Paul's Letter to the Romans: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

This commentary examines Romans in light of its cultural and historical context, with a particular focus on Greek-Roman rhetoric, which Paul is a master in, and early Jewish writings, which of course Paul would be familiar with due to his Rabbinic background. I have learnt a lot from it. Highly recommended.

Well researched; clearly written; once-in-a-lifetime find that presents the much debated material in Romans without using pompous over-stated arguments that have little bearing on the topic. Witherington does not waste space just to impress and confuse the reader with arguments he doesn't agree with. He mentions opposing positions only to demonstrate an important point on a significant issue. Some authors present opposing viewpoints ad nausium to display their "great wisdom" and avoid being accused of not understanding opposing views; but when this is done it seriously obscures the author's primary objective. After studying material from other authors who presume to write a "scholarly" examination of Romans, this is the first commentary that leads to a clear understanding of both the canon and the background that applies to Paul's arguments presented in his orator styled letter to Rome. The challenge of honest scholarship is to approach biblical literature without preconceived theological bias. So, many weave into Romans their Calvinist or replacement theological bent, and when I suddenly stumble into their preconceptions the remainder of their work is poisoned with it and becomes unreliable. I find Witherington's approach to be as pure as I could hope to find - commenting on how this fits in the whole of Paul's writings as well as developing the theme of Paul's arguments with continuing clear view of who would have been listening. This work alone induces me to fine other works by Witherington and could even draw me to attend seminary where he is teaching if I were younger. I was discouraged by previous commentaries I read on Romans, that ranged from little more than extensive sermons to a treatises on a specific theological perspective. This commentary is a breath of fresh air. Until I found Witherington's commentary, I had given up on ever finding anything that would honestly reveal the contents of Paul's Romans. If you want to understand Romans, buy this commentary. Unless you have idetic imagery, expect to review from time to time as you progress through this work. You will be glad you did.

Good commentary with a good overview of the historical and cultural impact upon the book of Romans, and with an excellent link to our times as well. Recommended.

As Ben Witherington (BW) says in the Preface, this commentary does not pretend to be exhaustive or the definitive work on Romans. Nevertheless, it is a notable one in that most readers will gain a fresh view of Paul's most important letter, even readers who are already familiar with the intricacies of Romans. How so? BW demonstrates convincingly that Paul used known Greco-Roman rhetorical principles and techniques to specific ends. The whole letter, in its structure and development, is seen as an example of deliberative rhetoric, designed to persuade or dissuade, or "the rhetoric of advice and consent." BW contends that failure to recognize the rhetoric at play has led to many misinterpretations of the letter since early times. On some points he bravely takes on Augustine and Luther and, among the moderns, such prominent interpreters of Romans as Cranfield and Kasemann. One may cite many features of the commentary, but a few should suffice here. BW's theological comments and notes are not new, but necessary for his argument. Imputed righteousness is a "received concept" stemming from the Latin translation of Erasmus but is not what Paul meant. Interesting are various passages that call attention to the radical nature of Paul's thinking. So is the explanation of the rhetorical technique of personification - of sin, death, Law, even grace. Sometimes BW sparkles, as when he says the effect of the contrast between Adam and Christ in Romans 5 "is like a Rembrandt painting - the dark backdrop of Adam's sin serves to highlight the brightness and clarity of God's grace gift." Two consecutive chapters on Romans 7, 'Retelling Adam's Tale' and 'Adam's Lost Race', in my view make up one of the best moments of the commentary. Paul never neglected the ethical side in his letters, nor does our good author, to which matter he devotes ample comment. A minor annoyance is that BW's translation does not include verse numbers, although the comments constantly refer to specific verses. A more serious blemish occurs in one Bridging the Horizons section (p. 97), where BW speaks of some scholars' "posturing," "insecurities," "lack of ego strength," and "feelings of low self-worth" - disappointing remarks in a commentary of this worth. Yet the overall excellence of the commentary makes one overlook the faux pas. Has BW then conclusively proven his case (shared with other scholars of similar bent)? No, for that would close the book on Romans. This letter has engaged interpreters for many hundreds of years and one would expect it will continue to do so, informed by more research and study, or even - why not? - surprising new perceptions. But what BW has written is remarkable. It's been a long time since I found a commentary so engrossing.

This is an outstanding commentary on Romans - easy the best i have. It's great strength is that if follows Paul's argument/flow of thought throughout so passages and chapters connect with what was said prior and after. This is an absolutely essential commentary if you are studying Romans and don't want to get lost in the woods! As far as I know, it is also one of the few technical commentaries that is not Calvinist, which is an enormous positive point. The treatment of Romans 7 is clear and evaluates the multiple schools of thought on this chapter - the conclusion is convincing. Unfortunately the kindle version is a dog because it is not indexed properly with a decent table of contents! I indexed it manually myself by adding bookmarks. That aside, I can make it work and the writing itself is outstanding.

Excellent work on the background of where the book of Romans comes from. Dr. Witherington III provides great cultural and situational insight, in particular into the portions of Romans that use diatribe in delivery and, therefore, can clear up numerous problems people have had interpreting the text, both for pastors and lay people alike. His interpretation is highly Arminian in approach (which I appreciate, though I myself am not a free will Arminian per se), which lends some valid arguments for that line of thought and theology. Overall, though, a great read with some practical applications drawn out at the end of each section.