Reading Romans: A Literary and Theological Commentary

by Luke Timothy Johnson

Publisher:

Smyth & Helwys

, 2001

Overview

The Epistle to the Romans is considered to be the classic of Reformation theology. Luke Johnson, a scholar from the Roman Catholic tradition, invests this commentary with breadth of perspective and clarity of expression. He focuses on understanding the key themes and their relationship to the whole of Pauline writings and the shaping of Christianity.

Paul wrote his letter to the Roman Christians to win their financial support for a new stage in his mission. How could an apostle, unknown by sight to the Roman believers, recommend himself, except by sharing his understanding of how God was at work through the Good News that Paul proclaimed to Jews and Gentiles? The book of Romans starts with a practical goal and becomes a theological masterpiece of great historical importance and of enduring significance to all believers. This fresh reading of Romans pays close attention to Paul’s theological argument as it unfolds.

Johnson shows how Paul understands “righteousness by faith” as the faith of the human person Jesus, how “salvation” means inclusion in God’s people, and how the work of the Holy Spirit transforms human consciousness so that believers can share with each other the faith and the love shown them by Jesus.

Product Details

• Title: Reading Romans
• Author: Luke Timothy Johnson
• Series: Reading the New Testament Commentary Series
• Publisher: Smith & Helwys
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 241

About Luke Timothy Johnson

New Testament scholar and early Christianity historian, Luke Timothy Johnson (1943–), is the Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Professor Johnson earned his BA in Philosophy from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, an MDiv in Theology from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, an MA in Religious Studies from Indiana University, and his PhD in New Testament Studies from Yale University. A former Benedictine monk, Johnson has taught at Yale Divinity School and Indiana University. He is the author of more than 20 books, has published a large number of scholarly and popular articles, anthologies, book reviews, and other academic papers, and lectures and received several awards for excellence in teaching. He often lectures at universities and seminaries worldwide, where he is widely perceived as the leading conservative scholar on the debates surrounding the Jesus Seminar, taking stances against its view of Jesus.