Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26

Past study of Rom 1:16-3:26 focuses on individual salvation or on social relations and also produces a host of interpretative quandaries. Marcus A. Mininger develops a new approach, which includes but goes beyond these foci, by unearthing the theme of revelation that runs throughout Paul's argument largely unnoticed. More than a proof of sin or of social equality, Paul provides a survey of numerous visible revelations, in which otherwise invisible realities like God's wrath, the power of sin, and God's righteousness are seen through the observable effects they produce in different people. Read this way, the rationale of Paul's argument becomes quite clear, including for "problem texts" like Rom 2 and 3:1-8, as Paul proves that the gospel, not the law, overcomes sin's power and that God's righteousness always exists in contrast to the human condition in this age. "[This is] an unusually interesting and original piece of work. [Its] interaction with current literature is impressively thorough and fair; the argumentation, which never loses sight of the text itself, is cogent and comprehensive. [...] All in all, frankly, this is one of the most satisfying dissertations (published or unpublished) that I recall ever reading. I hope it gets the attention it deserves." Moiss Silva, former Mary French Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary "[This book] represents a significant contribution to New Testament research. Dr. Mininger builds a convincing case that close attention to Paul's pervasive concern with revelation in Romans 1-3 holds the key to resolving many of the interpretative difficulties that have long plagued scholarship on these chapters." J. Ross Wagner, Associate Professor of New Testament, Duke University "Here is a stimulating opening in the study of Romans 1-3. This work helps break open Romans 1-3 for fresh reading by its attention to the theme of the history of revelation. It thereby enriches the classical understanding of Romans, oriented to the theme of sin and justification, as well as showing some of the weaknesses in newer sociologically oriented readings. Readers may disagree with some details (I do myself). But they should not miss the overall insights offered by a perspective that focuses on revelation." Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Westminster Theological Seminary