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The New International Commentary on the New Testament
The Letter to the Romans (New International Commentary on the New Testament
For more than twenty years Douglas Moo’s NICNT volume on Romans has been providing pastors, students, and scholars with profound insight into Paul’s most famous letter. In this thorough revision of his commentary, Moo deals with issues that have come into prominence since the first edition (1996), incorporating the latest research and rewriting the text throughout for better comprehension.
Exegetically astute and theologically minded, Moo interacts critically with the new perspective on Paul, highlights the emphasis in Romans on “practical divinity,” and traces the theme of the gospel throughout the letter. His Letter to the Romans in this second edition will inform and enlighten a new generation of serious Bible readers.
1184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 1996
195 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Douglas J. Moo
100 books86 followersDouglas J. Moo (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of commentaries on Romans, James, 2 Peter and Jude, and Colossians and Philemon and coauthor of An Introduction to the New Testament. He also headed the committee on Bible translation for the NIV revision.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 1, 2020
This is a near-perfect commentary in every way. It is a model of judicious, analytical reasoning yet always with an eye to the church. To better serve the theology student, this won’t be a standard book review. I am going to highlight many of the key exegetical moves Moo makes, so that you will know what to look for.
1:16. “Paul’s ministry to the Gentles derives from his understanding that the Gospel itself as eschatological revelation that fulfills the OT promises about the universal reign of Yahweh” (68).
Per the “righteousness of God,” I will deal with Moo’s position in his comments on the New Perspective. Justification, of course, is the verdict of a judge, not a moral transformation.
Works of the Law
If Jews were not insisting on works as a means of salvation, it’s not clear then why Paul brings up the contrast between faith and works (217).
3:25. Defends propitiation as a legitimate translation given the background of God’s wrath. The connotations involved with expiation, however, should not be dismissed. Cleansing from guilt is an important part.
4:18. Abraham’s faith is not an existentialist leap in the dark, but a leap from “the evidence of his senses into the security of God’s word and promise” (283).
6:4, passim. Paul makes baptism the means (dia) by which we are buried with Christ, not the place (361). Baptism mediates such a union. It does not contain it.
Romans 7. Moo deviates slightly from the traditional view that Paul is talking about the current struggles of a Christian. Moo sees the text as making more sense in light of Israel and Torah. Of course, he denies the Christian can be sinless in this life.
“Israel stands in redemptive history as kind of a ‘test case'” (417).
Romans 9. Moo adopts the standard Calvinist reading, but notes that we shouldn’t abstract it from the history of Israel. It’s important to notice that “spiritual Israel” means the remnant of God’s people. It is a group within ethnic Israel (574).
Romans 11. Key problem: How will “All Israel be saved”? Israel’s hardening will be removed when a numerical completion of the gentiles happens (719).
26a. Does the toutos mean “in this way” or “and thus?” Grammatically, it seems to be the former. Moo notes, however, that it also has a temporal reference (720). Of course, it can’t mean the church in this passage, and Moo marshals a number of arguments against such a view: Israel has meant “ethnic Israel” at least ten times in this pericope. Paul wouldn’t suddenly shift to the church without warning. It would also imply a partial hardening on the church.
Romans 13. The simplest reading requires obedience to authorities, even if they are bad. Civil disobedience, understood properly, is allowed but not so much in taking up arms against the government.
Chiasms
Romans 2:6-11
A. God will judge everyone equitably (6)
B. Those who do good will attain eternal life (7)
C. Those who do evil will suffer wrath (8)
C’ Wrath for those who do evil (9)
B’ Glory for those who do good (10)
A’ God judges impartially (11).
Conclusion
Working through this commentary will teach you how to think analytically.
1:16. “Paul’s ministry to the Gentles derives from his understanding that the Gospel itself as eschatological revelation that fulfills the OT promises about the universal reign of Yahweh” (68).
Per the “righteousness of God,” I will deal with Moo’s position in his comments on the New Perspective. Justification, of course, is the verdict of a judge, not a moral transformation.
Works of the Law
If Jews were not insisting on works as a means of salvation, it’s not clear then why Paul brings up the contrast between faith and works (217).
3:25. Defends propitiation as a legitimate translation given the background of God’s wrath. The connotations involved with expiation, however, should not be dismissed. Cleansing from guilt is an important part.
4:18. Abraham’s faith is not an existentialist leap in the dark, but a leap from “the evidence of his senses into the security of God’s word and promise” (283).
6:4, passim. Paul makes baptism the means (dia) by which we are buried with Christ, not the place (361). Baptism mediates such a union. It does not contain it.
Romans 7. Moo deviates slightly from the traditional view that Paul is talking about the current struggles of a Christian. Moo sees the text as making more sense in light of Israel and Torah. Of course, he denies the Christian can be sinless in this life.
“Israel stands in redemptive history as kind of a ‘test case'” (417).
Romans 9. Moo adopts the standard Calvinist reading, but notes that we shouldn’t abstract it from the history of Israel. It’s important to notice that “spiritual Israel” means the remnant of God’s people. It is a group within ethnic Israel (574).
Romans 11. Key problem: How will “All Israel be saved”? Israel’s hardening will be removed when a numerical completion of the gentiles happens (719).
26a. Does the toutos mean “in this way” or “and thus?” Grammatically, it seems to be the former. Moo notes, however, that it also has a temporal reference (720). Of course, it can’t mean the church in this passage, and Moo marshals a number of arguments against such a view: Israel has meant “ethnic Israel” at least ten times in this pericope. Paul wouldn’t suddenly shift to the church without warning. It would also imply a partial hardening on the church.
Romans 13. The simplest reading requires obedience to authorities, even if they are bad. Civil disobedience, understood properly, is allowed but not so much in taking up arms against the government.
Chiasms
Romans 2:6-11
A. God will judge everyone equitably (6)
B. Those who do good will attain eternal life (7)
C. Those who do evil will suffer wrath (8)
C’ Wrath for those who do evil (9)
B’ Glory for those who do good (10)
A’ God judges impartially (11).
Conclusion
Working through this commentary will teach you how to think analytically.
January 26, 2025
Moo gives us a tour de force, accomplishing the magnum opus of his lifetime. Every Bible scholar, pastor, or serious Bible teacher must converse with Moo's Roman commentary. Every commentary by Moo is worth reading because where the text goes, Moo goes with it. His exegesis is most often very well done, and his theological points (while as many as Schreiner) are rooted in the text. He covers the major views on the more controversial passages well, and rules out as many as he can. Often he synthesizes two views when they are too difficult to decide between, the "both/and" (or "why do we have to make a decision here") approach that even conservative scholars tend to overuse. But that aside, Moo excels in Romans 7, 8-9, and 11 where so many other commentaries just follow tradition. Moo was my #1 favorite commentary when preaching through Romans (followed by #2 Schreiner, #3 Thielman ZECNT, and #4 Morris). Very highly recommended!
August 13, 2022
4/5 pour le contenu
2/5 pour la forme
Positif
-Moo creuse vraiment chaque verset, que ce soit sur la grammaire, le contenu théologique. Vraiment complet
-Il interagit de façon charitable avec ceux qui seraient en désaccord avec lui, essayant à chaque fois de souligner le positif.
-Il ne se dérobe devant aucune difficulté
-très fluide et à son aise dans les réflexions théologiques
Négatifs
-Que c'est lourd ! Franchement en dehors des réflexions théologiques Moo est vraiment lourd à lire... Plusieurs fois obligé de relire des phrases ou des paragraphes pour en saisir le propos.... Le pire étant certaines discussions de grammaire...
J'ai vraiment été tenté de lâcher l'affaire à plusieurs reprises.
-inconsistant dans le choix des notes de bas de page. Voilà autre chose qui n'aide pas. En effet je n'ai pas toujours compris la logique de Moo dans le choix de ce qu'il traitait dans le corps de texte et de ce qu'il renvoyait aux notes.
Un commentaire à consulter plutôt qu'à lire.
Est-ce si grave ? En soit non si l'auteur le pense ainsi (par exemple Marguerat sur les Actes) mais pour un texte comme Romain ça me dérange car je préfère les commentaires qui permettent de suivre la logique du texte. Et quand il s'agit d'une argumentation aussi grandiose que celle de Paul dans cette lettre je ne peux m'empêcher d'être déçu.
