The Church Leaders “Best Books” series is our way of helping leaders find, read, and recommend books on a variety of important topics related to ministry and the Christian life. Check out the rest of our best books lists.
—
Jared C. Wilson stops by today with recommended reading on Paul’s letter to the Romans, one of the most popular and most difficult books in Scripture. Jared is the Director of Content Strategy for Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri and Managing Editor of For The Church, Midwestern’s upcoming site for gospel-centered resources. He is also author of numerous books like Gospel Wakefulness and The Pastor’s Justification. He is married to Becky and dad to Macy and Grace.
Check out Jared’s commentary on Romans, Romans: A 12-Week Study.
—
1. Commentary on Romans by Martin Luther
Nobody *feels* the gospel like Luther does, and while his commentary is short on detailed exegesis, his writing is a fitting echo of the power in Paul’s letter.
2-3. Doug Moo’s and Thomas Schreiner’s commentaries
These are the new gold standards for modern exegetical commentaries. Detailed, thorough, rich, and solid.
4. Romans Chapters 1-16 by William Hendriksen
I am a big fan of Hendriksen’s expositional flavor, and along with Luther, find his commentaries most helpful in service of sermon prep. A good blend of exegetical work and illustrative, exultational reflection.
5. Ray Ortlund’s and John Piper’s sermons
I enjoy reading/hearing sermons as much or more than reading commentaries for research, because sermons more often capture the proclamational strength in the Scriptures. Ortlund preached Romans 1-8 in 2008-2009, and I couldn’t recommend this material more highly. (You should also check out Ray’s devotional commentary on the entire letter titled A Passion for God’s Glory and his little book on Romans 8 titled Supernatural Living for Natural People.) Piper has preached through the whole book, and it is as good as you would expect.
—