Preaching and Paul's Letter to the Romans - (T&t Clark Library of Homiletics) by Ronald J Allen (Hardcover)

About the Book

A fresh perspective on Paul's Letter to the Romans, with particular focus on issues of gentile arrogance and mutual respect between Jewish and gentile believers in the early Christian community at Rome.

Book Synopsis

Ronald J. Allen argues that the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans to address specifically the gentiles in the congregation in Rome. Allen suggests that this was because the gentiles exhibited arrogant behavior towards Jewish members of the community, thereby undermining a primary facet of the early church - to witness to the community of love and mutual support that God seeks for all.

Allen shows readers how Paul points the gentiles to the faithfulness of God, who invites them to recognize and live according to the grace of God, shown to them through Jesus Christ. In this pastorally engaged work, Allen not only provides historical commentary on Romans but also helps preachers and scholars make connections between arrogance and its destructiveness in communities today, as well as inviting congregations to participate in the grace that makes possible a loving and mutually respectful community.

Review Quotes

Drawing upon a deep understanding of first-century Roman society and with an insightful exploration of Paul's epistle to the Romans, this commentary judiciously explores the ways in which Paul confronts arrogance, calling the Gentiles to humility and a deeper understanding of God's grace. Through meticulous exegesis and practical application, preachers, scholars, laypersons, and readers alike are provided with the opportunity to engage with the timeless relevance of Paul's epistle to the Romans.
Wayne E. Croft, United Lutheran Seminary, USA

We all know of Romans as the text from which comes our understanding of justification by faith alone. Allen, however, emphasizes the ecclesiological corrective nature of Paul's letter: a letter calling on gentile Christians to abandon their arrogant idolatry and offer welcome to Jewish Christians returning to Rome. He opens a wide range of analogies for relevant sermons to the twenty-first century church. Struggling to preach in our strident context? Get this book!
O. Wesley Allen, Southern Methodist University, USA

About the Author

Ronald J. Allen is Professor of Preaching and Gospels and Letters at the Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, US.