Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.5/10

A strong Reformed volume on Romans that helps us stay close to the text and preach with theological weight.

Publication Date(s): 1972

Pages: 464

ISBN: 9780851512136

Faithfulness to the Text: 9/10

We find careful attention to the passage in its flow, with a consistent concern to let the text govern the claims we make in preaching.

Christ Centredness: 8.6/10

We are helped to keep Christ central, with clear lines from the passage to the gospel, without forcing connections that the text does not support.

Depth of Insight: 8.8/10

We benefit from sustained theological reflection that clarifies key themes and strengthens our grasp of the book’s argument.

Clarity of Writing: 8.2/10

The writing is generally clear and ordered, though the older style sometimes asks a little more patience from the reader.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.6/10

We are regularly helped toward proclamation, prayer, and practical shepherding, with application that grows out of exegesis.

Readability: 8/10

It is best read in steady portions. The style is older, but it remains accessible for pastors willing to read carefully.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 464 pages
Type: Expositional
Theo. Perspective: Reformed
Overall score: 8.5 / 10
Strength: Clear, text bound exposition that strengthens preaching and doctrine together.
Limitation: Older style and occasional length mean it works best alongside a modern reference for background questions.

We find Charles Hodge’s Romans a classic exposition from old Princeton that handles Paul’s argument with gravity and care. He is strong on justification, union with Christ, and the practical shape of gospel obedience.

Hodge reads paragraph by paragraph, but he never lets us lose the main line, the righteousness of God revealed in Christ for sinners, then displayed in a renewed life.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume because it gives us doctrinal backbone for preaching Romans. It helps us state the gospel plainly, defend it calmly, and apply it faithfully.

We also gain a wise balance of theology and pastoral concern. Hodge is not writing to win debates, but to build the church in truth and holiness.

It is a nineteenth century work, so it will not address every modern discussion. Yet it often gives us cleaner categories and steadier judgments than later voices.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong Reformed commentary for preaching Romans, especially when we want doctrinal clarity that fuels assurance and holiness.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

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