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The Epistle to the Romans (New International Greek Testament Commentary
This highly anticipated commentary on the Greek text of Romans by veteran New Testament scholar Richard Longenecker provides solid scholarship and innovative solutions to long-standing interpretive problems. Critical, exegetical, and constructive, yet pastoral in its application, Longenecker’s monumental work on Romans sets a course for the future that will promote a better understanding of this most famous of Paul’s letters and a more relevant contextualization of its message.
- GenresTheology
1208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2015
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37 people want to read
About the author
Richard N. Longenecker
24 books10 followersRichard N. Longenecker is Ramsey Armitage Professor of New Testament, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. He receivec the B.A. and M.A. degrees from Wheaton College and Wheaton Graduate School of Theology, respectively, and the Ph.D. from New College, University of Edinburgh. His principal publications include Paul, Apostle of Liberty (1964), The Christology of Early Jewish Christianity (1970), The Ministry and Message of Paul (1971), Biblical Exegesis in the Apostolic Period (1975), “The Acts of the Apostles” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981), and The New Testament Social Ethics for Today (1984).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 20, 2016
This volume has been highly anticipated for some time as the magnum opus of highly-respected scholar Richard Longenecker. It appears to have lived up to its billing.
In a short Preface he spells out the greatness of Romans and the challenges of its study. In a relatively short Introduction for a work of this size, he shares more of the great issues of grasping Romans. In fact, his Introduction strikes me as rather different than most. He mostly raises the great issues. He brilliantly defines what they are, but only rarely in the Introduction does he state what premise he will argue in the commentary itself. Apparently, that is the place he feels that he should answer the great questions.
The commentary proper is massive, well written, and perceptive. I studied what he said on several major passages, focusing on those that I thought were harder for a commentator. What I found was outstanding commentary. In Romans 1 he argued beautifully without falling prey to political correctness. In Romans 7 he laid out fairly the various viewpoints and then maturely outlined his position. In Romans 9-11 he handled the theological minefield with dignity and grace. The quality of coverage was constant.
Though this volume is clearly aimed at scholars, he managed to keep it where pastors could glean immensely. That is not always well done in the commentary world. He even translated more Greek than is common with this series. Though I would not agree with every conclusion he made, I constantly felt in the hands of a master as I read. This book is an exceptional commentary.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In a short Preface he spells out the greatness of Romans and the challenges of its study. In a relatively short Introduction for a work of this size, he shares more of the great issues of grasping Romans. In fact, his Introduction strikes me as rather different than most. He mostly raises the great issues. He brilliantly defines what they are, but only rarely in the Introduction does he state what premise he will argue in the commentary itself. Apparently, that is the place he feels that he should answer the great questions.
The commentary proper is massive, well written, and perceptive. I studied what he said on several major passages, focusing on those that I thought were harder for a commentator. What I found was outstanding commentary. In Romans 1 he argued beautifully without falling prey to political correctness. In Romans 7 he laid out fairly the various viewpoints and then maturely outlined his position. In Romans 9-11 he handled the theological minefield with dignity and grace. The quality of coverage was constant.
Though this volume is clearly aimed at scholars, he managed to keep it where pastors could glean immensely. That is not always well done in the commentary world. He even translated more Greek than is common with this series. Though I would not agree with every conclusion he made, I constantly felt in the hands of a master as I read. This book is an exceptional commentary.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 27, 2021
Among the sixteen commentaries on the book of Romans that I used this year in my study of Romans, IMHO, this is my number three.
This is perhaps the most in-depth commentary of them all. Longenecker handles everything from text-critical issues to application.
Longenecker is very even-handed, gives valuable information about the Greek text, and at times when he thinks something should've been translated differently, he explains why. He also supplies information on the cultural background, and why Paul wrote Romans.
Longenecker also interacts with an endless list of other commentators and explains why he differs from them. Further, when a difficult passage is at hand, he lists the various options from various commentators, and then gives reasons for the option he has chosen.
Lastly, Longenecker handles Romans verse-by-verse, giving a lot of detail. However, I think that he attempts to go so deep into the text, and other issues, that he sometimes can't see the forest from the trees. It does at times feel like there is an endless list of details to consider, and I understand that this is a more technical commentary, but sometimes it is better to come to the point sooner, rather than later.
Here is the list of commentaries I used for my study in Romans this year. I list my three favourites in order, and the rest are listed alphabetically:
1. Moo, Douglas J. A Theology of Paul and His Letters : The Gift of the New Realm in Christ. Kindle Edition. Biblical Theology of the New Testament Series 5. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2021.
