Strengthened by the Gospel: A Theology of Romans

by Brian S. Rosner, Thomas R. Schreiner (series_editor)

An Introduction to the Theology and Themes of Romans

The book of Romans, often regarded as one of the greatest letters ever written, provides a thorough explanation of Christian doctrine. Yet, in explaining Paul’s gospel, Romans is not just for preachers and people who have not yet come to faith. Paul’s purpose in Romans is to strengthen believers with the gospel of God thereby equipping them for every good work, to live holy lives, be protected from evil, and to live as those who belong to the day of Christ’s glorious return.  

In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, Brian S. Rosner explores the key theology and themes of Romans, including sin, righteousness, justification, judgment, union with Christ, Christian conduct, hope, and more. By examining the letter’s Old Testament connections and the full scope of Paul’s gospel, this volume seeks to strengthen and encourage today’s disciples of Jesus.

Part of the New Testament Theology  Other volumes include Living Faith; The Appearing of God Our Savior; and To Walk and to Please God Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More  Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople Covers Important Theological  Sin, righteousness, justification, judgment, union with Christ, Christian conduct, hope, and more

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strengthened by the Gospel opens Romans with a depth that honors the weight of God’s Word and the glory of the Gospel at the center of it.

Rosner writes with a calm, confident clarity that invites the reader to stay close to Scripture. Page by page, he unfolds the theology of Romans in a way that is rich, reverent, and fully anchored in Christ. Nothing about it feels distant or overly academic. The explanations are rooted, biblical, and accessible to anyone who desires to understand Romans with faithfulness and humility. The title truly reflects the outcome of engaging with this resource… the Gospel itself becomes the source of strength.

I value the intentional scholarship behind this volume… the way it honors the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of Romans while keeping the focus on God’s redemptive plan. This series aims to offer “comprehensive, scholarly, and accessible” biblical theology centered on Christ, and this installment reflects that mission with integrity.

One truth Rosner highlights has stayed with me: God “strengthens believers ‘according to my gospel’” in Romans 16:25. The Gospel revealed in this letter is not only a message to affirm… it is the very means by which God equips His people. That reminder brings clarity and direction to daily discipleship.

Rosner also notes that Romans gives “life-giving teaching about the benefits of the Gospel, the nature of evil, the good life, the praise and worship of God, the human mind, healthy Christian living, how to disagree agreeably, the life and work of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and much more.” That description captures how full and expansive this letter truly is.

This resource brings together the major themes of Romans with a steady hand… sin and righteousness, justification and hope, union with Christ and life in the Spirit, Christian conduct shaped by grace. It offers a comprehensive scope with a clarity that keeps every theme anchored in Scripture. I set the book down with a quiet gratitude rising in me… a deeper steadiness, a clearer devotion, and a renewed longing to let the Gospel shape every step I take before the Lord.

Ideal for readers who want doctrinal depth presented with reverence; for those studying Romans with a desire to honor the text; and for believers who seek resources that strengthen their walk with Christ and anchor their hearts more firmly in the Gospel.

I received a copy of Strengthened by the Gospel from Crossway via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this review are my own. I focused on its faithfulness to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Thank you to @netgalley and to @crosswaybooks for my complimentary copy of this title. All opinions are my own.]

“The gospel is the ‘gospel of God.’ It comes from God and is about God, revealing his power, righteousness, and wisdom. Its content is Christologically focused: the identity of Jesus Christ as the powerful Son of God and Lord and his resurrection from the dead. The gospel’s main function is soteriological; it is the power of God for salvation. The gospel is no novel innovation but represents the fulfilment of prophetic promises…”

This is the second title I’ve read in this New Testament Theology series from Crossway, and I continue to be excited by and for these books!

Strengthened by the Gospel: A Theology of Romans covers each chapter of Romans, discusses themes in depth, and really breaks down the theology in this rich book of the bible.

The books in this series are not “light reading” and have a very academic writing style, which may be important to note depending on reader preferences. If that’s not something you would usually reach for, I would encourage you that these books are not very long and offer a depth that is worth the time and effort!

I would recommend this series for personal in-depth study, for bible study leaders, or for sermon prep.

Solid theology.

I definitely recommend this title and this series!

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good guide to Romans. Enjoyed it as a refresher with the bonus of some nuggets I hadn't considered before.