Romans 1–8: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary | CC)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Michael Middendorf’s Romans commentary articulates the meaning of the Greek text of Romans in its original context for the benefit of the church and world today. Those without any knowledge of Greek will also profit from utilizing the volume. Middendorf provides insights that will enhance the understanding and effectiveness of scholars, pastors, and teachers who have the privilege of proclaiming Paul’s most famous letter. This commentary seeks to be theologically thorough in as few words as possible, working from the basis that Romans is the Spirit-breathed, living, and powerful Word of God. Its purpose is to bestow the righteous of God, which comes through faith alone, and to inculcate the life of faith in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Top Highlights
“δοῦλος. Being ‘a slave of Christ Jesus’ means he is bought, paid for, and owned by Christ” (Page 61)
“Paul’s Good News is that God’s saving righteousness comes to us in Christ ἐκ πίστεως, ‘from faith,’ and not from anyone, anywhere, or anything else (e.g., works, ethnicity, intent).” (Page 105)
“In the OT, however, ‘faith is always man’s reaction to God’s primary action.’28” (Page 89)
“The arrival of the message ‘does not merely declare salvation; it effects it.’” (Page 86)
“It emphasizes the initiative and activity of God through his Word” (Page 57)
Michael P. Middendorf was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received all of his education at Lutheran schools, including a BA in pre-seminary studies from Concordia University, St. Paul. He worked there for three years as an admissions counselor and guest instructor of Greek before enrolling at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he earned his MDiv, STM, and ThD degrees. Middendorf served as a parish pastor in Jamestown, North Dakota and as a professor of religion and biblical languages at Concordia University Texas. Since then he has been professor of theology in Christ College, at Concordia University Irvine, in California. Hi is also a pastoral assistant at Trinity Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, a bilingual congregation in Santa Ana, California.
Reviews
4 ratings
Glenn Crouch
3/18/2025
This series of commentaries continue to impress, and when doing a series of Bible Studies on Romans, I found this to be one of the core commentaries I used - and will be using the “sequel” as we continue our journey through Romans. No doubt, that I am a Lutheran pastor, I would find this Lutheran commentary of value - but I found the author quite generous in how he deals with alternate views and how he tackles scholarly issues. This is a scholarly commentary with good coverage of the Greek text and detailed translation notes as well as good textual analysis. The “Commentary” section for each passage is very readable and provides not just background but well thought out theological explanations. Highly recommended for Pastors (especially Lutheran ones) and those who are doing serious study of Romans.
Rowan
3/12/2025
Zion
4/22/2020
Rev. Robert Sundquist
9/20/2018
