. Heavy, perhaps; but precious.’ – Spurgeon
Dickson, David – The Epistle of Paul to the Romans, Analytically Expounded ToC in An Expositon of all St. Paul’s Epistles together with an explanation of those other epistles of the apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude… (London, 1659), pp. 1-38
Dickson was a prominent Scottish covenanter.
*** – ‘Dickson is a writer after our own heart. For preachers he is a great ally. There is nothing brilliant or profound; but everything is clear and well arranged, and the unction runs down like the oil from Aaron’s head. In this volume the observations are brief.’
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Simple, Brief & Practical
Wilson, Geoffrey – Romans: a Digest of Reformed Comment Ref Buy (Banner of Truth, 1969) 254 pp.
“A brief, Reformed treatment which is thoroughly abreast of the latest literature.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Intermediate
1800’s
Brown, John, of Edinburgh – Analytical Exposition of Romans (NY: Robert Carter, 1857) 660 pp. ToC
*** “Dr. Brown’s work must be placed among the first of the first-class. He is a great expositor.”
Haldane, Robert – Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans, with Remarks (Edinburgh: Oliphant, 1874) 720 pp. no ToC
*** “Dr. Chalmers styled this ‘a well-built commentary,’ and strongly recommended it to students of theology. In his ‘Sabbath Readings’ he writes: ‘I am reading Haldane’s Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans and find it solid and congenial food.” – Spurgeon
“First published between 1835-39, this Reformed commentary by a Christian layman has enjoyed a wide-spread ministry since its first appearance. The lectures were delivered in Geneva and brought about a genuine movement of the Spirit among the theologues who heard them.” – Cyril J. Barber
Hodge, Charles
Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (London: Religious Tract Society, 1837) 450 pp. no ToC
Hodge was an American, Northern presbyterian professor at Princeton and theologian.
*** “Hodge’s method and matter make him doubly useful in commenting. He is singularly clear, and a great promoter of thought.”
Questions on Hodge’s Commentary on Romans: Designed for Bible Classes & Sunday Schools 3rd ed. (Martien, 1846) 170 pp. no ToC
Lange’s Commentary – Commentary on Romans
*** – Spurgeon
Plumer, William – Commentary on Romans (NY: Randolph, 1870)
** “Plumer is a laborious compiler, and to most men his works will be of more use than those of a more learned writer.” – Spurgeon
Robinson, Thomas – A Suggestive Commentary on Romans, vol. 1 (1-8), 2 (9-16) (London: Dickinson, 1878) 520 pp. no ToC
*** “A good book in a good style. Worth any amount to preachers.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Murray, John – The Epistle to the Romans 2 vols in 1 Buy in New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, 1968) 730 pp. ToC 1, 2
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Advanced
Shedd, William G.T. – Critical & Doctrinal Commentary on Romans (NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1879) 460 pp. no ToC
“Designed for the theologian, it provides an exhaustive exegetical study of the epistle. Reformed.” – Cyril J. Barber
Vaughan, Charles J. – St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, the Greek Text with English Notes 5th ed. (London: Macmillan, 1880) 360 pp. no ToC
Vaughan was an Arminian Anglican and chaplain to the Queen.
*** “Very valuable to students of the Greek. The result of independent study and honest labor.” – Spurgeon
“A helpful commentary on the Greek text. Arminian.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Commentaries on Romans
1500’s
Colet, John – An Exposition on Romans (d. 1519; London: Bell, 1874) 232 pp. ToC
Colet (1467–1519) was a reforming, English, humanist, Romanist priest who was critical of the Church and a friend of Erasmus.
Luther, Martin
Luther: Lectures on Romans tr. William Pauck in The Library of Christian Classics, vol. 15 (London: SCM Press, 1961) 500 pp. ToC
Commentary on Romans tr: J. Theodore (Kregel, 1976) 220 pp. ToC
This work is different than the above and follows Luther’s commentary on Romans in the Weimar edition of Luther’s Works, vol. 56.
Luther’s Preface was historically foundational to the Reformation. Luther is good, but he cannot be relied upon in every area of Romans.
Specifically he does not affirm the 3rd Use of the Law (that the Law is a guide to the Christian’s path) and he interprets the motif of the flesh vs. the spirit as the sinful inclinations of a man’s body vs. his spirit, whereas the scriptural phraseology denotes by ‘flesh’ man’s sinful body and soul together and by ‘spirit’, the influence of the Holy Spirit.
