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God's Word for You
Romanos 8-16 para ti (La Palabra de Dios para ti nº 5)
“En Romanos 8 descubrirás cómo usar el evangelio en tu corazón para que realmente cambies. El resto del libro te mostrará cómo se evidenciará este cambio producido por el evangelio”.
En este estudio de Romanos 8-16, el Dr. Timothy Keller te ayudará a entender el significado de este libro de la Biblia y te mostrará cómo hoy puede transformar tu corazón y cambiar tu vida.
Escrito para personas de todas las edades y grados de conocimiento: para los que son buscadores, para nuevos creyentes y hasta para pastores y maestros. ¡Este flexible recurso es para ti!
En este estudio de Romanos 8-16, el Dr. Timothy Keller te ayudará a entender el significado de este libro de la Biblia y te mostrará cómo hoy puede transformar tu corazón y cambiar tu vida.
Escrito para personas de todas las edades y grados de conocimiento: para los que son buscadores, para nuevos creyentes y hasta para pastores y maestros. ¡Este flexible recurso es para ti!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2015
423 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Timothy J. Keller
396 books5,735 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
Timothy Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 with his wife, Kathy, and three young sons. For over twenty years he has led a diverse congregation of young professionals that has grown to a weekly attendance of over 5,000.
He was also Chairman of Redeemer City to City, which starts new churches in New York and other global cities, and publishes books and resources for faith in an urban culture. In over ten years they have helped to launch over 250 churches in 48 cities. More recently, Dr. Keller’s books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reason for God and The Prodigal God, have sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 15 languages.
Christianity Today has said, “Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.”
Dr. Keller was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He previously served as the pastor of West Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Hopewell, Virginia, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 27, 2015
Romans 8 saved me. The Spirit awoke my heart to the glories of God’s love for me. I had spent years wavering until that powerful chorus in chapter 8 sunk into my heart—no condemnation. Keller says the concerns addressed in this chapter are “the central question of the Christian life”—“Is there anyone or anything that can separate me from Christ’s love for me?” (Kindle Locations 717-719). He’s right!
The second half of Romans has some complex doctrines—election, Israel, the Church, women in ministry, and Christian obedience to name a few. Keller handles these complex doctrines with precision, clarity, and winsomeness. I love the balance as well with touching the hard truths, but still staying connected to the everyman voice of the For You series. This volume will be my go-to introduction for discussing these truths with new believers—especially election in Romans 9.
Read the entire review here and purchase your copy.
The second half of Romans has some complex doctrines—election, Israel, the Church, women in ministry, and Christian obedience to name a few. Keller handles these complex doctrines with precision, clarity, and winsomeness. I love the balance as well with touching the hard truths, but still staying connected to the everyman voice of the For You series. This volume will be my go-to introduction for discussing these truths with new believers—especially election in Romans 9.
Read the entire review here and purchase your copy.
April 28, 2018
Spending an extended period of time (9 months) on one book of the Bible every year is one of the best things for the transformation of my heart, mind and soul. I’m thankful for aids along the way, like this book.
October 28, 2024
Another good entry in this series. It's nice because it's not a full-blown commentary on Romans (so you don't have to worry about Greek translations or any of that) but it gives you enough to understand the flow of the book. Plus Keller, as always, has a great sense of how these words - so many centuries old - can speak to our current church situations.
March 5, 2025
My review of the first book is here, for my more complete thoughts.
This was an excellent follow-up that helped me appreciate Romans for the treasure it is. Again it clarified Paul's argument for me--and helped me clarify questions I needed to ask of the text, and of myself. Again I found the Scripture to be applicable in unexpected, rich ways--ways that I probably would not have been able to enjoy without the expert help of Keller, since I have such trouble with Romans when I go solo.
Included in this volume are a few nuggets to love for reference's sake: the appendix on election and the chapter on what the Bible says about governmental authority are excellent summaries, concise and solid.
This was an excellent follow-up that helped me appreciate Romans for the treasure it is. Again it clarified Paul's argument for me--and helped me clarify questions I needed to ask of the text, and of myself. Again I found the Scripture to be applicable in unexpected, rich ways--ways that I probably would not have been able to enjoy without the expert help of Keller, since I have such trouble with Romans when I go solo.
Included in this volume are a few nuggets to love for reference's sake: the appendix on election and the chapter on what the Bible says about governmental authority are excellent summaries, concise and solid.
February 25, 2025
Romans is known—rightly so—as one of the most theologically rich yet challenging books of the Bible. For a long time, that was enough to put me off from studying it. I didn’t think I was spiritually mature enough to take it on. Honestly, I still don’t. But I felt it was time to give it a go, and I decided to use Keller’s book as a guide to help me work through the more complex topics.
That was the right choice. Keller has a gift for writing with clarity, making difficult ideas easy to understand. His chapter on The Weak and the Strong is, in my opinion, a must-read for every Christian — one of the best explanations of how to navigate disagreements with other believers.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by Romans, this is a great place to start.
That was the right choice. Keller has a gift for writing with clarity, making difficult ideas easy to understand. His chapter on The Weak and the Strong is, in my opinion, a must-read for every Christian — one of the best explanations of how to navigate disagreements with other believers.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by Romans, this is a great place to start.
October 5, 2016
This commentary is much more brief than the one by John Stott, but it is nonetheless surprisingly comprehensive in its coverage of Paul's great letter. I have never quite understood those who have been suspicious of Keller, accusing him of doctrinal compromise. For instance, in this commentary, he devotes almost 20 pages to defending the reformed doctrine of election and answering common questions that are asked about it. If you are preaching on Romans, you will definitely want another commentary to supplement this one, but make sure you consult Keller in your studies.
