Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans

The Crossway Classic Commentaries

by Charles Hodge, Paul the Apostle

Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans was first published in 1835 and, after several editors, was completely rewritten by Hodge in 1864. This last revised edition has since become a standard resource for teachers, pastors, and educated laypersons. Hodge's introductory material, chapter analyses, and verse-by-verse exposition provide — even after after more than one hundred years — solid, relevant instruction for today’s students of the Bible.

Genres: Theology, Reference, New Testament, Nonfiction, Christian, Biblical Studies

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1866

About the author

Charles Hodge (1797–1878) was an important Presbyterian theologian and principal of Princeton Theological Seminary between 1851 and 1878. He was a leading exponent of the Princeton theology, an orthodox Calvinist theological tradition in America during the 19th century. He argued strongly for the authority of the Bible as the Word of God. Many of his ideas were adopted in the 20th century by Fundamentalists and Evangelicals.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid commentary on Paul's epistle to the Romans by Charles Hodge of Princeton Seminary. Hodge combined his skills as a systematic theologian, linguist, and New Testament scholar to produce a commentary that still warrants consulting over 150 years later. While he is good at bringing out the meaning of the original Greek, Hodge, unlike some modern commentators, focuses heavily on explaining the doctrinal and practical significance of the text. Yet, unlike some of the earlier doctrinal commentaries, Hodge does so in a way that the discussion is not unduly bloated. The number of untranslated quotations from non-English sources is slightly annoying, however.

[Cameron Barham]

“The stability which the church and every Christian should maintain, is a steadfastness, not in forms or matters of human authority, but in the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ. God alone is able to make his people stand; and, therefore, we should look to him and depend upon him for our own preservation and the preservation of the church; and ascribe to him, and not ourselves, all glory and thanks, vers. 25, 27.”, p. 454

[Carlos Montijo]

According to Dr. Gordon Clark, "Hodge is one of the princes of historic Christianity. As a theologian and exegete he has had few peers since he left for glory. One might even venture to say that without reading his Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, it is impossible to understand Romans. Though such praise may be a bit of exaggeration, nevertheless his high standing as a theologian must be admitted" (Religion, Reason, and Revelation in Christian Philosophy, p. 135).

[Bob Bingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary from one of the pillars of the Presbyterian church in the 19th century. I only wish I had learned Latin and Greek, as there are many quotations (Calvin) given that were lost to me. However, there is enough material in English that makes the book still profitable to someone not versed in Latin and Greek.

[Laurent Dv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good presentation, good insights but i disagree with many of his interpretations. Not to read alone (read Moo if juste one) but usefull with other commentaries.

[Gage Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary. Easy to ready and a great mixture of scholarship and pastoral insight.

[Alex Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a reference work in typical Hodge fashion.

[Seth Goodale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great help. Loved his comments. Read with Calvin’s.

[Argin Gerigorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite commentaries on Romans!

Charles Hodge (out of Princeton) was a more of a systematic writer (see: http://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Theo...) but this exegetical work is by far the best!

He is very detailed and prolix. It was also helpful reading his understanding of the Greek words in their context (especially: nomos, diakoo, proorizo, etc.)

So far having read 4 commentaries on Romans Hodge stands a top them all.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly appreciate the clearness and warmth of Dr. Charles Hodge's commentaries. This commentary on Romans is no exception. His typical format are sections containing analysis, commentary, doctrine, and remarks. This is especially valuable in sections like Romans 11 (the continuing place of Israel in God's plan of salvation). Hodge takes a similar view as does John Murray, which I find to be the proper exegesis of this important passage.