A “Christian Manifesto.” This is how the late theologian John Stott described the book of Romans. [1] The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Rome has impacted millions of people for the gospel of Jesus Christ, including such prominent figures in Christian history like Augustine of Hippo, the German Reformer Martin Luther, and founder of Methodism, John Wesley.
Based on aggregate reviews, Douglas Moo’s Romans volume in the New International Commentary on the New Testament series (NICNT) is rated best. However, because of some of the unique aspects of Moo’s commentary, some may prefer a different volume. Several options, for a variety of readers, can be found below.
New Testament scholar F.F. Bruce wrote that Romans has also impacted countless numbers of “ordinary men and women,” concluding, “there is no saying what may happen when people begin to study the letter to the Romans.” [2]
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Top 10 Romans Commentaries
Please read: The “Top 10” list below is a starting point for learning about Romans commentaries. It is not intended to be the “final word” because of its limitations. For example, comparing a Reformed and Arminian commentary on Romans can be like comparing apples and oranges. Nevertheless, a list based on aggregate reviews is likely to point many people in the right direction to find the right resource for their purposes.
#1
Romans
New International Commentary on the New Testament
by Douglas Moo
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Summary: Having been in publication for approximately 25 years now, it is not a reach to say that Moo’s Romans commentary in the NICNT series is the top choice for pastors based on accumulated reviews. This is an advanced, mid-level commentary. Some may want to consider Moo’s Romans volume in the NIVAC series, which focuses on application (see below).
Volume: This volume was published in 1996 and revised in 2018. It replaced John Murray’s Romans commentary (see below) in the NICNT series. The first eight chapters of Romans in this commentary was published in the Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary series, which has since been discontinued.
Author: Moo has taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Wheat College Graduate School. He interprets Romans within the framework of evangelical theology. Moo is Reformed. He argues against The New Perspective on Paul. Moo also wrote the James commentary in the Pillar series, which is considered one of the best James commentaries.
Reviews from Academic Journals
| Bibliotheca Sacra |1998 (subscription required) |
| “This is a monumental work that can be placed among the best commentaries on Romans. If one wants to know the content of Romans, this commentary needs to be consulted. This work will be helpful to teachers, pastors, and students of God’s Word.” |
| The Reformed Theological Review | 1997 (subscription required) |
| “highly readable and useable… Its clear and solid exegesis of the text of Romans in the light of recent scholarship is to be welcomed by those who seek to make Paul’s exposition of the gospel known to the nations.” |
| Themelios | 2000 (subscription required) |
| “there is much of use here to exegetes, especially those of a conservative theological perspective… overall, this is a commentary that can be recommended, if for no other reason than it is unashamed of its position and represents it well.” |
Reviews from Pastors and Professors
| Desiring God (the ministry of John Piper) |
| a Top 3 recommended commentary on Romans |
| D.A. Carson [3] |
| “the best Romans commentary for pastors available in English” |
| Keith Mathison (Ligioner ministries) |
| #1 ranked commentary on Romans; “in terms of intermediate-advanced level commentaries, this one is the best place to begin” |
| Tom Schreiner |
| “a careful and theologically astute exposition” |
| Denver Seminary (Craig Blomberg, etal.) |
| a “priority” commentary on Romans |
Series: The publisher notes that the NICNT series provides readers “with an exposition that is thorough and abreast of modern scholarship and at the same time loyal to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.” See more about the New International Commentary on the New Testament series.
#2
The Epistle to the Romans
New Testament Commentary
by John Murray
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Summary: Originally part of The New International Commentary on the New Testament series (NICNT), it has since been replaced by Moo’s commentary above. Because of it’s popularity, Murray’s Romans volume continues to be published apart from a larger series. This commentary is considered a classic in Reformed circles.
Volume: The commentary was originally published in two volumes, the first in 1959, the second in 1965. The Greek text of Romans is the basis for this commentary. The American Standard Version is used as the primary English translation.
Author: Murray was a theology professor at Westminster Seminary. He is considered one of the leading Reformed theologians of the mid 20th century. [3] He retired in 1966 and died in 1975.
