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The Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation commentary series explores the theology of the Bible in considerable depth, spanning both Testaments. General Editors include T. Desmond Alexander, Andreas J. Kostenberger and Thomas R. Schreiner with contributing authors from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, though all affirm the inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture. United in their belief in the underlying unity of Scripture, each author explores the contribution of a given book or group of books to the theology of Scripture as a whole. All volumes provide a discussion of introductory matters, including the book’s historical setting and the literary structure. Also included is an exegetical treatment of all the relevant passages in succinct commentary-style format.
The major contribution of each volume, however, is a thorough discussion of the most important themes of the biblical book in relation to the canon as a whole. This format, in itself, would already be a valuable contribution to biblical theology. But there are other series that try to accomplish a survey of the Bible’s theology as well. What distinguishes the present series is its orientation toward Christian proclamation. As a result, the ultimate purpose of this set of volumes is not exclusively, or even primarily, academic. Rather, we seek to relate biblical theology to our own lives and to the life of the church. Our desire is to equip those in Christian ministry who are called by God to preach and teach the precious truths of Scripture to their congregations.
The major contribution of each volume, however, is a thorough discussion of the most important themes of the biblical book in relation to the canon as a whole. This format, in itself, would already be a valuable contribution to biblical theology. But there are other series that try to accomplish a survey of the Bible’s theology as well. What distinguishes the present series is its orientation toward Christian proclamation. As a result, the ultimate purpose of this set of volumes is not exclusively, or even primarily, academic. Rather, we seek to relate biblical theology to our own lives and to the life of the church. Our desire is to equip those in Christian ministry who are called by God to preach and teach the precious truths of Scripture to their congregations.
688 pages, Hardcover
Published January 13, 2021
7 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
David G. Peterson
13 books5 followersDavid Peterson was senior research fellow and lecturer in New Testament at Moore Theological College, Sydney, where he still teaches part time. He served as principal of Oak Hill College, London, from 1996 to 2007. His books include Engaging with God, Possessed by God (both IVP) and Hebrews and Perfection (Cambridge University Press).
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 23, 2021
Commentaries can prove to be a tricky business. They're often intimidating to the casual reader, and even for those who teach and preach God's Word, knowing which ones to use can be a challenge. Frequently, the choice before us is to use a commentary that is technical, grammatically-focused, and "accurate," or a commentary that is readable, applicable, and "accessible." But the best of commentaries do not force us into making such a choice of either-or.
This "both-and" approach is what we find in Peterson's new commentary on Romans, part of Lexham Press' Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series. The real strength of this series is that it not only provides fresh exegetical study, but it situates a particular book in its larger biblical-theological place. It gives each book of the Bible a redemptive context.
This particular volume by Peterson is a welcomed addition to the series. Romans is one of my very favorite New Testament books, and Peterson handles it with care. The introduction in particular was riveting material. His articulation of the literary factors of the letter to the Romans (alternation, refrain, progression/digression, and recursion) were newer concepts to me. Digging into these concepts early on helps you read the entire letter with new eyes, and strengthens the ability of the teacher to rightly organize and communicate the material.
I agree with Peterson’s implying the importance of Romans to the biblical canon, arguing that “Romans shows us how to read the Scriptures appropriately” (27). Yet it is, as Peterson demonstrates, one of Paul’s most practical-theology-oriented letters of all. For a book often hailed as the Bible’s own systematic theology in miniature, it seems to have much to say, as Peterson persuasively argues, about “the practical consequences of our new life in Christ” (27).
One of my favorite aspects of Peterson’s commentary is how concise it is. That is not to say that it is lacking. Peterson simply does what many commentators find it difficult to do: communicate the thrust of a verse’s meaning without much chatter! Many times, the commentator can get so carried away in /commentating/ that the reader begins to lose her grip on the issue at hand. Peterson helpfully avoids the rabbit trails, stays on course, and gives us sufficient reflection in each verse. Peterson’s goal is simply to help us understand the Scripture at hand, explicitly, accurately, and practically.
Those who are not regularly teaching God’s Word or have a working knowledge of Greek will find this commentary to be a bit more challenging. Peterson definitely is comfortable referring to the Greek throughout the book, which some may find more difficult than other “entry-level” commentaries. But no seminary degree is required to benefit from Peterson’s work here.
Those who aim to study or teach the book of Romans soon would do well to pick up David Peterson’s commentary as a guide. It blends accuracy and accessibility well, and makes for insightful study of one of the most important books in the New Testament.
* I was provided a copy of this book by Lexham Press in exchange for my honest review.
This "both-and" approach is what we find in Peterson's new commentary on Romans, part of Lexham Press' Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series. The real strength of this series is that it not only provides fresh exegetical study, but it situates a particular book in its larger biblical-theological place. It gives each book of the Bible a redemptive context.
This particular volume by Peterson is a welcomed addition to the series. Romans is one of my very favorite New Testament books, and Peterson handles it with care. The introduction in particular was riveting material. His articulation of the literary factors of the letter to the Romans (alternation, refrain, progression/digression, and recursion) were newer concepts to me. Digging into these concepts early on helps you read the entire letter with new eyes, and strengthens the ability of the teacher to rightly organize and communicate the material.
I agree with Peterson’s implying the importance of Romans to the biblical canon, arguing that “Romans shows us how to read the Scriptures appropriately” (27). Yet it is, as Peterson demonstrates, one of Paul’s most practical-theology-oriented letters of all. For a book often hailed as the Bible’s own systematic theology in miniature, it seems to have much to say, as Peterson persuasively argues, about “the practical consequences of our new life in Christ” (27).
One of my favorite aspects of Peterson’s commentary is how concise it is. That is not to say that it is lacking. Peterson simply does what many commentators find it difficult to do: communicate the thrust of a verse’s meaning without much chatter! Many times, the commentator can get so carried away in /commentating/ that the reader begins to lose her grip on the issue at hand. Peterson helpfully avoids the rabbit trails, stays on course, and gives us sufficient reflection in each verse. Peterson’s goal is simply to help us understand the Scripture at hand, explicitly, accurately, and practically.
Those who are not regularly teaching God’s Word or have a working knowledge of Greek will find this commentary to be a bit more challenging. Peterson definitely is comfortable referring to the Greek throughout the book, which some may find more difficult than other “entry-level” commentaries. But no seminary degree is required to benefit from Peterson’s work here.
Those who aim to study or teach the book of Romans soon would do well to pick up David Peterson’s commentary as a guide. It blends accuracy and accessibility well, and makes for insightful study of one of the most important books in the New Testament.
* I was provided a copy of this book by Lexham Press in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2025
Peterson is helpful on some sections of Romans where other commentaries flounder. I found his comments on Romans 1-2 and 11-13 the most helpful (as I had underlined much more in those chapters than others.) I would recommend these in the top 7 commentaries for pastors to have on Romans.
August 6, 2018
You can read my full review at my SpoiledMilks blog (7/27/18).
In a world of Romans commentaries, why buy one more? Or if you don’t have any, why buy this one? The Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation series focuses on discussing the themes of each biblical book and how it fits into the whole canon for Christian proclamation. This series doesn’t aim at producing dense, academic works, but rather to present Biblical theology to the lives of all of Christ’s body.
Peterson’s introduction is pretty short. He agrees with many of the conservative, consensus views, although here he takes a new approach to the structure of Romans. He believes Paul alternates between confirming the gospel and defending the gospel against Jewish objections. He presents the book of Romans as one long recursion (or chiasm), however I did not understand his recursive structure (see p. 18).
Peterson offers almost 50 pages on the biblical and theological themes of Romans, and he helpfully explains the logic of Paul’s arguments, how the verbal forms of Greek explain Paul’s thinking, and how that helps the pastor understand Paul’s theology.
The BTCP series succeeds here where others series fail. All of this helps to situate the reader into the text and to orient him (or her) to his surroundings. Rather than having to read the previous ten pages to get a grip on the argument, the reader is quickly brought up to speed with each new section.
I would certainly recommend Peterson’s commentary to any teacher, paster, student, Bible study leader, etc. Having a commentary from the deep well of a biblical scholar that is easily accessible is uncommon, but it is a pleasure to read. It would serve you well to pick up anything by Peterson.
Disclosure: I received this book free from B&H Academic. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
In a world of Romans commentaries, why buy one more? Or if you don’t have any, why buy this one? The Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation series focuses on discussing the themes of each biblical book and how it fits into the whole canon for Christian proclamation. This series doesn’t aim at producing dense, academic works, but rather to present Biblical theology to the lives of all of Christ’s body.
Peterson’s introduction is pretty short. He agrees with many of the conservative, consensus views, although here he takes a new approach to the structure of Romans. He believes Paul alternates between confirming the gospel and defending the gospel against Jewish objections. He presents the book of Romans as one long recursion (or chiasm), however I did not understand his recursive structure (see p. 18).
Peterson offers almost 50 pages on the biblical and theological themes of Romans, and he helpfully explains the logic of Paul’s arguments, how the verbal forms of Greek explain Paul’s thinking, and how that helps the pastor understand Paul’s theology.
The BTCP series succeeds here where others series fail. All of this helps to situate the reader into the text and to orient him (or her) to his surroundings. Rather than having to read the previous ten pages to get a grip on the argument, the reader is quickly brought up to speed with each new section.
I would certainly recommend Peterson’s commentary to any teacher, paster, student, Bible study leader, etc. Having a commentary from the deep well of a biblical scholar that is easily accessible is uncommon, but it is a pleasure to read. It would serve you well to pick up anything by Peterson.
