Romans

Thielman offers perhaps the best contemporary balance of detailed exegesis, historical context, theological interpretation and readability. He is particularly good at incorporating the genuine gains of recent Pauline scholarship without allowing a New Perspective, apocalyptic or traditional Protestant framework to dictate the conclusions in advance. His sensitivity to Roman social context frequently illuminates otherwise familiar passages—for example, his discussion of “Greeks and barbarians” shows how Paul’s gospel cuts directly across the hierarchical assumptions of Roman society. More impressively, he traces the argument of the whole letter from the idolatry and social disintegration of Romans 1 to the eschatological restoration of Israel, creation and harmonious Jew-Gentile worship in Romans 11–15. Thielman is not as exhaustive as Moo or Cranfield, but he has an unusual ability to synthesize historical, exegetical and theological observations into a coherent reading of Paul’s argument. For most readers wanting one modern commentary that is both substantial and manageable, this is one of the very best choices available.

While Thielman’s commentary is technical, immersed in biblical Greek, and uses in-text citations, it remains remarkably accessible. This work showcases Thielman’s mastery of the text and familiarity with the academic literature, yet it’s presented with simplicity. This is a theologically, historically, and linguistically reliable commentary. [Full Review]