For the latter interpretation, why it is correct, and the flow of thought in the passages (Rom. 6-8 especially), see the commentary of John Calvin.
“This indispensable work contains lectures which were first delivered to his students in 1515-16, and shows the process through which Luther went as he grappled with the problems of Roman dogma versus justification by faith.” – Cyril J. Barber
del Corro, Antonio – A Theological Dialogue, wherein the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans is Expounded (1575) 156 pp. ToC
Corro (1527-1591) was a reformed professor of divinity.
Vermigli, Peter Martyr – A Most Learned & Fruitful Commentary upon the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans wherein are Diligently & most Profitably Entreated All such Matters & Chief Common Places of Religion touched in the same Epistle (d. 1562; London: 1568) 456 pp. ToC Indices: Subject, Scripture
** “Being in black letter, and very long, few will ever read it; but it contains much that will repay the laborious book-worm.” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Day, William – A Paraphrase & Commentary upon the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans (London: 1666) 303 pp. ToC
Day (d. 1684) was an Anglican.
Ferme, Charles – A Logical Analysis of Romans in A Logical Analysis of Romans by Charles Ferme… and a Commentary on the Same Epistle by Andrew Melville… ed. William L. Alexander (†1617; Edinburgh: Wodrow Society, 1850), pp. 1-378 no ToC
Ferme (1565-1617) was a reformed Scottish divine.
Willet, Andrew – A Six-fold Commentary upon Romans (Cambridge: Legge, 1611) 746 pp. ToC Tables: Questions, Controversies
Willet (1562–1621)
** – ‘This work is called by its author [1562-1621] a Hexapla, because he treats his subject under six heads, giving ‘a sixfold use of every chapter, showing:
1. The method of argument;
2. The diverse readings;
3. The explanation of difficult questions and doubtful places;
4. The places of doctrine;
5. Places of confutation;
6. Moral observations.’
Willet is tedious reading; his method hampers him. In all his Commentaries he lumbers along in his six-wheeled wagon.’ – Spurgeon
Wilson, Thomas – A Commentary upon the most Divine Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans… (London: Jaggard, 1614) 1,260 pp. ToC Index
Wilson (1563-1622) was a reformed Anglican.
** “Intended for the less-instructed among the preacher’s hearers, and put into the form of a dialogue. It is very solid, but does not contain much which is very striking or original.” – Spurgeon
Brown, John, of Wamphray – An Exposition of Romans with Large Practical Observations, Delivered in Several Lectures (†1679; Edinburgh: Paterson, 1766) 606 pp. no ToC
Brown (1610-1679) was a late Scottish covenanter, exiled in Holland.
** – ‘By a Calvinist of the old school. Heavy, perhaps; but precious.’ – Spurgeon
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Popular, Simple & Practical
1800’s
Anderson, Robert, of Brighton – A Practical Exposition of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Romans (London: Hatchard, 1837) 495 pp. ToC
** “After the manner of Charles Bridges. Full of holy unction and devout meditation.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Newell, William Reed – Romans, Verse-by-Verse (Moody, 1938)
“A practical, devotional treatment containing many digressions. Usable illustrations. Of value to the expositor.” – Cyril J. Barber
Harrison, Norman Baldwin – His Salvation, as set Forth in the Book of Romans 2nd ed. rev. (Chicago: Bible Institute Colportage Association, 1926)
“An expository gem. Warmly devotional and ideal for use with laymen’s groups.” – Cyril J. Barber
Thomas, William Henry Griffith – St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans: a Devotional Commentary (1911; Eerdmans, 1988)
“A helpful, practical and devotional commentary which is of particular value to pastors for its excellent outlines and illustrations.” – Cyril J. Barber
Erdman, Charles – The Epistle of Paul to the Romans: an Exposition (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1925)
Erdman was a conservative liberal and the chief antagonist to J. Gresham Machen during the restructuring of Old Princeton Seminary.
“A devotional and practical commentary on the theme of this epistle.” – Cyril J. Barber
Archer, Gleason – The Epistle to the Romans: a Study Manual (Baker, 1959) 115 pp.
