Romans: An Introduction and Study Guide: Empire and Resistance

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Sze-kar Wan examines the social and political ramifications of Pauls last and longest letter. By taking seriously Pauls faithfulness to his ancestral tradition, Wan argues that Paul is engaged in ethnic construction by incorporating non-Jews into Ideal Israel. With its claim of universality and the cosmic Son of God installed as king, Ideal Israel stands in pointed opposition to the Roman Empire. Wan presents the Letter to the Romans as Pauls extended argument to his Gentile audience in defence of Ideal Israel and their place in it, without ignoring such prominent themes as good news, faith and belief, eschatology, and the collection for the poor. By also including a reading of Romans 13 as resistance against absolute authority, at variance with historical interpretations that defended American slavery and German Nazism, Wan gives readers a new perspective on a defiant message that can be marshalled to resist oppressive regimes.

Reviews

By refusing to segregate the theological from the social and political, Sze-kar Wan reads Romans right where it is planted: as an intervention among cell communities who undermines Roman domination by living out the justice of God. Along the way, Wan offers fresh perspectives on Gods justice, the shape of faith, and other classic problems. Dont miss his interpretation of Romans 13:1-7. * Greg Carey, Lancaster Theological Seminary, USA *
The two-layered approach in interpreting Romans 13:1-7 is ingenious and judicious. A must read for all readers who are troubled by the issue of church and state. * Lo, Ping-cheung, Professor Emeritus, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong *

Author Bio

Sze-kar Wan is professor of New Testament at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, USA.