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

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Clinton Arnold to discuss his book The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae. The apostle Paul’s epistle to the Colossians was written at a time and to a place, in history – and as “documents of history, they give us the obligation of interpreting them historically”. That being the case, there has been much question and debate as to what is being condemned in this epistle. What does the term “embateuo” (in 2.18) mean – and what does that have to do with asceticism, dietary restrictions, and the veneration and invoking of angels? To understand this, Dr. Arnold takes us into the religious context of the region – including magic, ritual, mysteries, temples and the worship of many gods and goddesses. Indeed, even the Jews, surprisingly, practiced magic in this very syncretistic context – where the false teachers were likely affirming Jesus, and yet combining him with the religious practices and spiritual teachings that they claimed came with the authority of ancient tradition. Combining archaeology and other extra-biblical texts that help us understand Colossians, in its context, Dr. Arnold helps us see more clearly what the apostle is condemning – as well as how Christ Jesus, God and Creator of all things, is the real solution to what these religious people were seeking. Indeed, the more we understand both what was being corrected and who Paul teaches is the true solution, the contemporary relevance may become more clear - even among many who likewise claim Jesus alongside other spiritual traditions, today.

Book: The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae

Check out this beautiful new amazing commentary: Colossians, Second Edition (WBC)

Also: Colossae Excavations

Some other resources by Dr. Arnold:

- Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians

- Powers of Darkness: Principalities and Powers in Paul’s Letters

Other resources:

The Teaching of Paul in Terms of the Present Day by Sir William Ramsay (1914)

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Shaman and Sage by Michael Horton

Envy by Helmut Schoeck

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David Buerger