“A brief outline giving the main argument of the Book. Evangelical.” – Cyril J. Barber
Clark, Gordon – ‘Romans’ in The Biblical Expositor: The Living Theme of the Great Book with General & Introductory Essays & Exposition 1 vol. ed. (1960; A.J. Holman, 1973)
This little known commentary set by leading evangelicals (many of which were reformed) is brief (think airplane view) but helpful.
Barnhouse, Donald – Romans, vols. 1 (ch. 1, Man’s Ruin), 2, 3, 4 Buy (Wheaton, IL: Van Kampen Press, 1952; 1966)
Barnhouse (1895–1960) was a famed reformed preacher of 10th Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.
“An exposition of Bible doctrine which is very full, well illustrated and appropriately applied.” – Cyril J. Barber
Lloyd-Jones, Martin – Romans, ch. 1, 2:1-3:20, 3:20-4:25, ch. 5, ch. 6, 7:1-8:4, 8:5-17, 8:17-39, ch. 9, ch. 10, ch. 11, ch. 12, ch. 13, ch. 14, ch. 15, ch. 16 Buy
A classic example of powerful, reformed preaching through the book of Romans. Jones is considered to be one of the 20th centuries best preachers.
Steele, David & Curtis Thomas – Romans: an Interpretative Outline (Presbytrian & Reformed Publishing, 1963) 210 pp. ToC Preface by Gordon Clark
“A brief outline of the main teaching of the epistle from a strongly Calvinistic viewpoint. Not always clear on the teaching of those branded as ‘Arminian’. Maintains an unswerving allegiance to the inerrancy of the Word of God.” – Cyril J. Barber
Vos, Johannes – Romans Buy
“Johannes G. Vos developed these studies in Romans during his pastorate in a Kansas farming community. Later, they were published in his theological journal Blue Banner Faith and Life. For the first time, these articles, which originally appeared over a period of several years, first in the ’50s and again in the ’70s, have been collected and published as a single volume. 104 lessons with review questions.”
Intermediate
1800’s
Brown, David
Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, Embracing the Latest Results of Criticism (1860)
Brown was a conservative and a professor in the Free Church of Scotland. This work is different both from the work below and from his contribution to Romans in the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary on the Whole Bible.
The Epistle to the Romans, with Introduction & Notes (1883) in Hand-Books for Bible Classes, ed. Dods & Whyte
Chalmers, Thomas – Lectures on Romans (1863) 530 pp.
Chalmers was one of the leaders in the Free Church of Scotland.
** “Our preferences as to expositions lie in another direction; but we cannot be insensible to the grandeur and childlike simplicity which were combined in Chalmers.” – Spurgeon
Ewbank, W.W. – A Commentary on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans with a New Translation & Explanatory Notes, vol. 1 (1-8), 2 (9-16) (1850)
** “A sound evangelical comment, very good and gracious. In condensed thought this work is not rich: it is adapted for general reading.” – Spurgeon
*** “We think Dr. Forbes carries the idea of parallelism further than it should go. It can only be applied strictly to poetical books, which Romans is not. He tries to bring out the other side of the truths taught in Hodge, Edwards, and Calvin; but we confess our preference of those authors to himself. The work will greatly edify those whom it does not confuse.” – Spurgeon
Ford, James – St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, Illustrated from Divines of the Church of England (1862) 730 pp.
On his work on the Gospels: ** “Those who wish to see what the Fathers said upon the Gospels, and to read the choicest sayings of the early Anglican bishops, cannot do better than consult Ford, who has made a very rich collection. Some of the extracts do not materially illustrate the text, but they are all worth reading.” – Spurgeon
Fry, John – Lectures, Explanatory and Practical, on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans (1816) 515 pp.
** “Having no theory to serve in this instance, Fry writes to edification.” – Spurgeon
Godwin, John – The Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans, a New Translation with Notes (1873) Most of the Greek phrases are translated into English in the text.
** “Such a book as students need while studying the Greek text in college.” – Spurgeon
Moule, H.C.G.
Romans in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
Moule (1841–1920) was an evangelical Anglican.
