From Introduction:
This volume is an interpretation of Paul’s letter to the first century called-out, covenant community of Christ in Rome. It is based upon my translations of the Greek texts and gives some explanations of the reasons for, and the implications of, my renderings. Included with my comments are citations from a variety of scholars who present a variety of views from their own ways of reading this letter from Paul. So this work is a partial anthology of interpretations of Romans, but is primarily my own reading of the text, which has in some degree been guided by my predecessors, as well as by my reading of Paul’s other letters, and from statements in other NT documents.
For modern readers of Romans, how we understand his topics of “justification, salvation, atonement, judgment, wrath/personal-emotion, participation in Christ and new covenant inclusion” impact how we live our lives, how we treat and regard others, and how we present to the world God’s message of goodness, ease and well-being in Christ that has come to us via His Word and His Spirit.
My own comments in this work are based upon: THE NEW TESTAMENT, God's Message of Goodness, Ease and Well-being Which Brings God's Gifts of His Spirit, His Life, His Grace, His Power, His Fairness, His Peace and His Love – a translation by the author. My conclusions reflect this expanded translation, and take into consideration the semantic range of many Greek words. Additional potential lexical meanings are parenthetically inserted into the text of the translation, along with variant manuscript readings. I have given much attention to the significance of the Greek verb tenses and to the functions of the noun cases, rendering the different ways that each of them could be translated within its context. Each verse is presented in bold face with alternate renderings parenthetically given in light face. The reader should not give preference to one rendering over another, but should thoroughly and thoughtfully consider all the possible combinations. An “=” sign signifies that what follows is a paraphrase, which means that the literal Greek has been interpreted to assist the reader. Bear in mind that such instances are just one studied interpretation of that particular Greek expression.
The main guides for interpreting the original works are the translation and the context, together with careful attention given to the culture and historical setting of the people to whom these letters were written, as well as the rhetoric that the author is using. A concise introduction begins the comments, which includes comments from other scholars. I make references to other New Testament letters and to the four gospels, as well as occasionally citing the Old Testament and other Jewish literature that may shed light on the context and message of Paul’s letter. Insights from friends are also cited.
In short, this work is intended to shed new light based upon a correct understanding of the Greek text(s), the purpose of the letter, and the local life situations in their first century context, and equally important, to serve as a catalyst for critical thinking regarding the impact of this letter upon our lives today.
In addition to this commentary, three topical studies have also been included.
For your edification and God’s glory,
Jonathan P. Mitchell