Romans: An Introduction and Study Guide: Empire and Resistance

Sze-kar Wan examines the social and political ramifications of Paul's letter to the Romans, arguing that Paul is engaged in ethnic construction by incorporating non-Jews into Ideal Israel and presenting it as a defiant message to resist oppressive regimes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Sze-kar Wan delves into the profound social and political implications of Paul's final and longest letter. By emphasizing Paul's unwavering commitment to his ancestral tradition, Wan contends that Paul actively engages in the process of ethnic construction by incorporating non-Jews into the Ideal Israel. This idealized Israel, characterized by its claim of universality and the cosmic Son of God installed as its king, emerges as a stark contrast to the Roman Empire. Wan presents the Letter to the Romans as Paul's extended argument, aimed at his Gentile audience, in defense of Ideal Israel and their rightful place within it. He does not overlook significant themes such as the good news, faith, belief, eschatology, and the collection for the poor. Furthermore, Wan offers a unique interpretation of Romans 13 by viewing it as a form of resistance against absolute authority. This perspective challenges historical interpretations that have defended oppressive regimes like American slavery and German Nazism. By presenting this defiant message in a fresh light, Wan provides readers with a valuable tool for resisting oppressive systems and promoting justice and equality.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567693495