Romans 1 - 7 for You

Just like Judges For You, Timothy Keller writes another great exposition of the book of Romans to you. The book is richer in theology (well, it is based on the book of Romans, after all) compared to Judges For You but it should serve only as an “appetizer” for you to read the whole book of Romans in the bible and study them yourselves.

The book is almost 6 hours long, but you probably won’t notice it. Timothy Keller successfully transfers the study and application of the book of Romans in words that you can relate and understand. He also discusses current controversial topics such as homosexuality and what the Word of God has to say about it. In the end, though, I feel that the book is just not enough to cover the whole book of Romans 1-7 thoroughly, except for the essentials (which is probably not a bad idea unless if you want to listen to a 20-hour audiobook).

Like Judges For You, Timothy writes out reflection questions at the end of each chapter, which helps you to ponder on God’s Word and applies it to your daily lives. The questions also help you to dig deeper and grasp the truth about sin, God’s righteousness, and God’s grace to mankind.

The Narrator, Maurice England, does a great job in delivering the book into your ears. He pauses briefly and tries to use different intonations during the read to keep things interesting. However, he definitely can’t be compared to Timothy Keller’s charisma (I’ve seen him speaking a few times) and I’m positive that the audiobook will be so much better if Timothy Keller himself can narrate it himself.

England's narration is one that is not easy to miss. With a characteristic, slightly husky, voice, England commands attention of the audience by stating the facts more so than waxing over them. Each sentence he narrates carries an authority to it that pairs up well with Keller's works. Combining an authoritative writer with an authoritative narrator provides one option: an authoritative audiobook.

With this in mind, the content presented is right up the alley of Keller's works and what one would expect of him. However, with this content in mind, perhaps a smoother voice would be best. Given the studious nature of the material, England's narration for this particular text does not enhance my understanding, but rather overwhelms my ears. Give England a speech from the Awakening and he's set. This work is not one of those speeches. While the writing does establish facts, it is better suited for an academic feel that allows individuals to relax while reading, not sit up, stressed and anxious.

In all, three stars. England does a great job. Keller does a great job. For this exact title, however, they don't match as well as one would hope.

Disclosure: I was contracted to write an honest review in exchange for a reviewer copy of the product. The opinions stated in this review are solely my own.

Romans 1 - 7 For You by Timothy Keller is a thorough and not dry examination of the first seven chapters of the book of Romans. It tackles some controversial issues as well as explains more clearly some often misunderstood passages. Unlike a lot of Biblical commentaries it is not dry and boring, which makes for better listening and makes it more likely that the principles contained in the book will be applied to the person's life.

This was my second experience with Timothy Keller and I understand why he is so popular because he states difficult concepts quite clearly. For someone who has read Romans quite a few times, it really was amazing how little I knew about the book and its meaning. It was quite insightful to understand the cultural significance of some of these well known portions of scripture.

The narration was quite good as it was easy to follow along with and it wasn't at all annoying.

This book would be a great resource for anyone looking to better understand this important book of the Bible.

This audio book was gifted as a part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. More information can be found about this and other Christian audio books at christianaudio.com.

I loved Judges For You by Tim Keller, and was very excited to get my hands on a copy of Romans 1-7 for You as soon as it came out. In no way was I disappointed. Tim Keller is a pastor who is well-respected for thinking big thoughts and communicating those big thoughts in very clear, very understandable, very impactful ways. Keller does this kind of thinking and communicating well in this latest work.

In this brief look at Romans 1-7, Keller speaks with depth and clarity. This book is not a scholarly commentary and thus does not bog its readers down with tons of Greek phrases or textual criticism. However, this book is also not a fluffy little modern Bible study. Keller goes deep. He makes powerful application. In short, he does exactly what I would want the author of a popular text walking us through Romans to do.

There are far too many high points in this work to share in a brief review. I will say that Keller’s handling of the concept of propitiation was very helpful. He helped his readers to understand that, because God’s wrath is perfectly satisfied in Christ, he need no longer punish those who are under the grace of Christ. This concept alone would be worth the purchase price of the book for readers who do not understand it already—and many believers do not think deeply enough about this issue.

Keller also does a great job of handling difficult passages in Romans 1-7. When there are questions of interpretation or even translation, he does not shy away from them. Keller is honest, but not cowardly. He will clearly state what he believes a passage to mean. But he is also fair, often explaining that others interpret a passage in a different way.

After reading Romans 1-7 for You, I eagerly await Keller’s finishing of the Book of Romans. I heartily recommend this volume to any Christian who would like to understand the Book of Romans better. This book would make a fine expository Bible study for home groups or classes that are looking for a 3 month study.

I received a free audio copy of this work from ChristianAudio.com as a part of their reviewers program. The audio and reading quality was very good, as I expect from this fine company. Christianaudio does not influence the content of any of these reviews, but simply asks for an honest review of works they publish.

This book is classic Tim Keller. Keller's insightful mind, use of culture, language, and questions combined to surprise and delight me.

Keller's insights, especially from chapters 2-3 changed the way I had heard those passages handled and preached. In the first few minutes I was a little disappointed, but soon found myself rewinding and pausing to process what I was hearing.

I hadn't read any of his studies up to this point, but as someone who uses commentaries in my devotions, I will be using his other ones as I continue to study the Bible. Keller is relentlessly gospel-centric, refusing to embrace legalism of liberalism.

Maurice England reads this book in an even tone, that will play to your level of interest. He doesn't inflate the text, nor leave it flat; that is to say if you're following the flow of the text with interest he'll pull you right along. If you're drifting though it may be a minute or two before some inflection or question will pull you back in. That is just as much the writing as the reading, just my observation.

It would do well to note for some this is not a commentary dealing with heavy textual questions, but instead a study meant to guide people though the text to examine their heart to live in obedience to the Bible.

This study will both delight and disappoint different audiences. Keller fans will appreciate it, but it won't be their favorite. Those expecting a commentary will want more, this isn't a book you take your tough questions too, but instead a study to enjoy for what it offers. The gospel, presented in this book will refine you if you let it.

Keller is always a good read, or in this case a good listen. He takes us through the first seven chapters of my favorite book of the Bible, Paul’s letter to the Romans. We hear about such weighty subjects as Depravity, Salvation, Sanctification, etc. With that said, Keller uses very understandable language to explain some of these most profound doctrines.

This is not a dry theological tome. It is warm and practical but also contains some good meat for reflection. I guaranty you will gain something from a reading. It is short enough to leave you wanting more. I am looking forward to the next volume when he touches on verses 8 to the end of the book.

Keller adds some great quotes from theologians of the present and past. Each chapter contains questions for reflection.

The narration was great. This is the first time I have heard Maurice England. He has a very comforting voice that lends itself to the material. The quality of recording was also top notch. No hisses or pops. It was recorded with good crisp highs and smooth lows.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to all who desire to have a greater understanding of Romans and the Gospel.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I enjoyed this book courtesy of the Christian Audio review program at http://christianaudio.com and received the audio book, free of charge, from ChristianAudio.com and The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.