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The Bible Speaks Today: New Testament
The Message of Romans: God's Good News for the World
When Paul first penned his letter to the house churches of Rome, his purpose was to gain prayerful support for his coming mission to the western reaches of the Mediterranean world. Little did he know that for two millennia this tautly tuned exposition of the gospel would echo through church and academy, market and home. Or that it would leap great oceans to reverberate through lands and hearts beyond the farthest edges of his world. John Stott, in this new paperback edition previously released with the title Romans, joins a chorus of distinguished voices of the church who have pondered and lived the great themes of Romans, and who have tuned our ears to hear its rich harmonies and meditate on its broad vision. In the classic tradition of great Christian leaders who have commented on Romans, Stott expounds Paul's words, themes and arguments. The power of the gospel, the righteousness of God revealed from heaven, is clearly addressed to today's men and women who have answered its summons. Not only is Stott deeply acquainted with the text and context of Romans, he is also conversant with the most recent Pauline scholarship. Even more important, he views Romans from his own pastoral and missionary perspective, an outloook shaped in turn by the great vision of the apostle. Here is a commentary for those who live on the edge of the third millennium, a commentary spanning the two worlds of Romans--Paul's and ours.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
205 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books553 followersJohn R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 1, 2011
I started my study of Romans with four commentaries: Stott, Murray, Moo and Hodge. At the get go I planned on Moo's being my main source, but I found myself using Stott's more, and I eventually settled into it as my sole commentary and used the others when needed. I found it to be the most helpful in preparing me to teach the material in a church setting. I liked how he covered Romans in cohesive sections rather than simply verse by verse. I also liked the points where he felt the need to make applications to church life.
November 5, 2021
This is the first commentary I bought as a new Christian shortly after it came out in the mid 90's. I still make use of it all the time, and just used it again for a series on community in Romans 12-16. I cannot recommend it highly enough. For my money, Stott is the best homiletical New Testament interpreter of the late 20th century. Take it and read!
December 21, 2022
SEVEN MONTHS LATER and I’ve finally reached the end of my long immersion in Romans (and Stott’s fantastic commentary on it). Even though Romans is such a foundation for Western Evangelical Christian theology (and Reformed theology in particular)- a faith community I have spent all 25 years of my life in - I had never done a deep study of this book before.
Though I’m very new to reading through full commentaries, Stott’s work here was exactly what I needed to become acquainted with this foundational epistle, and seems to me to be an exceptional example of what I would want from a commentary: it is highly concerned with the meaning of the text itself, it explains multiple perspectives clearly and graciously while still arguing a preference of interpretation when warranted, it tied together themes across the book well while still doing a solid job of verse-by-verse exposition, and it also had a strong focus on application which (unlike most theological books I’ve read) felt genuinely impassioned, arose naturally from the text, and was engaging and convicting.
Apparently I’ve spent so much time reading Paul that I’m now writing in paragraph-long run-on sentences. *facepalm*
I gained incredible insight from this book. Its structure, tone, and prose were mostly very helpful and easy to follow. It is scholarly but readable, thoughtful and passionate, and I’m glad to have spent a long time soaking in it!
Though I’m very new to reading through full commentaries, Stott’s work here was exactly what I needed to become acquainted with this foundational epistle, and seems to me to be an exceptional example of what I would want from a commentary: it is highly concerned with the meaning of the text itself, it explains multiple perspectives clearly and graciously while still arguing a preference of interpretation when warranted, it tied together themes across the book well while still doing a solid job of verse-by-verse exposition, and it also had a strong focus on application which (unlike most theological books I’ve read) felt genuinely impassioned, arose naturally from the text, and was engaging and convicting.
Apparently I’ve spent so much time reading Paul that I’m now writing in paragraph-long run-on sentences. *facepalm*
I gained incredible insight from this book. Its structure, tone, and prose were mostly very helpful and easy to follow. It is scholarly but readable, thoughtful and passionate, and I’m glad to have spent a long time soaking in it!
May 5, 2021
I’ve never read a more balanced, applicable, and worshipful commentary. I look forward to read more of Stott’s commentaries. The study guides are helpful too!
He considers a lot of history and is not afraid of stating his position. Yet, he does so with such intellectual humility.
Read more Stott!
He considers a lot of history and is not afraid of stating his position. Yet, he does so with such intellectual humility.
Read more Stott!
February 1, 2018
Relido inúmeras vezes. O bom e velho Stott...
October 4, 2016
From an evangelical perspective, it would seem to be very difficult to improve upon this commentary on Paul's great letter to the Romans. Stott is detailed without getting too deep in the weeds, but is also practical without being overly broad or simplistic. Stott was gifted with an amazing ability to organize material into tidy sections, which becomes very helpful when teaching or preaching through Romans. Even 22 years after it was written, this remains an indispensable resource.
