Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of Romans
Romans is the most complete theological statement Paul ever wrote, moving from the universal guilt of humanity to the righteousness of God, from justification to sanctification, from the place of Israel to the life of the Spirit, and from doctrine to practical holiness. This commentary walks through all sixteen chapters verse by verse.
About This Commentary
Romans is the most complete theological statement Paul ever wrote. In it he moves from universal human guilt to the righteousness of God, from justification to sanctification, from the place of Israel to the life of the Spirit, from doctrinal precision to practical holiness, all grounded in the gospel he declared with his life.
This commentary covers every verse without skipping. Each verse receives historical and literary context, a careful examination of the Greek text, Old Testament connections, an explanation of Paul's argument, cross references, and a Gospel Focus that keeps the full new-birth gospel in view throughout. Chapter conclusions gather the major themes, key verses, and reflection questions for personal and group study.
The approach draws its meaning out of the text rather than reading ideas into it, is historically honest, and is grounded in the Apostolic faith, KJV throughout.
Author
Paul the Apostle.
Written
c. AD 56-58, from Corinth (Acts 20:1-3).
Recipient
The church at Rome, mixed Jewish and Gentile believers.
Theme
The righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith (Romans 1:17).
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
Romans Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
Romans 1:1-32
The Gospel Announced and the World Indicted
Paul's identity as doulos and apostle, the gospel promised beforehand, the Son declared by resurrection, the thesis of Romans (1:16-17), and the Great Indictment: a world that knew God and exchanged His glory.
Read Chapter 1 →Romans 2:1-29
The Impartial Judge
The Jewish person has no exemption. God judges by deeds, not heritage. Circumcision of the heart.
Read Chapter 2 →Romans 3:1-31
All Under Sin -- and Justified Freely
The universal verdict: none righteous. Then the greatest pivot in Scripture -- justified by His grace through redemption in Christ Jesus.
Read Chapter 3 →Romans 4:1-25
Abraham, the Father of Faith
Faith credited as righteousness before circumcision. The patriarch as proof that justification has always been by faith.
Read Chapter 4 →Romans 5:1-21
Peace with God and the Reign of Grace
Justification brings peace. Tribulation produces hope. Adam and Christ as two federal heads of humanity.
Read Chapter 5 →Romans 6:1-23
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
Shall we sin that grace may abound? Burial and resurrection in baptism. The obedience of the new life.
Read Chapter 6 →Romans 7:1-25
The Law, the Flesh, and the Inward Struggle
The law is holy -- but the flesh cannot keep it. Paul's famous "wretched man" passage and what it actually teaches.
Read Chapter 7 →Romans 8:1-39
Life in the Spirit -- No Condemnation
The pinnacle of Paul's letter. No condemnation in Christ. The Spirit of life. Adoption. Glorification. Nothing can separate us.
Read Chapter 8 →Romans 9:1-33
The Sovereignty of God and the Election of Israel
Paul's grief for his people. Election, predestination, and the Potter's right over the clay.
Read Chapter 9 →Romans 10:1-21
Salvation for All Who Call
The word of faith. Confessing with the mouth. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Read Chapter 10 →Romans 11:1-36
The Olive Tree -- Israel and the Gentiles
Has God cast away His people? The remnant, the wild branches grafted in, and the mystery of Israel's future.
Read Chapter 11 →Romans 12:1-21
Living Sacrifices and the Transformed Mind
Present your bodies. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Every gift in service. Overcome evil with good.
Read Chapter 12 →Romans 13:1-14
Governing Authorities and the Armor of Light
Submission to governing powers. Love as the fulfilling of the law. The day is at hand -- put on Christ.
Read Chapter 13 →Romans 14:1-23
The Weak and the Strong
Disputes about food and days. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do not cause a brother to stumble.
Read Chapter 14 →Romans 15:1-33
The Strong Bear the Weak -- Paul's Mission
Bear one another's burdens. Christ as minister to the circumcision. Paul's ambition to preach where Christ has not been named.
Read Chapter 15 →Romans 16:1-27
Greetings, a Warning, and the Doxology
Twenty-six named individuals. A warning about those who cause division. The mystery revealed -- the gospel proclaimed to all nations.
Read Chapter 16 →