Romans

Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament

by Thomas R. Schreiner

The Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament offers up-to-date, accurate, and authoritative analysis of the Greek New Testament. Its features are designed to help pastors, scholars, and students.

Genres: Theology, Reference, Biblical Studies, Christian, Christianity, New Testament, Religion

919 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Thomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including New Testament Theology; Magnifying God in Christ; Apostle of God's Glory in Christ; and Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Reviews

[Steve Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some related interviews here:
https://academic.logos.com/thomas-sch...
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/euangel...
https://spoiledmilks.com/2018/11/21/i...
https://spoiledmilks.com/2018/11/23/r...
https://www.bestbiblecommentaries.com...
https://podcast.cbs.mbts.edu/e/the-ca...
https://off-the-wire.simplecast.com/e...

Five questions to five scholars about Romans:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl....

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schreiner is the New Testament commentator and theologian extraordinaire. My rule is that if Schreiner wrote a commentary on it, I have to read it when teaching or preaching through a book. His volume on Romans could stand as a magnum opus, but that award goes to his massive New Testament Theology. His commentary excels in bringing out the theology of Romans. Schreiner is indeed exegetical, though not as much as Moo. He often deals with various views on controversial texts, but comes down on the right view based on the text. He sticks closely to the text of Romans 7 and comes out against tradition. Schreiner brings out the teaching found in Romans 8 and 9 showing God's sovereignty in salvation. Schreiner is my #2 commentary on Romans, but just barely missing the tie for #1 because some sections are too short to be helpful.

[Samuel Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the best of times and the worst of times. I feel ready to answer any questions about Romans for the next two weeks.

[Spencer R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my fuller review at Spoiledmilks (11/23/18)

Schreiner’s commentary is attuned to understanding Paul’s flow of thought, which is very important to understand anything Paul says in any of his letters. No verse is an island, and each reflects an aspect of Paul’s theology throughout the full letter. Schreiner has changed his view on a few key issues (Rom 1:16–17; 2:14–16; 5:12; 7:7–21)

But, besides these, Schreiner has changed his interpretations on much smaller points too (see my blog for a fuller discussion). Schreiner once understood “law” in Romans 7.21 and 23 to refer to the Mosaic law (376), but he now understands it to mean something akin to “principle” (375). Many of these nuances abound in his volume.

Schreiner’s bibliography has been revamped and has been updated to 2016, with the exception of Timmins’ work (2017), Peterson’s Romans commentary (2017), and Thielman’s forthcoming Romans commentary (2018). Even his footnotes have been updated, even if not completely changed.

The Spoiled Milk?
Due to his brevity (or my own ineptitude) I don't understand some of Schreiner's arguments: God's righteousness is to be understood only forensically; Romans 2.15 and how the gentiles here are two different groups (believing and non-). But those are minor issues. The text as a whole is very readable.

Recommended?
Scholars will want to pick this up for Schreiner’s changed positions, his updated nuances, and the additional bibliographic entries. If you have Edition 1, sell the first and buy the second.

Schreiner's volume is perfect for examining the flow of thought along with other interpretive and exegetical matters. But for all that allotted space, other matters must be left for other commentators. I may not be given the details of a particular word, but I at least understand how it is used in Paul's flow of thought. Schreiner has published a plethora of works since his first edition, and as a result he has sharpened his thinking on numerous matters. This comes highly recommended. 

I received this book from Baker Academic with no requirement of a positive review.

[Marc Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent scholarship meets Biblical faithfulness.

Tom Schreiner may be my favorite NT scholar to read. He has been my favorite professor at seminary and his books are equally good. He has the ability of presenting arguments in their fullest strength, regardless of whether or not he agrees with them, then provides thorough, forceful, and humble rebuttals. He interacts with all of the modern scholarly debates, but remains rooted primarily in the text and the world of Pauline theology. While reading a commentary from cover to cover doesn’t prove to be the most exciting read (especially one that is 900 pages), this still was a wonderful book. This will be my go to commentary on Romans from now on.

[Matthew Bloomquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a magnum opus! Schreiner is clear and thorough in his exegesis. Though I don’t agree with all of his interpretive decisions (Natural law in Romans 2:14, the salvation of ethnic Israel in Romans 9-11, and Phoebe as office bearer in 16:1), I appreciate his pursuit of textual fidelity. Another great feature of this commentary is Schreiner’s charitably when proposing alternative interpretations of passages. He builds steel man arguments rather than straw man. I would recommend this to pastors preaching through the book of Romans accompanied by the reformers and patristics of course.

