Commentary On Romans: For Bible Students and Teachers

This study commentary on Romans is the result of studying Romans with “fresh eyes” not encumbered by, or seeking proof for, any particular set of doctrines. That alone sets this commentary apart from many others. Rather, this commentary lets the biblical text speak for itself—at times with surprising and exciting results! As well, by engaging the richness of the original Greek and the context in which Paul wrote, this book shows how passages often have a range of possible meanings and how different translations or Bible versions are collections of choices others have made, many letting doctrine drive translation instead of the other way around. This book aims at the “accessible” center of the very wide area between the purpose and minutia of an often-ponderous academic commentary and a usually superficial and unchallenging Sunday school curriculum. Specifically, it aims to challenge Christians who may be well versed in what the Bible says but are lacking in its meanings beyond “school-approved” formulas. But it also is designed to be useful for the teacher and serious Bible explorer. What did the author say, what did he mean then, and how is any of that relevant to Christians today? These are questions with which we all wrestle. This book does not seek to answer all these questions for its readers and teachers or make comment on every detail. The text is often clear enough that detailed treatment is simply unnecessary. Rather, this commentary seeks to facilitate serious Bible explorers in finding their own answers. As Romans 14:5 says, “Let everyone be fully convinced in his own mind.”