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Review: Romans (Everyday Bible Commentary)

Formerly known as the Everyman's Bible Commentary, Alan F. Johnson's perceptive commentary on the New Testament book of Romans has been republished as Everyday Bible Commentary: Romans (Moody, 2018). This is a full-length commentary on Romans but is written for a popular audience. Nevertheless, Johnson provides a wealth of scholarly insights that are accessible to those without a seminary education! The mission of this commentary series suggests that Bible study should not be for the scholarly elite; if the Bible was written for the people, then all people should be able to understand it. Johnson fulfills this mission in his commentary.

The book is divided by the book's major divisions, just as a normal single-volume commentary would be. Especially useful are Johnson's charts and diagrams. Romans is a notoriously complex work, and Johnson does an excellent job untangling it for laypeople. Johnson treats theological issues fairly and does not dive too far into doctrinal interpretations, instead leaving the assumptions to the reader. This book is rather designed to serve as a reference to one's Bible study, teaching preparation, or personal devotions. It remains readable and interacts with the entirety of Scripture, the historical witness, and theologians throughout church history. This physically small book is actually quite hefty in its content, and laypeople and ministers alike will find value in this incredibly accessible commentary on Paul's masterpiece. It is also very affordable!

(My thanks is given to Moody for providing a complimentary review copy.)

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