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ESV Expository Commentary #10

ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians

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Designed to help the church understand and apply the overarching storyline of the Bible, the ESV Expository Commentary is broadly accessible, theologically enriching, and pastorally wise. It features clear, crisp, and Christ-centered exposition and application from a team of respected pastor-theologians. With exegetically sound, broadly reformed, biblical-theological, passage-by-passage commentary, this volume was written to help pastors and Bible readers around the world understand the riches of God’s Word. 
Robert W. Yarbrough (Romans)
Andrew David Naselli (1 Corinthians)
Dane Ortlund (2 Corinthians)
Frank Thielman (Galatians)

688 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

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Iain M. Duguid

67 books23 followers

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for James Schroeder.
22 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2020
If you are like me and already own an ESV study bible, then you are already familiar with the quality and thoroughness that is put into this expanded form of the ESV Translation of the bible. It is theologically sound and provides for solid exposition of the Scriptures. Volume 10 is written from a broadly Reformed view towards interpretation and application of Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, and Galatians. The goal for each author is to be exegetically sound, biblically theological, globally aware, broadly reformed, doctrinally conversant, pastorally useful, application-minded, and efficient in expression. The authors have been faithful to this goal and provide an excellent bible study resource.

I also own the ESV study bible and the ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible. Each has slightly different content and provides varying levels of detail and content, with the Expository Commentary series being the most detailed. If you have ever felt like the study bible did not fully explain a difficult passage but feel intimidated reading a 1000 page commentary, then the Expository Series is perfect for you.

The introduction for each book covers the historical background, genre, purpose, theology, and other relevant topics to better understand and breakdown the book. The commentary is well written in a deep but approachable manner. It does not breakdown the Greek translation, except where it is necessary to discuss the nuances of translation or to highlight a specific word that is important for interpretation. This make the text approachable to those that have never studied the bible in depth but want to explore the texts deeper. It is a perfect fit for most readers of Scripture from new believers to seminary students, pastors, and teachers of the word.

After the introduction, the book of the bible is broken down into sections. There is the section verses, section overview, outline, and then a verse by verse commentary. Each verse has between a paragraph to a page of commentary, depending on its complexity. After the verse by verse commentary is a Response section. This is a valuable section that further summarizes the text while providing practical application. Scripture is not merely to be read or understood, but it is to be lived out. In living out Scripture, we demonstrate what we truly believe.

As one of my favorite books of the bible, Romans has much to theologically consider. The Expository Series provides in depth consideration while remaining somewhat brief. As noted on page 30, Romans is simple in that a clear message of salvation is seen, like in the example of select verses making up the Romans Road. In another sense, Romans is incredibly complex and densely packed with theological truths. In the "preaching from" sections you get the first indication of a directed audience towards pastors. Apart from this section the commentary is written towards a broad audience. Romans has some distinctly Reformed themes that did not seem to be fully addressed or argued for one way or another. This is the only place where I felt like the Yarbrough could have done more to either present both sides of the argument or argue in favor of his interpretation.

"Romans 8 says that believers have a home—they have a Father and a family. “We are children of God” (v. 16), so much so that we are “heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (v. 17). Even if “suffer” gives pause, there is joy in belonging to God the Father, and to other believers, in a world of alienation and dislocation." Page 136

"[2 Corinthians 3:18] Believers are 'being transformed' (present passive) into the very image of Christ. United to him, we look like him as we gaze at him… But this is not a false superspirituality in which we all become 'nicer' and increasingly bland and look more and more like each other. It is a regaining of our lost humanity, our fallen dignity. “Image” is a fundamental biblical category that draws the reader all the way back to Eden, where man was made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26–28). To behold the glory of Christ is to be given back our true selves." Page 450

"[2 Corinthians 3:18] But what does "from glory to glory" mean? Perhaps, as some translations make explicit, the meaning is a gradual glorification. But it is more likely, given the context, that Paul means we are being gradually transformed from the glory of the old age into the glory of the new age." Page 451

"[Galatians 6:1] The passive-voice verb translated 'caught' leaves the implied subject of the action unclear. Does Paul envision other Christians catching a person in some transgression, or transgression itself catching that person? It seems more in line with the spirit of Paul’s main point to read this as transgression itself catching someone. His warning that helpers of this needy person should guard themselves against transgression seems to confirm this reading. Paul personifies transgression as the chief actor in both clauses." Page 642

The ESV Expository Commentary series is a newer series with volumes still releasing. Volum 3 (1 Samuel–2 Chronicles), Volume 4 (Ezra–Job), Volume 7 (Daniel–Malachi), Volume 9 (John–Acts), Volume 10 (Romans–Galatians), Volume 11 (Ephesians–Philemon) and Volume 12 (Hebrews–Revelation) have been released as of writing this.

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for Spencer R.
287 reviews36 followers
November 2, 2020
To help us understand these letters, each contributor in this volume (as with all the other volumes) shows Paul's flow of thought throughout each of his letters. They believe the Bible has a single storyline which leads us to Christ, and they help you focus on the English text.

As for the commentaries themselves, the authors deal with the usual introductory matters (date, occasion, outline, genre/literary features, theology). Dane Ortlund sees "Strength through weakness" as "the basic theme of" 2 Corinthians, writing that, "Throughout the letter Paul looks at every aspect of theology through the upending gospel in which God brings life through death and strength through weakness" (400). Paul gives a lot of space to the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians. But if that letter gives us the "what" of the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians provides the "when." We know the new age has dawned because we receive the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of the new creation. As well, God reconciles us, estranged and exiled sinners, to himself through his Son Jesus Christ. "Reconciliation opens up to us the gracious heart of the triune God" (400).

According to Ortlund, "the pervasive underlying structure of 2 Corinthians is the new age that has dawned in the resurrection of Christ. Paul's burden throughout the letter is to reveal what true ministry looks like in the age of the gospel" (400). Christians who are united to Christ, the one "crucified in weakness" (13,4), "follow in his pattern of weakness unto strength and death unto life" (401). 

Recommended?

This is a very helpful series to have, especially this volume in particular. You get four great books by four excellent theologians (Yarbrough and Thielman have written a few commentaries already), each book covering about 160 pages (on average, it isn't quite that even). This volume helpfully lays out the flow of thought, theology, and application of each section, as well as what is actually going on in the letter. Paul's argument is laid out clearly and is easily to follow, a blessing to have in a commentary (no one likes reading a commentary where you're more confused after you read it than you were before reading it) I recommend looking into this one and into this whole series.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Crossway. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Aaron.
894 reviews43 followers
September 2, 2020
With the start of the Fall season, it’s good to get into some serious study of the Bible. The ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians was the commentary I needed to help me see God’s Word clearly with fresh eyes.

The ESV Expository Commentary is designed to help the church understand and apply the overarching storyline of the Bible. It aims to be broadly accessible, theologically enriching, and pastorally wise. This entry covering Romans-Galatians is exceptional. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar are the series editors, and this edition has contributions from Robert W. Yarbrough, Andy Naselli, Dane C. Ortlund, and Frank Thielman.

Robert W. Yarbrough: Romans

Romans commentary is provided by Robert W. Yarbrough. He shows us how the book is wide-ranging with a theological thrust. It is a theological/doctrinal letter, missionary letter, pastoral letter, situational letter, and political-functioning letter. Because the book of Romans can be quite intimidating and easy to get lost in, Yarbrough notes that Paul’s focus in Romans can be glimpsed in the frequency of the words he uses. God, law, Christ, sin, and Lord are the top 5 words.

Romans connects the OT with the NT, and Yarbrough helps us see how Paul does it. Interestingly, Yarbrough gives four tips for maximum usability of Romans in an exposition covering the whole book: (1) Know the congregation, (2) Know the point, (3) Know the text, (4) Know the Lord. In regards to Romans 7, Yarbrough states that no Christian is so sanctified that he can honestly say that the statement “I do the very thing I hate” never describes him. So he presents a straightforward and convincing argument for the plausibility of Paul’s speaking here as a Christian.

Andrew David Naselli: 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians commentary is by Andrew David Naselli. He describes the book in one sentence: The gospel requires God’s holy people to mature in purity and unity. This type of clarity is all throughout Naselli’s commentary.

The spiritual gifts in chapters 12-14 are presented as operating until Jesus returns. He clarifies that “tongues” in Acts 2 probably refers to xenoglossia (i.e., speaking in a human language the speaker does not know), while “tongues” in 1 Corinthians 14 probably refers to glossolalia (i.e., speaking in verbal patterns that humans cannot identify with any human language). Prophecy is an insight that God spontaneously reveals. Furthermore, those prophesying do not speak with absolute divine authority.

Dane Ortlund: 2 Corinthians

Dane Ortlund provides the commentary for 2 Corinthians, and he points out the theme of strength through weakness. Other themes include The Holy Spirit, reconciliation, and heaven. Having just read Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly, it is clear that he is sensitive to the softer side of the Apostle Paul.

He notes that the tone changes seemingly abruptly at points in 2 Corinthians. For instance, transitioning from 7:1 to 7:2, the letter suddenly becomes intensely personal and autobiographical. Ortlund reminds us that Paul was hurt by the Corinthians, and Paul is still human. So the deep emotion that Paul felt is responsible for the seemingly changes in tone throughout the letter.

Frank Thielman: Galatians

Galatians ends this edition with commentary from Frank Thielman, and he highlights the themes of justification, the law, and the family of God. While the previous commentators thought about preachers, Thielman makes a memorable case for Galatians by reminding us of the dramatic backstory that comes along with the Apostle Paul. His conversion, defense of Gentile Christians, the loss of friendship with the Galatians, and the dangers of the false teachers should be at the forefront of our minds.

In regards to the law, Thielman summarizes Paul by stating that the law had a separate, temporary purpose that was qualitatively different from the purpose of the Abrahamic covenant. This type of nuance is carefully considered throughout the commentary.

Truths for your Heart

The book concludes in Galatians with a warning showing how the false teachers in Galatia were apparently well-connected leaders in the church. They distorted the gospel and sought to coerce those under their influence to turn away from its true form. It’s a sober warning for us, and a fitting example of how the truth contained in the Scriptures and explained by these commentaries must not merely exist in our minds. These truths must take hold of our hearts. This commentary is a great help for it to do just that.

I received a media copy of ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jim.
27 reviews
February 16, 2021
The ESV Expository Commentary on Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, and Galatians is a helpful tool for teachers, lay leaders, and for personal devotion. The goal of each commentator-which I think was successfully achieved-was to produce a commentary that was exegetically sound, biblically theological, and application minded to name just a few of the commentary’s characteristics. The contributors to this volume are:

Series Editor: Iain M. Duguid Series Editor
Series Editor: James M. Hamilton Jr.
Series Editor: Jay Sklar
Romans: Robert Yarbrough
1 Corinthians: Andrew Naselli
2 Corinthians: Dane Ortlund
Galatians: Frank Thielman

Each book provides a discussion of the historical background, genre, purpose, theology, as well as other relevant topics. Following the introduction, each book is broken down into sections, verses, section overview, outline, commentary, and response which provides a summary as well as practical application. I have provided a screenshot below of Romans 1:1 to get a feel for the accessible reading style.

My personal rating for this volume is 5 out of 5 stars.

From the publisher:
Designed to help the church understand and apply the overarching storyline of the Bible, the ESV Expository Commentary is broadly accessible, theologically enriching, and pastorally wise. It features clear, crisp, and Christ-centered exposition and application from a team of respected pastor-theologians. With exegetically sound, broadly reformed, biblical-theological, passage-by-passage commentary, this volume was written to help pastors and Bible readers around the world understand the riches of God’s Word.


This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.




18 reviews
September 6, 2020
In the preface, the publishers and editors say, “God has revealed himself in the Bible, which makes the words of Scripture sweeter than honey, more precious than gold, and more valuable than all riches.”
If this is true, that Scripture is a valuable source of information and guidance, we need to understand the context of the books contained in the compendium we call “The Bible.” Then we can apply the words of God to our lives and world. Each author of the commentary on the individual books in Vol. X must be “exegetically sound” in their approach to the text. “Globally aware,” “pastorally useful,” and “application-minded” are several of the foci for explanation of the text.
Each book begins with an introduction that includes an overview of the book, discussion of the title, authorship, date and occasion, genre and literary features, theology of the book, as well as its relationship to the rest of the Bible and to Christ, and its use in preaching. After the introduction and an outline of the book, each author proceeds to explain the text, finishing with a bibliography.
This commentary series is geared to those who would be teaching and preaching the Word. Anyone who is interested in understanding a particular passage would benefit from the commentary. The use of Greek is not pervasive, allowing for someone who is not trained in the language to understand the text. I have been using the ESV as my devotional reading each morning, as well as my study text. I find this commentary helpful, along with others that have become favorites of mine.
Crossway was kind enough to provide me a copy of the commentary without an expectation of a favorable review.

Profile Image for Thomas Creedy.
430 reviews43 followers
January 28, 2022
I love the format, physically and layout. Good to have the physical space, the passage, and a blend of verse by verse and overall commentary. Nice short recommendations for key commentaries on each book. Ortlund on 2 Cor. probably the standout. Weird divisor of text in the Gal. section in my view and some other places - but overall a valuable resource for preachers and a good devotional read too.
14 reviews
August 17, 2021
The commentary on 1 Corinthians is outstanding. The commentaries on Romans, 2 Corinthians, and Galatians are all solid, clear and helpful.
348 reviews
May 26, 2025
Every entry is solid but Naselli's commentary on 1 Corinthians truly stands out. Even when I disagree with him, I found his arguments and observations to be sound and insightful. Recommended.
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