The Gospel as it Really is: Romans simply explained

Welwyn Commentary #45

by Stuart Olyott

The gospel as it really is was the first Welwyn Commentary to be printed in 1979, and has now been revised and updated. In this book the author aims to present a simple introduction to Romans for the ordinary reader. His exposition goes straight to the heart of the passage, avoiding technicalities or obscure textual criticism. Perhaps no other part of Scripture has had so profound an infl uence on the history of the Christian church as Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Luther said of Romans: 'It can never be read or considered too much or too well, and the more it is handled, the more delightful it becomes and the better it tastes.'

Genres: Christian, Theology

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 1979

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Olyott has, and continues, to be a huge influence to me, personally and in ministry. One of the most significant sermons I've ever heard was a gospel sermon he preached at very short notice from Romans 10, and also another mighty sermon that changed my whole perspective was on Acts 17, Paul in Athens. Both of those messages he preached at The Banner of Truth Minister's Conference years ago. Now, Iinvariably give 5 stars to his books. But I've given 4 stars to this commentary on Romans (Well, 3 stars initially but I think that was too strong). Why only 4 stars? He takes the view that 'Israel' in Romans 9-11 refers (bottom line) to the Church. In other words, that God has finished with ethnic Israel. Unfortunately, his position on this is very public, as I've known people who quote him on this. And we're in the strange position as evangelical Christians today in which the historic (and I'd say, Biblical) position is looked on as unorthodox, almost suspicious. And yet, the historic (and biblical) position of countless reformed evangelicals, has been that God's promises to ethnic Israel have not, and cannot, fail. God cannot revoke His promises to Israel. Indeed, I would have to engage in scriptural gymnastics to argue that 'Israel' in Romans 1v16-17, and chapters 9,10, and 11 is not referring to ethnic Israel. I feel I'm in good company, with the Puritans eg Oliver Cromwell, John Owen, etc, and McCheyne, the Bonars, Charles Simeon (notably), Charles Hodge, Prof. John Murray, DM Lloyd-Jones, RC Sproul, etc. The most challenging view on this came from William Hendriksen, but DM Lloyd-Jones utterly, and effectively, dismantles Hendriksen's interpretation biblically, in his sermons on Romans ch. 11 (Banner of Truth series ).
So, I very, very cautiously beg to differ with my enormously respected mentor Stuart Olyott on this point. But all of his books are up there at 5 stars for me. #respect

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Great accessible commentary from Pastor Olyott which gets straight to the message of Romans.

[Andrew Cottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great accompaniment - not taking anything away from but adding to the main course - The Letter of Paul to the Romans

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was the first Bible commentary I ever read. As a teenager, it had a profound effect on my faith.

Re-reading it as a pastor 30 years later has been wonderful. This is how the Bible should be taught.

A wonderfully, life giving , and accessible overview of Roman.

[Will Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. Succeeds in accomplishing the purpose it is written for.

Recommended for personal reading, discipleship, group reading, (I haven’t used it for sermon prep but I imagine it will be immensely helpful on a pastoral and applicational level).

[Rodney Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just OK... not the best. These commentaries need a refresh to it writings

[Craig Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book this Romans is eh? I find Paul’s writing to be succinct, written in clear, easy-to-understand words which tell us how to live a Christian life. I wanted to enhance the experience by reading along with a commentary.

I had no issues at all with the theology and doctrine of this commentary, the Welwyn Commentary Series is one of the best and recommended by my Church.

Romans is the most comprehensive book—I want to call it a guide—on how to live life as a Christian. Paul explains to us what that looks like and how we can accomplish it. It’s a book that every Christian should read and re-read and preferably with a new commentary each time.

I’ve heard it suggested that Romans is such a pillar of faith for Christendom that it should be memorised in its entirety. Something I’m inspired to attempt myself in 2024.

There’s no better place to start to get to grips with this important book of the bible than with this commentary by Stuart Olyott.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first section of the book, which discusses Romans 1-5, explains the gospel beautifully and inspired me although I've know the story for many years and is probably my favourite part of the book. But the following two sections explaining Romans 6-11 and then Romans 12-16 go into the implications of the gospel. The book helps connect the dots between the different points Paul makes in Romans through paraphrase, reference to Old Testament scripture and logical discussion. I couldn't say I agree with the book 100% but as worthwhile as this book is, it's not the Bible--merely a teachers study of it.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent study guide on Romans, and when you get to the parts on Romans 7 & 8, you'll see why. This is along the lines of Banner of Truth's Let's Study series.