November 21, 2022
Keller does a wonderful job of explaining some of the more complex doctrines found in Paul’s letter. Bringing insight and wisdom to some challenging pages of scripture. And he beautifully points to the glory of the Father found at the end.
“When we consider this gospel of the Lord Jesus- predicted, revealed, proclaimed, and calling us to faith and obedience-through faith- we join Paul in giving “the only wise God…. glory”; and we know that, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, and made like him by the work of the Spirit, we will do so “forever through Jesus Christ!”
“When we consider this gospel of the Lord Jesus- predicted, revealed, proclaimed, and calling us to faith and obedience-through faith- we join Paul in giving “the only wise God…. glory”; and we know that, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, and made like him by the work of the Spirit, we will do so “forever through Jesus Christ!”
April 3, 2025
Actually 3.5 stars, this book was a great guide to Roman’s with practical application. I found it to be a little too simplistic for my liking but still very much enjoyed it.
Read
April 28, 2025I love these so much. Highly recommend any of the “for you” books
January 27, 2024
Das Buch behandelt die Kapitel 8-16 des Römerbriefs. Zunächst durfte ich durch T. Kellers nüchterne Herangehensweise lernen, dass diese Kapitel sicherlich herausfordernd sind, aber bei genauer Betrachtung nicht nur verständlich sind, sondern auch eine große Relevanz heilsgeschichtlicher Natur haben. Ich habe gelernt, dass die Juden Gottes Heil verworfen haben und sie keine Entschuldigung dafür haben. Sie haben die Botschaft gehört und verstanden und sich trotzdem geweigert, Gott zu gehorchen und sich ihm widersetzt. Trotz allem hat Gott sein Volk nicht verworfen. In dieser Tatsache habe ich Gottes große Liebe zu seinem Volk erkannt. Des Weiteren war es eine spannende Entdeckung für mich zu sehen, wie es dazu gekommen ist, dass ich als Heide an dem Heil Gottes teilhabend geworden bin. Das Bild des eingepfropften Ölzweiges war für mich sehr eindrücklich.
Schließlich durfte ich noch eine Erkenntnis bezüglich der Hingabe an Christus als lebendiges Opfer gewinnen. Der Blick geht dabei auf Christus: Wenn ich erkenne, was Christus für mich getan hat und dies mein Herz erwärmt, dann ist es die einzig logische
Reaktion, dass ich mich ihm als ein lebendiges Opfer hingebe.
Ganz konkret hat dieses Buch mir dabei geholfen, mein Verständnis über die Heilsordnung Gottes zu vervollständigen.
Auch die Ausführungen über Kapitel 14 und das Verhältnis des Schwachen und Starken zueinander haben mein Denken geprägt. Das
Ziel ist die Einheit in der Gemeinde und dabei geht es nicht darum, dass der Stärkere
sich durchsetzt, weil er im Recht ist. Sondern der Starke muss die Schwachheit des
Schwachen beachten und bereit sein, auf einen Teil seiner Freiheit zu verzichten.
T. Kellers Schreibstil ist einfach verständlich, logisch nachvollziehbar und gut strukturiert. Er hat es geschafft, eine Auslegung des Römerbriefes zu schreiben, die kein trockener Bibelkommentar zum Nachschlagen ist, den man nur schwer am Stück lesen
kann. Dieses Buch enthält einige Veranschaulichungen und Anekdoten aus seinem Leben, wodurch man dieses flüssig lesen kann. Auch die Länge der Ausführungen zu den jeweiligen Versen und Kapiteln ist gut gewählt, um einen groben und schnellen Überblick über den Römerbrief zu bekommen.
Das ist allerdings auch zugleich ein Kritikpunkt, den ich habe. T. Keller betrachtet die Verse und Kapitel unterschiedlich lang. Das ist manchmal schlüssig und nachvollziehbar, oft aber auch nicht. An dieser Stelle hätte ich mir gewünscht, dass der Autor jedem Kapitel in etwa gleich viel Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt hätte. Auch geholfen hätte mir eine Erklärung, warum er seine Schwerpunkte so gesetzt hat.
Auffällig fand ich auch die Ausführungen über Kapitel 16. Dort schreibt er in der Einlei-
tung, dass wir über kaum eine der in Kapitel 16 erwähnten Personen etwas Genaues
wissen und jeder Versuch, aus den wenigen Worten mehr Informationen herauszuquetschen, eine Spekulation wäre. In den folgenden Worten über die Personen, habe ich allerdings den Eindruck gehabt, dass er genau das tut, denn einige Informationen
zu den Personen sind arg spekulativ. Zum Beispiel erwähnt er in den Ausführungen über Phöbe (S.175 unten), dass diese eine Wohltäterin war. Er spekuliert darauf, dass dies materiell gemeint sein könnte, im Sinne von einer Wohltäterin, die materiell hilft.
Vielleicht war sie, seiner Meinung nach, auch eine Geschäftsfrau oder vermögend und setzte ihre finanziellen Möglichkeiten für die Geschwister und Bedürftigen ein. Auch schreibt er, dass sie wahrscheinlich gerade in Rom zu tun hatte und deshalb diesen Brief mitnahm. Wie er zu dieser Ausführung kommt, erwähnt er nicht. All das ist meiner
Meinung nach arg spekulativ.
