Romans and the Apologetic Tradition: The Purpose, Genre and Audience of Paul's Letter

by Anthony J. Guerra

Overview

This study shows how classical Greek and Hellenistic philosophical and ethical traditions inform Paul's Letter to the Romans. It concentrates especially on Protreptic, a kind of literature deriving its name from the title of a lost writing of Aristotle that has been largely reconstructed by scholars in our time. The Protreptic writers seek to awaken their readers to a realization of human frailty and then to commit themselves to a new way of life. Guerra shows also how the political conditions of Nero's Rome are reflected herein.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521619837
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/17/2005
Series:	Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series , #81
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.46(h) x 0.55(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; List of abbreviations; 1. Apologetic and audience: making the message meet; 2. Apologetic motifs in Romans 1.18–3.31; 3. Romans 4: the continuation of apologetic argumentation; 4. Paul recommends and defends the gospel of God; 5. Romans 9–11: Paul defends his mission to the Gentiles for the sake of the Jews; 6. Romans 12–13 and 16: the 'Roman factor'; 7. Summary and conclusion; Appendix; Glossary; Select Bibliography; Indexes.

Editorial Reviews

"...a lucid and insightful discussion of the implications of reading Romans as a proteptic letter and for showing us where futher research is needed." The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"...makes a valuable contribution to the discussion of the literary genre of Romans and can be recommended to anyone interested in a serious study of Romans." Thomas H. Tobin, Anglican Theological Review

"Guerra's well-supported thesis will have significant impact on future studies of this epistle." Kirk Summers, Religious Studies Review

"This book breaks new ground and invites further investigation." Choice

From the Publisher