Sacra Pagina: Romans

Sacra Pagina #6

by Brendan Byrne, Paul the Apostle

This commentary adopts a literary-rhetorical approach, viewing the letter as an instrument of persuasion designed to transform readers through a celebratory presentation of the Gospel. Reflecting upon the fate of Jews and Gentiles, Paul wins his audience to a vision of a God who always acts inclusively. The God who, in the person of Israel's Messiah (Jesus), has acted faithfully to include the Gentile peoples within the community of salvation, will not fail to see to the eventual inclusion of Israel as well. In the victory of grace displayed already in the risen humanity of Jesus, the original design of the Creator for human communities and for the world begins to come true. The interpretation of Paul's letter to Rome has accompanied and stimulated the path of Christian theology down to today. Romans touches upon virtually all main issues of Christian theology, as well as presenting a rewarding introduction to Paul. Byrne facilitates full access to Paul and his Gospel through the letter, allowing Christians today to hear his voice as intelligibly and powerfully as it has spoken to past generations.

Genres: Christianity, Reference, Biblical, New Testament

536 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROMANS, Brendan Byrne, S.J., The Liturgical Press, Sacra Pagina Series, Vol. 6

Absolutely superb. I read and prayed this during my retreat. It was a treat, intellectual and prayerful. I still react negatively to Paul's ferocity but to read through Romans in entirety, for the first time in my life, at my age (!), was to get out of my comfort zone, if I understand that phrase, which I do not like, correctly.

The picture of the problems that he faced, a culturally divided church (or churches), Rome, distance, all gave a realization of what he was trying to do, and still is trying to do with us.

[Johan Rutgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-have for all who study Sacred Scripture.