Schließlich durfte ich noch eine Erkenntnis bezüglich der Hingabe an Christus als lebendiges Opfer gewinnen. Der Blick geht dabei auf Christus: Wenn ich erkenne, was Christus für mich getan hat und dies mein Herz erwärmt, dann ist es die einzig logische
Reaktion, dass ich mich ihm als ein lebendiges Opfer hingebe.
Ganz konkret hat dieses Buch mir dabei geholfen, mein Verständnis über die Heilsordnung Gottes zu vervollständigen.
Auch die Ausführungen über Kapitel 14 und das Verhältnis des Schwachen und Starken zueinander haben mein Denken geprägt. Das
Ziel ist die Einheit in der Gemeinde und dabei geht es nicht darum, dass der Stärkere
sich durchsetzt, weil er im Recht ist. Sondern der Starke muss die Schwachheit des
Schwachen beachten und bereit sein, auf einen Teil seiner Freiheit zu verzichten.
T. Kellers Schreibstil ist einfach verständlich, logisch nachvollziehbar und gut strukturiert. Er hat es geschafft, eine Auslegung des Römerbriefes zu schreiben, die kein trockener Bibelkommentar zum Nachschlagen ist, den man nur schwer am Stück lesen
kann. Dieses Buch enthält einige Veranschaulichungen und Anekdoten aus seinem Leben, wodurch man dieses flüssig lesen kann. Auch die Länge der Ausführungen zu den jeweiligen Versen und Kapiteln ist gut gewählt, um einen groben und schnellen Überblick über den Römerbrief zu bekommen.
Das ist allerdings auch zugleich ein Kritikpunkt, den ich habe. T. Keller betrachtet die Verse und Kapitel unterschiedlich lang. Das ist manchmal schlüssig und nachvollziehbar, oft aber auch nicht. An dieser Stelle hätte ich mir gewünscht, dass der Autor jedem Kapitel in etwa gleich viel Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt hätte. Auch geholfen hätte mir eine Erklärung, warum er seine Schwerpunkte so gesetzt hat.
Auffällig fand ich auch die Ausführungen über Kapitel 16. Dort schreibt er in der Einlei-
tung, dass wir über kaum eine der in Kapitel 16 erwähnten Personen etwas Genaues
wissen und jeder Versuch, aus den wenigen Worten mehr Informationen herauszuquetschen, eine Spekulation wäre. In den folgenden Worten über die Personen, habe ich allerdings den Eindruck gehabt, dass er genau das tut, denn einige Informationen
zu den Personen sind arg spekulativ. Zum Beispiel erwähnt er in den Ausführungen über Phöbe (S.175 unten), dass diese eine Wohltäterin war. Er spekuliert darauf, dass dies materiell gemeint sein könnte, im Sinne von einer Wohltäterin, die materiell hilft.
Vielleicht war sie, seiner Meinung nach, auch eine Geschäftsfrau oder vermögend und setzte ihre finanziellen Möglichkeiten für die Geschwister und Bedürftigen ein. Auch schreibt er, dass sie wahrscheinlich gerade in Rom zu tun hatte und deshalb diesen Brief mitnahm. Wie er zu dieser Ausführung kommt, erwähnt er nicht. All das ist meiner
Meinung nach arg spekulativ.
January 29, 2015
√ Bible-centered, Christ-Glorifying, Relevant, & Easily Readable
It seems to me that Tim Keller is his usual masterful self in describing Romans 8. He emphasizes the really key points succinctly and directly. The books in the "For You" series are designed to be clear and easily understandable by the everyday Christian. Each book in the series is designed to embrace four principles: Bible-centered, Christ-glorifying, relevant, and easily readable. That is, none of these books are supposed to be arcane commentaries for academics only; rather, they are designed for everyone.
ROMANS 8-16 FOR YOU will certainly form the cornerstone of the entire "For You" series. As Tim Keller notes "The book of Romans is the most sustained explanation of the heart of the gospel, and the most thrilling exploration of how that gospel goes to work in our hearts." I found this book to indeed be very clear, well written, and simple to understand. The concepts are not trivial at all, but the author does a fantastic job of really explaining what the Apostle Paul means to convey .
For me, the highlight of the book was actually in part 2, in the section entitled "The Good that God is Working for." As an excellent example of how the author explains things thoroughly, see his discussion on Romans 8:28 and 8:29. Tim Keller correctly points out that Romans 8:28 cannot be understood properly without looking at the very next verse. He explains, "It is therefore extremely important to read verses 29-30 whenever we read first 28! Some people read verse 28 is teaching that God gives more good things...to Christians over non-Christians, but Paul is not saying that. Paul is not promising Christians an easier, more comfortable life. He is not saying that Christians will have a higher percentage of pleasant or unpleasant circumstances."
√ All in all, ROMANS 8-16 FOR YOU is a clear, well-designed book that explains some of the most difficult, yet critical doctrines in the Christian faith. At the end of each chapter, the author lists "Questions for Reflection." In addition, at the end of the book is an extensive glossary, bibliography, and a simple outline showing the key theme of each verse. My Kindle edition was formatted nicely; I did not notice any problems.
As always, Tim Keller speaks with a compassionate, yet wise voice. Highly recommend! If you enjoy Tim Keller books and video, my favorite of all time is: The Prodigal God. If you have a chance to see this video, get it!
Advance copy for review courtesy of Cross-Focused-Reviews.
