Customer Reviews

Romans (Sacra Pagina Series) (Sacra Pagina (Quality Paper))

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This is a truly outstanding book by one of the more profound thinkers on Pauline theology working today. The format of the book is extremely helpful as well--clear, logically laid out, and the relationship between text and commentary is robust and very useful for both the casual browser and the scholar seeking to elucidate a particular passage.

One of the most interesting features of this commentary are the author's thoughts on one of the thorniest, but potentially most exciting issues in Christian theology today--the relationship between early Christianity and Judaism. There is much misunderstanding and sorrow associated with this subject, and there have been extremely exciting and potentially healing advances made in the scholarship in this area over the last twenty years or so.

This book can serve as an introduction to, or a companion to, the books of Krister Stendhal, W.D. Davies (including the Cambridge History of Judaism which he edited), E.P. Sanders, and others from the Christian side, as well as the works of Segal, Mark Nanos and Daniel Boyarin from the Jewish side. Paul's central role in the relationship between Judaism and Christianity--much misunderstood--is well worth revisiting, and has implications for the spiritual life and personal conduct of any reader today.

This is a humane, stimulating and apposite work. Highly recommended!

I have been looking for a "scholarly" Catholic commentary of the Bible for awhile. Navarre is limited in complex ideas, such as the justification question presented in Romans, and Collegeville is not detailed enough. Other commentaries, of course, come with a decidedly Protestant interpretation, watering down several key verses. With the Sacra Pagina Romans book, however, I have found an outstanding book. It details the many key words necessary to explore Romans, such as Paul's use of justification, salvation, and the righteousness of God. These terms are key (and what separates Catholic from Protestants, to a large degree, on faith/works, justification, etc.) to understanding Paul. The theological depths of the book is just what I was looking for. While Catholic, there is not a "Catholic apologetic" tone. The facts are laid out in a very user-friendly way. I am still debating whether to continue purchasing books of the Sacra Pagina series, as I didn't much care for the Matthew book. But the Romans book is an outstanding scholarly approach that details many lines of theological thought that ALL Christians will find useful. A well done book.

The Sacra Pagina series on the New Testament is an outstanding reference work for any student of the New Testament. The book on Romans is by Brendan Byrne. I was introduced to this series when I took a graduate level course in the New Testament. The professor recommended this series as excellent New Testament reference books. I lead a weekly bible discussion group and I have found this series to be of immense help. I am able to review Romans line by line and receive the benefit of knowledgeable Catholic bible experts. I may not share the same views as the author on every passage but I can review his analysis and he also points me to other sources. However, if you needed one book as a guide to Romans this is it.

The Sacra Pagina series is excellently written for comprehension of the student while maintaining debt and scholarship for the professional. It is the first stop place for the individual who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of scripture.

The Sacra Pagina series is a very reliable and accessible resource I use when preparing a sermon or bible study. It would be on the 'conservative' or 'traditional' side and is an excellent addition to one's library. Whatever New Testament lesson I am called to work on, it is the first commentary to which I turn.