About the Author

Tom Holland trained as an engineer but, following a strong sense of God's call to Christian service, he left this field of specialisation to study theology. After graduating from London University, he accepted an invitation to establish a church 25 miles south of Cambridge. The church grew rapidly and he served as its pastor. During this time, he became aware that there was far more of the Old Testament in the New Testament than was recognised. Believing that this insight was the key to a better understanding of the New Testament, he gave himself to researching this topic. The following 18 years caused his understanding to make huge adjustments as he came to value the vital link between the content of the two testaments. He retired from the church after 19 years of service in Letchworth and planted a second church in a nearby town, which has grown to be a thriving congregation. While serving this church he was invited to become New Testament lecturer at what is now Union School of Theology. He lectured at the school for 25 years, and during this time he gained his PhD from the University of Wales. Dr Holland became the Director of Biblical Research at the School, supervising over 20 students as they worked for their own doctoral degrees and teaching at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. During this time he continued to share the leadership of the church he'd planted, engaging in his own biblical research while writing books that have received warm endorsements from world leaders of New Testament research. In his retirement, Tom continues his writing and wider teaching as the Senior Research Fellow of Union School of Theology. He is married to Barbara and has 3 daughters and six grandchildren.

Reviews

As the subtitle indicates, Tom Holland's Romans is truly both biblical and theological, as the letter is set firmly in its unfolding canonical context. Holland shows how Romans contributes to our understanding of God's covenant arrangement with humankind. The commentary digs deeply into current scholarship on the Old Testament roots of Paul's teaching, yet presents its conclusions in accessible language.
- Prof Douglas Moo, Wheaton CollegeThis commentary on Romans develops many of the major themes explored in Dr Holland's useful and insightful book Contours of Pauline Theology. Tom Holland always remains alert to the influence and relevance of the Old Testament, and emphasises the impact of Paul's thought upon the Church as a community, and as well as on the individual as part of that community. Above all, Tom Holland deploys his scholarship to produce a very saline and practical commentary. The preacher will find here many practical applications, which will bring Paul's message to life for today. This is a clear and readable exposition, which well reflects Paul's pastoral concern for the community of the Church.
- Anthony C. Thiselton, D.D., Professor of Christian Theology, University of NottinghamThis vigorously argued commentary seeks to allow Old Testament themes and thought patterns, not misguided scholarly conventions, to control Romans' message. Paul's ministry is seen rigorously in New Exodus terms; the church is the New Israel, Yahweh's people and (along with true Israel of old) figurative bride. Verses from the prophet Isaiah are particularly foundational. Organizationally Holland's treatment is strongly messianic in focus-every section of Romans is subordinated to "the Messiah King." Scholars of Romans will be stimulated by interaction with this canonically alert, creative, and frequently contrarian exposition and synthesis of a Pauline classic.
- Robert W. Yarbrough, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.Tom Holland's commentary on Paul's letter to the Romans is not just another commentary. He has a thesis to establish and he goes about his task with powerful argument, incisive exegesis and clear theology.
- Dr Robert Strivens, Principal, London Theological SeminaryHolland's clearly stated exegetical conclusions will be of interest to those both within and outside of the perspectives of evangelical exegesis, particularly for his sustained corporate reading of Romans as well as his specific challenges to New Perspective arguments . . . Holland has very interesting perspectives to offer.
- Prof Florence Morgan Gillman, University of San DiegoTom Holland has written a thought-provoking book that will undoubtedly be fruitful for many teachers and preachers. More than any other commentator on Romans so far, he uncovers the Old Testament roots of the letter and shows the impact of Paul's thoughts upon the Christian church today.
- Dr Rob van Honwelingen, Theological University, Kampen, Netherlands