It seems to me that Tim Keller is his usual masterful self in describing Romans 8. He emphasizes the really key points succinctly and directly. The books in the "For You" series are designed to be clear and easily understandable by the everyday Christian. Each book in the series is designed to embrace four principles: Bible-centered, Christ-glorifying, relevant, and easily readable. That is, none of these books are supposed to be arcane commentaries for academics only; rather, they are designed for everyone.
ROMANS 8-16 FOR YOU will certainly form the cornerstone of the entire "For You" series. As Tim Keller notes "The book of Romans is the most sustained explanation of the heart of the gospel, and the most thrilling exploration of how that gospel goes to work in our hearts." I found this book to indeed be very clear, well written, and simple to understand. The concepts are not trivial at all, but the author does a fantastic job of really explaining what the Apostle Paul means to convey .
For me, the highlight of the book was actually in part 2, in the section entitled "The Good that God is Working for." As an excellent example of how the author explains things thoroughly, see his discussion on Romans 8:28 and 8:29. Tim Keller correctly points out that Romans 8:28 cannot be understood properly without looking at the very next verse. He explains, "It is therefore extremely important to read verses 29-30 whenever we read first 28! Some people read verse 28 is teaching that God gives more good things...to Christians over non-Christians, but Paul is not saying that. Paul is not promising Christians an easier, more comfortable life. He is not saying that Christians will have a higher percentage of pleasant or unpleasant circumstances."
√ All in all, ROMANS 8-16 FOR YOU is a clear, well-designed book that explains some of the most difficult, yet critical doctrines in the Christian faith. At the end of each chapter, the author lists "Questions for Reflection." In addition, at the end of the book is an extensive glossary, bibliography, and a simple outline showing the key theme of each verse. My Kindle edition was formatted nicely; I did not notice any problems.
As always, Tim Keller speaks with a compassionate, yet wise voice. Highly recommend! If you enjoy Tim Keller books and video, my favorite of all time is: The Prodigal God. If you have a chance to see this video, get it!
Advance copy for review courtesy of Cross-Focused-Reviews.
February 23, 2015
In the series Books of the Bible for you and in particular Romans 8-16 for you, these series of books are for you in many ways. I love this series not just for study, but how they express the whole Counsel of the Gospel. The what, the why and how come of the Gospel. I struggle every day on how does my faith in the gospel of Christ actual lead to change in real life. The Apostle Paul’s greatest mission answers that question and Tim Keller does an excellent job in expository teaching of Paul’s passion and mission. Paul’s passion was the gospel and his mission was for believers to live the Gospel.
This study is not for the hurried, or the faint of heart, it is for the serious and those that want to know the depth of Christ’s love for us.
Paul understood that the mind is not neutral ground and that the gospel must start with how we think. That is where it all begins and it all ends. Sin starts as a thought and ends as a deed, unless we have mind-set on the gospel. Paul knew for the battle of sin must be fought at the root and the exposure of Christ’s love for sinners.
From fighting sin, to our relationships within the church, with the government, and those weak in the faith, our attitude of the gospel is expressed. How can we express the gospel in the government when the government is hostile towards God? How can we love our brothers and sisters in the faith when the issues of drinking and eating are concerned? These areas reveal the heart but they also reveal the love of Christ.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
This study is not for the hurried, or the faint of heart, it is for the serious and those that want to know the depth of Christ’s love for us.
Paul understood that the mind is not neutral ground and that the gospel must start with how we think. That is where it all begins and it all ends. Sin starts as a thought and ends as a deed, unless we have mind-set on the gospel. Paul knew for the battle of sin must be fought at the root and the exposure of Christ’s love for sinners.
From fighting sin, to our relationships within the church, with the government, and those weak in the faith, our attitude of the gospel is expressed. How can we express the gospel in the government when the government is hostile towards God? How can we love our brothers and sisters in the faith when the issues of drinking and eating are concerned? These areas reveal the heart but they also reveal the love of Christ.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
February 4, 2024
I don’t know any author that has impacted me more in my life than Tim Keller. Robert Coleman, Warren Wirrsbe, Henry Blackaby, would be close seconds. Tim, scripture from an intellectual perspective in combination with an evangelical heart. It is obvious that his wheelhouse is the doctrines of grace consequently, chapters 8 through 11, are the strongest chapters in the book. His final chapter discussing the balance between the sovereignty of God, and the free wheel of man was eye-opening to me.
September 28, 2018
This two-volume series on Romans is as good as Keller's book Galatians For You. I've read Romans countless times but the careful examination of each passage really brought out a lot of new things for me, particularly grace and election. Is it any better than a myriad of other Romans studies? Hard to say, as this is the first one I've read, but I enjoyed it and appreciate a lot more in Romans than I did before.
March 24, 2019
Keller does a wonderful job breaking down a difficult book (Romans) for the average layperson without oversimplifying things. These chapters deal with some weighty topics, and after reading this, I think this just might be the go-to book I give people who struggle with those doctrines. I especially appreciated his Appendix, wherein he faces objections to the doctrine of election head on in a respectful way. Great book! I wish Keller would write more books in this series.
May 2, 2025
Timothy Keller is a great teacher of God’s truth! This is a great accompaniment to the reading of Romans! I absolutely love the book of Romans but in the past I have struggled with a few things and Timothy Keller helped shine God’s light on those questions. The book of has been key to strengthening my identity in Jesus Christ and how I stand in Him! Absolutely powerful! What a joy to have the WORD of God!
