The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Romans: How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe, Paul the Apostle

No book of the Bible more clearly illuminates the path of the Christian life than the book of Romans. Paul's power-packed letter stands as a treatise on our faith-tackling important topics of immense importance such as sin, justification, sanctification, and more. Take eight weeks to find out how the book of Romans can help you be right with God, yourself, and others. Trust beloved Bible teacher, Warren Wiersbe, to lead you or your small group on a chapter-by-chapter study that's both penetrating in its analysis and easy to understand. With select excerpts from his best-selling Be Right commentary on Romans and new, life-application questions, you and your small group can embark on a faith-deepening study on the doctrine and theology underpinning everything Christians hold dear.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference, Faith, Biblical Studies, Devotional

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1976

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent expositional commentary on the book of Romans. Wiersbe writes from a conservative perspective and conveys the deep truths of Romans to his readers in an understandable fashion.

[Michael Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but helpful commentary on Romans. Recommended for personal study and in preparing Bible studies/lessons on Romans. Wiersbe always summarizes the point well and has some good quotes.

[Steven Daughtry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romans study

This was a great companion to read while going through the book of Romans. Wiersby does a thorough job of outlining and explaining the key components and concepts in the epistle and offers some good questions at the end of each chapter for self or group study. While some of his more conservative views come out from time to time, Wiersby's book is dead on with the important truths of salvation, grace, and life in Christ--the stuff that really matters.

What an amazing gift we have in the grace and abundant life that we had been offered, Jews and Gentiles alike!

[Lady Safari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant.
The books of Romans has just been my go to book in the Bible since lockdown, and this commentary didn’t disappoint.
Worth working through this book!

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent commentary for laymen from the inimitable Wiersbe. His ability to clarify Scripture with Scripture (using verses from other books in the Bible to explain nuances of the ideas in Romans), is extremely helpful.

I appreciated his discussion of justification because it is taught to be something God does "for us" as if we had no part in it. Some folks are content with this positional righteousness, but salvation is much more. As Wiersbe writes, "Our justification is the result of a living union with Christ. And this union ought to result in a new kind of life, a righteous life of obedience to God.... Justification by faith is not simply a legal matter between God and me; it is a living relationship."

"Too many Christians are 'betweeners.' They live between Good Friday and Easter, believing in the cross, but not entering into the power and glory of the resurrection."

He addresses many other important topics such as the Christian's relationship to the law, to sin, and to the Church. This is a very worthwhile study guide to a book that can be overwhelming in its theological heft.

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if it was that my expectations were too high or that the book of Romans is simply too challenging but none of the studies I did on it left me feeling like I actually understood the book any better after my studies than when I had begun. I appreciated a lot of what this volume taught,though, which was simple, concise, clear and basic.

[Josh John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The extraordinary ability of Warren Wiersbe is to take doctrinally deep passages (the entirety of Romans!) and present them with theological simplicity.

By no means is this an exhaustive or deeply exegetical work, but truly reads as a layman’s companion guide as he works through the rich epistle to the Romans.

It excels in its simplicity while still being practical and occasionally touching the technical and nuance of the original language.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read some of Wiersby's commentaries on Old Testament books, I felt moved to read Romans with the aid of "Be Right". As with previous commentaries I found that this volume helped to slow me down, encouraging greater focus on the detail of the text and its implications. I didn't find this commentary as helpful as the others that I've read, but I also found Romans to be a significant challenge too. So there may be a chicken and egg problem here. I think though that there is an opportunity missed with "Be Right": a challenging book in the bible perhaps needed greater emphasis by Wiersby to simplify his guidance and insight. Still a very helpful volume though!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

In terms of commentary writers, Wiersbe has become a fast favorite. Having read this and his comments on Hebrews, I will be ordering more of his commentaries to supplement my study and teaching prep in the future. Aside from the very clearly delineated structure and organization of the commentary, Wiersbe communicates in a manner that is both relational and accessible. The authority and inerrancy of scripture is the foundation every comment is built on. As I read, I was able to turn straight to scripture and see what he was pointing out in as I studied.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weirsbe does a great job making Romans understandable in its textual context and the fuller biblical context. Most commentaries are exegetical, but this one is more of a detailed gloss. He explains scriptural references and allusions, historical situations, and unity of the message internally and with the Bible as a whole. Aside from his brief forays into full-throated dispensationalism, it's a very helpful commentary for clergy and laymen alike.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the way this book gives the reader an overview about what the book covers. He neatly separates the chapters so that it is easy to follow and also to get deeper into the book. It is good to have your Bible with you and go back to it over and over again. The questions in the back of each chapter was also helpful to process and remember what was said.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "Be Right" as part of a personal, in depth Bible study on the book of Romans. It was helpful in isolating and understanding the major themes of Romans, but it was hard to concentrate on the more technical analysis.

[Steve Abney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a much deeper understanding of the gospel and Paul's ministry. Awesome book

[Brittany Strausbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read and great study help

I enjoyed reading this book. It really helped me understand Romans in a whole new way. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed as a group study

Well written. Good insight into Paul's letter to a group of early Christ followers in the thick of a very anti-christ environment.

[Glenda Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiersbe's commentary on Romans was a good companion to doing my own inductive-style study of the book.

[Beniraul]

good read

[Kesa Van]

I love this book

[Ashish Gaikwad · Rating 5 out of 5]

warren wiersbe the great holy spirit filled easy english writter

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very insightful guide to the book of Romans. Romans is so full of spiritual meaning, it helps to have Wiersbe's perspective on what the passages could mean.

I liked his charts. They clarified the concepts for chapter 5 on being sinners vs being declared righteous. In chapter 6, the chart illustrated what the Messiah's death means to believers. In chapter 10, the chart showed belief in the works of the law for righteousness vs belief or faith in Messiah for salvation and righteousness.

I also liked Wiersbe's discussion of the word Therefore as a marker to understand the flow of Romans. Chapter 1-3:20 show the dangers of sin and how the law shows us our sin, and that works can't save us. Romans 3:21-5:1 shows how we're declared righteous by belief and cleansed of sin. Romans 5:2-8:1 discusses God's grace in releasing us from condemnation by the law if we believe in Messiah. Yet we still battle with control of sin vs control by Spirit. Chapters 8:2-12:1 discusses God's plan from creation to the fall to redemption to restoration and how to live out our new life in Messiah by being living sacrifices, set apart for service to God. And chapters 12:2-15 give us Messiah's example to follow.

All writers show their beliefs and biases in their writings. Wiersbe's statement that God rejected the Gentiles for the Jews at Passover stood out to me. I don't think that is what happened since Gentiles were allowed into the houses and allowed to leave with the Jews. And, God includes the Gentiles in salvation later on, a fact Wiersbe states in his discussion of chapter 15. I also don't agree that just because keeping the Sabbath isn't mentioned in the Epistles (PG 344 of digital book), that means Gentiles don't need to follow it. Wiersbe said the 10 commandments aren't often mentioned in the New Testament, that we're under love now. Yet Romans 13 says that the Torah or law is fulfilled by love. The Lord summarized the law by commanding us to love God and others. Therefore, I don't agree that the law is over. It's dead to us for judgment, but not for holiness or how to relate to God and others in love. The Spirit empowers us to keep the law as in Ezekiel 36:27. The Great Commission says to teach others to obey all God commanded which includes being holy as He is holy. That means loving God and others as detailed by the law and empowered by God's Spirit.

A very detailed commentary that was helpful to use as a guide to understanding Romans overall.

[Heather Racey · Rating 2 out of 5]

To start with, I didn’t quite read all of this book. We were reading it in our Bible study, and I missed some weeks. Because of the content that I will discuss in this review, I didn’t feel compelled to go back and read the missed chapters.

On the upside, Wiersbe did a decent job discussing unity in the church and how to live peaceably.

Other than that, I didn’t agree with many of his points; I mostly took issue with his lack of nuance. In a technical sense, I often agreed with him. But in an effort to be expositional and stick to the specific written Biblical section he was covering and not go beyond it, Wiersbe didn’t pull in broader contextual theology like I wish he had. The reader has no choice but to be left with a rather hard view of God, mostly based upon His wrath and His justice. At one point specifically, Wiersbe had an opportunity to discuss the role hope plays in salvation, and he didn’t. It was a most excellent example of Christian literature that inadvertently promotes works based salvation.

This is so very unintentional on Wiersbe’s part, but I almost thought it was intentional by the title. A title like this makes me think, “Be right…. It sounds like an admonishment to me, the reader. I need to make myself right before God,” instead of, “Be right… God makes me right before Him.” A subtle difference, but critical… and heartbreaking when I consider my own historical struggles with how to be right with God. I know, now, that this book is titled this because Wiersbe has written a “Be” series, admonishing his readers to be all kinds of things based on the books he’s writing on. But I think my point still stands.

The merit of this book was using it as a springboard for conversation. Weirsbe left out context, but we could bring it in as we read it in Bible study. But I cannot recommend it as a standalone book, especially for inexperienced readers of the Bible.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Romans and was immediately discouraged. I had heard that the book Romans was a “must read” if I wanted to understand the reason, we REALLY needed Jesus to die for us & that it tied together the rest of the Bible. I had also heard it referred to as the, “meatiest” Book in the Bible. Problem was, every time I attempted to read it, I’d get frustrated. I didn’t understand the context, couldn’t pinpoint the audience, and despite googling my butt off, I couldn’t figure out what certain verses meant. Oh but This book!!!!!! This book solved all of that. I just finished the book, (and the book of Romans), and I’m encouraged, grateful, and more in love with God than I’ve ever been. Such a perfect, merciful, wise God. I’m overwhelmed with love after finishing this book. I’m overwhelmed with the amount of love Jesus has for us. I’m overwhelmed at the faith of Paul, and they heartfelt love he put into his letter to the Romans. The perfect plan God had for both the Jew, and gentile to be saved. What a Gift!

[Jack Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Romans is text worth studying often. This study by Warren W. Wiersbe discusses the context in which the words are transcribed, words ascribed to the Apostle, Paul, and counted as the sacred word of God.

Paul starts many Christian churches throughout vast regions. They require tending as others try to falsely preach the gospel, one that benefits themselves and does not serve others. Paul sends letters with disciples to guide those straying from God's word. These instructions are tenets for Christians to live a life according to the Will of God and not a life of self pleasure and pride.

Wiersbe's study on Romans explores the fundamentals of Christianity with thought-provoking questions at the back of each chapter. Study groups discuss this biblical masterpiece for its many lessons that apply today.

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mr. Wiersbe was very inconsistent with his use of terms in Be Right because he generally did not define them; therfore, he was able to change the meaning at will (i.e. law, righteousness, salvation, etc). He contradicts himself not only across chapters, but also within the same chapter in one instance. As with other books in the Be Series, this study guide is replete with speculative comments from the author. Overall this exposition of Romans was very sloppy, and not edifying. I don't recommend it.

[LizC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our small group did this Bible study together. The book said that it was not necessary to read it along with the commentary from the Be Series, but I think it would be better if we had done that. Actually, I think it would’ve been better just to go through the Be Series Commentary instead of this book. One thing that we didn’t like - many of the questions have 4 or 5 questions in one. Made it for confusing answers. It was an ok study and we made it work. But most ladies expressed that they didn’t necessarily need to do any more in this particular series.

[Jessica Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romans is packed with solid spiritual guidance. I’m not sure I’ve ever really dug deep into the book of Romans, so this commentary was really helpful. Paul is so blunt and upfront with what how Christians should act, but he balances it with such a freedom to work out our own salvation with Jesus as our Lord. It’s such a good book.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romans is one of my favorite books in the Bible and I’ve read it many time. That being said, I found this commentary to shed new light on a few of the passages that I’ve struggled with over the years, much of which was due to traditions or terminology of the period. I love using these commentaries along with my Bible reading.

[Crystal Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this commentary while studying through the book of Romans along with another commentary. This commentary was helpful and brought some insight into what can be a difficult book to study. While I did not agree with 100% of Wiersbe's comments I did agree with probably 99%. Always read commentaries with discernment. The Bible is the only thing we can rely on 100%.

[Patti Quiring · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have done several Wiersbe BE series booklets. Bible in one hand and his commentary booklet in the other. Our bible study group, that meets for two hours once a week, have grow in our Christian walk relative to the BE series. I'd highly recommend the BE series. The title says it all: "Be RIGHT with God, Yourself, and Others."

[Jenny Knippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEEP DIVE!
A great verse-by-verse walk-through of Paul's letter to the Romans. Lots of links to other scriptures that stitched the book into the books around it. The occasional greek word translations were sweet little nuggets of incite for this logophile.