Reviews from Academic Journals
| Westminster Theological Journal |1966 (subscription required) |
| “The author’s concern about the practical outworking of the gospel in daily life comes to the surface elsewhere in his commentary… Professor Murray’s style is clear and understandable… His thirty-seven years of teaching have led him to a presentation that is simple and forthright.” |
| Southwestern Journal of Theology | 1960 (subscription required) |
| “The author shows sound judgment and spiritual insight. His commentary is well documented and carefully and clearly written. One can- not use it without experiencing a new appreciation for the gospel of God’s grace. We recommend it with enthusiasm.” |
| Concordia Theological Monthly | 1961 (subscription required) |
| “Unquestionably Murray’s commentary will have the same high rating in conservative circles as Charles Hodge’s commentary on Romans had in earlier generations… Murray will always be consulted with profit.” |
Reviews from Pastors and Professors
| Desiring God (the ministry of John Piper) |
| a Top 3 recommended commentary on Romans |
| D.A. Carson [3] |
| “will guide you stolidly with the heavy tread of the proverbial village police officer” |
| Keith Mathison (Ligioner ministries) |
| #3 ranked commentary on Romans; “a valuable work well worth consulting” |
| Tom Schreiner |
| “worth reading today, especially for its theological depth” |
Series: The published notes that Murray “provides a verse-by-verse exposition of the text that takes into account key problems that have emerged in the older and newer literature.”
#3
The Epistle to the Romans
International Critical Commentary
by C.E.B. Cranfield
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Reviews and Accolades:
• D. A. Carson: a “best buy” on Romans; “undoubtedly important… provides students with an education in grammatical exegesis”
• Craig Blomberg, etal: a “priority” commentary on Romans
• Tom Schreiner: recommended: “technical but outstanding commentary,” “rich theological insights”
• Keith Mathison: #5 ranked commentary on Romans; “one of the most thorough commentaries on this book”
Commentary details page: see more about C.E.B. Cranfield’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Cranfield takes a mildly critical approach to Scripture. He was ordained Methodist, but later moved to the Reformed church (d. 2015). [2] Later in life, Cranfield rejected The New Perspective on Paul, but that discussion is not found in this commentary.
This volume is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. The image above is of the abridged volume (pub. 1998), which has less Greek exegesis than the unabridged (pub. 1979).
The publisher notes that the ICC series combines “all the relevant aids to exegesis, linguistic and textual no less than archaeological, historical, literary and theological to help the reader understand the meaning of the books of the Old and New Testaments.” See more about the International Critical Commentary series.
#4
Romans
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
by Thomas R. Schreiner
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Reviews and Accolades:
• D. A. Carson: a “best buy” on Romans
• Desiring God: a Top 3 recommended commentary on Romans
Interview: Please see Best Bible Commentaries interview with Thomas Schreiner on this volume
Commentary details page: see more about Thomas Schreiner’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Schreiner takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Baptist and Reformed. Schreiner argues against The New Perspective on Paul.
This commentary is best for readers who can follow a technical Greek commentary. Schreiner also wrote the Hebrews commentary in the BTCP series.
The publisher notes that the BECNT series combines “scholarly depth with readability, exegetical detail with sensitivity to the whole, and attention to critical problems with theological awareness.” See more about the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series.
#5
Romans
Word Biblical Commentary
by James D.G. Dunn
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Reviews and Accolades:
• Tom Schreiner: recommended; “exponent of the ‘new perspective'”
• D.A. Carson: “certainly worthy of diligent study”
Interview: See Best Bible Commentaries’ interview with James D.G. Dunn on this volume
Commentary details page: see more about James Dunn’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Dunn takes a moderately critical approach to Scripture. He is associated with the Church of Scotland and Methodism. This commentary is known, in part, for Dunn’s advocacy of The New Perspective on Paul.
It is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Dunn also wrote the Galatians commentary in the BNTC series.
The publisher notes that the WBC series “delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation.” See more about the Word Biblical Commentary series.
#6
The Epistle to the Romans
Pillar New Testament Commentary
by Leon Morris
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Reviews and Accolades:
• Keith Mathison: #4 ranked commentary on Romans; “careful and considered,” “highly recommended”
• D.A. Carson: “its strength is the seriousness with which it takes the text”
Commentary details page: see more about Leon Morris’ Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Morris takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He was Anglican and Reformed (d. 2006).
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Published in 1988, Colin Kruse’s volume replaced this one in the series in 2012 (see below). Morris wrote the John commentary in the NICNT series.
The publisher notes that the PNTC series combines “rigorous exegesis and exposition, with an eye alert both to biblical theology and the contemporary relevance of the Bible.” See more about the Pillar New Testament Commentary series.
#7
Romans
New International Greek Testament Commentary
by Richard N. Longenecker
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Reviews and Accolades:
• Craig Blomberg, etal: a “priority” commentary on Romans
Commentary details page: see more about Richard Longenecker’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Longenecker takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He taught at McMaster Divinity College, which evangelical and multi-denominational, with Baptist heritage.