July 18, 2021
Excellent expository commentary on Romans!
June 23, 2025
This was a required for my NT Epistle module on Romans.
John Stott writes in a well organized manner, for an engineering student like myself, to deeply appreciate. Sometimes you feel like he's creating too many sub-points but thankfully he summarizes each major section before moving on to the next section.
This book aimed to be accessible while trying to provide some practical applications to ministry and life. However, a intermediate level of Greek will help greatly appreciate some of the more technical comments Stott makes on certain grammar/syntax use cases. Alternatively a plain reading of his own conclusions reaches 90% of the point even without knowledge of Greek.
Stott holds an unconventional view of Romans 7, contrasting Augustine's traditional view. Take that for what it's worth but I do have to disagree with his view due to creating more theological inconsistencies for his doctrinal framework of soteriology and sanctification namely, and also exegetical inconsistencies in his exposition of Rom 9-15 later on.
Stott also makes a comment on the Federal Headship view of Adam in Rom 5, but highlights the possibility of pre-Adamic homonids. He neither confirms nor denies the view but that seems a little sus.
Overall, a good baseline commentary for layleaders and pastors in word ministry. This book DOES NOT deal heavily on doctrinal issues like predestination and justification by faith (in a systematic way). Please don't use this book only to form your systematics.
John Stott writes in a well organized manner, for an engineering student like myself, to deeply appreciate. Sometimes you feel like he's creating too many sub-points but thankfully he summarizes each major section before moving on to the next section.
This book aimed to be accessible while trying to provide some practical applications to ministry and life. However, a intermediate level of Greek will help greatly appreciate some of the more technical comments Stott makes on certain grammar/syntax use cases. Alternatively a plain reading of his own conclusions reaches 90% of the point even without knowledge of Greek.
Stott holds an unconventional view of Romans 7, contrasting Augustine's traditional view. Take that for what it's worth but I do have to disagree with his view due to creating more theological inconsistencies for his doctrinal framework of soteriology and sanctification namely, and also exegetical inconsistencies in his exposition of Rom 9-15 later on.
Stott also makes a comment on the Federal Headship view of Adam in Rom 5, but highlights the possibility of pre-Adamic homonids. He neither confirms nor denies the view but that seems a little sus.
Overall, a good baseline commentary for layleaders and pastors in word ministry. This book DOES NOT deal heavily on doctrinal issues like predestination and justification by faith (in a systematic way). Please don't use this book only to form your systematics.
Read
June 4, 2023Romans is such a glorious book, and this commentary unpacks those glorious truths in an in-depth but accessible way. Stott has a good balance of academics and application that makes this one of my favorite commentaries I've read.
Read
May 21, 2023From legendary Jeff. Jeff's favourite commentary.
June 20, 2024
A thorough and detailed guide through a robust and complex biblical book!
April 22, 2024
Typical Stott.
Strong.
Clear.
Relevant.
Strong.
Clear.
Relevant.
February 16, 2014
The manifesto of the Christian faith
12 April 2011
There isn't really much that I can think about when approaching a commentary on Romans. It is a book from the New Testament that has pretty much been done to death in both commentaries and in sermons, so when one sits down to read it one tends to go over a lot of old ground. That doesn't mean that that is a bad thing, not when it comes to biblical studies as Peter does say that we should constantly be reminded of the faith that we have in Christ Jesus, and that is where the book of Romans comes in.
Some commentators have described it as the Gospel according to Paul, and I am one who falls in that category. While it is not a gospel in the traditional sense, being a biography of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus, it does outline very clearly the basics of Christian doctrine. In fact, Romans is a brilliant platform from which one can come to understand the basics of Christianity so that one may be able to answer questions relating to why they believe what they believe. This, I suspect, is why Paul originally wrote to the letter.
Paul begins by citing his credentials, and then launches in to how through our own efforts we have absolutely no chance of getting right with God and despite our best efforts are still as far away from God as we could possibly be. In doing this, he outlines the positions of the nations, the good people, and then the Jews. In essence, we are all sinners and all fall short of God's glory. However, he then turns and explains (and this is where Romans 5 comes in, as one pastor said, the most important chapter in the most important book of the bible) how God has acted to bring us back into a relationship with him, and how he emphasises the importance of faith. It is by faith that we are saved, not by our works. Paul then finishes the book off by outlining how we are to live as Christians, first with our own character, our attitudes towards the government and our neighbours, and in how we relate to Christians who may not be as strong in the faith as we are.
