The book of Romans has been called a “Christian manifesto”[1] and even “the greatest letter ever written.”[2] My anticipation of studying this letter together has been growing for months and I thank God that the day has finally arrived!

History records many significant church leaders whose lives were transformed and reoriented by the truths found in this letter written by the hand of the Apostle Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. One of those leaders was Martin Luther. He stated (perhaps with some excess):

This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul.[3]

For us to study the book of Romans word for word—and also by heart—I thought it might be helpful to curate a list of resources that I have found helpful in my life and study of this great letter. Think of these like traveling supplies that will help us along the journey. There is something here for everyone from the serious reader to the reflective listener. I hope you will find something that might be a help to you along the way.

Study Bible and Scripture Journal

The ESV study bible is chock full of helpful notes and analysis on the book of Romans. I would highly encourage you to purchase one if you don’t already have one. It is a valuable and concise resource on the whole bible. Another resource people have found helpful is the ESV Scripture Journals published by Crossway.

1. ESV Study Bible (Crossway, 2014).
2. ESV Scripture Journal: Romans (Crossway Books, 2018).

Homiletical Commentaries

A homiletical commentary (homiletics: the art of preaching or writing sermons) reads much like a sermon and, in many cases is precisely that: a collection of sermons. It may engage the original languages to uncover layers of meaning, yet English exposition is given priority for understanding and also includes application. Some volumes move more quickly, others more lingering than the pace we will adopt, but all are recommended.

1. R. Kent Hughes, Romans: Righteousness from Heaven, Preaching the Word (Crossway, 2013). This is a collection of sermons preached at College Church in Wheaton, IL and would feel like a familiar style to The Trails in approach.
2. Timothy Keller, Romans for You (The Good Book Company, 2017). My oldest son, Caden, and I read through this together when he was in junior high and it was a help to us both.
3. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans, 14 Volume Set (Banner of Truth, 1972). We will not be in any hurry through Romans, yet also not as lingering as Lloyd-Jones’ fourteen volume set of sermons on Romans.

Exegetical Commentaries

An exegetical commentary (exegetical: a critical explanation or interpretation of a text) takes a more technical approach, digging deep to clarify the author’s arguments, engage the original languages, and survey the theological principles found in the text. These volumes are often longer and denser, but they are designed to offer a deeper understanding of Scripture.

1. John Stott, Romans: God’s Good News for the World (IVP Books, 1994). I have put Stott at the top of the list for his ability to summarize without losing depth.
2. Douglas Moo, The Epistle to Romans, New International Commentary on the New Testament, (Eerdmans, 2018). Moo’s commentary is probably the most respected in all conservative evangelical scholarship.
3. Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans, Second edition, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker Academic, 2018). Schreiner is so clear and helpful on all things Paul, and Romans is perhaps where he shines the brightest.

Theological Commentaries

The work of a theological overview of a book of the bible can be a helpful way of tying together threads we might otherwise miss along the way. Each of these shorter works are full of help.

1. Brian S. Rosner, Strengthened by the Gospel: A Theology of Romans, (Crossway, 2025).
2. Andrew Naselli, Romans: A Concise Guide to the Greatest Letter Ever Written, (Crossway, 2022). Naselli helps provide a theological overview of each section of Romans providing different ways you can read along: with your bible open or with a group of friends.

Traveling Together

Whether you choose to read a supplemental commentary as we journey through Romans or not, my prayer is that you will be strengthened and refreshed by the power of the gospel it proclaims. I also hope your community group will come alongside you, helping you process not only the message of Romans, but also how you might faithfully apply it to your own life, as we seek to do together as a church family. As we study this book word for word, let us do so with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

[1] John Stott, Romans: God’s Good News for the World (IVP Books, 1994), 19.

[2] Andrew David Naselli, Romans: A Concise Guide to the Greatest Letter Ever Written, 1st ed (Crossway, 2022).

[3] Martin Luther, Word and Sacrament I, vol. 35, ed. Theodore Bachmann, Luther’s Works (Fortress, 1960), 365.