The Gospel Of God: Romans

by R.C. Sproul

Paul’s epistle to the Romans has been influential at critical moments in church The conversion of Augustine in the early church; Influencing Martin Luther and John Calvin during the Protestant Reformation; Changing the lives of George Whitfield and John Wesley in the evangelical revival of the eighteenth century. But it is not only those who have become leaders in the church who have been affected by the book of Romans; ordinary Christians have lived transformed lives as a result – up to the present day. One reason is because in Romans, Paul clearly sets out a theological framework for us to understand the Christian faith. It is a comprehensive description of the way that God offers salvation to humankind – and it is ‘Good News’.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Richard Klueg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot of Bible commentaries, most of which I use for reference rather than reading straight through. Sproul's book has proven to be an exception for me, as I found it profitable to read cover to cover. He does a great job of unfolding the argument of the book in a readable manner that is not at all superficial. Highly recommended!

[Tifani Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really intriguing. Although, if anyone was going to read, keeping a dictionary close by would be helpful.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary of my favorite book of the Bible. Helpful for teaching others. I enjoyed Sproul's clear explanations which were grounded in God's word but also felt very relatable.

[Caleb M. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot to review this book! Finally got through a study of Romans with my friends in Wisconsin right before I left for Idaho, and though it took us two years to get through it, it was well-worth the time. Obviously Romans itself is an amazing exposition of God's gospel, but this commentary was incredibly insightful and helpful to me in studying it. Thanks, Dr. Sproul.

[Brian Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read this book if you're:
1. A Christian
2. A non-Christian
3. A Christian who's not sure of their faith

RC Sproul makes theology palatable to those without a divinity degree. Well written and insightful in almost every page. Get ready to take notes. Good stuff.

[Emily K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book in my study of Romans!

just finished for the 2nd time. Always a great resource as you study Romans.

[Simon Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sproul is an excellent teacher. Great for devotions

[Seth Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great commentary by a well known scholar. His treatment of Romans 14 is solid, and he even nails the concept of the immortality of the soul. However he falters in Romans 8 and 9 with a hyper-Calvinsim that not only makes him talk out of both sides of his mouth; but he also caricatures Arminianism. These two chapters are jarringly inept compared to the exceptional work he has done in the other sections of Romans. Mostly good stuff!

[Glyn Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written commentary on Romans that does not need a theological degree to understand. Plainly written and flows with the verses inserted into the text that it flows seamlessly. It gives you a far greater understanding of the total message of the book of Romans without passages being pulled out of their immediate context (as so often happens with verses like Romans 8:28).

A must read.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best commentary I have read on Romans. It is very solid theologically, yet also very readable. It clearly goes verse by verse, while also explaining the context of the passages thought by thought. If you're looking to buy a commentary on Romans I highly recommend this one.

[Scott Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between a 3 and 4 star by itself. Provides a helpful introduction to Romans, but in light of many other non-technical commentaries (Murray & Stott), I won't be using Sproul again unless leading a study in which that is the chosen book.

[Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, clear, easy-to-read exposition of Romans. By no means exhaustive but rather foundational.