“One of the finest and most helpful expositions available today. Deeply devotional, based upon a very careful exegesis of the text, and abounding in practical truths.” – Cyril J. Barber
The Epistle of Paul to the Romans, with Introduction & Notes (1903) 290 pp. in The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
“A capable exegetical study which contains notes on the text by a leading Calvinistic theologian of the last century. Not as valuable as the author’s exposition in the Expositor’s Bible. Anglican.” – Cyril J. Barber
Schaff, Philip & Matthew Riddle – Romans in A Popular Commentary on the New Testament (1879)
Schaff (1819–1893), the famed Church historian and N.T. scholar, came from a German-Reformed background, though was also the lead proponent of the High-Church Mercersburg Theology. Riddle (1836–1916) was of a Dutch Reformed background and had a similar professorial and literary career.
Stephen, John – Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans, A Series of Lectures (1857)
** “Sound in doctrine, practical in tone; above mediocrity.” – Spurgeon
Walford, W. – Curae Romanae: Notes on the Epistle to the Romans, with a Revised Translation (1846)
** “Walford makes comments of considerable value; he does not stand in the front rank, but his mediocrity is respectable.” – Spurgeon
Wardlaw, Ralph – Lectures on Romans, vol. 1, 2, 3
** “Wardlaw interprets with great sobriety and spirituality, and we never consult him in vain, though we do not always agree with him.” – Spurgeon
Williams, Henry W. – An Exposition of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (1869)
Williams was a Wesleyan minister.
** “This epistle has a fascination for Arminian writers; it affords them an opportunity for showing their courage and ingenuity. Mr. Williams’s book is instructive.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Lenski, R.C.H. – The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistle of the Romans (Wartburg, 1945) 930 pp. no ToC
“A conservative Lutheran exposition based upon the Greek text. Lenski manifests a rigidity in handling the original which at times mars his treatment; however, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses.. Amillennial.” – Cyril J. Barber
Hamilton, Floyd Eugene – The Epistle to the Romans: an Exegetical & Devotional Commentary (Baker, 1958) 235 pp. ToC
Rev. Hamilton graduated from Princeton Seminary in 1919 (Th.B.) and 1926 (Th.M.), was ordained by the Presbytery of Wooster (PCUSA) and served as a missionary to Korea, first under the auspices of the PCUSA’s Board of Foreign Missions, and then as a missionary with the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions.
Hamilton was a founding member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, but transferred his credentials into the Presbyterian Church, U.S. (aka, Southern) in 1955 and served his last pastorate, 1964-1969, in a Reformed Presbyterian, General Synod church in Indianapolis.
“A strongly conservative, Reformed exposition.” – Cyril J. Barber
Bruce, F.F. – The Epistle of Paul to the Romans: an Introduction & Commentary in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Eerdmans, 1971) 280 pp. ToC
“Draws upon a wide knowledge of literature, frequently cites theological writers, and provides an understandable and, in many ways, significant exposition of this epistle. Occasionally the comments are too brief to be of help to the pastor, and at other times exceptionally full.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Advanced
1800’s
Gifford, Edwin H. – The Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans, with Notes & Introduction from The Speaker’s Commentary (London: John Murray, 1886) 245 pp. ToC
“A very thorough, amillennial exposition based upon the Greek text. Should be purchased if found because of its helpful exegetical insights.” – Cyril J. Barber
Godet, Frederic – Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, vol. 1 (1-6), 2 (6-16) trans. A. Ousin (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1881) ToC 1, 2
“This exhaustive and technical commentary provides an excellent treatment of the argument of the epistle. The author surveys the varying theories, refutes theological liberals who differ with him on important points of doctrine, and adequately defends his views. A valuable addition to a pastor’s library!” – Cyril J. Barber
Olshausen, H. – Commentary on the New Testament Adapted Especially for Preachers & Students: Romans (1850)
Olshausen was a moderate liberal.
** “Nobody seems very enthusiastic as to Olshausen, but some authors have borrowed from his pages more than they have confessed. Personally we do not care for him, but many prize and all respect him.” – Spurgeon
Stuart, Moses – Commentary on Romans (1854) 680 pp.
** “Moses Stuart is judged to have been at his best in Romans and Hebrews. The present work is in some points unsatisfactory, on account of certain philosophico-theological views which he endeavors to maintain. Mr. Haldane denounced him as by false criticism ‘misrepresenting the divine testimony in some of the momentous points of the Christian scheme.’ The charge was too true.” – Spurgeon
Tholuck, A.F. – Exposition of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, with Extracts from the Exegetical Works of the Fathers & Reformers (1842)
Tholuck was one of the more conservative German liberals.
** “Moses Stuart confesses his great obligations to this eminent divine, who far exceeds the most of his German brethren in spirituality, and is not behind them in scholarship; yet even he is none too orthodox nor too reverent in his treatment of Holy Scripture.” – Spurgeon
Liddon, H.P. – Explanatory Analysis of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (1893) 320 pp.
Liddon was a High-Church Anglican, known for his Bampton Lectures defending the deity of Christ.
“A thorough, technical commentary which provides preachers with a comprehensive outline of the epistle. Frequently serves to give readers useful insights into the trend of Paul’s thought.” – Cyril J. Barber
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The Early Church on Romans
Compilations
Tholuck, A.F. – Exposition of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, with Extracts from the Exegetical Works of the Fathers & Reformers (1842)
** “Moses Stuart confesses his great obligations to this eminent divine, who far exceeds the most of his German brethren in spirituality, and is not behind them in scholarship; yet even he is none too orthodox nor too reverent in his treatment of Holy Scripture.” – Spurgeon
ed. Bray, Gerald – Ancient Commentary on Scripture: Romans (Chicago: Dearborn, 1998) 425 pp. ToC
ed. Burns, Jr., J. Patout – Romans: Interpreted by Early Christian Commentators in The Church’s Bible Pre (Eerdmans, 2012) 420 pp. ToC
Reasoner, Mark – Romans in Full Circle: a History of Interpretation (KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005) 210 pp. ToC
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Individuals
Origen – Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, vol. 1, (bks. 1-5), 2 (6-10) in The Fathers of the Church Pre 1, 2 Buy (Catholic University of America Press, 2001)
Origen (c. 185 – c. 253)
Ambrosiaster
Commentary on
Ambrosiaster’s Commentary on the Pauline Epistles: Romans trans. Theodore S. de Bruyn in Writings from the Greco-Roman World Pre (SBL Press, 2017) 295 pp. ToC
Ambrosiaster (fl. 366-384)
Commentaries on Romans & 1-2 Corinthians in Ancient Christian Texts Pre Buy (IVP Academic, 2009) 267 pp. ToC
Questions & Answers on Romans (chs. 1, 4, 7-8) at Patristic Bible Commentary
Chrysostom – Homilies on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans in A Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1848) 600 pp. ToC HTML
Chrysostom (c. 347 – 407)
** ‘Enough of solid truth and brilliant utterance will be found here to justify this father’s title of ‘Golden Mouth’; but still all is not gold which fell from his lips, and to modern readers Chrysostom is not so instructive as he was to his own age [A.D. 349-407].’ – Spurgeon
Pelagius – Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans trans. Theodore de Bruyn in Oxford Early Christian Studies Ref Buy (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993) 236 pp.
Pelagius (c. 354–418)
Augustine
Augustine on Romans: Propositions from the Epistle to the Romans & Unfinished Commentary on the Epistles to the Romans in Texts & Translations Series Ref (Scholars Press, 1982) 107 pp.
Augustine (354–430)
at Patristic Bible Commentary
Two Questions About the Epistle to the Romans
Unfinished Commentary on Romans
Expressions in Romans
9 Sermons on Rom. 7-8 ToC in Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament by S. Augustine in A Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1839), pp. 709-91
Cyril of Alexandria – Commentaries on Romans, 1-2 Corinthians & Hebrews trans. David R. Maxwell Pre (IVP Academic, 2022) 176 pp. ToC
Cyril (c. 376 – 444)
Theodoret of Cyrus
Commentary on Romans, pt. 1, 2 trans. unknown, ed. E.B. & Roger Pearse, from The Christian Remembrancer, or, The Churchman’s Biblical, Ecclesiastical & Literary Miscellany, 22 (1840) p. 30 ff. at Tertullian.org
Theodoret (c. 393 – c. 458/466) was an influential theologian of the School of Antioch, biblical commentator and bishop of Cyrus.
On Romans at Patristic Bible Commentary
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The Medieval Church on Romans
Compilation
The Letter to the Romans trans. Ian Levy, Philip Krey & Thomas Ryan in The Bible in Medieval Tradition Pre (Eerdmans, 2013) 310 pp. ToC
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Many Fathers
The Glossa Ordinaria on Romans, ed. Michael S. Woodworth PreBuy (Teams, 2011) 248 pp. ToC
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Individuals
Abelard, Peter – Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans trans. Steven R. Cartwright in The Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 2011) 450 pp. ToC
Abelard (c. 1079 – 1142) was a French scholastic philosopher, leading logician, theologian, poet, composer and musician.
