If blessing is about forgiveness, then is this restricted to the circumcised, to the Jews? There is an argument for this. First, God had promised blessing to Abraham and then to his descendants. So it could be argued that David is giving us more information about what that blessing is. It is to be forgiven… Continue reading Romans 4:9-12
Tag: Romans
Romans 4:1-8
Paul is continuing to think through whether or not the Jews through their ethnic identity, having the Law and circumcision had an advantage. So, he goes back to Abraham, the one through whom the promise to Israel was made. It was the covenant with him that they considered themselves to be heirs of. So, what… Continue reading Romans 4:1-8
Romans 3:27-31
One of Paul’s aims in his argument is to exclude human boasting. Our only boast is the Gospel, he has previously expressed this point in the under-stated form, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”[1] Boasting is excluded by a form of Law. Paul distinguishes between a Law of Works, what you do or a… Continue reading Romans 3:27-31
Romans 3:21-26
“But now”, these emphatic words suggest a turning point. If the Law is limited then something big, something different needs to happen. Paul says that this “but now” something different is God’s righteousness which has been revealed to us in another place than the Law. A few options for what is meant by God’s righteousness… Continue reading Romans 3:21-26
Romans 3:9-20
Paul has argued that there are real benefits and privileges to being Jewish and the heritage that brings. However, does that actually benefit the Jews? Paul says “no” because Jews and Greeks, in other words, the representative Gentiles, alike sin (v9). He then cites a number of Scripture passages, primarily from the Psalms to demonstrate… Continue reading Romans 3:9-20
Romans 3:1-8
Paul continues his argument concerning circumcision and Jewishness. It’s important to see this as a central theme to the letter so that chapters 9-11 are not a mere parenthesis between the doctrine and the practice, a little detour but are central to the conclusion of his argument. Paul has said that it is circumcision of… Continue reading Romans 3:1-8
Was Phoebe a leader and teacher in the church? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 3
In his look at Romans 16, Preston Sprinkle spend a bit of time looking at Phoebe. He observes: “Two facts about Phoebe immediately jump out. First, Paul calls her a “deacon [or servant, diakonon] of the church in Cenchreae.” Second, she was a “benefactor [prostatis] of many people, including” Paul. A third significant point isn’t… Continue reading Was Phoebe a leader and teacher in the church? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 3
Romans 2:25-29
Paul now argues that law keeping and law breaking are central to your status as Jews (circumcised) or Gentiles (uncircumcised). He states that circumcision is of value for those who observe the Law. However, Circumcision without law-keeping is useless, you are considered uncircumcised (v25). In the same way, those who are uncircumcised but keep the… Continue reading Romans 2:25-29
Romans 2:12-16
There is no escaping death. Sin leads to death. This includes both those who sin but haven’t hot the Law (Torah), they still perish and it also includes those who have heard Torah (Jews) but break it. They are judged under the Law (v12). Is this unfair? No, because judgement is not concerning whether or… Continue reading Romans 2:12-16
Romans, Jews, Gentiles, Paul and antisemitism
I’ve been gradually working through the book of Romans whilst at the same time, antisemitism has been rearing it’s ugly head again. Often, antisemitism within Christianity is associated with interpretations of Paul and the Gospels, especially where they are seen to specifically blame Jews for the death of Jesus or to teach the idea of… Continue reading Romans, Jews, Gentiles, Paul and antisemitism
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