Evaluation
Overall Score: 9.4/10
A warm, gospel-rich, pastorally powerful exposition of Romans that equips and encourages believers with clarity and depth.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 528 pages
- Type
- Expositional, Expository (Mid-Level), Homiletical
- Theo. Perspective
- Reformed
- Overall score
- 9.4 / 10
- Strength
- A gospel-rich, pastorally powerful exposition that brings clarity and devotional force to every chapter.
- Limitation
- The focus on pastoral exposition means it rarely enters into the more detailed academic debates within Romans scholarship.
R. C. Sproul’s Romans in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series offers a warm, pastorally rich, and doctrinally lucid exposition of Paul’s greatest letter. Drawn from his preaching ministry at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, this volume reflects Sproul’s lifelong passion for teaching the doctrines of grace and grounding believers in the gospel’s transforming power. Romans, with its majestic theology, is an especially fitting match for Sproul’s gifts as a communicator and theologian.
Sproul walks through the text carefully, combining clear explanation with theological reflection. He traces Paul’s argument from human sin and divine righteousness to justification by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, God’s sovereignty in salvation, and the practical implications of the gospel for everyday Christian living. This is not a technical commentary; it is exposition shaped by worship, clarity, and pastoral care.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We value Sproul’s ability to unpack dense theological truth in a way that ordinary Christians can grasp. His treatment of justification, adoption, election, sanctification, and the sovereignty of God is especially strong—rooted in Reformed theology and expressed in accessible, pastoral language. He shows how Paul’s gospel brings assurance, humility, joy, and obedience to the believer.
Preachers will find Sproul particularly helpful in modeling how to preach doctrine. He demonstrates how to move from Paul’s argument to the heart, offering clear application without moralism and deep theology without abstraction. His exposition of Romans 9–11 is notably clear, presenting God’s sovereign grace with conviction and gentleness.
Because the commentary is based on sermons, it carries a warm, devotional tone that makes it ideal for regular ministry use. It is not a substitute for technical works, but it serves as a beautiful complement—offering the pastoral heart and gospel clarity that academic volumes often lack.
Closing Recommendation
We warmly commend Sproul’s Romans to pastors, elders, small-group leaders, and believers eager to understand the gospel’s depths. It is doctrinally sound, pastorally rich, and spiritually nourishing—an excellent companion for both study and preaching.
If you want a commentary that brings Romans to life with clarity, conviction, and worshipful warmth, Sproul’s exposition is a deeply valuable resource.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Top choice