The Letter to the Romans (The Daily Study Bible Series) [Paperback]

William Barclay (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1975

Dr. Barclay's fresh translation and clear exposition make Paul's very complicated letter to the church in Rome easier than ever to understand. Both in mood and in method Romans is entirely different from Paul's other writings. Here he is settling down in a systematic fashion the essence of his faith--bequeathing in a "theological least will and testament" the ideas which have most shaped Christian belief: the questions of righteousness, of the Jews as the Chosen People, and of how man is to live his daily life. Thanks to Dr. Barclay's singular gifts, Paul's deep meanings shine brilliantly here, answering fully every reader seeking the heart of his gospel.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Barclay (1907-1978) is known and loved by millions worldwide as one of the greatest Christian teachers of modern times. His insights into the New Testament, combined with his vibrant writing style, have delighted and enlightened readers of all ages for over half a century. He served for most of his life as Professor of Divinity at the University of Glasgow, and wrote more than fifty books--most of which are still in print today. His most popular work, the Daily Study Bible, has been translated into over a dozen languages and has sold more than ten million copies around the world. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Westminster Press; Revised edition (December 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664241077
• ISBN-13: 978-0664241070
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,766,537 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly Book by Scholar, July 6, 2005

By 

Brian B. Carter (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Letter to the Romans (New Daily Study Bible) (Paperback)

Not sure what the previous reviewer meant- to me, any biblical commentary that includes discussion of the greek and hebrew words plus consideration of the historical/contemporary times of the writer is definitely scholarly.

That's just a weird comment!

Nonetheless, Barclay is an enigmatic figure, and any reading you do of his books must be tempered by your own doctrinal "take" on various issues.

I would agree in spirit of the other reviewer that this book is not an end-all-be-all, but what biblical commentary is?

B

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This series a must-have for serious Bible students, August 4, 2005

By 

Bette Dowdell "Author of How to be a Christia... (Phoenix AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Letter to the Romans (New Daily Study Bible) (Paperback)

Barclay's New Daily Study Guide series is a treasure. Every student of the Bible should own--and use--a set. Barclay adds life to Bible stories by explaining the customs of the first century. He helps our understanding of the text by explaining word selection: The various meanings, where else in the New Testament the word was used, etc. When new characters enter the Bible text, he describes them fully. He goes outside the Bible for historical material that helps with understanding. My only quibble is that Barclay absolutely, positively does not believe in miracles, while I do--and have stories to tell that can't be explained any other way. So, I disagree strongly with Barclay about miracles, but this information-packed series is still very much worth buying and reading.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Barkley "snapped: 'I don't care what Paul said.'", March 25, 2010

By 

Don Edgers (Port Orchard, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Letter to the Romans (New Daily Study Bible) (Paperback)

A group of us have been using Barkley's THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS for several months. We chose this book because of the authors scholarly reputation. Recently, I looked up who William Barkley really was, and what his religious beliefs were. When I came upon an article on William Barkley by Wayne Jackson titled THE ENIGMATIC WILLIAM BARKLEY, I discovered Dr. Barkley is self-described as a "liberal evangelical." I tend to believe that one is either one or the other.
According to Wayne Jackson, "When two acquaintinances of (mine)visited with Barkley at his home in Glasgow, in the spring of 1970, the distinguished professor strongly denied that he believed that Jesus was devine, and insisted he never had endorsed that idea. He claimed that the Lord himself believed that he was devine, as did others, but personally, he did not. When Paul was cited as evidence to the contrary, the professor snapped 'I don't care what Paul said.'"
Hey, if we're studying Paul's Letter to the Romans, what's the point of writing a supposed Bible study book?
As far as writing for the common man, I question Barkley's references to "The Apoclypse of Baruch","Esdras" and other books of the Apocrapha and the "Sibylline Oracles." This common man is relatively unfamiliar with these writings.
Barkley may be a scholar, but if he doesn't care what Paul said, why does he write a book about his writings?