Romans: Revelation of God's Righteousness

by Paul W. Barnett

Publisher:

Christian Focus

, 2003

Overview

For each section of the Bible, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries summarize the passage of Scripture, including the intentions of the authors, the historical and cultural environment, and the questions and issues raised by a particular passage. But most importantly, the Focus on the Bible Commentaries brings you into the heart of the Bible, by explaining Scripture in an accessible way that makes sense for daily Christian living.

Dale Leschert has written, "Paul's epistle to the Romans may possibly be the most influential letter ever written. Apart from its immediate impact upon the first century, it has indirectly altered the direction of the church and secular history through its instrumentality in the conversion of several of Christianity's most outstanding leaders." Augustine, Luther and Wesley are among those who relate their trust in Christ to this book.

Romans is all about the revelation of God's righteousness in freely offering salvation to all people through faith. Written about AD 56 or 57 in Corinth while Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, Romans historically fits into the book of Acts near the end of Paul's third missionary journey.

Key Features

• Chapter-by-chapter commentary
• Accessible and readable exposition
• Eminently useful for preaching, teaching, and both personal and group Bible study

Contents

Top Highlights

“We conclude, therefore, that the core element of the ethical ‘appeal’ is the unity, love and mutual service of the people of God, who through the gospel are the people of the Messiah, composed of Jews and Gentiles.” (Page 266)

“First, Paul organizes this chapter around two questions” (Page 129)

“Most likely, these shocking views were without parallel among Jews of that era. In effect, Paul is redefining the covenant of God, no less. Jews believed that Gentiles might possibly be admitted to God’s holy people, Israel, depending on the fulfilment of certain conditions, chief among which was circumcision. But it probably did not occur to them to consider that Jews themselves might no longer be in the covenant. (Although John the Baptist came close to this when he said, ‘God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham’—Matt. 3:9). Yet Paul is now preparing his Jewish reader for that very idea! In fact, Paul is saying that a ‘Jew’ is not at all defined by circumcision, nor by keeping the ‘letter’ of the Law’, but by something else (v. 28–29).” (Pages 62–63)

“But such is God’s overwhelming love for us that Christ—his own Son (v. 10)—died for us, not for us as ‘righteous’ or ‘good’, but as the morally feeble, godless sinners that we are.¹³ Here the infinitely worthy One has died for the infinitely unworthy ones who deserve only the just judgement of God. Have we grasped the stark truth that we, the people for whom Christ died, are not marginally feeble, marginally godless and marginally sinners, but comprehensively so? Only then can we begin to plumb the depths of God’s love for us and the extent of the sacrifice Christ underwent for us.” (Pages 106–107)

Endorsements

Paul Barnett’s commentary on Romans . . . is a good readable, theological exposition which will be very helpful in sermon preparation. He also has a brief summary of the ‘New Perspective on Paul’ which is helpful.

—Ray Van Neste, Preaching.com Bible Survey Review

Distinguished New Testament historian and pastor, Bishop Paul Barnett, has given us a clearly written commentary on Romans which, while critically conversant with the present debate over the new perspective, is clear and accessible to preachers and Bible teachers. The deft hand of a scholar preacher is everywhere evident in the neat organization, precision, lucid explanative and warmth of this most helpful work.

—R. Kent Hughes, retired Senior Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois

The commentary is easy to read, interacts in a popular but sound way with wider scholarship on Romans, and contains helpful pastoral applications throughout.

—Reformed Theological Review

Product Details

• Title: Romans: The Revelation of God's Righteousness
• Author: Paul W. Barnett
• Series: Focus on the Bible Commentary
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Print Publication Date: 2003
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Romans › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781845502690, 1845502698
• Resource ID: LLS:FOBC66RO
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T16:53:20Z

Benefits of Logos Edition

With the Logos edition, Scripture passages in Romans: The Revelation of God's Righteousness are linked to your favorite English translation for quick reference, or to your Greek and Hebrew texts for original-language study! That gives you quick access to the message of the Bible as you study it! You can also read the Romans: Revelation of God's Righteousness along with your Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the wealth of other Bible study tools in your digital library. This commentary will serve as a vital aid for sermon preparation, for personal and group Bible study, and for anyone looking to apply the text of Scripture to practical Christian life.

About Paul W. Barnett

Paul William Barnett is an Australian Anglican bishop and historical. He is involved with Regent College and Macquarie University.