184. Marcus Mininger on Romans 1:16-3:26

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Marcus Mininger to discuss his book Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26. What have been the standard interpretive paradigms of this text about what Paul is arguing – and why he is arguing it? How has Romans 2 fit or has not fit exegetically and logically within those paradigms? Dr. Mininger takes us through highlights of both the traditionalist view, which has typically been focused on soteriology, individual justification and treated Romans as more of a systematic treatment of the Gospel – and the revisionist view, which has typically been focused on corporate and social categories and concerns and treated Romans as perhaps so occasional as to, at times, downplay even the need for coherence in Paul’s argument. Moreover, with mounting exegetical problems with both of the inherited paradigms for interpreting the passage – perhaps a new paradigm is needed. Listen in as Dr. Mininger takes us through this key passage and demonstrates Paul’s programmatic concern is actually “what is (or is not) revealed, where, and how” and that this “means that Paul argues from claims about revelation to conclusions about soteriology, which has significant social implications as well.” Dr. Mininger argues for the “revelation-historical approach” to this passage which can take into account all of what Paul actually says, and all of what he actually argues – centered on the theme he set forth by Paul himself right at the beginning of the letter: the righteousness of God and wrath of God, both which is being revealed (presently) and which will be revealed (in the future). Listen in as we go deeper into the Pauline Gospel which sets forth the principle of fitting correspondence (based on works), as well as the radical principle of diametric contrast (based on grace) in order to fully appreciate how “in Rom 3:4-5 God’s righteousness is demonstrated inversely by means of David’s unrighteousness. Similarly in 3:21-26, God’s righteousness is definitely revealed not by a display of impressive power or through the pedagogical and formational benefits of the Law, even upon Christ himself, but instead through the bloody atoning death of God’s Son, Jesus.” Perhaps this new paradigm, though challenging the traditional paradigm of interpretation, is a much more exegetically sound and logically coherent foundation for the traditional theology of God, sin, grace, the sacraments - as well as the purpose of Christ’s atoning blood upon the cross.

Book: Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26

Pleas also check out this book by Dr. Mininger:

- Impossible to Be Restored?: Temptation and Warning in the Epistle of Hebrews