ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians
This commentary was originally reviewed on August 30, 2020.
With the start of the Fall season, it’s good to get into some serious study of the Bible. The ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians was the commentary I needed to help me see God’s Word clearly with fresh eyes.
The ESV Expository Commentary is designed to help the church understand and apply the overarching storyline of the Bible. It aims to be broadly accessible, theologically enriching, and pastorally wise. This entry covering Romans-Galatians is exceptional. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar are the series editors, and this edition has contributions from Robert W. Yarbrough, Andy Naselli, Dane C. Ortlund, and Frank Thielman.
Robert W. Yarbrough: Romans
Romans commentary is provided by Robert W. Yarbrough. He shows us how the book is wide-ranging with a theological thrust. It is a theological/doctrinal letter, missionary letter, pastoral letter, situational letter, and political-functioning letter. Because the book of Romans can be quite intimidating and easy to get lost in, Yarbrough notes that Paul’s focus in Romans can be glimpsed in the frequency of the words he uses. God, law, Christ, sin, and Lord are the top 5 words.
Romans connects the OT with the NT, and Yarbrough helps us see how Paul does it. Interestingly, Yarbrough gives four tips for maximum usability of Romans in an exposition covering the whole book: (1) Know the congregation, (2) Know the point, (3) Know the text, (4) Know the Lord. In regards to Romans 7, Yarbrough states that no Christian is so sanctified that he can honestly say that the statement “I do the very thing I hate” never describes him. So he presents a straightforward and convincing argument for the plausibility of Paul’s speaking here as a Christian.
Andrew David Naselli: 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians commentary is by Andrew David Naselli. He describes the book in one sentence: The gospel requires God’s holy people to mature in purity and unity. This type of clarity is all throughout Naselli’s commentary.
The spiritual gifts in chapters 12-14 are presented as operating until Jesus returns. He clarifies that “tongues” in Acts 2 probably refers to xenoglossia (i.e., speaking in a human language the speaker does not know), while “tongues” in 1 Corinthians 14 probably refers to glossolalia (i.e., speaking in verbal patterns that humans cannot identify with any human language). Prophecy is an insight that God spontaneously reveals. Furthermore, those prophesying do not speak with absolute divine authority.
Dane Ortlund: 2 Corinthians
Dane Ortlund provides the commentary for 2 Corinthians, and he points out the theme of strength through weakness. Other themes include The Holy Spirit, reconciliation, and heaven. Having just read Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly, it is clear that he is sensitive to the softer side of the Apostle Paul.
He notes that the tone changes seemingly abruptly at points in 2 Corinthians. For instance, transitioning from 7:1 to 7:2, the letter suddenly becomes intensely personal and autobiographical. Ortlund reminds us that Paul was hurt by the Corinthians, and Paul is still human. So the deep emotion that Paul felt is responsible for the seemingly changes in tone throughout the letter.
Frank Thielman: Galatians
Galatians ends this edition with commentary from Frank Thielman, and he highlights the themes of justification, the law, and the family of God. While the previous commentators thought about preachers, Thielman makes a memorable case for Galatians by reminding us of the dramatic backstory that comes along with the Apostle Paul. His conversion, defense of Gentile Christians, the loss of friendship with the Galatians, and the dangers of the false teachers should be at the forefront of our minds.
In regards to the law, Thielman summarizes Paul by stating that the law had a separate, temporary purpose that was qualitatively different from the purpose of the Abrahamic covenant. This type of nuance is carefully considered throughout the commentary.
Truths for your Heart
The book concludes in Galatians with a warning showing how the false teachers in Galatia were apparently well-connected leaders in the church. They distorted the gospel and sought to coerce those under their influence to turn away from its true form. It’s a sober warning for us, and a fitting example of how the truth contained in the Scriptures and explained by these commentaries must not merely exist in our minds. These truths must take hold of our hearts. This commentary is a great help for it to do just that.
I received a media copy of ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians (Amazon, 5% off Westminster Bookstore with code DIVEINDIGDEEP) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.