This commentary is best for readers who can follow a technical Greek commentary, yet Longenecker provides insights for pastors as well. He argues against The New Perspective on Paul in this volume. Longenecker also wrote the Acts commentary in the REBC series.
The publisher notes that “at a time when the study of Greek is curtailed in many schools of theology, we hope that the NIGTC will demonstrate the continuing value of studying the Greek New Testament.” See more about the New International Greek Testament Commentary series.
#8
The Message of Romans
The Bible Speaks Today
by John Stott
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Reviews and Accolades:
• Tom Schreiner: recommended; “a meaty exposition with application to today”
Commentary details page: see more about John Stott’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Stott takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He was Anglican and Reformed (d. 2011).
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Stott’s commentaries are noted for being pastor-friendly and highly quotable. He also wrote the Ephesians commentary in the same series.
The publisher notes that the BST series is unique because: (1) “authors are committed to a serious study of the text in its own integrity,” (2) holds that “expositors should not be antiquarians, living only in the remote past” but suggest application for living, and (3) “each book is intended to be both readable in style and manageable in size.” See more about the Bible Speaks Today commentary series.
#9
Romans
Pillar New Testament Commentary
by Colin G. Kruse
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Reviews and Accolades:
• D.A. Carson: “Kruse writes with clarity, verve, and good judgment, making this work another favorite for pastors”
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Kruse takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Reformed. Kruse argues against The New Perspective on Paul.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Kruse also wrote The Letters of John commentary in the Pillar series.
The publisher notes that the PNTC series combines “rigorous exegesis and exposition, with an eye alert both to biblical theology and the contemporary relevance of the Bible.”
#10
Romans
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
by Frank Thielman
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Interview: Read Best Bible Commentaries’ interview with Frank Thielman on this volume
Commentary details page: see more about Frank Thielman’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Thielman takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Reformed.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Thielman also wrote the Philippians commentary in the NIVAC series.
The publisher notes that the goal of the ZECNT series “is not to review and offer a critique of every possible interpretation that has ever been given to a passage, but to exegete each passage of Scripture succinctly in its grammatical and historical context.” Learn more about the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series.
10 More Romans Commentaries
Please read: Why are the Romans commentaries below not in the “Top 10”? It’s not because they have received poor reviews or because people haven’t found them helpful. The reasons vary:
- Some are relatively new and haven’t been widely reviewed, read, or used yet.
- Others haven’t been widely distributed, so it is difficult to get enough information to aggregate.
- Still others may be outdated in relation to biblical scholarship or out of print and difficult to acquire.
The “Top 10” list is reviewed annually. Readers are encouraged to consider the volumes in this section before making a purchase. These 10 are not in any particular order.
Pastor-friendly introductory commentary
Romans
For You
by Timothy Keller
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Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Keller takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Reformed.
This commentary is best for individual study, devotional reading, Bible studies, and adult Sunday school classes. This series is designed to be pastor-friendly and Keller is highly quotable. Keller also wrote the Judges commentary in this series.
The publisher notes: “Combining a close attention to the detail of the text with Timothy Keller’s trademark gift for clear explanation and compelling insights, this resource will both engage your mind and stir your heart.” See more about the For You commentary series.
Osbrone was Arminian
Romans
IVP New Testament Commentary
by Grant R. Osborne
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Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Osborne takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He was Arminian (d. 2018).
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Osborne also wrote the Matthew commentary in the ZECNT series.
The publisher notes that each volume in the IVPNTC series is “informed by the best of up-to-date evangelical scholarship, presents passage-by-passage commentary based on the NIV along with background information on authorship, setting, theme and various interpretive issues.” See more about the IVP New Testament Commentary series.
Moo’s NIVAC volume focuses on application
Romans
NIV Application Commentary
by Douglas J. Moo
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Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Moo takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Reformed.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Moo’s volume on Romans in the NICNT series contains more Greek exegesis (see above).
The editor notes that the aim of the NIVAC series “is to help you with the difficult but vital task of bringing an ancient message into a modern context.” See more about the NIV Application Commentary series.
Witherington is Arminian
Romans
A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary
by Ben Witherington
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Interview: Read Best Bible Commentaries’ interview with Ben Witherington on this volume
Commentary details page: see more about Ben Witherington’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Witherington takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Arminian.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Witherington also wrote the 1-2 Corinthians commentary in the SRC series.
The publisher notes that in the SRC series Scripture “is interpreted within the context of the world in which it was written and read.” See more about the Socio-Rhetorical Commentary series.
Pastor-friendly, Reformed, published in 2016
Romans
The Story of God Bible Commentary
by Michael F. Bird
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Reviews and Accolades:
• Craig Blomberg, etal: a “priority” commentary on Romans
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Bird takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Anglican and Reformed.