I wish to say something of the government though as it is accepted that it was written around 55 AD when Paul was in Corinth, which means that it was during the reign of Nero. Now Nero was not a nice guy, but then many of the Roman Emperors up to that time had turned out to be duds. However, Paul does not tell us to rebel against them, but rather to accept them as God's instruments. Despite Nero later launching a massive persecution against the Christians (at least Christians living in Rome), it is this principle that has been upheld. We do not revolt against the government (unless, of course, the Government is forcing us to turn against God's precepts), but rather accept them as God's servant. This seems odd considering the madness of Nero, but it is something that is acceptable. Further, it does not prevent us from calling the government to account: I believe that this is something that we are expected to do, however it does not support armed revolt. Therefore, I would support peaceful protest, but beyond that, I don't think that it is our calling.
Finally, John Stott, who is a very good writer and theologian, opens his book with the statement 'Paul's letter to the Romans is a kind of Christian manifesto'. I would personally have to agree with him on that point, because, as I pointed out above, it outlines the basics of Christian Theology.
12 April 2011
There isn't really much that I can think about when approaching a commentary on Romans. It is a book from the New Testament that has pretty much been done to death in both commentaries and in sermons, so when one sits down to read it one tends to go over a lot of old ground. That doesn't mean that that is a bad thing, not when it comes to biblical studies as Peter does say that we should constantly be reminded of the faith that we have in Christ Jesus, and that is where the book of Romans comes in.
Some commentators have described it as the Gospel according to Paul, and I am one who falls in that category. While it is not a gospel in the traditional sense, being a biography of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus, it does outline very clearly the basics of Christian doctrine. In fact, Romans is a brilliant platform from which one can come to understand the basics of Christianity so that one may be able to answer questions relating to why they believe what they believe. This, I suspect, is why Paul originally wrote to the letter.
Paul begins by citing his credentials, and then launches in to how through our own efforts we have absolutely no chance of getting right with God and despite our best efforts are still as far away from God as we could possibly be. In doing this, he outlines the positions of the nations, the good people, and then the Jews. In essence, we are all sinners and all fall short of God's glory. However, he then turns and explains (and this is where Romans 5 comes in, as one pastor said, the most important chapter in the most important book of the bible) how God has acted to bring us back into a relationship with him, and how he emphasises the importance of faith. It is by faith that we are saved, not by our works. Paul then finishes the book off by outlining how we are to live as Christians, first with our own character, our attitudes towards the government and our neighbours, and in how we relate to Christians who may not be as strong in the faith as we are.
I wish to say something of the government though as it is accepted that it was written around 55 AD when Paul was in Corinth, which means that it was during the reign of Nero. Now Nero was not a nice guy, but then many of the Roman Emperors up to that time had turned out to be duds. However, Paul does not tell us to rebel against them, but rather to accept them as God's instruments. Despite Nero later launching a massive persecution against the Christians (at least Christians living in Rome), it is this principle that has been upheld. We do not revolt against the government (unless, of course, the Government is forcing us to turn against God's precepts), but rather accept them as God's servant. This seems odd considering the madness of Nero, but it is something that is acceptable. Further, it does not prevent us from calling the government to account: I believe that this is something that we are expected to do, however it does not support armed revolt. Therefore, I would support peaceful protest, but beyond that, I don't think that it is our calling.
Finally, John Stott, who is a very good writer and theologian, opens his book with the statement 'Paul's letter to the Romans is a kind of Christian manifesto'. I would personally have to agree with him on that point, because, as I pointed out above, it outlines the basics of Christian Theology.
November 16, 2012
Substantive and readable. This reads in a way that makes the reader want to stop using it as a reference resource and just read the whole thing. Stott sheds tremendous light on this magisterial epistle.
April 27, 2023
This is my 2nd full read through of Stott’s commentary on Romans. The first time was while I was in Turkey and in Bosnia back in 1997. I have used the commentary at times over the years but wanted to read it through again a quarter of a century later to see how it holds up.
I was not disappointed. I did have the privilege of meeting and briefly speaking with Reverend Stott back in 1988 at a conference and was impressed by both his scholarship and personal warmth and that he would take time to talk to a young man.
If someone asked me for one book that I would recommend on Romans, it would be this one hands down. Now there are other excellent commentaries by scholars like Leon Morris, FF Bruce, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John Murray and Douglas Moo. They are all worth getting for any serious Christian’s library. But this one is the finest in my opinion.
Stott went to be with the Lord on my birthday back in 2011 – having served our Lord for nearly 90 years. He was that rare combination of brilliant scholar, Godly pastor, and insightful cultural critic.
His commentary on Romans demonstrates a deep immersion into the Greek language, historical Christianity, and the finest scholarship from both ancient writers like Chrysostom to Calvin to modern writers I mentioned above as well as more moderate and liberal scholars (which he takes to task). In this work he demonstrates the ability to bridge the gap from proper exegesis (what the author meant and how Paul’s audience would have understood him) to proper hermeneutics (how we apply Romans in our own lives as 21st Century Christians). One of his earlier works for preachers is titled Between Two Worlds which is why preachers need to do exactly that.
As a side note I should say he really doesn’t draw on much from the period after Augustine until the Reformation as proper historical-grammatical exegesis was almost non-existent during that time. Allegory and typology were so heavily emphasized that the actual contextual meaning of Scripture was almost completely obscured. I think CS Lewis likened it to a building in a jungle that had been covered by vines and growth.
There is so much value in this work it is hard to point to one or a few things that stand out. It really is that consistently excellent. One wonderful point that Stott made was that if a Christian is accused of anti-nomianism because of an emphasis on Grace, they are in good company, because that is what Paul was accused of. It is common for those of Rome or the EO or even some Protestants to argue that clear teaching salvation by grace alone through faith alone and eternal security in Romans 1-8 leads to licentiousness and anarchy. But this accusation is a failure to understand what Paul said about our new status as slaves and children of God and the role of the Holy Spirit in redemption and sanctification.
His handling of Romans 9-11 – the fate of Israel and God’s sovereignty – was very convincing and a spur to evangelism. Stott was (still is) Reformed and concludes that any attempt to deny individual predestination in Romans is ignoring what the epistle rightly teaches. However, he does not deny that we also have real choices and must hold onto both concepts. He gives a marvelous quote on p. 278 from one of his heroes – Charles Simeon - who stated:
“As wheels in a complicated machine may move in opposite directions and yet subserve a
common end, so may truths apparently opposite he perfectly reconcilable with each other, and
equally subserve the purposes of God in the accomplishment of man’s salvation.”
In his discussion of chapter 12-15 he points out a very significant parallel between the teachings of Jesus and the instruction Paul gives. It is often claimed that Paul changed Christianity from the original teachings of Jesus. This is nonsense and Stott points out 15 direct comparisons of the commands of Jesus to the exhortations Paul gives to the Romans (p 318-319). He also points out that the “weaker brother” Paul talks about are almost certainly Jewish believers who were struggling with the freedom from the ceremonial laws that were abolished at the Cross.
All of Stott’s New Testament commentaries are a must have for any library – but I think this one stands out as the finest.
I was not disappointed. I did have the privilege of meeting and briefly speaking with Reverend Stott back in 1988 at a conference and was impressed by both his scholarship and personal warmth and that he would take time to talk to a young man.
If someone asked me for one book that I would recommend on Romans, it would be this one hands down. Now there are other excellent commentaries by scholars like Leon Morris, FF Bruce, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John Murray and Douglas Moo. They are all worth getting for any serious Christian’s library. But this one is the finest in my opinion.
Stott went to be with the Lord on my birthday back in 2011 – having served our Lord for nearly 90 years. He was that rare combination of brilliant scholar, Godly pastor, and insightful cultural critic.
His commentary on Romans demonstrates a deep immersion into the Greek language, historical Christianity, and the finest scholarship from both ancient writers like Chrysostom to Calvin to modern writers I mentioned above as well as more moderate and liberal scholars (which he takes to task). In this work he demonstrates the ability to bridge the gap from proper exegesis (what the author meant and how Paul’s audience would have understood him) to proper hermeneutics (how we apply Romans in our own lives as 21st Century Christians). One of his earlier works for preachers is titled Between Two Worlds which is why preachers need to do exactly that.
As a side note I should say he really doesn’t draw on much from the period after Augustine until the Reformation as proper historical-grammatical exegesis was almost non-existent during that time. Allegory and typology were so heavily emphasized that the actual contextual meaning of Scripture was almost completely obscured. I think CS Lewis likened it to a building in a jungle that had been covered by vines and growth.
There is so much value in this work it is hard to point to one or a few things that stand out. It really is that consistently excellent. One wonderful point that Stott made was that if a Christian is accused of anti-nomianism because of an emphasis on Grace, they are in good company, because that is what Paul was accused of. It is common for those of Rome or the EO or even some Protestants to argue that clear teaching salvation by grace alone through faith alone and eternal security in Romans 1-8 leads to licentiousness and anarchy. But this accusation is a failure to understand what Paul said about our new status as slaves and children of God and the role of the Holy Spirit in redemption and sanctification.