Disclosure: I received this book free from B&H Academic. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
April 28, 2022
The format is brief, which is a strength and a weakness (a strength: Peterson cuts to the chase; a weakness: there's not as much engagement as there sometimes might be). The introduction is excellent - particularly helpful on structure. He's engaged with what is - in my view - the best recent scholarship on Romans. Good judgement all round. The major shortfall is that Peterson has a bit of a tendency to understate the big stuff. In summary: most of the benefit of reading eg Moo or Schreiner, in about half the words, with a better steer on structure.
October 2, 2017
David G. Peterson is Emeritus Senior Research Fellow and Lecture in New Testament at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. Peterson has an MA from the University of Sydney, a BD from the University of London, and a PhD from the University of Manchester. Peterson is a prolific scholar and the author of numerous books, including a commentary on the Acts of the Apostles in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series and Possessed by God: A New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness in the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. Most recently, Peterson has released a much-anticipated commentary on Romans in the Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation series.
Commentary on Romans begins with a somewhat brief introduction to Paul’s infamous epistle. Peterson addresses some of the usual introductory issues, but surprisingly omits meaningful interaction with others (e.g. authorship, date, etc.). Peterson provides useful detail concerning the character and structure of the epistle, including comments on various approaches to the epistle. The purpose of Romans, according to Peterson, “was to secure the support of the Roman Christians for his proposed mission to Spain . . . [thus] Paul’s theological, pastoral, and mission agendas were brought together in the writing of this extraordinary letter” (26). The introduction closes with a short outline of the letter, which structures the commentary that follows.
The “Biblical and Theological Themes” section that characterizes the series immediately follows the introduction. This is unique from the other volumes, which both position the section after to the commentary proper. Peterson does a phenomenal job communicating the major themes of the epistle, including Israel and God’s election, God’s promises to Abraham, God as Trinity, the Gospel, Israel and the Church, and more. That said, while Peterson provides readers an excellent survey of the major biblical-theological themes of Romans, those familiar with the other volumes in the series will find his treatment somewhat bland. The section is significantly shorter and the treatment isn’t nearly as consistent as the others. These thoughts could be the result of reading more broadly on the epistle and its theology, or it could be a familiarity with the depth of the other volumes. Regardless, it’s mediocre at best.
The commentary proper is where Peterson demonstrates the value of careful exegesis that has been informed by countless hours of biblical-theological reflection. To be fair, the task of writing a commentary on Romans is no easy undertaking. Not because the epistle is difficult or long (which it is both), but because the amount of material on the market overflows with rich insight and usefulness. That said, the mere fact that Peterson has written a commentary that carts a potential to stand out among the crowd is impressive in itself. Peterson is strong on grammatical matters and he does a tremendous job providing accessible and insightful information to the reader. Peterson is also intentional to keep the major themes ever-before the reader, offering a depth that doesn’t sacrifice breadth.
Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation: Commentary on Romans by David G. Peterson is not just another commentary on Romans. Peterson is both clear and accessible without conceding to the neglect that with matters most—careful and informed exegesis that is firmly grounded in the biblical-theological themes of the Bible. The shortcomings of this volume are largely confined to the introduction and the “Biblical and Theological Themes” section. Beyond that the riches await the diligence of the reader. If you are looking for a commentary on the book of Romans that strikes a balance between scholarly depth and practical accessibility, then Peterson will be a welcomed add to your library.
Commentary on Romans begins with a somewhat brief introduction to Paul’s infamous epistle. Peterson addresses some of the usual introductory issues, but surprisingly omits meaningful interaction with others (e.g. authorship, date, etc.). Peterson provides useful detail concerning the character and structure of the epistle, including comments on various approaches to the epistle. The purpose of Romans, according to Peterson, “was to secure the support of the Roman Christians for his proposed mission to Spain . . . [thus] Paul’s theological, pastoral, and mission agendas were brought together in the writing of this extraordinary letter” (26). The introduction closes with a short outline of the letter, which structures the commentary that follows.
The “Biblical and Theological Themes” section that characterizes the series immediately follows the introduction. This is unique from the other volumes, which both position the section after to the commentary proper. Peterson does a phenomenal job communicating the major themes of the epistle, including Israel and God’s election, God’s promises to Abraham, God as Trinity, the Gospel, Israel and the Church, and more. That said, while Peterson provides readers an excellent survey of the major biblical-theological themes of Romans, those familiar with the other volumes in the series will find his treatment somewhat bland. The section is significantly shorter and the treatment isn’t nearly as consistent as the others. These thoughts could be the result of reading more broadly on the epistle and its theology, or it could be a familiarity with the depth of the other volumes. Regardless, it’s mediocre at best.
The commentary proper is where Peterson demonstrates the value of careful exegesis that has been informed by countless hours of biblical-theological reflection. To be fair, the task of writing a commentary on Romans is no easy undertaking. Not because the epistle is difficult or long (which it is both), but because the amount of material on the market overflows with rich insight and usefulness. That said, the mere fact that Peterson has written a commentary that carts a potential to stand out among the crowd is impressive in itself. Peterson is strong on grammatical matters and he does a tremendous job providing accessible and insightful information to the reader. Peterson is also intentional to keep the major themes ever-before the reader, offering a depth that doesn’t sacrifice breadth.
Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation: Commentary on Romans by David G. Peterson is not just another commentary on Romans. Peterson is both clear and accessible without conceding to the neglect that with matters most—careful and informed exegesis that is firmly grounded in the biblical-theological themes of the Bible. The shortcomings of this volume are largely confined to the introduction and the “Biblical and Theological Themes” section. Beyond that the riches await the diligence of the reader. If you are looking for a commentary on the book of Romans that strikes a balance between scholarly depth and practical accessibility, then Peterson will be a welcomed add to your library.
February 16, 2018
There are many phenomenal commentaries, yet they usually fall into a segmented categories, yet the new series Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation, breaks the mold. For it is not only scholarly, pastoral, and insightful, but also extremely practical. This series is a planned 40 volume series, produced by B&H Academic and is edited by T. Desmond Alexander, Andreas J. Köstenberger, and Thomas R. Schreiner, and has just added its third entry.
This third entry is titled, Romans, and is written by David G. Peterson. Divided into five main sections this commentary becomes a must have for every Pastor who plants and teaching through the anonymous letter to the Romans. The first of these five sections is that of the introduction. The introduction of this work deals with the traditional introductory matters of a commentary. While being a relatively small commentary Peterson dedicates nearly 60 pages to these introductory matters. While I do not agree with his arrangements for authorship of this epistle the rest of the introduction section I do wholeheartedly agree with. Furthermore Peterson make sure to place this epistle in it’s proper context. This is not only helpful but necessary to understand the author’s original intent, the original understanding, and original meaning. Each of these parts shape the context to which a person can expositors from.
Lastly, the greatest part of this commentary is not in the standard commentary section but rather in the last section of the book which deals with Biblical and Theological themes. This section of the book which takes up a third of the book is worth the price of the book itself. Peterson explains the themes of this epistle in great detail giving practical comment on each as well as theological death so that no stone is left upturned. When I next preach on the epistle to the Romans this commentary will be at the top of my list. I do not know how I have taught through these books of the Bible’s without utilizing this super commentary supplicate bye personal exegesis of the text so that I’m owed proclaim the gospel in the correct Orthodox light while being able to reach the most people for Christ. I therefore highly recommend this commentary to all pastors who devote themselves to exegetical preaching while seeking to further their understanding through commentaries.
This book was provided to me free of charge from B&H Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
This third entry is titled, Romans, and is written by David G. Peterson. Divided into five main sections this commentary becomes a must have for every Pastor who plants and teaching through the anonymous letter to the Romans. The first of these five sections is that of the introduction. The introduction of this work deals with the traditional introductory matters of a commentary. While being a relatively small commentary Peterson dedicates nearly 60 pages to these introductory matters. While I do not agree with his arrangements for authorship of this epistle the rest of the introduction section I do wholeheartedly agree with. Furthermore Peterson make sure to place this epistle in it’s proper context. This is not only helpful but necessary to understand the author’s original intent, the original understanding, and original meaning. Each of these parts shape the context to which a person can expositors from.
Lastly, the greatest part of this commentary is not in the standard commentary section but rather in the last section of the book which deals with Biblical and Theological themes. This section of the book which takes up a third of the book is worth the price of the book itself. Peterson explains the themes of this epistle in great detail giving practical comment on each as well as theological death so that no stone is left upturned. When I next preach on the epistle to the Romans this commentary will be at the top of my list. I do not know how I have taught through these books of the Bible’s without utilizing this super commentary supplicate bye personal exegesis of the text so that I’m owed proclaim the gospel in the correct Orthodox light while being able to reach the most people for Christ. I therefore highly recommend this commentary to all pastors who devote themselves to exegetical preaching while seeking to further their understanding through commentaries.
This book was provided to me free of charge from B&H Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
October 26, 2023
A fresh and stimulating read on Romans overall. Leaning on Richard Gibson's observations regarding an alternating 'defence and confirmation' structure provoked some interesting takes in part, but still unpersuasive to my mind /
August 7, 2020
Great theological knowledge around Romans.
December 3, 2023
The “Bridge” is especially helpful along with the biblical theological material.
This is a great commentary for the busy pastor, or to use as a second resource.
This is a great commentary for the busy pastor, or to use as a second resource.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews