The Gospel Shapes Every Step

Strengthened by the Gospel: A Theology of Romans

Series: New Testament Theology (11 Books)

Written by Brian S. Rosner

Series Editor: Thomas R. Schreiner

Publication Date: 10.21.25

Published by: Crossway

Genre: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Paul’s Letters (Books), New Testament Commentaries

5 Stars!

Strengthened by the Gospel opens Romans with a depth that honors the weight of God’s Word and the glory of the Gospel at the center of it.

Rosner writes with a calm, confident clarity that invites the reader to stay close to Scripture. Page by page, he unfolds the theology of Romans in a way that is rich, reverent, and fully anchored in Christ. Nothing about it feels distant or overly academic. The explanations are rooted, biblical, and accessible to anyone who desires to understand Romans with faithfulness and humility. The title truly reflects the outcome of engaging with this resource… the Gospel itself becomes the source of strength.

I value the intentional scholarship behind this volume… the way it honors the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of Romans while keeping the focus on God’s redemptive plan. This series aims to offer “comprehensive, scholarly, and accessible” biblical theology centered on Christ, and this installment reflects that mission with integrity.

One truth Rosner highlights has stayed with me: God “strengthens believers ‘according to my gospel’” in Romans 16:25. The Gospel revealed in this letter is not only a message to affirm… it is the very means by which God equips His people. That reminder brings clarity and direction to daily discipleship.

Rosner also notes that Romans gives “life-giving teaching about the benefits of the Gospel, the nature of evil, the good life, the praise and worship of God, the human mind, healthy Christian living, how to disagree agreeably, the life and work of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and much more.” That description captures how full and expansive this letter truly is.

This resource brings together the major themes of Romans with a steady hand… sin and righteousness, justification and hope, union with Christ and life in the Spirit, Christian conduct shaped by grace. It offers a comprehensive scope with a clarity that keeps every theme anchored in Scripture. I set the book down with a quiet gratitude rising in me… a deeper steadiness, a clearer devotion, and a renewed longing to let the Gospel shape every step I take before the Lord.

Ideal for readers who want doctrinal depth presented with reverence; for those studying Romans with a desire to honor the text; and for believers who seek resources that strengthen their walk with Christ and anchor their hearts more firmly in the Gospel.

I received a copy of Strengthened by the Gospel from Crossway via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this review are my own. I focused on its faithfulness to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability.