AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Comforts from Romans by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick

The book of Romans is a very practical book.  It just isn’t usually taught in a practical, application-focused way because authors and preachers get too caught up in the heaviness of the doctrine and the complexity of Paul’s courtroom-style arguments.  Elyse M. Fitzpatrick avoids these traps nicely in the breezy-yet-meaty devotional, Comforts from Romans.

In this 31-day devotional, she walks through the first eight chapters of Romans, respecting the unfolding drama of Paul’s expert argument, but still keeping her eye on the prize.  The prize is reminding the reader over and over, like a glorious broken record, of the breathtaking wonder of God and the gospel Jesus Christ.  What a refreshing drink of water this book is!

The best sections, in my opinion, are her description of the perfect, obedient life of Jesus Christ, and her treatise on Paul’s view of baptism in Romans 6.  I got the impression a couple times that I am not Fitzpatrick’s target audience for this book, which seems to be directed more at women.  This isn’t overtly stated, but some of her illustrations seem more focused to the feminine.  I don’t mind this one bit, but it seemed like an observation I should mention.

I highly recommend this book for any who have been intimidated about studying Romans in the past.  Comforts from Romans would be a great book to study and discuss with another person.  Tavia Gilbert does her usual great job of narrating, making the audiobook version a joy to listen to.

Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.  More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.