John Calvin: Commentary on Romans

by Timothy George (Editor), John Calvin

The Theological Foundations series highlights the enduring influence of prominent figures from church history. The present volume features John Calvin’s Commentary on Romans , along with an introduction by series editor Timothy George that explores the life, ministry, and scholarship of the French reformer. Many today know Calvin as a systematic theologian, yet this volume introduces us to a seeker and biblical scholar whose mind and life were captivated by God’s Word. Scholars, pastors, and students will benefit as they read Romans alongside Calvin. 

Genres: Theology

416 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2022

About the author

Timothy George was born in Detroit and grew up in the South. He is a graduate of Southern University. He always had a keen interest in African-American history and after traveling to Africa, he became inspired to write his first novel “Awaken." He has traveled extensively throughout Africa, South America and the Caribbean. His travels inspired his interest in African culture and history. He was intrigued by the interesting people he met on his adventures through Africa. He found a passion for researching African history and bringing many of its vibrant characters to life in his book. Timothy blends his insight as a former corporate executive as well as his experience growing up in the South into this book.

The action packed thriller "The Dagger" is the exciting sequel to his breakthrough novel "Awaken" .

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed working through this commentary. There were many occasions to deeply consider what is being said and especially interesting to think about the times when John Calvin would have originally written this.

[Josh Kannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, after 8 months of studying this book, I finally turned the last page and ended perhaps the most important study of my life (so far).

Yes, 8 months is a little excessive, I know. Every morning (or evening) I would open the commentary and read the Scripture + the comment of one section, slowly making my way through the letter. I was inconsistent at times, not reading over breaks and often skipping over the weekend or busy mornings, but 8 months later here we are.

I truly believe that God used this reading of Romans with Calvin to make my faith real in a deeper more personal way. I laughed and cried over this commentary, I experienced the weight of my sin and the freedom that there is indeed "therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1) as I walked through seasons of life ordained by God to illustrate these realities to me on a personal level.

Having grown up in Rome, this is, to an extent, *my* letter. So every time I go back, I visit the site of Paul's burial and read the letter out loud in the courtyard of the Basilica di San Paolo. Last time I did this I realized how much I had come to truly understand Paul's words and argument throughout the letter thanks to Calvin's writings. I believe this is a wonderful introduction to the essentials of the faith and to Calvin's theology. It's all here, and it's all anchored to the words of Scripture. Not that I agree with everything Calvin has to say (his covenantal theology and views on baptism are very inconsistent), but on the essentials there is no one better.

All that said, this is a book I will treasure for the rest of my life, with its crazy multi-colored highlights and many annotations in the margins.

Thank you Lord, for the faithful servants you've ordained to instruct and edify your church. May I, one day, join them in my own small little way. Amen.

[Karla Hein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, but I was reading it more as a devotional, and it was written more as a technical commentary, parsing words and details that lost me at times or were maybe meant more for an expositor of Romans ie. a preacher than an individual looking for spiritual edification in their private devotional life.

[Mark Seeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished Calvin on Romans. Not a disappointment. It's Calvin after all.