Natural Revelation and the Purpose of the Law in Romans

This article believes that it is impossible to treat Paul’s understanding of the law of Moses rightly apart from at least some discussion of "natural revelation" in Paul’s letter to the Romans. The author believes that the two themes are linked in Romans 2:12-16 in such a way that the interpretation of one affects the interpretation of the other.

Paul's Common Paraenesis (1 Thess. 4-5; Phil. 2-4; and Rom. 12-13): The Correspondence between Romans 1:18-32 and 12:1-2, and the Unity of Romans 12-13

What ought to characterize the Christian life? This article indicates the unity of vision for a Christian life in Romans 12:9-21, Philippians 4:2-9, and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. This unity of vision helps us see the correspondence between Romans 1:18-32 and Romans 12:1-2 and the unity of Romans 12–13 as a whole.

God's Righteousness as God's Fairness in Romans 1:17: An Ancient Perspective on a Significant Phrase

Thielman is convinced that if one is to understand how justification functions in Paul's writings, one needs to understand how the righteousness language functions in Romans 1:17. He argues in this article that part of the reason for the volatile interpretive history of this verse is that the phrase is polyvalent. He further argues that the "righteousness of God” has three meanings in Romans 1:17.

Knowing the Bible (Romans) – God's Righteousness in His Wrath Against Sinners (Romans 1:18-3:20)

The Week 3-study provides an exploration of Romans 1:18 to Romans 3:20. The passage’s place in the letter is explained. This is followed by a short commentary on the text and reflection on its implications for the reader’s personal life.

Romans 2:12-16 – Paul, the Law, Jews, and Gentiles: A Contextual and Exegetical Reading

Romans 2:12-16 raises important questions. What is the relationship of the Law to the Gentiles? Does Romans 2 teach that there is a “natural law” that is a Gentile equivalent to the Law of Moses? Has this text anything to say about conscience? Is it possible for Gentiles to receive salvation through obedience to this natural law? Is Paul’s argument in Romans 2:12-16 a contradiction to what he wrote in Romans 3:9 and 20?

Does Romans 9 Teach Individual Election unto Salvation? Some Exegetical and Theological Reflections

Appeal is often made to Romans 9 to explain and defend the doctrine of election. The traditional Reformed exegesis of Romans 9, however, is increasingly questioned today. Schreiner first wants to explain two of the objections to this exegesis, and then examines whether the objections are persuasive.

'Love So Amazing, So Divine, Demands My Soul, My Life, My All' Considering Romans 12:1-2

After 11 chapters of doctrine telling us what to believe, we now turn (perhaps with a measure of relief?) to the practical application — how we should live. This is a pattern Paul follows in many of his epistles. This article is an exposition of Romans 12:1-2. It shows the grounds for Christian commitment; its demand, renewal, and its goal. 

How to be a Good Member in the Church Considering Romans 12:3-8

The apostle Paul now applies this radical new way of living to our lives together in the church. Paul re­minds us of the importance of using our minds in the church. We are not to leave our minds outside the church door. The head, as Tozer reminds us, is not just a place to hang a hat on! As members of the church then, how are we to think—and behave? This article is an exposition of Romans 12:3-8. It shows how Christians must think about themselves and the church. 

'A Tale of Two Men: The Basis of Justification' Considering Romans 5:12-21

"No passage is more diffi­cult for a modern mind to understand, and no passage of the NT has had such an influence on theology as this." You will need to put your thinking caps on; you will need to "gird up the loins of your mind." If you snooze, you lose. This passage could seriously enhance your understanding, could change your life, could alter the way you see yourself as a Christian and change your whole outlook.

A Work In Progress Considering Romans 12:9-21

Paul is writing to Christians: to people who have received mercy from God (Romans 12:1). Don’t think for a moment that by doing these instructions you are working for your salvation. No! Rather, if you obey these instructions, you are work­ing out your salvation. It’s often been said that while we are saved by faith alone, this salvation is by a faith that is not alone. These instructions are marks of the "new life" in all who have been born again. This article gives the essentials of biblical love.

Justified By Faith - A Case History Considering Romans 4

Paul has introduced us to the doctrine of justification by faith in chapter 3 of Romans. This may have been new to some people, perhaps even to you. People are often a little skeptical and wary of new ideas. That’s why Paul in Romans 4 takes up the case of Abraham (and to a lesser ex­tent David). These men were two giants of the Old Testament and superheroes of the Jews. The Jews all agreed there was none quite like Abraham or David. How were they made right with God?

The Meaning of "Nature" in Romans 1 and Its Implications for Biblical Proscriptions of Homosexual Behaviour

What is the meaning of "nature" in Romans 1:26-27? Does it refer to "what is natural to me"? This article wants to make a grammatical, historical, and contextual study of the word "nature" in this context and reflect on its significance for a homosexual lifestyle.

The Good and the Just in Romans 5:7

The argument of the apostle Paul in Romans 5:7 forms the focus of the study. The author considers the possible difficulties of verse 7. He argues that the verse can be divided into two clauses: 7a, "for scarcely will anyone die for a righteous man," and 7b, "though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die." The recent history of interpretation of this verse is surveyed and a possible understanding of verse 7 is offered.

Not Only That ("Ou Monon"), But It Has Been Said Before: A Response to Verlyn Verbrugge or Why Reading Previous Scholarship Can Avoid Scholarly Misunderstandings

This article considers the use of the use of "ou monon" in Romans 5:3. Porter reviews comments made by previous commentators on this text. He wants to reaffirm that the subjunctive reading is correct in Romans 5:1, independent from any conclusions one reaches about Romans 5:2-3.

Insights from Postmodernism's Emphasis on Interpretive Communities in the Interpretation of Romans 7

The rise of postmodernism has helped to regain an appreciation for the corporate dimension of the self and the influence of one's group or interpretive community on the interpretive process. This is a reaction to modernism's radical individualism and lack of emphasis on group identities. This essay wants to apply some of the postmodern emphasis to the interpretation of Romans 7.

The "Wretched Man" of Romans 7:14-25 as Reductio ad Absurdum

What are the identity and theological significance of the "wretched man" of Romans 7? The thesis of this essay is that Romans 7:14-25 should be studied in relation to, on the one hand, what is called the Jewish doctrine of the "two Impulses," and on the other hand the immediate rhetorical context of Romans. It is argued that Paul is protecting himself from accusations of apostasy from the law of Moses and that he wants to indicate the universal need for the gospel.