The (Lieben)GOOD LIFE

  Reading Romans Backwards (sort of): Exploring the setting and lived theology of Romans In my course on Romans, I suggest that it is most fruitful to read Romans backwards, sort of. We will start with a exploration of Romans 16, move to the until of Romans 14-15, then look at Romans 12-13. Why do I suggest we read Romans in this way? 1.  Because Romans is a complex argument, and most readers often get lost in the forest for the trees. Reading it backwards helps us keep the purpose of the letter in view, and helps us better understand how the parts fit together. 2.    Because Romans is ultimately about lived theology—theology that makes a difference for how we share our lives together. It is ultimately about human flourishing in light of the gospel. Reading it backwards keeps this in view. 3. Because in a detailed study of Romans, often chapters 12-16 get the least amount of attention; the problem with this is that Romans 12-16 is at the heart of what Paul wants to c...

  In Chapter 16, which many people read as insignificant “shout outs”, we see not only the problem that Paul is addressing in his letter, but also the core of his message throughout the letter. He begins by asking the Roman church to “welcome” (cf. Rom 15.7) Phoebe, likely the one who was in charge of delivering and explaining the letter to the churches. It is no doubt illuminating that Paul sends a gentile convert woman to read and perhaps interpret this letter to the Roman Christians. It is easy to miss the explosive and deeply theological claim that Paul makes when he addresses Phoebe as “sister” (16.1). This gets to the heart of Paul’s message to the Romans (and us). In Christ, we have a new status; we are family members, who belong to one another. (Romans 1-8 will develop and support this foundational claim, as we will see.) In the Roman world, families were marked by loyalty, honor, love, harmony, forgiveness, and goodwill towards one another. In the culture of the day, more ...