William of St. Thierry – Exposition on the Epistle to the Romans Ref (Liturgical Press, 2000) 314 pp.
William (1075/80/85 – 1148) was a Benedictine, theologian and mystic from Liège who became abbot of Saint-Thierry in France, and later joined the Cistercian Order.
Aquinas, Thomas – Commentary on Romans
Aquinas (1225 – 1274)
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Introduction to Romans
1500’s
Tyndale, William – A Compendious Introduction, Prologue or Preface unto the Epistle of Paul to the Romans (Worms, 1526) 45 pp. no ToC
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1800’s
Hort, F.J.A. – Introduction to the Epistle to the Romans in Prolegomena of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Romans & the Ephesians (London: Macmillan, 1895), pp. 1-62
“Brief and to the point. Focuses on the founding of the church of Rome and the purpose of the epistles. Includes a helpful analysis of Paul’s letters.” – Cyril J. Barber
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The First Half of Romans
1800’s
Janeway, J.J. – An Exposition of a Portion of the Epistle to the Romans in the Form of Questions & Answers Designed for Sabbath School & Bible Classes (NY: Robert Carter, 1838) 162 pp. no ToC On Rom. 1-8
Janeway was an American Old School Presbyterian.
Lightfoot, J.B. – Analysis & Commentary on Rom. 1-7
Lightfoot was a mid-1800’s Anglican Bible scholar. He had some liberal tendencies.
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1900’s
Schaeffer, Francis. – The Finished Work of Christ: the Truth of Romans 1-8 Buy (1998) 233 pp.
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Romans 1-4
1600’s
Sclater, William
A Key to the Key of Scripture, or an Exposition with Notes upon the Romans chs. 1-3 (d. 1626)
Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.
*** “An antique, but precious book.” – Spurgeon
Lightfoot, John – Hebrew & Talmudical Exercitations upon Some Few Chapters of the Epistle to the Romans on chs. 3, 8, 11
Lightfoot was a mid-1600’s reformed divine who was invited to the Westminster Assembly. He mined the Jewish writings for anything and everything that may be of help in understanding the New Testament. Here are his results. This is the only work of its kind in English.
Parr, Elnathan – A Short View of the Epistle to the Romans 1-2:2 ToC in The Works… 4th ed. (London: Griffin, 1651), pp. 1-42
Parr (1577-1622) was reformed.
*** “The style is faulty, but the matter is rich and full of suggestions. We regret that the work is not complete, and is seldom to be met with except in fragments.” – Spurgeon
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1800’s
Morison, James – A Critical Exposition of the Third Chapter of Romans: a Monograph (1866)
Morison held Arminian tenets.
** “A scholarly and exhaustive exposition. When we do not agree with Dr. Morison, we pay homage to his great learning and critical skill.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn – The Plight of Man & the Power of God (1941) Being lectures given at the Free Church College
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Romans 5-8
Stott, John – Men Made New: an Exposition of Romans 5-8 (InterVarsity Press, 1966) 105 pp. ToC
“An expanded version of the author’s 1965 Keswick Convention Bible readings. They cover Romans 5-8 and are based upon solid exegesis. Stott is always challenging and rates as one of the finest living expositors today.” – Cyril J. Barber
Pierson, Arthur Tappan – Vital Union with Christ Buy (1961) on Rom. 6-8
“Formerly published under the title of Shall We Continue in Sin? Covers Romans 6-8 and deals with the duty and privilege of Christians, and the liberty they have in Christ.” – Cyril J. Barber
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On Romans 6
Manton, Thomas – 24 Sermons on Romans 6 (d. 1677) in Works, vol. 11
Fraser, James – The Scripture Doctrine of Sanctification, being a Critical Explication and Paraphrase of Rom. 6-8:1-4 1700’s
*** “Dr. John Brown says: ‘Fraser’s Scripture Doctrine of Sanctification is well worth studying. The old Scotch divine is rude in speech, but not in knowledge.”” – Spurgeon
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On Romans 7
Elton, Edward – The Complaint of a Sanctified Sinner Answered: or An Explanation of the Seventh Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, delivered in diverse Sermons (1618)
Elton (1569-1624) was reformed.