2/5 pour la forme
Positif
-Moo creuse vraiment chaque verset, que ce soit sur la grammaire, le contenu théologique. Vraiment complet
-Il interagit de façon charitable avec ceux qui seraient en désaccord avec lui, essayant à chaque fois de souligner le positif.
-Il ne se dérobe devant aucune difficulté
-très fluide et à son aise dans les réflexions théologiques
Négatifs
-Que c'est lourd ! Franchement en dehors des réflexions théologiques Moo est vraiment lourd à lire... Plusieurs fois obligé de relire des phrases ou des paragraphes pour en saisir le propos.... Le pire étant certaines discussions de grammaire...
J'ai vraiment été tenté de lâcher l'affaire à plusieurs reprises.
-inconsistant dans le choix des notes de bas de page. Voilà autre chose qui n'aide pas. En effet je n'ai pas toujours compris la logique de Moo dans le choix de ce qu'il traitait dans le corps de texte et de ce qu'il renvoyait aux notes.
Un commentaire à consulter plutôt qu'à lire.
Est-ce si grave ? En soit non si l'auteur le pense ainsi (par exemple Marguerat sur les Actes) mais pour un texte comme Romain ça me dérange car je préfère les commentaires qui permettent de suivre la logique du texte. Et quand il s'agit d'une argumentation aussi grandiose que celle de Paul dans cette lettre je ne peux m'empêcher d'être déçu.
April 29, 2013
This was probably the most I have ever enjoyed reading a commentary (which is good considering it was 941 pages of commentary...). Moo is a thorough scholar, a lucid writer, and weaves academic research and devotional prose together extremely well here. I read this for an exegesis class on Romans, but I was personally helped by reading this quite a bit. I also read Tom Schreiner's commentary on the Greek text with this. I tended to side with Schreiner more on questions of the Law and it's applicability to Christians today, but there was very little I disagreed with Moo on. Very good stuff.
April 6, 2021
Extraordinary. Especially Moo's commentary on Romans 7.
March 22, 2021
This is a really good commentary on Romans. Moo gives a good balance of exegetical and theological work. For various passages, he interacts with different views and generally explains why he adopts the view he does. There were different places where I disagreed with Moo, some of those quite minor and some less so, but this is the kind of commentary that is helpful even when you disagree. He gives enough explanation for his view that it is helpful to work through it. This is a must have commentary for studying and preaching Romans.
August 5, 2025
Of the many resources I consulted for a 17-week, verses-by-verse preaching series through the book of Romans, Douglas Moo’s commentary was the most outstanding. Superb commentary! Strikes a nice balance of being both readable and informative. As with other commentaries in the NICNT series, the content is deep without being overbearing or overly academic. The theology is solid.
July 6, 2023
After two attempts and two givings-up, I've finally managed to read the entire commentary section of this book. I don't think I'll go back and read the Introduction because I suspect a good deal of that is inherent in the commentary anyway.
Last time I gave up the book because it was 'far too detailed' - this time I stuck with it. I still think there's possibly an element of over-detailedness about it, and Mr Moo is not a man to rush himself: every conclusion needs to be argued for and against, every word checked, every thought pursued, and every aspect of the form of Paul's writing expanded on from a literary point of view.
There's no doubt that having done all the above he feels that while others may hedge and hum and haw and come up with unsatisfactory theories, he - Moo - has reached a satisfactory conclusion about almost every word or sentence in the epistle. And I felt I could trust his conclusions because of this. He certainly made clearer some of the things about Romans that have flummoxed me in the past, and has given me insights that I wouldn't have discovered for myself. So it was worth journeying with him at such length.
I may never come back to the book, except to remind myself of some smaller points, but I am glad to have finished it (to all intents and purposes).
Last time I gave up the book because it was 'far too detailed' - this time I stuck with it. I still think there's possibly an element of over-detailedness about it, and Mr Moo is not a man to rush himself: every conclusion needs to be argued for and against, every word checked, every thought pursued, and every aspect of the form of Paul's writing expanded on from a literary point of view.
There's no doubt that having done all the above he feels that while others may hedge and hum and haw and come up with unsatisfactory theories, he - Moo - has reached a satisfactory conclusion about almost every word or sentence in the epistle. And I felt I could trust his conclusions because of this. He certainly made clearer some of the things about Romans that have flummoxed me in the past, and has given me insights that I wouldn't have discovered for myself. So it was worth journeying with him at such length.
