To start, this is one of the most difficult books I have ever read. I believe a Divinity, Theology, Law, or Linguistics student would be better prepared. Many words which may have a controversial or alternate take are thoroughly examined. I never realized words like "FOR" could be taken in so many possible ways. I thought I was well-read, but this is the first book in years which introduced words and parts of speech I never knew existed. Moo is not being pedantic: this is a technical book and he uses jargon applicable to the task.

Don't be intimidated by the page count. Maybe 1/3 of the actual space is taken up by footnotes, most of which can be ignored by a lay reader not conducting research.

Unlike other commentaries, this is not a "jump to it" commentary. I was lost many times and had to restart a section. Like the letter, later sections are built on former.
The book IS rewarding
After chewing this for a while, the unbiased reader will come away with the conclusion that the straightforward meaning really is the most likely take on most verses and, yep, you aren't the only one who sees double predestination in Rom 9.
I had the pleasure of learning and sharing that Peter and probably other apostles traveled on missions with their wives. (1Cor9:5). Read it a hundred times and never caught that.
My biggest problem is that I always read it out of context. I was told early on "the whole gospel theology in 1 book" and that's how I read it. Paul wrote letters for specific reasons. This one had several, but the main one was unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Instead of just saying "love one another" he threw in a whole theology on the underlying issues, why they should get along, and proactive responses to possible misunderstandings, Judaizers, and so on. The best part of giving it context is that the whole letter flows much easier. It also gives a life and personality to Romans that I hadn't read before.

I think for a lay Christian, his NIV Application Commentary may be a better start. ( )

The New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) is based on careful study of the Greek text and reflects serious work in technical areas -- such as linguistics, textual criticism and historical concerns. The NICNT series flourished under the editorship of several New Testament scholars -- first Ned Stonehouse (Westminster Theological Seminary), then F. F. Bruce (University of Manchester, England) and Gordon D. Fee (Regent College, Canada) and now Joel B. Green (Fuller Theological Seminary). Newer volumes in the NICNT account for emergent emphases in biblical studies and their theological significance for God's people

Douglas Moo's work on the Epistle to the Romans is part of The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Prepared by some of the world's leading scholars, the series provides an exposition of the New Testament books that is thorough and fully abreast of modern scholarship yet faithful to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.,Douglas Moo's work on the Epistle to the Romans is part of The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Prepared by some of the world's leading scholars, the series provides an exposition of the New Testament books that is thorough and fully abreast of modern scholarship yet faithful to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.

This a a conservative Christian commentary on the book of Romans in the Bible. It is in what I now consider my favorite series of commentaries-abbreviated NICNT/NICOT-New International Commentary on the Old or New Testament. It is non-partisan. It explains what the text says and does not really try to make the text justify any particular denominational opinion which I really like. Some commentaries are devotional-with a focus on what does the text say to ME or how can this be applied today. This series is not like that-it is more about what does the text mean (and sometimes what text is best or preferred). Highly recommend for anyone wanting a text in that format. For those wanting a devotional commentary then James Montgomery Boice is a good option. ( )

Moo's commentary on Romans is the modernstandard replacing other, older works, including his own previous edition. ( )