July 6, 2015
I have done several of these studies. I like the way the text is covered in manageable and sensible sections. I use these to aid my personal bible reading time to add focus and depth. The questions for further thought and prayer are well done to aid in application of the passage.
February 9, 2016
I really enjoy Tim Keller's writing. This is a great series which works well as a devotional as well as going a bit deeper than some do. I recommend it.
April 15, 2019
I read this along with the study book for Romans 8-16, and I found this to be a very helpful resource for further study. It helped me understand both the details and overarching concepts of Romans.
April 15, 2024
I highly recommend this book. It has been an excellent companion this semester in studying the second half of Romans. Amazing.
February 3, 2015
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A lot has been written about the book of Romans. Some people interpret it in fragments and fail to see the holistic theme of the book. For example, some people have taken chapters 9 through 11 as written only for Israel, while the rest of the book is meant for non-Israel. Yet neither approach is correct. Rather, as Tim Keller has written Romans 8-16 For You, Romans is about the Gospel. He writes,
“The first seven chapters explain the wonderful truths of the gospel: of justification by faith, of union with Christ, of salvation through Christ alone and not through our works…Then comes the second half of the book. In chapters 8 to 16, Paul is going to continue to answer a question he began to ask in chapters 5 to 7: How does faith in the gospel of Christ actually lead to change in real life?”
Basically, Romans has a unified theme and a simple message, which is, the Gospel for salvation and transformation. From this simple message Paul relates it to very complex issues to show the truth. He practically relates the Gospel for all aspects of life. Each of these issues - adversity, predestination, Israel’s salvation, loving enemies, relationship to government, loving one’s neighbor, stumbling blocks, unity, and women’s roles in the church - Keller directly interprets. Below are some of the issues in more detail.
Love and Gratitude Flow from the Gospel
Keller spends time exegeting chapter eight. He wants to connect to the first seven chapters of Romans to “remember what Christ has done and will do for us…to feel the obligations of love and gratitude to serve and know him.” By doing so Keller is able to explain the doctrines of divine election much easier. This is because living in gratitude for what God has finished about salvation allows Christians to directly see the importance of biblical predestination. A connection that will be explained further in the next section of this review.
Divine Election and Predestination's Connection to the Gospel
Initially many Christians may dismiss Romans 8-16 For You based on their personal view of free will and the doctrine of predestination. However, be encouraged to read this book anyway. The challenges of divine election are contained in chapters 9 through 11 and do not go away. Each Christian must come to a biblical conclusion regarding predestination and divine election. Avoiding the topic does not make it go away. The advantage to Keller’s viewpoint is that he approaches it from a comforting standpoint than just theoogical debate.
Specifically, he wants readers to know that divine election builds confidence in the believer. By knowing that God is the author of salvation apart from humanity a Christian never needs to worry about their eternal destination. No one can undo what He has secured in Christ for those who receive Jesus. In other words, the doctrine of election assures Christians that they can never lose their eternal security. Since salvation is dependent on God's mercy and grace than one's feeble abilities one can have confidence to live a life of faithful gratitude. Not one of fear, anxiety, and rejection. That's an encouraging thought that allows Christians to live their faith effectively.
Daily Applying the Gospel
Chapter 12 of Romans begins the last section of this epistle by Paul, which continues the message of gospel salvation and transformation. Specifically, Keller spends time explaining how Paul suggests that Christians apply the grace of Christ in a variety of areas. Here is where loving enemies, relationship to government, loving one’s neighbor, stumbling blocks, unity, and women’s roles in the church are explained. Due to brevity some of these topics will be interacted with at a later time. For now know that Keller does a profound job of avoiding the common legalistic interpretations to support the bigger picture, which is how Christians can live out the Gospel in their life.
Concerns
No book is perfect and Romans 8-16 For You is no different. For example, Keller over-relies on Martyn Lloyd-Jones and John Stott to support his interpretations. Now both of these authors are reputable sources, but Keller could have used other books to diversify his scholarship. A resource that could have been used is J.I. Packer’s book Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. Like Lloyd-Jones, Packer also talks about the “antimony” regarding divine election and free will. So Keller could have used Packer to increase his number of scholarly references than relying on the same authors. Despite this minor compliant it does not change the truth of Keller’s interpretations. However, a more diverse approach would have silenced some critics concerned with his interpretation of the book of Romans.
Also, some will disagree with Keller’s suggestions on a Christian’s role towards the nation's government. Yet, those concerns may be a reflection of the reader’s misinterpretations of scripture, political applications, and America’s role in history. More detail will be given on this sensitive topic in a later post. For now it’s encouraged that all Christians read Romans 13, Keller’s words on the chapter found in this book, and carefully consider if they may have made an idol about America’s government or political process in any way.
Conclusion
As with any entry in this commentary series published by The Good Book Company, each book is written as a quasi-devotional to help all Christians understand different books of the Bible better. Romans 8-16 For You does not fail to continue in this tradition. This is despite the difficult passages of scripture Keller had to interpret. In fact, this book excels by taking the difficult topics of predestination, Israel, and others to point to the real issue Paul was concerned with. The issue of “how the gospel not only saves us (Chapters 1-5), but also how it then changes us (chapters 6-8; 12-15)” as Keller writes.
So if you are looking for a book that is concerned with the Gospel implications of Romans then Romans 8-16 For You and it’s predecessor Romans 1-7 For You is a highly recommended. That is the primary focus of these two books. It will serve as a great encouragement for Christians at any maturity level. Also, when you finish you may then want to go more in-depth, not to be more theologically correct on these tense issues, but to grow in your love of the grace of God even more.
