Day 40

Paul is complicated. And this is probably his least controversial letter, though it is the one that requires the most unpacking. His mastery of words, the law, and the emerging theology of Christianity is stunning. It’s no wonder his letters were copied and shared freely amongst the early churches.

I’m less interested in presuming to understand the mind of Paul and more interested in what these letters are. It’s as simple as this: They’re letters to specific communities. In seminary I had a class on Paul where we read the letters without verse numbers, footnotes, and headings. We read them simply as they were intended — a long letter you receive in the mail.

Shifting the perspective on how the Pauline Epistles are read to this frame of mind does wonders for understanding Paul. Again, I cannot know his mind, but I can imagine the impetus for such letters. Lacking from this conversation are the letters Paul received initially or in response from these communities. I suspect they perished with his martyrdom. Could you imagine, though? If those letters were found?

So I read Romans in this way. It’s a letter to the emerging Christian community in Rome. It’s addressing specific needs and particularities of that context. Beyond this, though, Paul offers sage wisdom that is perennial. It offers a means to understanding the mechanism of salvation — and makes this a classic Protestant book. Paul asserts salvation by grace alone. He lifts up gifts amongst the people, and encourages the Romans to not increase their persecution by defying the Empire.

Also, we get to meet Phoebe. Why is she a big deal? She’s a deaconess. Eat your heart out, Catholicism.

One Word for Romans: Sanctification

Parts of the Text That Stayed With Me

1. Rom 2:11, God is There for All. The verse says it clear as day, “For God shows no partiality.” For this context it was about Jews and Gentiles, but for us…imagine…
2. Rom 5:1-5, Luther Would Be Proud. We are justified by faith alone. Hurray for Protestantism!
3. Rom 12:6-21, Gifts and Guidance. We all have gifts to give in service of our faith communities. For Paul those are ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and care. He also offers some great advice here about rejoicing in hope, caring for strangers, and blessing your enemies.
4. Rom 13:8, The Law is That Simple. “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Yeah, go do that y’all.
5. Rom 16:22, Hi! Paul’s scribe, Tertius, takes some liberty here and says hello to the church in Rome amidst Paul’s many other greetings. It’s a cute little addition.

This post is part of a lager series where I read the entirety of Hebrew & Christian scriptures in 45 days. Take a look a the original post for more info, as well as links to other reflections on this journey.