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I mean, it's Tom Schreiner commenting on the greatest letter ever written. What did you expect?

[Andrew Mcneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schreiner's commentary on Romans is exegetically rigorous and he consistently won me over to his interpretations of various passages. He often carefully analyses different positions before presenting his own view. He is not afraid to acknowledge where he has changed his mind on different issues and it is enlightening to read his accounts of why he has changed on certain issues. It is a strongly exegetical commentary so more work needs to be done if you're using it as a basis for preaching through a passage, but he establishes a very firm foundation for such homiletical work.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary for it's readability. This commentary is formatted pericope by pericope, and as such it is set up to avoid over-exegesis and losing sight of the greater context. This is part of the BECNT, so you know it is going to be highly conservative and non-controversial. I read this in the days when I prized these books, but I am confident that I would still thoroughly enjoy reading this again today. So far, I have found this to be a much better commentary than Moo's, which is too concerned with theology and not enough with Romans and what is happening in the city. I would find much more to disagree with Schreiner on now, but it would be a discussion with Schreiner and not a repulsion of clumsy arguments.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic commentary on the Greek text of Romans by one of the foremost Pauline scholars. I had the privilege of taking Dr. Schreiner for an exegesis class on Romans this semester. The class was an English language class, so we read Doug Moo's commentary as our required reading, but I also read Schreiner's to help emphasize and remember what he was teaching in class. He's a remarkably clear communicator and scholar. His understanding of Paul's discussion of the Law in Romans is particularly helpful. He writes (and teaches) from a distinctly Reformed perspective, but bases everything in the text, not bringing a theological system to fit onto it. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from him and will value this commentary as a wonderful resource to have in my library.

[William Dicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among the sixteen commentaries on the book of Romans that I used this year in my study of Romans, IMHO, this is the my number two.

Schreiner is very even-handed, gives valuable information about the Greek text, and at times when he thinks something should've been translated differently, he explains why. Schreiner also supplies information on the cultural background, and why Paul wrote Romans.

Schreiner also interacts with other commentators and explains why he differs from them. Further, when a difficult passage is at hand, he lists the various options from various commentators, and then gives reasons for the option he has chosen.

Lastly, Schreiner does not always go verse by verse, but mostly will look at blocks of text in which he will discuss the verses of that block. This makes it a bit difficult at times to assess which verse he is explaining.

Here is the list of commentaries I used for my study in Romans this year. I list my three favourites in order, and the rest are listed alphabetically:

1. Moo, Douglas J. A Theology of Paul and His Letters : The Gift of the New Realm in Christ. Kindle Edition. Biblical Theology of the New Testament Series 5. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2021.
2. Schreiner, Thomas R.. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
3. Longenecker, Richard N. The Epistle to the Romans: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGTC. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2016.

- Brogden, Stuart. The Gospel in Romans: a Christ-focused walk through the Scriptures. Brogden's Books. Kindle Edition. 2021.
- Bruce, F.F. The Epistle of Paul to the Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1963.
- Bruce, F.F. Romans: An Introduction and Commentary (Scribd). Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014. https://www.scribd.com/book/377942635....
- Calvin, John. Commentary on Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calco.... PDF Format. Accessed between 2 March, and 24 November 2021.
- Denney, James; DIGITAL PUBLISHING, re:SOURCE. Romans (The Expositor’s Greek Testament Book 6). Orig. George H. Doran Company, New York, NY (1897). re:SOURCE DIGITAL PUBLISHING. Seattle, WA. 2018. Kindle Edition.
- Everett F. Harrison and Donald A. Hagner, “Romans,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans–Galatians (Revised Edition), ed. Tremper Longman III & Garland, David E., vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
- Gay, David H.J.. Romans 11: A Suggested Exegesis. Unknown. Kindle Edition. 2014.
- Harrison, E. F., & Hagner, D. A. (2008). Romans. In T. Longman III &. Garland, David E. (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans–Galatians (Revised Edition) (Vol. 11). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
- MacArthur, John. Romans 1-16 MacArthur New Testament Commentary Two Volume Set. Vol. 15–16. 35 vols. MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series 15–16. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Publishers, 1991. Kindle Edition.
- Moo, Douglas J. Romans. 1st Edition. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2000.
- Piper, John. The Justification of God: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Romans 9:1-23. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1993.
- Spurgeon, Charles H.. Romans: An Illuminating Commentary to Assist in Understanding Scripture. The Expansive Commentary Collection. https://www.scribd.com/read/371706383....
- Wiersbe, Warren W.. Be Right (Romans): How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others (The BE Series Commentary). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.
- Wuest, Kenneth S. Wuest’s Word Studies From the Greek New Testament for the English Reader, Volume One. Romans in the Greek New Testament. Vol. 1. 3 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Schreiner’s volume on Romans in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (BECNT) series has been one of the top-rated commentaries on this pivotal doctrinal book of the New Testament since its release in 1998. That the publishers would ask for a second edition rather than a new contribution is of no surprise at all. Don’t miss his preface to the second edition as he explains the major contributions that have come out since his original work and the passages (Romans 2:14-15, 5:12, 7:13-25) where he has altered his conclusions. He describes these changes as “a different direction in defining the righteousness of God”. Works he has released during the intervening 20 years between these two editions have already revealed that he has moved to an even stronger reformed position, particularly on the subject of justification. Most second editions don’t kindly point out where to expect changes as he has done in this preface, so I believe he should be congratulated. As for these changes themselves, those of a more reformed persuasion will only like this new edition better while those who are not as much of that persuasion will not find enough passages involved to downgrade the commentary. At the end of the day, no matter where you fall on that spectrum, this is still an outstanding work in a respected series by a major scholar.