This commentary is best for individual study, devotional reading, Bible studies, and adult Sunday school classes.
The publisher notes that this series explains Scripture “in light of the Bible’s grand story. This “story-centric” approach makes SGBC a fruitful resource for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and everyday readers.” See more about the Story of God Bible Commentary series.
A Presbyterian classic
Romans
Crossway Classic Commentary
by Charles Hodge
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Reviews and Accolades:
• Keith Mathison: #2 ranked commentary on Romans; “rich in exegetical and theological insight”
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Hodge was a Presbyterian theologian and principal of Princeton Theological Seminary (d. 1878).
This commentary is best for individual study, devotional reading, Bible studies, and adult Sunday school classes.
The publisher notes that “The Crossway Classic Commentaries present the very best work on individual Bible books, carefully adapted for maximum understanding and usefulness for today’s believers.” See more about the Crossway Classics Commentary series.
Considered a classic
Romans
Tyndale New Testament Commentary
by F.F. Bruce
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Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Bruce takes an evangelical approach to Scripture.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. This volume was published in 1963, revised in 1985. Bruce also wrote the 1-2 Thessalonians commentary in the WBC series.
The publisher notes that the TNTC series is “designed to help readers understand what the Bible actually says and what it means…[each commentary] examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes.” See more about the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series.
Accessible, quotable
Romans
Understanding the Bible Commentary Series
by James R. Edwards
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Commentary details page: see more about James R. Edwards’ Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Edwards takes an evangelical approach to Scripture. He is Presbyterian.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Edwards also wrote the Mark commentary in the Pillar series.
The publisher notes that volumes in the UBCS series break “down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers.” See more about the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series.
NAC reflects Baptist theology
Romans
New American Commentary
by Robert H. Mounce
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Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Mounce takes an evangelical approach to Scripture.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers. Mounce is know for his Revelation commentary in the NICNT series.
The publisher notes that the NAC series “has been designed primarily to enable pastors, teachers, and students to read the Bible with clarity and proclaim it with power.” See more about the New American Commentary series.
Brief, moderately critical treatment
Paul’s Letter to the Romans: A Commentary
by Peter Stuhlmacher
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Reviews and Accolades:
• Tom Schreiner: recommended; “a helpful brief exposition of Romans”
Commentary details page: see more about Peter Stuhlmacher’s Romans commentary (with video)
Theology, Audience, and Purpose: Stuhlmacher takes a mildly critical approach to Scripture. He argues against The New Perspective on Paul.
This commentary is best for expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, and experienced Bible readers.
The publisher notes that “Stuhlmacher stresses the Old Testament and postbiblical Jewish traditions as the primary backdrop to Paul’s thought, as these traditions were known by Paul himself or mediated to him through Jesus and the early church.”
20 More Romans commentaries for preaching and teaching
| Series | Author | Notes | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Bible Commentary | Joseph A. Fitzmyer | technical, Roman Catholic author | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Lectio Continua | J.V. Fesko | Reformed, Expositional | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Expositor’s Bible Commentary | Harrison, Hagner | Revised 2008 | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Concordia Commentary | Michael P. Middendorf | technical, Lutheran | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Paideia | Frank J. Matera | Roman Catholic author | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Exegetical Guide to the Greek Testament | John D. Harvey | Greek exegetical aid | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Hermeneia | Robert Jewett | technical, 1000+ pgs | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Luther | Martin Luther | classic Protestant commentary | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Geneva | Robert Haldane | Reformed classic | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Calvin | John Calvin | Reformed classic | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Ironside Expository Commentary | H.A. Ironside | former Moddy pastor | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Thru the Bible | J. Vernon McGee | introductory | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Living Insights | Chuck Swindoll | introductory, expositional | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| MacArthur | John MacArthur | introductory, expositional | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Lloyd- Jones | Martyn Lloyd- Jones | expositional classic | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Teach the Text | C. Marvin Pate | introductory, textbook format | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Ancient Christian Commentary | early church fathers | introductory, historical | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| stand alone | Karl Barth | landmark, “Neo Orthodox” | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Boice Commentaries | James Montgomery Boice | Reformed, expositional | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| For Everyone | N.T. Wright | introductory to mid-level | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
References
[1] The Message of Romans (The Bible Speaks Today). John Stott. (Link goes to Amazon.)
[2] Romans (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). F.F. Bruce. (Link goes to Amazon.)
[3] New Testament Commentary Survey 7th Edition. D.A. Carson. (Link goes to Amazon.)
