A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans

"A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans" by William Sanday and Arthur Cayley Headlam is a comprehensive commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, a foundational text in Christian theology. Here is a detailed overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Righteousness of God: The commentary explores how God's righteousness is revealed through faith, emphasizing the relationship between faith and the righteousness of God (Page 22) .
2. Israel and the Christian Church: It discusses the unity of the people of Israel with the Christian Church, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's plan (Page 336) .
3. Wrath of God: The book delves into the concept of God's wrath in the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the covenant (Page 41) .
4. God's Comprehensive Plan: It examines the idea that God has a comprehensive plan or design for directing human destinies (Page 216) .

Plot Summary

The commentary provides a detailed, verse-by-verse analysis of the Epistle to the Romans. It covers various themes and theological concepts, including justification, sanctification, and the relationship between faith and works. The authors aim to present a scholarly yet accessible interpretation, making it useful for both students and ministers.

Critical Reception

1. Academic Praise: The commentary is highly regarded for its scholarly approach and critical analysis. It is described as one of the best commentaries on Romans written in English, capable of popularizing the series by demonstrating how critical scholarship can be both scholarly and spiritual (The Church Standard) .
2. Historical Context: The editors acknowledge the historical significance of the Epistle to the Romans, noting that it has played a crucial role in Christian revivals and spiritual movements throughout history (Preface) .
3. Interpretation Methods: The distribution of subject matter and the attempt to provide a historical interpretation are highlighted as distinctive features of this edition (Preface) .
4. Scholarly Influence: The commentary has been influential in scholarly discussions, particularly in the context of the "New Perspective" movement on Pauline theology. While Cranfield's commentary (another notable work on Romans) predates this movement, Sanday and Headlam's work remains a foundational text in its own right (Logos Community) .

Editions and Availability

The commentary has been published in multiple editions, with the earliest edition dating back to 1902. It has been reprinted and digitized, making it accessible through various platforms, including Logos and Verbum .

In summary, "A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans" by Sanday and Headlam is a seminal work in biblical scholarship, offering a comprehensive and historically grounded analysis of one of the most significant texts in Christian theology. Its critical reception and influence within academic circles underscore its importance in theological studies.