Romans: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

by Paul J. Achtemeier

Overview

This volume, a part of the Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching series, focuses on Paul's letter to the Romans.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664234386
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	01/25/2010
Series:	Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Series
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Paul J. Achtemeier is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Interpretation at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. He is coeditor of the popular series, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

The Background of Paul's Thought 4

The Shape of Paul's Thought 7

History as the Relationship Between Creator and Creation 15

Romans as a Letter 18

The Structure of Romans 19

The Structure of This Commentary 22

Outline of Romans 25

Commentary

Part 1 God's Lordship and the Problem of the Past: Grace and Wrath 27

Romans 1:1-4:22

1:1-13 Introduction and Opening Remarks 28

The Gospel and God's Wrath (1:14-3:20) 34

1:14-2:16 Universal Sin and Its Consequences 34

2:17-3:18 The Jews Are Included, Despite the Law 49

3:9-20 Conclusion: Universal Sin 58

Reflection: Righteousness in Romans 61

The Gospel and God's Grace (3:21-4:22) 66

3:21-30 Christ and the Answer to Universal Sin: Universal Faith 67

Reflection: Paul's Dialogical Mode of Argument 73

3:31-4:22 Abraham and Intimations of Faith 76

Part 2 God's Lordship and the Problem of the Present: Grace and Law 87

Romans 4:23-8:39 87

Sin and Grace: Adam and Christ (4:23-5:21) 89

4:23-5:11 Present Grace and Reconciliation 89

5:12-21 Adam and Christ: Disobedience and Obedience 95

Sin, Grace, and Law (6:1-7:25) 102

6:1-14 Sin and Grace (Baptism) 103

6:15-7:6 Law and Grace (Enslavement, Good and Bad) 108

7:7-25 Law and Sin (From the Perspective of Grace) 118

Reflection: The Law and Paul's Conversion 126

The Spirit and the Surety of Grace (8:1-39) 130

8:1-17 The Spirit and the Flesh 131

8:18-30 The Spirit and the Future 141

8:31-39 The Spirit and Christian Assurance 148

Part 3 God's Lordship and the Problem of the Future: Israel and God's Gracious Plan 153

Romans 9:1-11:36 153

God's Grace and Israel's Rejection (9:1-29) 154

9:1-13 God's Word and God's People 155

9:14-29 God's Grace and God's People 159

Grace, Faith, and the Purpose of Law (9:30-10:21) 166

9:30-10:13 Law and Faith 167

10:14-21 Proclamation and Faith 172

Israel and Her Future with God (11:1-36) 177

11:1-12 Israel and God's Plan 178

11:13-24 The Olive Tree: The History of Grace 182

11:25-36 God's Plan Is Grace for All 187

Part 4 God's Lordship and the Problems of Daily Living: Grace and the Structures of Life 193

Romans 12:1-16:27

Grace and the Community (12:1-21) 194

12:1-2 The Structuring Power of Grace 195

12:3-13 Grace and the Christian Community 196

12:14-21 Grace and the Secular Community 200

13:1-7 Grace and the State 203

Grace and the Neighbor: Love in Action (13:8-14) 207

13:8-10 The Neighbor and the Actuality of Love 208

13:10-14 The Neighbor and the Dawning Day 210

Grace and Unity in the Faith: The Weak and the Strong (14:1-15:13) 214

14:1-12 Unity and the Problem of Self-righteousness 215

14:13-23 Unity and the Priority of Responsibilities Over Rights 219

15:1-13 Unity and the Servanthood of Christ 223

15:14-33 Grace and Paul's Apostolic Plan 228

Reflection: Chapter 16 and Paul's Letter to Rome 233

16:1-27 Greetings and Summation 237

Bibliography 243