A Commentary on Romans (Kregel Exegetical Library)

An exegetical and practical commentary for pastors and teachers

This volume in the Kregel Exegetical Library combines up-to-date scholarship and concrete application to serve as an ideal guide for preaching and teaching the foundational New Testament book of Romans. After an in-depth introduction that surveys the book's key elements, reception history, literary devices, and current scholarly debates, John D. Harvey provides a thorough explanation of every verse of Romans followed by theological insights and hands-on takeaways.

Readers will benefit from Harvey's approach, which asks and answers three questions about each verse: (1) What did Paul say? (2) Why did he say it? (3) What should I do with it? Outlines and summaries provide useful homiletical and pedagogical tools, while footnotes point to resources for further study.

“Some might ask, ‘Why another commentary on Romans? Is there anything new to contribute?’ What makes this commentary and the Kregel Exegetical Library series unique is the focus on meeting the needs of active pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible. We tend to be interested in the answers to three basic questions: (1) What did the author say? (2) Why did he say it? (3) What should I do with it? So many students of the Bible are long on interpretation and short on application―but not this commentary. These three questions have been masterfully answered by Dr. John Harvey in this fresh new commentary on the book of Romans. I highly recommend it to any serious student of the Bible.” ―Hans Finzel, president, HDLeaders (Hans Finzel, president, HDLeaders 2018-11-14)

“John Harvey has made an important contribution to our understanding and significance of Paul’s letter to the Romans. He writes with admirable clarity as he elucidates the text, and deals irenically with the many interpretive issues that have been the subject of scholarly debate. Particularly helpful is the way he summarizes the theology and suggests applications for each section of the letter. By so doing, Dr. Harvey did not lose sight of the letter’s “big ideas” and contemporary relevance in the midst of the necessary detailed exegesis of the text. This commentary will bless readers for years to come.” (Colin G. Kruse, emeritus scholar, Melbourne School of Theology 2018-11-14)

“John Harvey’s command of the vast landscape of biblical scholarship focused upon Paul’s epistle to the Romans is clearly on display in this commentary. Also, is his conviction that biblical scholarship must not serve our insatiable curiosity and endless conjecture, but instead should support our calling to discipleship and sharpen our capacity to declare the good news clearly and convincingly. Both the structure and style of Harvey’s writing make his work accessible and useful to lay people, pastors, and scholarly peers alike. I plan to consult this work and commend it to those who―like I―are eager to more fully understand, obey, and communicate God’s Word.” (Ralph E. Enlow, Jr., president, Association for Biblical Higher Education 2018-11-14)

“John Harvey’s well-organized commentary on Romans should prove particularly useful to pastors and other church leaders who are actively involved in preaching and teaching ministries in the church. Indeed, Harvey works diligently to hold together the twin tasks of exegesis and exposition, that is, to understand the first-century message of Romans while also considering how to appropriate that message at the present time. Harvey carefully explains the primary purpose for each paragraph within the overall argument of Romans and provides thoughtful answers to the challenging interpretive issues raised by the text itself. In other words, Harvey offers just the kind of help that most pastors and teachers are looking for in a commentary.” (Joel F. Williams, professor of New Testament Studies, Biblical Seminary of the Philippines 2018-11-14)

"Harvey has produced an accessible commentary that capably explains and applies the text of Romans in a way that will be particularly valuable for busy pastors. It is my new first stop when preparing to preach from Romans. Highly recommended." (Alexander E. Stewart, academic dean and associate professor, Tyndale Theological Seminary 2018-11-14)