*** “The style is plain and homely, but the matter is of the choicest kin. This old folio is like an old skin bottle, with a rough exterior, but filled within with the product of the rarest vintage. Such books as this we never tire of reading.” – Spurgeon
Fraser, James – The Scripture Doctrine of Sanctification, being a Critical Explication & Paraphrase of Rom. 6-8:1-4 1700’s
*** “Dr. John Brown says: ‘Fraser’s Scripture Doctrine of Sanctification is well worth studying. The old Scotch divine is rude in speech, but not in knowledge.'” – Spurgeon
Kohlbrugge, H.F. – The Seventh Chapter of Letter of Paul to the Romans by way of a Detailed Description Buy (1854)
Kohlbrugge (1803-1875) was an idiosyncratic, very experiential, Dutch, Reformed minister. His life’s theology centered around Rom. 7:14, which he understood as the Christian saying: ‘but I am carnal, sold under sin.’ He interpreted this in an absolute way without the other qualifications of Scripture, and hence had a deficient view of God’s Law in relation to Sanctification (the third use of the Law).
** “An instructive rendering of this deeply experimental chapter.” – Spurgeon
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On Romans 8
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On the 2nd Half of Romans
Parr, Elnathan
An Exposition of Romans 12 in The Works… 4th ed. (London: Griffin, 1651), pp. 183-243
Parr (1577-1622) was reformed.
*** “The style is faulty, but the matter is rich and full of suggestions. We regret that the work is not complete, and is seldom to be met with except in fragments.” – Spurgeon
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Romans 9-11
Ellison, Henry L. – The Mystery of Israel, an Exposition of Romans 9-11 (Eerdmans, 1966) 90 pp. ToC
“Brings to bear upon the subject of Israel a background of practical experience as well as an extensive knowledge of Hebrew and Rabbinic sources on the Biblical text. While some statements require clarification, the general treatment is commendable. Amillennial.” – Cyril J. Barber
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On Romans 9
1600’s
Elton, Edward – The Great Mystery of Godliness Opened being an Exposition upon the Whole Ninth Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans †1624
Elton (1569-1624) was reformed.
Twisse, William – A Short Survey of the Ninth Chapter to the Romans, so far as it Treats of the Doctrine of Predestination: the Better to Clear Some Passages of the Former Discourse in A Treatise of Mr. Cotton’s Clearing Certain Doubts Concerning Predestination, Together with an Examination Thereof (1646)
Goodwin (1594?-1665) was a notable Arminian, whom John Owen and others argued against. Goodwin is nonetheless still often considered a puritan due to his emphasis on practical, godly living.
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1900’s
Piper, John – The Justification of God: an Exegetical & Theological study of Romans 9:1-23 Buy (1993) 220 pp.
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On Romans 11
On Romans 11 we highly recommend John Murray’s treatment in his Commentary on Romans Buy and Iain Murray’s The Puritan Hope Buy which support the national, ethnic conversion of the Jews to Christ, with most of the rest of the nations following. See Westminster Larger Catechism #191 on the Second Petition and its proof-texts from Romans 10 & 11.
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1600’s
Draxe (d. 1608) was a reformed puritan.
Sutton, Thomas – Lectures upon the Eleventh Chapter to the Romans (London, 1632)
Sutton (1585–1623) was an Oxford graduate, English minister and divine.
Lightfoot, John – Hebrew and Talmudical Exercitations upon Some Few Chapters of the Epistle to the Romans on chs. 3, 8, 11
Lightfoot was a mid-1600’s reformed divine who was invited to the Westminster Assembly. He mined the Jewish writings for anything and everything that may be of help in understanding the New Testament. Here are his results. This is the only work of its kind in English.
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On Romans 12
Leighton, Robert – An Expository Lecture on Rom. 12:3-12 1600’s
Candlish, Robert S. – Studies in Romans 12: The Christian’s Sacrifice and Service of Praise (d. 1873) 364 pp.
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On Romans 13
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On Romans 14
“It is a beautiful thing to see an assured and strong believer tender to weak faith, and a weak believer thanking God for his grace to the strong. It is a beautiful sight to look on Mr. Greatheart guiding Mr. Fearing [from Pilgrim’s Progress].”
John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan
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Related Pages