His handling of Romans 9-11 – the fate of Israel and God’s sovereignty – was very convincing and a spur to evangelism. Stott was (still is) Reformed and concludes that any attempt to deny individual predestination in Romans is ignoring what the epistle rightly teaches. However, he does not deny that we also have real choices and must hold onto both concepts. He gives a marvelous quote on p. 278 from one of his heroes – Charles Simeon - who stated:
“As wheels in a complicated machine may move in opposite directions and yet subserve a
common end, so may truths apparently opposite he perfectly reconcilable with each other, and
equally subserve the purposes of God in the accomplishment of man’s salvation.”
In his discussion of chapter 12-15 he points out a very significant parallel between the teachings of Jesus and the instruction Paul gives. It is often claimed that Paul changed Christianity from the original teachings of Jesus. This is nonsense and Stott points out 15 direct comparisons of the commands of Jesus to the exhortations Paul gives to the Romans (p 318-319). He also points out that the “weaker brother” Paul talks about are almost certainly Jewish believers who were struggling with the freedom from the ceremonial laws that were abolished at the Cross.
All of Stott’s New Testament commentaries are a must have for any library – but I think this one stands out as the finest.
March 28, 2025
Really enjoying this commentary so far. Stott gives careful attention to literary structure, submits to the authority of the text, dialogues with (then) modern scholarship - keeping some insights and rejecting others, and prioritizes units of thought over minutia (though detail IS important, and many other scholars cover such details quite well).
He's easy to read, likely because he wants his readers to understand what he is saying, and moreso, what God was saying through Paul in this letter! His readability is refreshing. Study guide in the back is a fun feature, as well.
He's easy to read, likely because he wants his readers to understand what he is saying, and moreso, what God was saying through Paul in this letter! His readability is refreshing. Study guide in the back is a fun feature, as well.
December 27, 2017
If you ever get the urge to read a commentary, be sure to pick up one of John Stott's. I went through this one slowly (in about a year's worth of time) and enjoyed every moment of it. He writes in a very accessible style - this is no dry, dusty tome. He weaves some devotional-type passages in, which also add to its accessibility and charm. I learned so much about the book of Romans and grew in my love for God's Word as I worked through this book.
April 19, 2018
I read this as I studied through Romans. Stott does a good job dealing with the text and giving you his interpretation. It is not overly technical but he does go into the greek and grammar. It is very helpful pastorally and he does a good job helping you see what is the point Paul is trying to make in each section. Overall very helpful resource. I have enjoyed any commentary by Stott.
March 1, 2020
If you are studying Romans do yourself a favor and keep this as your first and best commentary. As I studied through Romans with many commentaries I found myself going back to this one because of it’s clear prose and concise summaries of multiple views on arguable passages.
You will not find a more comprehensive and accessible one volume commentary than this one. It’s a classic.
You will not find a more comprehensive and accessible one volume commentary than this one. It’s a classic.
May 14, 2021
Loved this commentary of Romans by John Stott. Very accessible and informative. Was perfect for preparation for bible study. Stott does a beautiful job of highlighting controversial points and presenting orthodox arguments, then clearly articulating how he came to his conclusion. He has some incredible wisdom and was a critical tool for leading others through Romans.
May 29, 2023
I’ve always been a big fan of Romans. The message God gave through Paul to the church in Rome have become all the more precious after reading this book.
Stott has a big strength in bringing in multiple view points and articulating what he agrees and disagrees with.
I will be exploring the other 7 New Testament commentaries he wrote in this series.
Stott has a big strength in bringing in multiple view points and articulating what he agrees and disagrees with.
I will be exploring the other 7 New Testament commentaries he wrote in this series.
August 1, 2025
Read as part of a year-long church small group - long book and Stotts gets into the weeds, but considering it's a commentary on Romans, I think that's what's needed as there's a lot to unpack and process. Tremendous aid in explaining the how and why...
September 14, 2018
Not the best one
September 21, 2018
Stott has become my favorite commentator on the New Testament. I like the layout of this series.
October 9, 2019
Great non technical commentary suitable for pastors and church members. Combined scholarship with pastoral insight.
April 28, 2020
John Stott is amazing and his work on Romans was is so good!!! I cannot recommend this enough.
July 18, 2020
Excellent resource.
November 2, 2021
Great resource for any one who wants to dig deep into Romans!
Read
July 17, 2023“Paul’s letter to the Romans is a kind of Christian manifesto.”, p. 19
January 15, 2024
The preliminary essay, which outlines the secondary literature and its trends, is 5 star in and of itself. I think this is a brilliant, accessible introduction. It slightly left me wanting more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews