This volume, a part of the Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching series, focuses on Paul's letter to the Romans.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
The bottom line: A must-read for anyone serious about New Testament theology, or those intending to teach/preach on Romans. Likely overkill for the layperson or the casual reader.
Another fantastic commentary in the Interpretation series that sheds much light on the text and provides the reader with a road map to navigate the theologically rich book of Romans. Achtemmeier does a particularly good job of clarifying some basic tenets of the Christian faith that are generally well known and accepted but the technicalities of such that are not generally understood: i.e. the legal justification by faith alone (not via the law), salvation through Christ, the Christian's role in secular government, the universal applicability of grace and God's motivation of love and mercy. The section "Grace and the State (13:1-7)" is especially powerful.
The author does overextend himself on two issues: infant baptism (pg. 95), and the Christian's role with respect to the environment (pgs. 142-143). He takes a giant leap to apply scriptures to modern dilemmas, even though the verses convey a more broad, general idea. This is a minor blemish in an otherwise gorgeous composition.
The bottom line: A must-read for anyone serious about New Testament theology, or those intending to teach/preach on Romans. Likely overkill for the layperson or the casual reader.
Another fantastic commentary in the Interpretation series that sheds much light on the text and provides the reader with a road map to navigate the theologically rich book of Romans. Achtemmeier does a particularly good job of clarifying some basic tenets of the Christian faith that are generally well known and accepted but the technicalities of such that are not generally understood: i.e. the legal justification by faith alone (not via the law), salvation through Christ, the Christian's role in secular government, the universal applicability of grace and God's motivation of love and mercy. The section "Grace and the State (13:1-7)" is especially powerful.
The author does overextend himself on two issues: infant baptism (pg. 95), and the Christian's role with respect to the environment (pgs. 142-143). He takes a giant leap to apply scriptures to modern dilemmas, even though the verses convey a more broad, general idea. This is a minor blemish in an otherwise gorgeous composition.
This should not be your main commentary for Romans. If you only have money for one or two or three commentaries, I would recommend Douglas Moo or Thomas Schreiner.
But if you are flushed with cash and there is space in your bookshelf, physical or digital, then Paul J. Achtemeier's commentary on Romans gives an alternative perspective on key doctrines. The problem is even if you hold his positions, he does not make a good case for them.
As with all the commentaries written in this series, this volume is written with preachers and teachers in mind. At the end of each section of text Achtemeier brings out points that can be made in sermons and/or class settings. He will often tie the application ideas to Gospel texts which make similar points. I read this while teaching a Sunday School class on Romans and found it to be helpful in my preparation.