A lot has been written about the book of Romans. Some people interpret it in fragments and fail to see the holistic theme of the book. For example, some people have taken chapters 9 through 11 as written only for Israel, while the rest of the book is meant for non-Israel. Yet neither approach is correct. Rather, as Tim Keller has written Romans 8-16 For You, Romans is about the Gospel. He writes,
“The first seven chapters explain the wonderful truths of the gospel: of justification by faith, of union with Christ, of salvation through Christ alone and not through our works…Then comes the second half of the book. In chapters 8 to 16, Paul is going to continue to answer a question he began to ask in chapters 5 to 7: How does faith in the gospel of Christ actually lead to change in real life?”
Basically, Romans has a unified theme and a simple message, which is, the Gospel for salvation and transformation. From this simple message Paul relates it to very complex issues to show the truth. He practically relates the Gospel for all aspects of life. Each of these issues - adversity, predestination, Israel’s salvation, loving enemies, relationship to government, loving one’s neighbor, stumbling blocks, unity, and women’s roles in the church - Keller directly interprets. Below are some of the issues in more detail.
Love and Gratitude Flow from the Gospel
Keller spends time exegeting chapter eight. He wants to connect to the first seven chapters of Romans to “remember what Christ has done and will do for us…to feel the obligations of love and gratitude to serve and know him.” By doing so Keller is able to explain the doctrines of divine election much easier. This is because living in gratitude for what God has finished about salvation allows Christians to directly see the importance of biblical predestination. A connection that will be explained further in the next section of this review.
Divine Election and Predestination's Connection to the Gospel
Initially many Christians may dismiss Romans 8-16 For You based on their personal view of free will and the doctrine of predestination. However, be encouraged to read this book anyway. The challenges of divine election are contained in chapters 9 through 11 and do not go away. Each Christian must come to a biblical conclusion regarding predestination and divine election. Avoiding the topic does not make it go away. The advantage to Keller’s viewpoint is that he approaches it from a comforting standpoint than just theoogical debate.
Specifically, he wants readers to know that divine election builds confidence in the believer. By knowing that God is the author of salvation apart from humanity a Christian never needs to worry about their eternal destination. No one can undo what He has secured in Christ for those who receive Jesus. In other words, the doctrine of election assures Christians that they can never lose their eternal security. Since salvation is dependent on God's mercy and grace than one's feeble abilities one can have confidence to live a life of faithful gratitude. Not one of fear, anxiety, and rejection. That's an encouraging thought that allows Christians to live their faith effectively.
Daily Applying the Gospel
Chapter 12 of Romans begins the last section of this epistle by Paul, which continues the message of gospel salvation and transformation. Specifically, Keller spends time explaining how Paul suggests that Christians apply the grace of Christ in a variety of areas. Here is where loving enemies, relationship to government, loving one’s neighbor, stumbling blocks, unity, and women’s roles in the church are explained. Due to brevity some of these topics will be interacted with at a later time. For now know that Keller does a profound job of avoiding the common legalistic interpretations to support the bigger picture, which is how Christians can live out the Gospel in their life.
Concerns
No book is perfect and Romans 8-16 For You is no different. For example, Keller over-relies on Martyn Lloyd-Jones and John Stott to support his interpretations. Now both of these authors are reputable sources, but Keller could have used other books to diversify his scholarship. A resource that could have been used is J.I. Packer’s book Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. Like Lloyd-Jones, Packer also talks about the “antimony” regarding divine election and free will. So Keller could have used Packer to increase his number of scholarly references than relying on the same authors. Despite this minor compliant it does not change the truth of Keller’s interpretations. However, a more diverse approach would have silenced some critics concerned with his interpretation of the book of Romans.
Also, some will disagree with Keller’s suggestions on a Christian’s role towards the nation's government. Yet, those concerns may be a reflection of the reader’s misinterpretations of scripture, political applications, and America’s role in history. More detail will be given on this sensitive topic in a later post. For now it’s encouraged that all Christians read Romans 13, Keller’s words on the chapter found in this book, and carefully consider if they may have made an idol about America’s government or political process in any way.
Conclusion
As with any entry in this commentary series published by The Good Book Company, each book is written as a quasi-devotional to help all Christians understand different books of the Bible better. Romans 8-16 For You does not fail to continue in this tradition. This is despite the difficult passages of scripture Keller had to interpret. In fact, this book excels by taking the difficult topics of predestination, Israel, and others to point to the real issue Paul was concerned with. The issue of “how the gospel not only saves us (Chapters 1-5), but also how it then changes us (chapters 6-8; 12-15)” as Keller writes.
So if you are looking for a book that is concerned with the Gospel implications of Romans then Romans 8-16 For You and it’s predecessor Romans 1-7 For You is a highly recommended. That is the primary focus of these two books. It will serve as a great encouragement for Christians at any maturity level. Also, when you finish you may then want to go more in-depth, not to be more theologically correct on these tense issues, but to grow in your love of the grace of God even more.
October 25, 2017
As standard as the other Keller books in this series. Not the best example of Keller's writing, but still passable. He does a good job of answering questions and catching common misconceptions and exaggerations in their tracks. Happy to have read this one after the first Romans 1-7.
Still, too many exclamation points and too many boring John Stott quotes for me. (When one mediocre theologian quotes another mediocre theologian, I yawn. Am still waiting to be impressed...)
Still, too many exclamation points and too many boring John Stott quotes for me. (When one mediocre theologian quotes another mediocre theologian, I yawn. Am still waiting to be impressed...)
July 30, 2024
Me encantó leer Romanos lento, disfrutar de cada capítulo mientras leía este comentario, pensar en como hay transformación de caracter y servicio mutuo, y mucho sobre como se VE EL AMOR.
Este libro trata de forma muy sencilla la doctrina de la Elección. Ambos libros de romanos para ti son muy claros en aspectos de la fe cristiana.
Este libro trata de forma muy sencilla la doctrina de la Elección. Ambos libros de romanos para ti son muy claros en aspectos de la fe cristiana.
October 20, 2025
Well, it took me months to get through but I really enjoyed his commentary. Romans is such a powerful book and I loved learning more about context and the original Greek. I did this a study with a friend! I have loved Tim Keller’s work.
February 27, 2024
I come across five friends who are plotting to rob a bank. I plead with them not to but they insist on going ahead. As they leave to carry out the crime, I wrestle one of them to the ground and prevent him joining in. The robbery goes wrong and the four end up with long prison sentences.
One of the gang remains free. Was he any better than his four friends? No, he is free only because I stopped him joining in—it had nothing to do with anything he chose or did. Was I unfair to stop one of them ruining his life? Of course not! Whose fault was it that the four ended up in jail? Theirs alone!
Tim Keller twice uses this illustration (not his own) to explain the sovereignty and grace of God in salvation: (1) God is not unfair in saving some and not saving others; (2) those who believe and are saved by God’s grace are entirely indebted to his intervention while those who do not believe and are lost have only themselves to blame.
This is typical of the way Tim Keller helps us to understand difficult issues as he takes us through Romans 8-16. As with all the ‘For You’ series, it is not a commentary but an easily read, section-by-section explanation and application of the Bible’s text. It is suitable for personal daily Bible readings or as an aid for a group Bible study leader.
Each chapter of the book covers a short section of Romans and is divided into two parts, with three questions for reflection at the end of each part. Those with less time could cover one part in 20-30 minutes, those with more time could cover a whole chapter at once.
The publisher suggests that you could simply read the book through from cover to cover to gain an overview of the book of Romans. If you do that, you will need to have a Bible with you to look up the verses that are being explained. The Bible text is not printed in the book and it does need to be read alongside the Bible text.
One of the best features of the book is the appendix on ‘The Doctrines of God’s Sovereignty and Election’. With helpful quotes from John Stott, Gresham Machen and Martyn Lloyd Jones, Keller clarifies what he calls the “the ‘asymmetry’ of the biblical gospel” (compared with the false symmetry of Hyper-Calvinism and Pelagianism): “God alone prepares any person for spiritual glory, but we alone prepare ourselves for spiritual destruction.” Typical objections to the doctrines are clearly and helpfully answered.
Tim Keller so often comes up with a neat explanation or apt illustration to help us grasp a difficult question; he is always careful to prevent us straying to one side or the other in misinterpreting a Bible text. I used this book (along with its companion Romans 1-7 For You) to help me lead a small Bible study group using the Good Book Company’s Study Guides to go through the book of Romans. It was all I needed.
One of the gang remains free. Was he any better than his four friends? No, he is free only because I stopped him joining in—it had nothing to do with anything he chose or did. Was I unfair to stop one of them ruining his life? Of course not! Whose fault was it that the four ended up in jail? Theirs alone!
Tim Keller twice uses this illustration (not his own) to explain the sovereignty and grace of God in salvation: (1) God is not unfair in saving some and not saving others; (2) those who believe and are saved by God’s grace are entirely indebted to his intervention while those who do not believe and are lost have only themselves to blame.
This is typical of the way Tim Keller helps us to understand difficult issues as he takes us through Romans 8-16. As with all the ‘For You’ series, it is not a commentary but an easily read, section-by-section explanation and application of the Bible’s text. It is suitable for personal daily Bible readings or as an aid for a group Bible study leader.
Each chapter of the book covers a short section of Romans and is divided into two parts, with three questions for reflection at the end of each part. Those with less time could cover one part in 20-30 minutes, those with more time could cover a whole chapter at once.
The publisher suggests that you could simply read the book through from cover to cover to gain an overview of the book of Romans. If you do that, you will need to have a Bible with you to look up the verses that are being explained. The Bible text is not printed in the book and it does need to be read alongside the Bible text.
One of the best features of the book is the appendix on ‘The Doctrines of God’s Sovereignty and Election’. With helpful quotes from John Stott, Gresham Machen and Martyn Lloyd Jones, Keller clarifies what he calls the “the ‘asymmetry’ of the biblical gospel” (compared with the false symmetry of Hyper-Calvinism and Pelagianism): “God alone prepares any person for spiritual glory, but we alone prepare ourselves for spiritual destruction.” Typical objections to the doctrines are clearly and helpfully answered.
Tim Keller so often comes up with a neat explanation or apt illustration to help us grasp a difficult question; he is always careful to prevent us straying to one side or the other in misinterpreting a Bible text. I used this book (along with its companion Romans 1-7 For You) to help me lead a small Bible study group using the Good Book Company’s Study Guides to go through the book of Romans. It was all I needed.
February 19, 2015
This book review is sponsored by Cross-Focused Reviews, who persuaded the Good Book Company to send me a free copy in exchange for this review.
I’m torn in reviewing Romans 8-16 for You by Timothy Keller. It’s a good, compact study on the second half of Romans. It’s not at all a bad book, and Keller wisely did not try to address all of Romans in one volume in this series. The “For You” series aims for a 200 page volume, and this one hits that mark.
I have several of the other volumes in this series, and have greatly profited from these, including Keller’s first Romans volume. And I tried to really like this one as much as the previous ones. I just don’t.
I don’t dislike it, mind you, I just don’t find it compelling. There is good exegesis: Keller treats the text as important and the source of his ideas. He does not produce odd or novel ideas, nor does he spring off the wall.
For example, he threads the needle of Romans 13 on submission to the state quite well. It’s not a command to submit to Caesar rather than God, but it is a command to follow God first and not just aggravate the government.
Overall, though, I just couldn’t get into this one. I think that some portions of Scripture do not work with trying to be both simply explained and deeply applied as this book aims for. Romans 8-16 feels like it needs more time spent on it, more effort in the cultural setting and application.
It’s a good add to the series, and a good add alongside other volumes about Romans. But I don’t see this one standing alone as a guide through Romans 8-16 like I had hoped.
Still worth having, a solid base hit. Just not a home run.
My opinion is my own. You can ask Paul if Dr. Keller did him justice later.
I’m torn in reviewing Romans 8-16 for You by Timothy Keller. It’s a good, compact study on the second half of Romans. It’s not at all a bad book, and Keller wisely did not try to address all of Romans in one volume in this series. The “For You” series aims for a 200 page volume, and this one hits that mark.
I have several of the other volumes in this series, and have greatly profited from these, including Keller’s first Romans volume. And I tried to really like this one as much as the previous ones. I just don’t.
I don’t dislike it, mind you, I just don’t find it compelling. There is good exegesis: Keller treats the text as important and the source of his ideas. He does not produce odd or novel ideas, nor does he spring off the wall.
For example, he threads the needle of Romans 13 on submission to the state quite well. It’s not a command to submit to Caesar rather than God, but it is a command to follow God first and not just aggravate the government.
Overall, though, I just couldn’t get into this one. I think that some portions of Scripture do not work with trying to be both simply explained and deeply applied as this book aims for. Romans 8-16 feels like it needs more time spent on it, more effort in the cultural setting and application.
It’s a good add to the series, and a good add alongside other volumes about Romans. But I don’t see this one standing alone as a guide through Romans 8-16 like I had hoped.
Still worth having, a solid base hit. Just not a home run.
My opinion is my own. You can ask Paul if Dr. Keller did him justice later.
January 4, 2019
I moved on to this book, having read and enjoyed Keller's Romans 1-7 - and I would recommend this approach. In fact, there would be advantage to having a combined volume (perhaps that is already out there). As with the previous volume, this is not intended to be a scholarly work, nor an in-depth commentary on Romans - the size of the book should give that away. Rather it is a good, easy-to-read introduction to Romans that is ideal for personal study, or for the basis of group Bible Study.
I applaud Keller for adding an Appendix to this book on the topic of Election - though brief, this is one of the better explanation on the Biblical concept of Election. I especially like that he addresses many of the objections that are often thrown around, and he does so quite graciously.
If you find Romans a bit scary, and haven't really ventured into it, then these two volumes from Keller are a good way to get familiar with this majestic work of Paul.
I applaud Keller for adding an Appendix to this book on the topic of Election - though brief, this is one of the better explanation on the Biblical concept of Election. I especially like that he addresses many of the objections that are often thrown around, and he does so quite graciously.
If you find Romans a bit scary, and haven't really ventured into it, then these two volumes from Keller are a good way to get familiar with this majestic work of Paul.
July 27, 2020
Both "Romans 1-7 For You" and "Romans 8-16" were incredibly accessible and instructive, but I would give the edge of preference to the former, for the sake of breaking down oft complex but powerful doctrine.
In Rom 8-16, Keller is at his best when dealing with the "difficult" sections of Israel's rejection and the Gentile ingrafting, AND his views of sovereign election, which is given in more detail in the appendix (do not skip it!). While I don't agree with all his theology, I am hard pressed to argue many of his points. While Keller is perhaps a neo-Calvinist, he is certainly not a hyper-Calvinist. Which I appreciate immensely, because he tries to find balance where balance is so often lacking.
Great read!
In Rom 8-16, Keller is at his best when dealing with the "difficult" sections of Israel's rejection and the Gentile ingrafting, AND his views of sovereign election, which is given in more detail in the appendix (do not skip it!). While I don't agree with all his theology, I am hard pressed to argue many of his points. While Keller is perhaps a neo-Calvinist, he is certainly not a hyper-Calvinist. Which I appreciate immensely, because he tries to find balance where balance is so often lacking.
Great read!
December 31, 2020
Excellent devotional commentary on Romans chps 8-16. His reference to other commentators /preachers are largely Lloyd-Jones and Stott. Happily, he correctly sees Romans 9-11 referring to ethnic Israel, and sees "all Israel" as the salvation of the overwhelming majority of ethnic Israel at some future point. However he didn't really comment on whether he sees this as the slow ingathering of believing Jews or (as I see it - a "mystery" now requiring revelation from God) a crisis event/rapid ingathering.
A helpful book.
A helpful book.
May 5, 2016
This is a good devotional to accompany reading of the second half of Romans. I really like Keller, however this book was an exception in that it did not resonate with me nearly as much as his other books. I wonder if the problem was with me, rather than with the book, so would still recommend it. Being picky, I was truly shocked that in the final chapter Keller assumed the incorrect translation of Junia, by retaining the masculine version.
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