2. Schreiner, Thomas R.. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
3. Longenecker, Richard N. The Epistle to the Romans: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGTC. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2016.
- Brogden, Stuart. The Gospel in Romans: a Christ-focused walk through the Scriptures. Brogden's Books. Kindle Edition. 2021.
- Bruce, F.F. The Epistle of Paul to the Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1963.
- Bruce, F.F. Romans: An Introduction and Commentary (Scribd). Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014. https://www.scribd.com/book/377942635....
- Calvin, John. Commentary on Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calco.... PDF Format. Accessed between 2 March, and 24 November 2021.
- Denney, James; DIGITAL PUBLISHING, re:SOURCE. Romans (The Expositor’s Greek Testament Book 6). Orig. George H. Doran Company, New York, NY (1897). re:SOURCE DIGITAL PUBLISHING. Seattle, WA. 2018. Kindle Edition.
- Everett F. Harrison and Donald A. Hagner, “Romans,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans–Galatians (Revised Edition), ed. Tremper Longman III & Garland, David E., vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
- Gay, David H.J.. Romans 11: A Suggested Exegesis. Unknown. Kindle Edition. 2014.
- Harrison, E. F., & Hagner, D. A. (2008). Romans. In T. Longman III &. Garland, David E. (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans–Galatians (Revised Edition) (Vol. 11). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
- MacArthur, John. Romans 1-16 MacArthur New Testament Commentary Two Volume Set. Vol. 15–16. 35 vols. MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series 15–16. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Publishers, 1991. Kindle Edition.
- Moo, Douglas J. Romans. 1st Edition. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2000.
- Piper, John. The Justification of God: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Romans 9:1-23. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1993.
- Spurgeon, Charles H.. Romans: An Illuminating Commentary to Assist in Understanding Scripture. The Expansive Commentary Collection. https://www.scribd.com/read/371706383....
- Wiersbe, Warren W.. Be Right (Romans): How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others (The BE Series Commentary). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.
- Wuest, Kenneth S. Wuest’s Word Studies From the Greek New Testament for the English Reader, Volume One. Romans in the Greek New Testament. Vol. 1. 3 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979.
This is perhaps the most in-depth commentary of them all. Longenecker handles everything from text-critical issues to application.
Longenecker is very even-handed, gives valuable information about the Greek text, and at times when he thinks something should've been translated differently, he explains why. He also supplies information on the cultural background, and why Paul wrote Romans.
Longenecker also interacts with an endless list of other commentators and explains why he differs from them. Further, when a difficult passage is at hand, he lists the various options from various commentators, and then gives reasons for the option he has chosen.
Lastly, Longenecker handles Romans verse-by-verse, giving a lot of detail. However, I think that he attempts to go so deep into the text, and other issues, that he sometimes can't see the forest from the trees. It does at times feel like there is an endless list of details to consider, and I understand that this is a more technical commentary, but sometimes it is better to come to the point sooner, rather than later.
Here is the list of commentaries I used for my study in Romans this year. I list my three favourites in order, and the rest are listed alphabetically:
1. Moo, Douglas J. A Theology of Paul and His Letters : The Gift of the New Realm in Christ. Kindle Edition. Biblical Theology of the New Testament Series 5. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2021.
2. Schreiner, Thomas R.. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
3. Longenecker, Richard N. The Epistle to the Romans: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGTC. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2016.
- Brogden, Stuart. The Gospel in Romans: a Christ-focused walk through the Scriptures. Brogden's Books. Kindle Edition. 2021.
- Bruce, F.F. The Epistle of Paul to the Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1963.
- Bruce, F.F. Romans: An Introduction and Commentary (Scribd). Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014. https://www.scribd.com/book/377942635....
- Calvin, John. Commentary on Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calco.... PDF Format. Accessed between 2 March, and 24 November 2021.
- Denney, James; DIGITAL PUBLISHING, re:SOURCE. Romans (The Expositor’s Greek Testament Book 6). Orig. George H. Doran Company, New York, NY (1897). re:SOURCE DIGITAL PUBLISHING. Seattle, WA. 2018. Kindle Edition.
- Everett F. Harrison and Donald A. Hagner, “Romans,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans–Galatians (Revised Edition), ed. Tremper Longman III & Garland, David E., vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
- Gay, David H.J.. Romans 11: A Suggested Exegesis. Unknown. Kindle Edition. 2014.
- Harrison, E. F., & Hagner, D. A. (2008). Romans. In T. Longman III &. Garland, David E. (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Romans–Galatians (Revised Edition) (Vol. 11). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
- MacArthur, John. Romans 1-16 MacArthur New Testament Commentary Two Volume Set. Vol. 15–16. 35 vols. MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series 15–16. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Publishers, 1991. Kindle Edition.
