ROMANS CHAPTERS 9–16, by William Hendriksen. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich., 535 pp., $12.95 . Reviewed by John Vander Ploeg.

That Dr. William Hendriksen. notwithstanding his years, has found it possible to publish yet another in his series of New Testament Commentaries will be hailed as a godsend by all who recognize and appreciate the scholarly exegesis, the lucid presentation of material, and also the unwavering commitment to the historic Christian faith—of which Hendriksen has abundantly proved himself to be a master.

Of Romans. John Calvin has said that “if we have gained a true understanding of this Epistle, we have an open door to all the most profound treasures of Scripture.” With his first volume on Romans (chapters 1–8) so closely followed now by this second volume on Romans (chapters 9–16), Rend· riksen has done much to enable us to avail ourselves of such “a true understanding of this Epistle.”

Indefatigable in his zeal to handle the Word aright, Hendriksen appears to be squeezing out every moment of time and every ounce of energy left to him to add one first-rate New Testament commentary to another in an already prodigious achievement. Volumes now available are his commentaries on Matthew (1023 pp.); Mark (708 pp.); Luke (1136 pp.); John (773 pp.); Romans 1-8 (314 pp.); Romans 9–16 (240 pp.); Galatians, and Ephesians (568 pp.); Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (475 pp.); Thessalonians, Timothy. and Titus (643 pp.). To this list may be added More Than Conquerors (on Revelation) as well as other valuable publications.

There are passages in Romans that are by no means easy to interpret and the occasion for controversy. Examples are the following: “Even as it is written, Jacob I loved but Esau I hated” (9:13); “and so all Israel shall be saved; even as it is written. . .” (11:26). It is precisely at difficult passages such as these that Hendriksen. rather than conveniently bypassing them, is at his best in guiding the reader to avoid the pitfalls of misinterpretation and to arrive at a proper understanding of them. As a commentator, he is blessed with the remarkable ability to make the meaning of difficult passages plain to the educated and the uneducated alike.

Bible scholars of Hendriksen’s caliber are not always recognized for their real worth by those nearest to them. and it is often only in retrospect that they come fully into their own. Although already widely acclaimed for their abiding worth in the field of religious literature, it may be confidently affirmed that, as time goes on. Hendriksen’s New Testament Commentaries will occupy a well-deserved place as classics in the libraries of those who receive and esteem the Bible as God‘s inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word.

A note of commendation to Mrs. Hendriksen for all the assistance she gives in preparing her husband’s copy for the printer is also very much in order.

Note: The above review was written before Dr. Wm. Hendriksen was taken home to be with the Lord on Tuesday afternoon, January 12.