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Paul's Letter to the Romans: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary Paperback – Picture Book, March 2, 2004

by Ben Witherington III (Author), Darlene Hyatt (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 64 ratings
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While Paul's letter to the Romans is the most studied and commented-on document from the biblical period, the major exegetical books on Romans from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have been overwhelmingly shaped by the Reformed tradition. Through a careful survey of work on Romans by both ancient Church Fathers and modern exegetical scholars, Ben Witherington III here argues that the interpretation of Romans since the Reformation has been far too indebted to -- and at key points led astray by -- Augustinian readings of the text as filtered through Luther, Calvin, and others. In this first full-scale socio-rhetorical commentary on Romans, Witherington gleans fresh insights from reading the text of Paul's epistle in light of early Jewish theology, the historical situation of Rome in the middle of the first century A.D., and Paul's own rhetorical concerns. Giving serious consideration to the social and rhetorical background of Romans allows readers to hear Paul on his own terms, not just through the various voices of his later interpreters. Witherington's groundbreaking work also features a new, clear translation of the Greek text, and each section of the commentary ends with a brief discussion titled "Bridging the Horizons," which suggests how the ancient text of Romans may speak to us today.
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  1. Print length
    459 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
  4. Publication date
    March 2, 2004
  5. Dimensions
    6.14 x 1.15 x 9.21 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0802845045
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0802845047
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Craig S. Keener
"Ben Witherington is one of the most outstanding New Testament scholars of our generation, and in this commentary on Romans he brings his usual breadth of knowledge and reverence to the text. Scholars will appreciate the fresh analysis and rhetorical insights, while the work's clear language and sensitivity to Paul's message make it ideal for general readers desiring a readable commentary. "

Christopher Bryan
"Ben Witherington's sensible, clearly written commentary is based on a sound knowledge of the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman discourses of which Paul's letter to the Romans was a part, yet it also makes a point of addressing issues and concerns pertinent to twenty-first-century Christian life and faith. This volume should prove a valuable resource for students and preachers alike."

Christian Chronicle
"An excellent resource for those who want a scholarly, in-depth study of Romans."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (March 2, 2004)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 459 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0802845045
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802845047
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.44 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 1.15 x 9.21 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 64 ratings

About the author

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Ben Witherington

Ben Witherington

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Bible scholar Ben Witherington is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, he went on to receive the M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England. He is now considered one of the top evangelical scholars in the world, and is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies.

Witherington has also taught at Ashland Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt University, Duke Divinity School and Gordon-Conwell. A popular lecturer, Witherington has presented seminars for churches, colleges and biblical meetings not only in the United States but also in England, Estonia, Russia, Europe, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. He has also led tours to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.

Witherington has written over thirty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top biblical studies works by Christianity Today. He also writes for many church and scholarly publications, and is a frequent contributor to the Beliefnet website.

Along with many interviews on radio networks across the country, Witherington has been seen on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, The Discovery Channel, A&E, and the PAX Network.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
64 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Daniel M. Parker
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece on Romans
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2015
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Well researched; clearly written; once-in-a-lifetime find that presents the much debated material in Romans without using pompous over-stated arguments that have little bearing on the topic. Witherington does not waste space just to impress and confuse the reader with arguments he doesn't agree with. He mentions opposing positions only to demonstrate an important point on a significant issue. Some authors present opposing viewpoints ad nausium to display their "great wisdom" and avoid being accused of not understanding opposing views; but when this is done it seriously obscures the author's primary objective. After studying material from other authors who presume to write a "scholarly" examination of Romans, this is the first commentary that leads to a clear understanding of both the canon and the background that applies to Paul's arguments presented in his orator styled letter to Rome. The challenge of honest scholarship is to approach biblical literature without preconceived theological bias. So, many weave into Romans their Calvinist or replacement theological bent, and when I suddenly stumble into their preconceptions the remainder of their work is poisoned with it and becomes unreliable. I find Witherington's approach to be as pure as I could hope to find - commenting on how this fits in the whole of Paul's writings as well as developing the theme of Paul's arguments with continuing clear view of who would have been listening. This work alone induces me to fine other works by Witherington and could even draw me to attend seminary where he is teaching if I were younger. I was discouraged by previous commentaries I read on Romans, that ranged from little more than extensive sermons to a treatises on a specific theological perspective. This commentary is a breath of fresh air. Until I found Witherington's commentary, I had given up on ever finding anything that would honestly reveal the contents of Paul's Romans. If you want to understand Romans, buy this commentary. Unless you have idetic imagery, expect to review from time to time as you progress through this work. You will be glad you did.
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Douglas Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Commentary on Romans. Get it!
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016
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This is an outstanding commentary on Romans - easy the best i have. It's great strength is that if follows Paul's argument/flow of thought throughout so passages and chapters connect with what was said prior and after. This is an absolutely essential commentary if you are studying Romans and don't want to get lost in the woods! As far as I know, it is also one of the few technical commentaries that is not Calvinist, which is an enormous positive point. The treatment of Romans 7 is clear and evaluates the multiple schools of thought on this chapter - the conclusion is convincing.

Unfortunately the kindle version is a dog because it is not indexed properly with a decent table of contents! I indexed it manually myself by adding bookmarks. That aside, I can make it work and the writing itself is outstanding.
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Bahij Bawarshi
5.0 out of 5 stars A fresh view of Romans
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2005
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As Ben Witherington (BW) says in the Preface, this commentary does not pretend to be exhaustive or the definitive work on Romans. Nevertheless, it is a notable one in that most readers will gain a fresh view of Paul's most important letter, even readers who are already familiar with the intricacies of Romans. How so? BW demonstrates convincingly that Paul used known Greco-Roman rhetorical principles and techniques to specific ends. The whole letter, in its structure and development, is seen as an example of deliberative rhetoric, designed to persuade or dissuade, or "the rhetoric of advice and consent." BW contends that failure to recognize the rhetoric at play has led to many misinterpretations of the letter since early times. On some points he bravely takes on Augustine and Luther and, among the moderns, such prominent interpreters of Romans as Cranfield and Kasemann.

One may cite many features of the commentary, but a few should suffice here. BW's theological comments and notes are not new, but necessary for his argument. Imputed righteousness is a "received concept" stemming from the Latin translation of Erasmus but is not what Paul meant. Interesting are various passages that call attention to the radical nature of Paul's thinking. So is the explanation of the rhetorical technique of personification - of sin, death, Law, even grace. Sometimes BW sparkles, as when he says the effect of the contrast between Adam and Christ in Romans 5 "is like a Rembrandt painting - the dark backdrop of Adam's sin serves to highlight the brightness and clarity of God's grace gift." Two consecutive chapters on Romans 7, 'Retelling Adam's Tale' and 'Adam's Lost Race', in my view make up one of the best moments of the commentary. Paul never neglected the ethical side in his letters, nor does our good author, to which matter he devotes ample comment. A minor annoyance is that BW's translation does not include verse numbers, although the comments constantly refer to specific verses. A more serious blemish occurs in one Bridging the Horizons section (p. 97), where BW speaks of some scholars' "posturing," "insecurities," "lack of ego strength," and "feelings of low self-worth" - disappointing remarks in a commentary of this worth. Yet the overall excellence of the commentary makes one overlook the faux pas.

Has BW then conclusively proven his case (shared with other scholars of similar bent)? No, for that would close the book on Romans. This letter has engaged interpreters for many hundreds of years and one would expect it will continue to do so, informed by more research and study, or even - why not? - surprising new perceptions. But what BW has written is remarkable. It's been a long time since I found a commentary so engrossing.
21 people found this helpful
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Aziz
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work on the background of where the book of ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016
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Excellent work on the background of where the book of Romans comes from. Dr. Witherington III provides great cultural and situational insight, in particular into the portions of Romans that use diatribe in delivery and, therefore, can clear up numerous problems people have had interpreting the text, both for pastors and lay people alike. His interpretation is highly Arminian in approach (which I appreciate, though I myself am not a free will Arminian per se), which lends some valid arguments for that line of thought and theology. Overall, though, a great read with some practical applications drawn out at the end of each section.
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Top reviews from other countries

Mark
5.0 out of 5 stars Good commentary!
Reviewed in Canada on April 11, 2020
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Good commentary with a good overview of the historical and cultural impact upon the book of Romans, and with an excellent link to our times as well. Recommended.
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Felix Walne
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent commentary for pastors or scholars or serious bible students
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
This commentary examines Romans in light of its cultural and historical context, with a particular focus on Greek-Roman rhetoric, which Paul is a master in, and early Jewish writings, which of course Paul would be familiar with due to his Rabbinic background. I have learnt a lot from it. Highly recommended.
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