This unit will explore the background, structure, message and theology of the Letter to the Romans. Attention will be given to the articulation of Paul’s argument across Romans 1-15, with a strong focus upon Paul’s Christology and Ecclesiology, and upon the relationship between Pauline Christianity and Judaism. Students will be introduced to both classical and contemporary interpretation of the letter.

Undergraduate Prerequisites

BS101 and BS102, and two Biblical Studies units at second level

Graduate and Postgraduate Prerequisites

BS102 or BS351

Requirements

3 hours per week

Undergraduate Assessment

Graduate and Postgraduate Assessment

Equivalent to 6,000 words.
See Coursework Assessment for Graduate and Postgraduate Students.

Bibliography

• Beker, J. Christiaan. Paul the Apostle: The Triumph of God in Life and Thought. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1982
• Byrne, Brendan J. Reckoning with Romans: A Contemporary Reading of Paul’s Gospel. Wilmington, DE: Michael Glazier, 1986.
• ———. Romans. Sacra Pagina, vol. 6. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1996.
• Donfried, Karl P., ed. The Romans Debate. 2nd ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1991.
• Donfried, Karl P., and Peter Richardson, eds. Judaism and Christianity in First-Century Rome. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.
• Dunn, James D. G. Romans. Word Biblical Commentary, vols 38A-B. Dallas: Word, 1998.
• Fitzmyer, Joseph A. Romans: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. New York: Doubleday, 1993.
• Grieb, A. Katherine. The Story of Romans: A Narrative Defense of God’s Righteousness. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2002.
• Hume, Charles R. Reading Through Romans. London: SCM, 1999.
• Longenecker, Bruce W. Narrative Dynamics in Paul: A Critical Assessment. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2002.
• Reasoner, Mark. Romans in Full Circle: A History of Interpretation. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2005.
• Sanders, Edward P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A Comparison of Patterns of Religions. London: SCM, 1977.
• Sodurlund, Sven, and Nicholas T. Wright, eds. Romans and the People of God: Essays in Honor of Gordon D. Fee, on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1999.