Strengthened by the Gospel: A Theology of Romans

By Brian S. Rosner, Series edited by Thomas R. Schreiner, Brian S. Rosner

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An Introduction to the Theology and Themes of Romans

The book of Romans, often regarded as one of the greatest letters ever written, provides a thorough explanation of Christian doctrine. Yet, in explaining Paul’s gospel, Romans is not just for preachers and people who have not yet come to faith. Paul’s purpose in Romans is to strengthen believers with the gospel of God thereby equipping them for every good work, to live holy lives, be protected from evil, and to live as those who belong to the day of Christ’s glorious return.  

In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, Brian S. Rosner explores the key theology and themes of Romans, including sin, righteousness, justification, judgment, union with Christ, Christian conduct, hope, and more. By examining the letter’s Old Testament connections and the full scope of Paul’s gospel, this volume seeks to strengthen and encourage today’s disciples of Jesus.

  • Part of the New Testament Theology Series: Other volumes include Living Faith; The Appearing of God Our Savior; and To Walk and to Please God
  • Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More Deeply: Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople
  • Covers Important Theological Themes: Sin, righteousness, justification, judgment, union with Christ, Christian conduct, hope, and more

Author:

Brian S. Rosner

Brian Rosner (PhD, Cambridge) was principal at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia from 2012–2024, where he now lectures in New Testament. He previously taught at the University of Aberdeen and Moore Theological College. Rosner is the author or editor of many books, including How to Find Yourself: Why Looking Inward Is Not the Answer. He is married to Natalie and has four children.

Product Details

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 232
Size: 5.5 in x 8.5 in
Weight: 15.0 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-7255-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-7255-5
ISBN-UPC: 9781433572555
Published: October 21, 2025

Table of Contents

List of Tables
List of Excurses
Series Preface
Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction: The Purpose of Romans
                       
Chapter 1: Romans and Biblical Theology 
Chapter 2: Universal Human Guilt 
Chapter 3: Universal Human Bondage 
Chapter 4: The Gospel of God’s Saving Righteousness 
Chapter 5: Responding to the Gospel 
Chapter 6: The Gospel and the OT 
Chapter 7: The Person and Work of Christ 
Chapter 8: The Benefits of the Grace of God in the Gospel
Chapter 9: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
Chapter 10: Israel’s Rejection of the Gospel 
Chapter 11: The Gospel and the Christian Life
Chapter 12: The Gospel and Life Together
Chapter 13: Gospel Living in the World
Chapter 14: The Gospel and the End of All Things

Epilogue
Recommended Resources
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements

“There is obviously great value in working through a book like Romans from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse (what we might call a ‘longitudinal’ approach). But a complementary ‘latitudinal’ approach that outlines the key theological themes of Romans is also important. Brian Rosner’s book takes this second approach. It is the best available survey of the theology of this important and influential biblical book.”
Douglas J. Moo, Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus, Wheaton College; author, The Letter to the Romans (New International Commentary on the New Testament)

“This is a wonderful introduction to Romans! It is clear, concise, and peppered with insights that come from a careful study of the letter itself and the best secondary literature on it. Preachers, teachers, students, and anyone interested in Romans will benefit from reading the letter in tandem with this helpful guide to its riches.”
Frank Thielman, Presbyterian Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School; author, Romans (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)

“The church today struggles with massive questions concerning how to live and think Christianly in a world such as ours. Brian Rosner’s crystal-clear, careful overview of the theology of the book of Romans can help. Rosner’s little book is both thorough, covering key topics of the letter, and admirably efficient. Unpacking the apostle’s message in an orderly fashion, Rosner shows how Christ followers might be strengthened in the face of world forces that would deform and weaken us. We need gospel strength, so we desperately need to hear Romans afresh, and this book helps us do just that.”
George H. Guthrie, Professor of New Testament, Regent College, Vancouver

“Everyone likes to receive a present! Paul wrote his famous letter to explain and apply the gospel to his Roman readers. That clearer understanding of the gospel is described by Paul as his ‘spiritual gift’ to the church (Rom. 1:11). What better gift can be imagined than to be helped to properly understand the message of the gospel. Rosner’s book is like wrapping paper around this precious gift that is the message of Romans, helping us to recognize Romans as a good gift. He shows that Romans is best read through the double lens of the key motifs of the gospel and righteousness.”
Gregory Goswell, Honorary Research Fellow, Christ College, Sydney, Australia

Strengthened by the Gospel is undoubtedly a volume that many seminary students, pastors, and lay leaders will want on their bookshelves. It is clearly the fruit of many years of study in Romans, written with clarity and depth. The big theological themes of the letter are supported by well-crafted arguments based on familiarity with the granular details of Romans. All will benefit richly from Rosner’s devotion to the text and theology of Romans.”
M. Sydney Park, Associate Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School

“Brian Rosner has been studying, teaching, and meditating on Paul’s incredibly rich and powerful letter to the Romans for many years. He is both an extraordinarily gifted exegete and an incredibly insightful theologian with a special expertise in biblical theology. All of that is on full display in this masterful exposition of the theology of Paul’s letter to the Romans. All who read it will not only grow to a deeper understanding of Romans and its theology but will also be spiritually edified and enriched in the process. Rosner sets the table so that we can all more fully enjoy the theological feast of Paul’s letter to the Romans.”
Roy E. Ciampa, Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Religious Studies, Samford University

Strengthened by the Gospel blends biblical theology and pastoral insight into a rich reading of Romans from a master teacher. Brian Rosner compellingly holds forth the gospel as the center of Paul’s argument and, in so doing, illuminates the theological message of Romans while remaining ever attentive to its practical implications. This book is an invaluable resource for preachers and students alike, providing both clarity and depth as it integrates the various elements of Romans. Readers will come away strengthened in their grasp of how the gospel shapes the Christian’s mind, heart, and conduct.”
Philip H. Kern, Head of New Testament, Moore Theological College