I may never come back to the book, except to remind myself of some smaller points, but I am glad to have finished it (to all intents and purposes).
June 1, 2016
Such a great exegetical commentary. Like the other entries in this series of commentaries, this volume is extremely scholarly in scope and approach, but a wealth of knowledge and expertise that would supplement any serious study of Romans.
January 12, 2017
Everything you want to know about the sticking points of Romans and the kitchen sink is in this monster too. How do people write stuff like this? Who is this Moo guy? Could use a new less frightening cover design.
May 16, 2007
Great Romans commentary. Presents multiple views on lots of important exegetical questions. I especially liked his treatment of the end of Romans 7. (No, I haven't read the whole thing!)
April 29, 2016
Absolutely wonderful commentary. It serves as a model for all biblical commentaries.
July 28, 2019
I’ve also been using Moo for preaching through Romans. I also listen to his Lectures on Romans 1-7 in companion to this. Moo is probably my favorite of the commentaries I’ve read on Romans.
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 the best one.
Moo 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. Moo also supplies information on the cultural background, and why Paul wrote Romans.
Moo also interacts with 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, Moo properly goes from verse to verse, and in his comments, one always knows which verse he is commenting on.
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.
Moo 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. Moo also supplies information on the cultural background, and why Paul wrote Romans.
Moo also interacts with 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, Moo properly goes from verse to verse, and in his comments, one always knows which verse he is commenting on.
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.
November 8, 2021
Towards the end of 2020, I recall reading an article about what was getting Michael Kovrig through his imprisonment in China.
In the article, he mentioned reading St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, and so I thought I too would give it a try.
I will soon be reading the others mentioned in the article (the ones I have not yet already read).
This was an inspiring book.
Definitely would recommend!
4.8/5
In the article, he mentioned reading St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, and so I thought I too would give it a try.
I will soon be reading the others mentioned in the article (the ones I have not yet already read).
This was an inspiring book.
Definitely would recommend!
4.8/5
August 20, 2023
This is an excellent commentary and an excellent resource. After reading Douglas Campbell and watching debates between Moo and Campbell, I am persuaded to align more with Campbell. What I am saying is that, as a resource, and in terms of quality, Moo is outstanding, however, he lacks what Campbell brings to the table which I think is crucial to moving the ball down the field in terms of our understanding of Romans.
February 17, 2018
Outstanding in every way. This is the Robert Haldane Commentary of our day. I cannot recommend this book enough for the pastor that is preaching through Romans. This is not a commentary built for "reading". It is a deep, rich commentary meant to dissect every meaning of every significant word and phrase in this glorious book.
February 20, 2019
To read this commentary and feel satisfied and amazed is all I hoped for. Thoroughly brilliant. Douglas J Moo is a great writer and scholar.
April 6, 2019
Very good. (I quibble with a few things, but that's to be expected in over 900pp.)
March 31, 2022
While preaching through the book of Romans (for 15 months) I utilized many commentaries including Stott & Schreiner. Moo, overall was the most helpful. An outstanding commentary.
Read
August 27, 2022Did not read entirely but referenced heavily for a Romans class. I love his easy way to explain and break verses down.
October 29, 2022
A decent commentary on Romans. However, it is sadly inundated with theological and exegetical bias. In general, it is a boring read that will succeed in boring Christians with the Word of God.
November 29, 2022
One of my new favorite commentaries. This is a must-read.
December 20, 2022
Easily the most dense and enlightening study of Roman’s I have ever read.
June 7, 2023
Fav Romans Academic Commentary
August 29, 2024
Best modern commentary on Romans
Read
May 11, 2025Series: Romans (Aug 2023-Nov 2024)
May 17, 2025
Precision is key in this. Trying to avoid certain parts of his more dispensational pre mill views but the most in depth commentary on Romans I've seen. Must get
June 28, 2025
Read sections of it as needed while preaching through Romans. Very helpful.
March 9, 2017
Moo is an exceptional commentator. I've read this entire commentary at least twice over the last twenty years. Continues to teach me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews