- From Robert Stackpole,
First, the book is comprehensive: he gives the non-specialist reader a clear overview of the many different perspectives on Romans, both from the past and the present. He allows every voice to speak. Second, the book is judicious: he carefully notes along the way some of the good things that can be gleaned from each perspective. Third, it is holistic: as he unfolds his own perspective, it becomes abundantly clear that he is determined to give us all of Paul, not some truncated and tendentious version of his teaching. Finally, it is humble: he does not claim to have all the answers, but he does offer a way forward for the Church in understanding and living Paul's message.
I pray that this volume makes its way into seminaries, clergy and parish study groups, and into the hands of everyone sincerely and prayerfully seeking to understand Paul better. They will not be disappointed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This writing stretched me and affirmed my faith. It gave me a vantage point from which to view the Trinity and my faith – it strengthened me. Blackmon walked me through a quagmire of biblical periods and controversies and took me out to the other side, to a resting place that allowed me to keep my faith unencumbered and put the battle on human ground, not Holy Ground. This exceptional work has taken me on a trip. We started in a jumbo jet, then went to a train, then a truck and now I am travelling, shirt-off, on a one-wheel. The travel, not the destination, is the message. It has been a trip piloted by Paul, moderated by the author and inspired by our heavenly Father.”
Chuck Armstrong, Physical Therapist, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I have been in the ministry for almost 20 years. Most of the commentaries on biblical books that I have read have focused on exposition with some historical background sprinkled in. Bill's book on Romans is unlike any I've ever read! He spends a great deal of time looking at who the author was, which makes a lot of sense! To understand the writer is to better understand the writing. As well Bill takes time to compare and reference different major schools of interpretation of Paul and Romans. I have never read anybody else who did that; I think it sheds helpful light on the interpretation process.
Christian Pudel, Pastor, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I felt this book navigating me through, leaving plenty of room for personal perspective and conclusions. My mind was opened and I found myself processing and reprocessing through the words while moving through my regular life. It made me really think. I began to question God’s purpose for this writing: ‘Why me and why now?’ Now my mind is wide open and questioning everything; I must finish this book! After so much preparation and anticipation, the waiting is over; I felt like I was cheering the author on, like we were at the end of Paul’s trial and here was his lawyer, presenting his closing arguments. Powerful! I look for only one gem per book and this one is loaded with one gem and another gem and ...What a ride! Now, I can breathe again, renewed and filled to overflowing with the Spirit of Life.
Jodi Schwab, BScPT (Physiotherapist)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“In my opinion, Paul was a top hand, tough rascal and he stood up for God. In our day he might have been a cowboy, ‘cause once he took hold of something, he hung on. He didn’t have any quit in him.”
Dan Dumas, Christ follower, Father & husband, Cowboy, American
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“I agree with the author that Chapter Eight in Romans is indeed the pivot point, pointing back to what God has done in Jesus through the Spirit and going forward in The Law of the Spirit of Life.”
Tom Gordon, Realtor
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Have we, in all our knowledge and wisdom, ever fully grasped the fact that the Word of God is LIVING and ACTIVE! I doubt that any of us, as Christian groups, have done much better than others in this pursuit. However, I do believe that the discovery and living of this truth is as essential as air and water to the future of our faith. ‘A big HUGE AMEN’ – a truer statement in all of my reading has never been made.”
D. Martin J. Toupin
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“I read it and was blessed to do so. Parts were tedious where I got lost in the weeds due to my preference for the big picture. But then the big, beautiful picture emerged. Good stuff!”
Robert Hooker, Retired,
International Mission Board and the Baptist General Convention of Texas
I did read your book. Very interesting and enjoyable. I was surprised by the review of John Hagee’s book in the early section on Paul/Romans. It seemed not to fit but later in the book I could see its application. The only thing I would have liked, even though that was not your real purpose, was more of your own views on the books—what might have been erroneous from your theology or Southern Baptist theology prior to the split (which I assume pertained to the issue of complementarities). Later you do give your own views on matters of belief, and that was my favorite part of the book. Excellent overall and I hope we can discuss in the near future.
G. Cornelis van Kooten, Professor, University of Victoria, Canada
I marvel at the finished product. Way to go and Congratulations.
May we all die as you described with new ideas in our brains and a desire in our hearts to share the Word; however, may the grace of God provide us with contentment with the efforts that we have made to spread the
Good News of Jesus. Great blessings to you and your family in 2023.
Robert Jubela, Boerne, Texas
