Paul's 'Spirit of Adoption' in its Roman Imperial Context

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Robert Lewis examines Pauls use of the phrase Spirit of Adoption in Romans 8:12-17 against the background of its Roman Imperial context in order to shed light on interpretation of Paul's Letter to the Romans. Whereas other scholars have explored what Paul may have meant when he uses the term adoption Lewis instead explores the reasons behind Paul's coupling of it with the term spirit. Having examined theories for a possible Jewish antecedent for Pauls use of this phrase, and found them less than persuasive, Lewis unlocks the data within the term's Roman Imperial context that significantly clarifies what Paul means when he uses the phrase Spirit of adoption". Lewis shows that when Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, adoption had become a feature of Imperial succession. Roman religion gave a great deal of prominence to the Roman family spirit - the genius. The Emperors genius became identified as a deity in Roman religion and its veneration was widespread in Rome as well as the provinces. When Romans 8.12-17 is read against this background, a very different kind of exegetical picture emerges.

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Pauls Spirit of Adoption In Its Roman Imperial Context is one of the most important works addressing the doctrine of adoption ... [I] encourage anyone who is interested in spiritual adoption to add this book to their theological library. * Things Above Us *
This excellent study brings new clarity to Paul's use of adoption language. Through a thorough investigation of the notion of adoption in its Roman context, combined with the importance of the Spirit, Lewis has given us a rich, fresh and persuasive perspective from which to approach this central phase in the identity of the people of God. * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *

Author Bio

Robert Brian Lewis is Visiting Professor of Religious Studies at Manhatten College, USA.