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Sproul's sermons at St. Andrew's Chapel are the foundation of these never-before-published expositions on Paul's epistle to the Romans.
Chrysostom had it read aloud to him once a week. Augustine, Luther, and Wesley all came to assured faith through its impact. The Reformers saw it as the God-given key to understanding the whole of Scripture.
Throughout church history the study of the book of Romans has been pivotal to understanding Christian life and doctrine. Convinced that "Paul's fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel" is just as vital today, R. C. Sproul delivered nearly sixty sermons on Romans from October 2005 to April 2007 at St. Andrew's Chapel, where he has pastored for more than a decade. These never-before-published, passage-by-passage expositions will enrich any study of this weighty epistle. Part of the St. Andrew's Expositional Commentaries series.
Chrysostom had it read aloud to him once a week. Augustine, Luther, and Wesley all came to assured faith through its impact. The Reformers saw it as the God-given key to understanding the whole of Scripture.
Throughout church history the study of the book of Romans has been pivotal to understanding Christian life and doctrine. Convinced that "Paul's fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel" is just as vital today, R. C. Sproul delivered nearly sixty sermons on Romans from October 2005 to April 2007 at St. Andrew's Chapel, where he has pastored for more than a decade. These never-before-published, passage-by-passage expositions will enrich any study of this weighty epistle. Part of the St. Andrew's Expositional Commentaries series.
515 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2009
343 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
675 books1,972 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 7, 2025
This is my second time through and I learn new things each time.
The book of Romans is a masterpiece, revealing the truth of the gospel.
My notes give a favorite quote from each chapter.
Alongside this commentary, I read the devotional The Power of the Gospel: A Year in Romans. It worked well as there were some similarities helping me to apply what I read.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. ~ Romans 16:25-27
The book of Romans is a masterpiece, revealing the truth of the gospel.
My notes give a favorite quote from each chapter.
Alongside this commentary, I read the devotional The Power of the Gospel: A Year in Romans. It worked well as there were some similarities helping me to apply what I read.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. ~ Romans 16:25-27
November 21, 2023
This was a marathon of a read but really loved reading roughly a chapter each day. Sproul is to the point and honest in his convictions and I have loved getting to dig deeper into Romans through his commentary!
One of my favorite parts:
“I am often asked, "Does prayer change God's mind?" To ask the question is to answer it. Nothing could be more absurd than to think our prayers would change the mind of God. Our prayers do change things — they change us.
If God has determined to do something, what would possibly move him to change his mind as a result of communion with us? Am I giving him knowledge when I pray? "God, I know you intend to do this thing, but I don't think you have considered fully the consequences. Let me try to show you what will happen if you do it." No prayer has ever added a subatomic particle of knowledge to the mind of an infinite God.
Consider something even worse: when we think we can change God's mind, we are demonstrating that we think God's intentions are somehow foolish or, even worse, evil, apart from the benefit of our counsel. There is no folly in the mind of God. God does not need our prayers to gain mote knowledge or wisdom. Through our prayers God gains our affection and reverence as we bow before him. The first law of praver is this: remember to whom we are speaking, and the second law of prayer is this: remember who we are. When we come with our prayers to God, we say, "Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (v. 33b)”
One of my favorite parts:
“I am often asked, "Does prayer change God's mind?" To ask the question is to answer it. Nothing could be more absurd than to think our prayers would change the mind of God. Our prayers do change things — they change us.
If God has determined to do something, what would possibly move him to change his mind as a result of communion with us? Am I giving him knowledge when I pray? "God, I know you intend to do this thing, but I don't think you have considered fully the consequences. Let me try to show you what will happen if you do it." No prayer has ever added a subatomic particle of knowledge to the mind of an infinite God.
Consider something even worse: when we think we can change God's mind, we are demonstrating that we think God's intentions are somehow foolish or, even worse, evil, apart from the benefit of our counsel. There is no folly in the mind of God. God does not need our prayers to gain mote knowledge or wisdom. Through our prayers God gains our affection and reverence as we bow before him. The first law of praver is this: remember to whom we are speaking, and the second law of prayer is this: remember who we are. When we come with our prayers to God, we say, "Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (v. 33b)”
February 16, 2019
This book has changed my life! I’ll forever be altered from reading this invaluable teaching from such a wise lover of Christ. Topics I’ve struggled with (and will continue to wrestle with) including the doctrine of election and “free will” were illuminated and expounded upon greatly, at just the right time in my life, as His appointments always seem to do. I plan to do my homework on these issues following the rabbit trails of books and writings that Sproul references throughout this entire book, spanning all the way from Aristotle to Mortimer Adler. I highly recommend this book for anyone working their way through Paul’s magnum opus, Romans.
June 26, 2013
On pages 413-414, Dr. Sproul shares a story where his English teacher pinned his paper on a board and wrote to him saying, "Don't ever let anybody tell you that you can't write." I say Amen to her comment. Dr. Sproul books can get pretty deep in the weeds in theology and philosophy. However, his writing style allows the reader to easily follow along and understand these complex ideas. His commentary on Romans is no exception to this.
He starts his book stating this commentary is not a comprehensive one. And it's not. Because of this I can't give it five stars. Chapters are no longer then 12 pages, which might cover one to two verses or half a chapter in Romans. He seems to rush through the last two Chapters of Romans as well.
His exegesis of the text is what you would come to expect if you are familiar with Dr. Sproul's theology (Calvinism). He does a masterful job of explaining the key words in the original language, words like dikaioo (or it's various forms).
Though it's not a comprehensive commentary, I highly recommended this book. Weighing in at a little more than 500 pages, it is a surprisingly quick read as well.
He starts his book stating this commentary is not a comprehensive one. And it's not. Because of this I can't give it five stars. Chapters are no longer then 12 pages, which might cover one to two verses or half a chapter in Romans. He seems to rush through the last two Chapters of Romans as well.
His exegesis of the text is what you would come to expect if you are familiar with Dr. Sproul's theology (Calvinism). He does a masterful job of explaining the key words in the original language, words like dikaioo (or it's various forms).
Though it's not a comprehensive commentary, I highly recommended this book. Weighing in at a little more than 500 pages, it is a surprisingly quick read as well.
January 27, 2011
My favorite book of the Bible is Romans, hands down. Add to that the fact that I’m a pretty solid Reformed theology nerd, and R.C. Sproul’s Romans Commentary is a clear winner with me. Containing the sermons from his series on Romans delivered to Saint Andrew’s Church in Sanford, FL, the book functions less like a traditional commentary in that it’s not as “word-by-word” as some others. Instead, it’s delivered in sermon form (the passages being discussed are bolded to help with references), with Sproul including stories, anecdotes, and other tangential thoughts to the specific scriptures. Being that it was a series of sermons, there are certain threads carried through the different chapters, so it’s more beneficial when read through and the reader can trace those threads.
I have utilized the book to help my study with my small group Bible study, which is currently going through Romans. I’ve had the privilege of leading the group a few times, and the insights I gained from this commentary were extremely helpful in that respect. Sproul does a great job of making the doctrine contained in Paul’s amazing letter to the Romans come alive and connect to real life. His analogies and examples explained the scriptures in profound and clear ways.
Being that it’s R.C. Sproul, some will clearly disagree with his treatment of chapters 9-11 of Romans. These difficult passages are in many ways the backbone of Reformed, Calvinist theology, and they are the chapters that can easily cause division. I found Sproul’s handling of these texts to be direct and truthful, but also gentle and warm. Doctrine is clearly not just an intellectual pursuit for him. He has a pastor’s heart, and it shines through here.
There are a handful of really solid Bible teachers that I look to when I have questions about what I read in scripture. I definitely count R.C. Sproul in that group. This Romans commentary is just the first in a series of expositional commentaries coming out from him (The Gospel of John has also released), and I can’t wait to add those to my library.
I have utilized the book to help my study with my small group Bible study, which is currently going through Romans. I’ve had the privilege of leading the group a few times, and the insights I gained from this commentary were extremely helpful in that respect. Sproul does a great job of making the doctrine contained in Paul’s amazing letter to the Romans come alive and connect to real life. His analogies and examples explained the scriptures in profound and clear ways.
Being that it’s R.C. Sproul, some will clearly disagree with his treatment of chapters 9-11 of Romans. These difficult passages are in many ways the backbone of Reformed, Calvinist theology, and they are the chapters that can easily cause division. I found Sproul’s handling of these texts to be direct and truthful, but also gentle and warm. Doctrine is clearly not just an intellectual pursuit for him. He has a pastor’s heart, and it shines through here.
There are a handful of really solid Bible teachers that I look to when I have questions about what I read in scripture. I definitely count R.C. Sproul in that group. This Romans commentary is just the first in a series of expositional commentaries coming out from him (The Gospel of John has also released), and I can’t wait to add those to my library.
August 2, 2024
I found this a great companion (compliment) to a detailed study through Romans.
December 15, 2018
There is arguably no book in Scripture that is more theologically weighty than Paul’s epistle to the Romans and, as a result, it can be very easy to get caught up in examining or debating the more complex theological points while missing out on the application and importance of what God is telling us. Because of this, it can be difficult to find a proper balance between dry theology and life-changing application, but R.C. Sproul does this masterfully in his commentary on Romans.
Throughout his book, Sproul provides an insightful exegesis of Romans while always maintaining a focus on what was at the core of Paul’s letter--Christ’s free gift of salvation by faith alone and how we should live in response to His grace. The book is just over 500 pages long, which may sound like a lot, but none of the individual chapters ever felt overly long and were always easy to read and digest as discrete units. I would attribute this to Sproul’s conversational tone that steered the book away from some of the dryness that can be characteristic of other commentaries.
One should not, however, think that the book’s approachability in any way prevents it from giving a proper treatment of any particular passage. Some of the weightiest and most important passages of Scripture are found in Romans and there are few authors who can provide as good of an exposition as Sproul. One of my favorite quotes from this book is found in Chapter 19 and highlights his ability to condense doctrine into something that is easy to grasp while at the same time not watering it down:
Any discussion of the interplay of faith and works must avoid on the one hand the trap of thinking that our works are in any way salvific--thereby undermining Christ’s gospel of salvation by grace through faith--and on the other hand the thought that we are free to continue sinning after we have been delivered from sin. I felt that Sproul captures this very well in the above quote and this type of insight is characteristic of the rest of the commentary. Whether the topic was sin, justification, God’s sovereignty, eschatology, love, or the practical application of any of these topics, each was treated with the proper amount of care and diligence.
The application of the theologically heavier chapters of Romans 1 through 11 was always handled well and continued to shine when discussing chapters 12 through 16, wherein Paul closes his epistle with an exhortation to seek love and peace in response to the love that God has shown us and the peace that He has given us through Christ. Sproul treated these closing chapters with the same respect and care that he did with the first eleven chapters, despite the fact that the opening eleven could be viewed as much more interesting from an intellectual or theological standpoint. This is vitally important, since to ignore the application of God’s word--especially regarding the topic of love--would be to miss one of the central pillars of Christ’s teaching.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a solid yet readable commentary on Romans. It provides excellent insight without being too verbose and never fails to explain the importance of each point that Paul made. This balance is what impressed me the most and definitely helped me gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of one of my favorite books of Scripture.
Throughout his book, Sproul provides an insightful exegesis of Romans while always maintaining a focus on what was at the core of Paul’s letter--Christ’s free gift of salvation by faith alone and how we should live in response to His grace. The book is just over 500 pages long, which may sound like a lot, but none of the individual chapters ever felt overly long and were always easy to read and digest as discrete units. I would attribute this to Sproul’s conversational tone that steered the book away from some of the dryness that can be characteristic of other commentaries.
One should not, however, think that the book’s approachability in any way prevents it from giving a proper treatment of any particular passage. Some of the weightiest and most important passages of Scripture are found in Romans and there are few authors who can provide as good of an exposition as Sproul. One of my favorite quotes from this book is found in Chapter 19 and highlights his ability to condense doctrine into something that is easy to grasp while at the same time not watering it down:
No work we do will ever contribute to our justification; in that sense, our works do not count. However, this is not the same thing as saying they do not matter, because we are justified unto good works. We are not justified by our sanctification, but we are justified unto sanctification. The fruit of true faith, the fruit of true justification, will always be conformity to the image of Christ. (Pg.182-183)
Any discussion of the interplay of faith and works must avoid on the one hand the trap of thinking that our works are in any way salvific--thereby undermining Christ’s gospel of salvation by grace through faith--and on the other hand the thought that we are free to continue sinning after we have been delivered from sin. I felt that Sproul captures this very well in the above quote and this type of insight is characteristic of the rest of the commentary. Whether the topic was sin, justification, God’s sovereignty, eschatology, love, or the practical application of any of these topics, each was treated with the proper amount of care and diligence.
The application of the theologically heavier chapters of Romans 1 through 11 was always handled well and continued to shine when discussing chapters 12 through 16, wherein Paul closes his epistle with an exhortation to seek love and peace in response to the love that God has shown us and the peace that He has given us through Christ. Sproul treated these closing chapters with the same respect and care that he did with the first eleven chapters, despite the fact that the opening eleven could be viewed as much more interesting from an intellectual or theological standpoint. This is vitally important, since to ignore the application of God’s word--especially regarding the topic of love--would be to miss one of the central pillars of Christ’s teaching.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a solid yet readable commentary on Romans. It provides excellent insight without being too verbose and never fails to explain the importance of each point that Paul made. This balance is what impressed me the most and definitely helped me gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of one of my favorite books of Scripture.
Read
July 11, 2023Another excellent commentary by RC Sproul. I enjoyed it as much as his commentary on John, but have the same minor issues as with that one as well. I really do wish there were more footnotes, references, etc. to back up his historical claims. I don’t necessarily doubt them, I would just like to see his sources. Also, his Calvinist views are wrong (at least I think so right now). But, these are minor things. I will no doubt be reading more of his commentaries in the future. I came away with a more thorough understanding of the book of Romans and a deeper love for God as a result.
March 18, 2025
Solid. Romans is always superb so this was just icing on the cake.
A lot of side tangents, which were usually pretty interesting but sometimes super random.
Note - the book is basically made up of his sermons on Romans so it is not extensive - sometimes he would skip some phrase or detail I wanted more info on. (But to be fair, I don't think I could handle more than 515 pages.)
A lot of side tangents, which were usually pretty interesting but sometimes super random.
Note - the book is basically made up of his sermons on Romans so it is not extensive - sometimes he would skip some phrase or detail I wanted more info on. (But to be fair, I don't think I could handle more than 515 pages.)
March 11, 2023
Excellent expositional walkthrough of Romans in classic Sproul fashion. Very accessible and can be a helpful aid to beginners and seasoned believers alike.
June 13, 2024
Phew! That got pretty deep!
R.C. Sproul is a wonderful teacher with the ability to make some very big ideas quite accessible.
R.C. Sproul is a wonderful teacher with the ability to make some very big ideas quite accessible.
August 24, 2024
As usual, RC Sproul's depth of knowledge of the Scriptures and practical antidote are throughout his commentary on Romans. Highly recommend to any person studying the book of Romans.
October 29, 2024
Always enjoy the knowledge of R.C.Sproul and the power of the Spirit on his life.
May 6, 2025
Another great commentary by a great man.
April 13, 2025
This is in my top three biblical commentaries now. very good and thorough work.
September 2, 2025
Another excellent commentary by Sproul. Intensely practical yet historical and scholarly in his own way. It is a daunting thing to make a commentary on the book of Romans for many reasons, aside from the giants in theology who have already done so, to the juggernaut that Paul was when he wrote this letter that effectively flexed his theology muscles like none other. Yet, there are few out there that I would trust more than Sproul to do this; taken from his sermons, this commentary is friendly to any reader on their theological journey. Worth your time.
January 28, 2021
Having studied for more than seven years in two seminaries on opposite ends of the theological spectrum (Episcopalian to Baptist), I've read plenty of commentaries. This is, far and away, the best I've ever read. It has taken me months to wade through it with both a highlighter and pen -- highlighting portions that were most salient (which was most of the book) and underlining crucial sentences within the highlighted areas to give me a Cliffnotes view of the passage. In essence, I've read most of this book in triplicate to accomplish this, and this commentary has become a treasured part of the growing theological library within my own home.
Dr. Sproul presents his commentary in a way that is scholarly and yet personable because he includes personal observations as well as historical context in his exegesis. The resultant text is easily approachable by laymen and scholars, alike. If you're looking for a textbook exegetical commentary (a la Spurgeon or Henry), this likely won't suit. But if you're looking for something less dry and more entertaining, you'll like Dr. Sproul's style.
If you've put off studying Romans because you find it intimidating, then this book is for you.
Five stars for content and readability. So glad to have this in my library.
Dr. Sproul presents his commentary in a way that is scholarly and yet personable because he includes personal observations as well as historical context in his exegesis. The resultant text is easily approachable by laymen and scholars, alike. If you're looking for a textbook exegetical commentary (a la Spurgeon or Henry), this likely won't suit. But if you're looking for something less dry and more entertaining, you'll like Dr. Sproul's style.
If you've put off studying Romans because you find it intimidating, then this book is for you.
Five stars for content and readability. So glad to have this in my library.
Read
October 30, 2020Sproul's sermons at St. Andrew's Chapel are the foundation of these never-before-published expositions on Paul's epistle to the Romans.
Chrysostom had it read aloud to him once a week. Augustine, Luther, and Wesley all came to assured faith through its impact. The Reformers saw it as the God-given key to understanding the whole of Scripture.
Throughout church history the study of the book of Romans has been pivotal to understanding Christian life and doctrine. Convinced that "Paul's fullest, grandest, most comprehensive statement of the gospel" is just as vital today, R. C. Sproul delivered nearly sixty sermons on Romans from October 2005 to April 2007 at St. Andrew's Chapel, where he has pastored for more than a decade. These never-before-published, passage-by-passage expositions will enrich any study of this weighty epistle. Part of the St. Andrew's Expositional Commentaries series.
**
May 1, 2019
This was an excellent commentary to read through and was exactly what I was hoping for when I bought it - an easy to follow and read commentary that would help me through my study of Romans. He had excellent illustrations.
However, it is a compilation of sermons, so there are are phrases or verses within Romans that I wish he would have gone into more depth explaining.
This is a great commentary for further study and is exegetical. But if you want word or word or phrase for phrase break down, you need to go to a more academic commentary.
However, it is a compilation of sermons, so there are are phrases or verses within Romans that I wish he would have gone into more depth explaining.
This is a great commentary for further study and is exegetical. But if you want word or word or phrase for phrase break down, you need to go to a more academic commentary.
July 5, 2023
A very thorough exposition of one of the richest books of the Bible.
If you need a good grasp of the doctrine of justification by faith, which is central to the gospel, this is a must-read book.
My approach was to read one chapter a day. That worked very well for me because it allowed me to take time to think through the writing rather than rushing to get to the end.
I pray for another opportunity to repeat the process in my lifetime so as to get the meat of God's word expounded here well digested.
If you need a good grasp of the doctrine of justification by faith, which is central to the gospel, this is a must-read book.
My approach was to read one chapter a day. That worked very well for me because it allowed me to take time to think through the writing rather than rushing to get to the end.
I pray for another opportunity to repeat the process in my lifetime so as to get the meat of God's word expounded here well digested.
April 9, 2018
Great commentary by the late R.C. Sproul on the fantastic book of Romans. I would highly recommend this, and indeed all of Sproul's commentary books; they are very thorough and biblically solid, yet to the point and extremely readable. Each chapter covers a small portion of Scripture, and aren't too lengthy so it's easy to read in small components.
July 9, 2018
A great book. It gives so many great insights to the understanding of the book of Romans. The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is under so much attack today as it has been since the 1st century. This well-written book is very helpful in proclaiming the importance of a clear understanding of the message of salvation - the gospel.
Read
December 21, 2023This was quite the accomplishment. I read this commentary with a Bible study at the same time we were going through Romans in a different Bible study. This was an amazing read. It's a commentary, so not the same authority as scripture but very aligned with Scripture and provided a lot of good discussion and topics to ponder. I would definitely read another Sproul commentary.
December 14, 2021
Excellent narrative exposition of Romans. Based on how good this was as an aid to my study of Romans, I’m planning on reading the others in the series starting with Matthew. Highly recommended to students of Gods Word.
October 5, 2022
Thoughtful
I felt this book has many important concepts that every Christian student should study. The author presents his explanations based completely on the holy scripture. This wisdom is food to feed your soul and spirit.
I felt this book has many important concepts that every Christian student should study. The author presents his explanations based completely on the holy scripture. This wisdom is food to feed your soul and spirit.
October 11, 2023
This commentary is so full of great background info, whether it be period history or theology, and explanations of some of the tough passages in Romans. Yet, it’s very readable, with short chapters and lots of applications for our lives today.
October 16, 2023
used this commentary to study Romans over the last month and I found it to be a faithful, edifying, and helpful exposition of this wonderfully rich letter of Paul. so thankful for the ministry of RC Sproul
July 9, 2024
Sproul is just brilliant. He’s one of those authors who is so evidently smart and wise, and yet his writing style is so easily accessible (I’d compare him to C. S. Lewis in this). Such a lovely devotional read through Romans. Edifying and convicting and practical.
April 3, 2025
Skimmed some parts. This was a fine book, but you're better off reading a lot other stuff on Romans. There are some good Sproul moments, but he spends too much time on his hobby horses rather than staying in the text.
November 26, 2025
An excellent expositional commentary that reads almost like a devotional. Sproul exercises his classic ability to deliver as much theology as application for life and modern culture. I'll definitely be reading his Ephesians and 1-2 Peter commentaries, as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews