The Romans debate

by Karl P. Donfried

In 1977 a collection of essays appeared that quickly became a standard for studying the purpose and occasion of Romans. Now The Romans Debate: Revised and Expanded Edition is available in a newly designed and enlarged format. Besides the original essays, the new edition includes thirteen of the most cogent, recent articles on this subject; a comprehensive bibliography; and an index.

This is not a volume for the "already decided." Spanning the spectrum of interpretation, these essays attempt to challenge opposing views, complement points of consensus, and above all contribute to our understanding of Paul's controversial letter to the Romans. In its own unique way, each of these articles compels the reader to return to the text and to listen anew to the message of Romans both for Paul's day and for ours.

"The first edition was indispensable. Its revision and expansion make it even more valuable. To have the major studies in a single volume is not only convenient but obliges one to confront all aspects of a fascinating ongoing debate."
—Jerome Murphy-O'Connor, OP, Professor of New Testament, Ecole Biblique de Jerusalem

Genres: New Testament, Biblical Studies, Theology

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Randy Mccracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important volume for every teacher of Romans to have in their library.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important collection of scholarly works on Romans. Much to disagree with, but important for scholarship nonetheless.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong collection of essays on the circumstances and theme of Romans. This book is the second edition and shows the evolution of thought from the late 20th century until now. Romans was largely thought of as a composite work or a work of multiple distributions (Jerusalem, Rome. e.g. Manson). But most commentators now see Rom 16 as part of the original letter and embrace its Roman destination.

Particularly valuable are the contributions by Jervell who suggests that Romans is not directed towards Rome but towards Jerusalem and was thus seeking Roman approval of his message. Francis Watson proposes the existence of two congregations (or perhaps better two categories of congregations) in Rome who were unable to worship together due to their scruples of weak and strong. Aune and Jewett make strong cases for reading Romans with a rhetorical structure. Dunn and others close out with a clarification of the New Perspective and its implications.