Since I had the first edition on hand to compare, I can let you know that the Introduction is not majorly changed. The layout is better, there’s occasional editing, and most of the new content is near the end on rhetoric and structure. Still, it doesn’t seem dated, especially as he adds new references to more recent scholarly works, and because he tackles the key issues that introductions ought to address rather than esoteric scholarly preoccupations that often sound ridiculous 20 years later. Without question, this commentary would still be one of the places I would turn to consult introductory issues.

The commentary is clear and helpful, up to anyone’s scholarly requirements, and insightful where needed. He does better than most at putting what should be in footnotes in their proper place so the commentary itself flows better. Even if you aren’t as reformed as he is, you can get a clear explanation of those viewpoints in those passages where it’s most debated. The BECNT format is helpful to the reader and he follows it well. Without being overly verbose, he gives Romans the meaty treatment it deserves.

This second edition is so well done that I predict it will easily remain near the top for another 20 years.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schreiner's commentary on Romans is a worthwhile, thorough read. He goes into excruciating details on specific issues, to the tune of 50+ pages on significant Greek parsing issues to make his point.

If you're looking for a commentary, this is one worth reading.

However, I also feel that the reviews for the commentary are a little too glowing. Certainly, from Schreiner's theological perspective (a Southern Baptist, Reformed one), he toes the line quite well. Where the commentary struggles is in interacting and giving fair credence to opposing views. I found that this 2nd edition was often dismissive of other points of view, without adequately interacting with the ideas themselves.

Because of this, the commentary struggles. Schreiner takes as rote that the reader shares the believe in double election (that individuals are both chosen for heaven, and for hell). His unwaivering support for the absolute, unequivocal will of God in the ways of man taints his interaction with the text throughout. I say this not to argue the point -- that is a far greater discussion, but that Schreiner admits there are problems with this view, admits that God may work in other means, but never interacts with those view directly in his commentary itself.

Thus, on key passages, sweeping theological assumptions are made about the interaction between free will and sovereignty. Even when parsing Greek, Schreiner's assumptions often guide his interpretation, without thoroughly interacting with opposing views. Major treatise and academic scholarship are dismissed in brackets where he states who he agrees and disagrees with, without explaining why.

All that to be said, the commentary is solid, but go in with your eyes wide open. This is not a neutral stance, but a defence of a single perspective without interaction. It is not uncommon for the author to accuse others of some overlook or bias in their theology, only to engage in the same behaviour within 50 pages.

Foundational for understanding of Romans. A worthwhile read. Great for developing your own bibliography on academic issues in Romans. Use it as a primer, then explore the issues yourself to draw your own conclusions.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best commentaries I have ever used or read. Dr. Schreiner has put so much thought, time, and research into each page and word that any layman or scholar will appreciate. I have used this book to help me as I have been teaching through Romans for a Sunday school class with kids ages 10-14. Though Romans is complex Dr. Schreiner put it into words that helped me communicate hard and biblical truths to younger believers. I don't think there is a single better commentary on Romans then this one. Great for research, for study, for teaching, and for devotions. If you only have enough money for one commentary on Romans buy this one (The updated version). Praise the Lord for Dr. Schreiner.

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great in-depth commentary on Romans. I really appreciated how Schreiner would explain the different views of verses or words and explain why he came to his conclusion.

My only complaint (reason for 4 instead of 5 stars) is that this book could reach a greater audience if he would state the English word in parenthesis after the word in Greek. I don't read Greek, so at the beginning it was super intimidating. By the end I was confident that he was discussing the word/phrase that I had a question about.

I will definitely be referencing/using this commentary again the next time I study Romans!

[Joe Koehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interacted well, perhaps exhaustively, with other scholarship around Romans. He made good cases for his conclusions, especially where they different from other scholarship. This one's a 4/5 on the technical scale. I appreciate effort to submit to the text and the care he takes to not impose his assumptions onto the text.

Though not a greek scholar myself, the "Index of Greek Words" at the end of the book is helpful for spotting words and word-families that are clearly prominent in the letter (that might otherwise be missed in english translations)

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Schreiner's commentary is magisterial.

In other books by the author, I find he can sometimes adopt a "dry evangelical" line, over-emphasising the transactional/forensic over and above transformation/incorporation. I delayed buying this commentary for 3 years due to that fear.

However, in this commentary, Schreiner wrestles with Paul's text as written, rejecting the imposition of outside meaning as well as anyone. Learned. Inspiring. Absolutely brilliant.

[Matthew Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful commentary that interacts with all the various issues in Romans. You need to understand Greek to use it well but it is still quite readable. He does not shy away from the difficult passages and seeks to draw out of the text what is there. I do not agree with how he handled Romans 11 but that is due to a differing theology driving certain conclusions. Very pastoral as well.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Schreiner is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. This commentary was amazing. I got it late in my three years study of Romans and when I was able to buy it, it was so good I almost started my study over again just so I could read his comments on the passages I had already studied, it’s that good!!

[Peter Howrth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first time that I'd read through a detailed commentary cover to cover. It was a very happy experience which is the basis of my five stars. Whilst there is certainly a lot on Romans which I disagree about with Schreiner, I appreciated his attempt to think hard about the purpose and audience of Romans, and the centrality of Chapters 9-11 to his understanding of the book as a whole.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a good chunk of this in preparation for our sermon series in Romans 1-8. Schreiner is particularly gifted in offering concise summaries of the views of others on a particular text. While I found Doug Moo's commentary more interesting to read especially where Moo and Schreiner agreed, where Moo and Schreiner differed I often found Schreiner more compelling.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine commentary on Romans, nicely produced by Baker Academic, and with a sensible explanation as to why the second edition was needed (2020, from 1994)

Schreiner seems to me fair in his approach to the text, and this volume balances readability and depth well. Not 100% convinced by some formatting decisions, but a good resource.

[Joe Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely terrific.

It's an exegetical commentary, so it's not written to give devotional insights or set forth a systematic theology. But for grappling with Paul's grammar, syntax, and thought process, I can't imagine a better treatment. Makes me want to go get the Revelation volume - which I'll be doing pretty soon I hope!

[Nate Cure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've taught Romans twice, once using Moo's commentary, and most recent Murray and Schreiner. This is the best commentary on Romans I've engaged with. Perfect for seminary level papers, small group Bible study, preaching, etc. It is thoroughly Biblical and doctrinal, with technicalities in the notes. Chiefly, it is doxological. I'm so thankful for having read this.

[Jarod Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I finally did it!! This was a behemoth of a book for me. It was an amazing experience to get to read this book and study the book of Romans in the original Greek with Dr. Schreiner in class. I know this will be a valuable resource in future ministry.

[Jess Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schreiner. Concis, précis, théologique, assumant pleinement ses convictions sans tomber dans l'arrogance.

Assurément le format de la série le rend moins "complet" que celui de Moo mais il reste beaucoup plus lisible

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worked through the 2nd edition (couldn’t find it on good reads) as I taught Sunday school over the course of 3 years. Really helpful and informative. I used both this and Moos commentary but found myself resorting to this volume more often.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hefty but clearly written commentary on Romans. Schreiner helpfully covers multiple perspectives without getting too bogged down by technical jargon. He is very insightful in his exposition of the text while also doing a good job keeping application in mind.

[Jared Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful commentary on Romans. Dr. Schreiner is a first class scholar in academia, and the man is first class as a person. I am very grateful for Dr. Schreiner’s work.

[Matthew Bonzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent.
Fair and even handed exegesis with rich theology.