Romans

Bird combines careful exegetical work with lively prose, minimal technical jargon, and references to contemporary culture. Following the goal of this commentary series, he successfully sets Paul’s arguments within the big picture of the Bible’s grand narrative, modeling for readers how to do biblical theology. [Full Review]

It’s just fun to read MFB. He’s clever, he’s witty, and has many flashes of interpretive brilliance. He often bridges OPP and NPP and he brings a non-American (Australian) perspective to the study of Paul. [Full Review]

I was pleasantly surprised by this commentary. I love Michael Bird (I recommend you read some of his other works) as a scholar and writer, but I just wasn't expecting much from this commentary series, especially on such a complex letter like Romans. The commentary series focuses on interpreting specific books in light of the meta-narrative of Scripture (which I am all for). It's less technical than other commentaries and moves to application more often than others. Bird does an outstanding job of explaining complex exegesis in a simple and profound way. He is very strong in Biblical theology and this dictates much of his reading of Romans. I would call this commentary a hybrid between the NICNT and the NIVAC: it's both technical and applicational...updated link. [Full Review]

I was pleasantly surprised by this commentary.  I love Michael Bird (I recommend you read some of his other works) as a scholar and writer, but I just wasn't expecting much from this commentary series, especially on such a complex letter like Romans.  The commentary series focuses on interpreting specific books in light of the meta-narrative of Scripture (which I am all for).  It's less technical than other commentaries and moves to application more often than others.  Bird does an outstanding job of explaining complex exegesis in a simple and profound way.  He is very strong in Biblical theology and this dictates much of his reading of Romans.  I would call this commentary a hybrid between the NICNT and the NIVAC: it's both technical and applicational... [Full Review]

Michael F. Bird strikes a very rare combination in this commentary on Romans. He is able to interact with the various textual and theological issues in Romans in a way that is academically significant, in addition to being accessible. I would feel comfortable putting this commentary in the hands of the majority of the people in my congregation. His comments on some of the most disputed issues in Romans are helpful. Particularly with issues such as the correct translation of "the Righteousness of God" or the identity of the "I" in Romans 7, he is generous with his treatment of other views, and thorough in defense of his own. The "Live the Story" sections are very applicable. He keeps it interesting by adding just enough of his Australian humor, but he still maintains the seriousness of the subject at hand. Overall, this is a very good commentary, and even though I do disagree with his conclusions from time to time, I find his argumentation to be pleasing. I would recommend this commentary to anyone from the youth pastor to the phd student.