Major Review: Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary

Abstract

To open The pages of this commentary is to step into Michael Gorman’s classroom. This volume is for all who have ever embarked on a study of Paul’s magisterial letter only to be confounded by particular phrases and lost in its pages. An experienced teacher, Gorman takes readers by the hand and assumes that they want to engage this text as Christian Scripture and thus as a living Word, intended to edify the faith community. This theological and pastoral commentary demonstrates what is possible when academic study is placed in service of the church. As Gorman succinctly states at the beginning, “Above all, Romans is a letter about Spirit-enabled participation and transformation in Christ and his story, and thus in the life and mission of God in the world” (p. xix).