The Epistle To The Romans (1st Edition)

AdvancedAdvanced students / scholars, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
Author: Douglas Moo
Bible Book: Romans
Publisher: Eerdmans
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: December 20, 2025
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 9.1/10

A classic evangelical exposition of Romans that combines exegetical rigour with theological depth.

Publication Date(s): 1996
Pages: 1050
ISBN: 9780802823175
Faithfulness to the Text: 9.5/10
We find exemplary attention to the Greek text, argument flow, and canonical context throughout.
Christ Centredness: 9/10
We see the saving work of Christ clearly at the centre of Paul’s gospel and its implications.
Depth of Insight: 9.5/10
We gain sustained theological depth on justification, union with Christ, sanctification, and Israel.
Clarity of Writing: 8.5/10
We find the prose clear and disciplined, though necessarily dense given the scope.
Pastoral Usefulness: 9/10
We find it immensely helpful for preaching and teaching when used with care and time.
Readability: 8/10
We find it demanding but navigable for serious readers.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
1050 pages
Type
Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
9.1 / 10
Strength
Outstanding integration of textual precision and theological clarity.
Limitation
Its size and density make it less suitable for quick consultation.

We regard The Letter To The Romans 1st Edition by Douglas Moo as a landmark contribution to the NICNT series and to modern Pauline scholarship. Moo approaches Romans with sustained attention to argument, structure, and theological purpose, reading the letter as a carefully crafted exposition of the gospel that shapes both belief and life. The commentary combines rigorous engagement with the text and a clear sense of Paul’s pastoral aims.

We find Moo especially strong in tracing the flow of Paul’s thought from sin and justification through union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and the place of Israel in God’s saving purposes. Difficult passages are handled patiently and thoroughly, with close attention to the Greek text and to the wider canonical context.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary because it sets a benchmark for serious study of Romans. Moo brings together linguistic precision, theological depth, and careful interaction with scholarship, while consistently returning to what the text itself is doing. This makes the volume indispensable for those who want to teach Romans responsibly.

We also value Moo’s balanced evangelical stance. He engages major interpretive debates with fairness and clarity, explaining why he adopts certain positions without caricaturing alternatives. The result is a commentary that informs judgment rather than replacing it.

Finally, we find the work pastorally significant. Although academically demanding, it consistently serves proclamation by clarifying how the gospel announced in Romans addresses sin, assurance, obedience, and hope.

Closing Recommendation

We commend this first edition as a classic exposition of Romans that continues to shape preaching and scholarship. It requires commitment, but it richly repays careful study and remains a foundational resource.

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Classification

  • Level: Advanced
  • Best For: Advanced students / scholars, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Top choice

Reviewed by

An Expositor