- Moo, Douglas J. Romans. 1st Edition. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2000.
- Piper, John. The Justification of God: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Romans 9:1-23. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1993.
- Spurgeon, Charles H.. Romans: An Illuminating Commentary to Assist in Understanding Scripture. The Expansive Commentary Collection. https://www.scribd.com/read/371706383....
- Wiersbe, Warren W.. Be Right (Romans): How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others (The BE Series Commentary). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.
- Wuest, Kenneth S. Wuest’s Word Studies From the Greek New Testament for the English Reader, Volume One. Romans in the Greek New Testament. Vol. 1. 3 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979.
December 2, 2023
L'impression d'avoir lu deux commentaires différents. Un sur les quatres premiers chapitres, un autre sur le reste.
Sur les quatres premiers chapitres : une capacité à rentrer dans les détails, à résumer les débats historiques, à rendre accessible les points difficiles extraordinaire. Tout en étant une lecture facile et édifiante spirituellement.
Le reste : pareil en moins bien. Ça reste de qualité, notamment dans la capacité à rendre compréhensible et à résumer de Longenecker... Mais ça donne une impression de survol, de précipitation, on ne va pas autant en profondeur que dans la première partie du commentaire. Un peu comme si en plein milieu on aurait dit à l'auteur "accélère parce qu'à ce rythme tu vas dépasser le nombre de pages auquel tu as droit". À plusieurs reprises je me suis dit qu'il aurait fallu faire un commentaire en deux volumes pour laisser toute latitude à Longenecker pour dispenser son savoir.
Mais ça reste quand un excellent commentaire sur l'épître aux Romains.
Sur les quatres premiers chapitres : une capacité à rentrer dans les détails, à résumer les débats historiques, à rendre accessible les points difficiles extraordinaire. Tout en étant une lecture facile et édifiante spirituellement.
Le reste : pareil en moins bien. Ça reste de qualité, notamment dans la capacité à rendre compréhensible et à résumer de Longenecker... Mais ça donne une impression de survol, de précipitation, on ne va pas autant en profondeur que dans la première partie du commentaire. Un peu comme si en plein milieu on aurait dit à l'auteur "accélère parce qu'à ce rythme tu vas dépasser le nombre de pages auquel tu as droit". À plusieurs reprises je me suis dit qu'il aurait fallu faire un commentaire en deux volumes pour laisser toute latitude à Longenecker pour dispenser son savoir.
Mais ça reste quand un excellent commentaire sur l'épître aux Romains.
September 12, 2025
Incredible, Challenging, Worth the Effort and Time
Longenecker’s Romans is an incredible work that brings together not only his own scholarship, but that of other scholars on this most important of all letters. It is ideal for anyone looking to get deep into the translation and different historical perspectives on the translation. You’ll get a deep dive on just about any and all possible views. Longenecker’s own translation is incredible. For those looking for more theology/christology or just a ‘what does it mean’ commentary, I fear this will feel like a slog. The theology/christology/explanation content is all there, but it is surrounded by lots of translation, textual analysis. Ultimately, for serious students it is worth the time and effort.
Longenecker’s Romans is an incredible work that brings together not only his own scholarship, but that of other scholars on this most important of all letters. It is ideal for anyone looking to get deep into the translation and different historical perspectives on the translation. You’ll get a deep dive on just about any and all possible views. Longenecker’s own translation is incredible. For those looking for more theology/christology or just a ‘what does it mean’ commentary, I fear this will feel like a slog. The theology/christology/explanation content is all there, but it is surrounded by lots of translation, textual analysis. Ultimately, for serious students it is worth the time and effort.
June 18, 2020
This truly is Dr. Longenecker's Opus. I have wonderful memories of learning at his feet during my studies at Wycliffe College, Toronto. Dick Longenecker managed to combine profound scholarship with deeply pastoral and faithful ministry to the people in his classes. His brilliant mind and compassionate, humble presence was a blessing.
This is my go-to commentary on Romans. Every time I pick it up I come away blessed. I particularly appreciate the introductory notes that place Romans and it's authorship, readership, themes and content into context. If you only buy one commentary on Romans, this is the one to buy.
This is my go-to commentary on Romans. Every time I pick it up I come away blessed. I particularly appreciate the introductory notes that place Romans and it's authorship, readership, themes and content into context. If you only buy one commentary on Romans, this is the one to buy.
November 18, 2016
Commentary is good for critical analysis -- not so much for understanding Paul in Romans.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews