Romans: Righteousness from Heaven (Preaching the Word)

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	• Romans: Righteousness from Heaven (Preaching the Word) Crossway Books, 1991 - 352 pages average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Still the best

This review will examine three 19th-Century authors who comment directly on the Greek text of the Letter to the Romans.

Charles Hodge was a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, and also authored exegetical commentaries on Ephesians and 1/2 Corinthians. His commentary on Romans is deservedly a standard. His interpretations are solid and well defended, and will resonate with Reformed readers who frequently share his theological views because Hodge was also the author of a standard three-volume systematic theology. Yet while he relates comments to a theological framework, Hodge does not interpret the Scriptures through the lens of Reformed theology, but always examines the passage in context. Hodge also includes comments for application, making this an extremely well-rounded work. He also provides enough translation for those without Greek to make do - don't bother with the edited Crossway version! This is my first pick for Romans, despite its age.

Shedd is the author of _Dogmatic Theology_, one of the finest systematic theologies available, and opines that Romans is a divine system of theology, a mini-systematic if you will. It is no wonder that he and Hodge were both drawn to write commentaries on Romans. Shedd's commentary is somewhat terse. His insights are profound, but he does not always go through the exegetical process showing why other views are discarded. It is nice to have the entire Greek text at the top of the page for easy reference. The major drawback is that he aims the work entirely at seminary-trained pastors and theological students, so it is inaccessible to those without Greek education. He approaches the critical passages from the standpoint of 5-point Calvinism.

Frederic Godet was a pastor and theological professor in the Remonstrant (Arminian) movement in Switzerland. He was also the author of commentaries (also translated from the French) on Luke, John, and 1 Corinthians. This is a worthwhile commentary, but I believe, the weakest of his four. He provides very brief comments on contended soteriological passages in Romans 8 and 9, and seems in a hurry to move on. Despite this weakness, he frequently has perceptive comments worth considering. While I highly recommend his works in the gospels, this is something nice to consult for another perspective, but not something you absolutely need to purchase.

Hodge: 5 stars
Shedd: 4.5 stars
Godet: 4 stars

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Romans: Righteousness from Heaven (Preaching the Word)

The book was everything I thought it would be and then some. Great book for all seminarian students.

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The definitive reformed commentary of the 19th century

Charles Hodge was one of the foremost reformed theologians of the old conservative Princeton group. A distinguished man of letters and hermeneutic scholar he presents the encyclical of Paul to the church at Rome in a logical and systematic manner with philological references throughout. Dr. Gorden H. Clark considered it to be the definitive work on the epistle.

The commentary will be more useful to the advanced student in that it presumes thorough knowledge of Greek, New Testament history and reformed apologetics. Those interested in a less tedious work should consider John Murray's "The Epistle to the Romans" (ISBN: 0802843417).

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Hodge's Romans

Just the finest exposition of Romans in print. Charles Hodge was from old Princeton and carried on the covenantal theological tradition of Turretin from Geneva. His exegetical commentary is faithful to the original language, theologically faithful and profound. One of the first books for a theological library. Dr. C. W. Powell, New Geneva Theological Seminary

Excellent commentary, even to today's Christians

First, a word of warning. This commentary is actually the first one that I have read completely - cover to cover. I chose to start with this one because I have felt like I never really fully understood the Book of Romans. Luckily Hodge's commentary provided me much needed insight into the text.

I particularly liked this commentary because it is complete (offering multiple views on the more difficult passages) without being exhaustive (endless discussions). Also, it is very well written - the precision of the language was much appreciated. Although, I must admit that I had to use my dictionary multiple times to reference some words that are not common in America today.

Despite the fact that this commentary was written years ago, it is still very useful to anyone interested in learning more about the Book of Romans. I feel like it truly gave me a step forward in the right direction towards a better understanding of God and His Kingdom.

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reviews: page 1, 2

Many Christians, pastors and laymen alike, consider the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans the richest lode of theological truth ever written. Its themes of justification by faith, abounding grace, freedom from sin and from the old nature, living sacrifices, God's sovereignty/man's responsibility, and much else have both challenged and nourished followers of Christ for centuries.

A systematic theology, a practical presentation of the Christian life, an apologetic for the gospel of Jesus Christ--the Book of Romans is all this and more. In this helpful commentary (fifth book in the Preaching the Word series) Pastor R. Kent Hughes brings all his talent for clear exposition, pointed application, and literary expression to bear on this power-packed Pauline letter.

Whether used as source material for sermons, adult Sunday school classes, and Bible study groups, or as a guide for individual study of the Scriptures, this volume will encourage and equip believers in their walk with God.

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