6 - Working from the problems of interpretation within the justification framework

Summary

We begin our search for what Paul was intending to say to the Romans by examining the points where readings within the justification framework do not account satisfactorily for the text. Exegesis within that framework assumes that Rom. 1.16–17 is the theme statement, Rom. 1.18–3.20 presents the human predicament, Rom. 3.21–6 is the announcement of justification through faith by grace, and Rom. 3.27–4.25 is about faith and the continuity between God's action in Christ and God's earlier action with Israel. In chapter 2, we identified three problems that cannot be solved within this framework. They are so fundamental and so closely interlocked as to question the validity of the framework. (1) Rom. 1.18–3.20 is unlikely to convince an audience that all have sinned. (2) As a justification account, Rom. 1.16–4.25 is out of balance. The main point is not clearly developed, while supporting arguments, essential but secondary, occupy over 90 per cent of the text. (3) As the announcement of justification through faith, Rom. 3.21–6 is out of balance, with grammar and meaning that do not match.

We noted that these problems raise certain issues. These offer starting points for the exploration in this chapter.