Great and greatly used by God they know it to be, but even experienced Christians can feel bogged or lost on their way through Romans. If I was about to travel through an area where this might happen, I’d want a sure-footed guide who knew it well. That is just what Paul Barnett proves to be in this, his most recent book. With so many commentaries on Romans, what does this one have to offer?

First, it strikes just the right balance. As to quantity, we are neither drowned in a torrent of information nor given a meagre serve of the bland and obvious. We are given enough detail to grasp the point of each verse. Yet we pause regularly to get our bearings (‘Review of Paul’s Argument’; ‘Theological Observations’; ‘Application to Today’), so that the ‘big picture’ is always kept before us.

As to focus, Romans is taken seriously as a real letter responding to real issues. So, as a commentary should, it majors on interpretation, drawing out the ‘them then’ meaning.

But balance is evident here too. We are reminded of the need for appropriation, for drawing out the ‘us now’ significance, by pithy applications throughout and questions at the end of each section. These reflect real life and real faith, not the ivory tower.

Secondly, this commentary speaks to the right people. Here is a guidebook for travellers, not for other guidebook-writers! It is written in clear, non-technical language, and based on Dr Barnett’s own translation, set out in a way that shows the structure of Paul’s sentences. It reflects a scholar’s awareness of current debates about Romans, and provides brief comments on them where necessary. But it rightly refuses to be distracted from providing a clear, coherent explanation of the letter.

As a result, it will prove a great help to individuals or Bible study groups who decide to embark on the potentially life-changing journey through Romans. (It will also help preachers. After doing the detailed work with the mega-commentaries, they will often find that it shows them a clear way through the maze!)

With some writers, increasing quantity means decreasing quality. It is clear that Paul Barnett is not one of them. Nor is he liable to Festus’ accusation [Acts 26:24]. So may his keyboard keep tapping, for the glory of God and the good of his people.