This introduction to the interpretation of Romans aims to encourage in-depth study of the text, and genuine grappling with the theological and historical questions raised, by providing a ‘map’ to the letter as a whole, and to key interpreters and interpretative debates. It will draw on a range of methodological approaches (author-, text- and reader-centred), as complementary rather than mutually exclusive ways of interpreting the text.

In particular, this new introduction will attempt to reflect the growing scholarly attention to the reception history of biblical texts, increasingly viewed as a vital aspect of interpretation rather than an optional extra.

Special note: For the best experience when navigating this resource, we recommend setting the table of contents to list view. As an introductory series covering the theological and historical background of the text, much of the included information is broadly thematic and not verse-specific.

Reviews

"Written for students, the series strikes a balance between the readability of a popular commentary and the scholarliness of a critical commentary. The reader is able to listen in on current scholarly debate on Romans without being intimidated or overwhelmed. Overall, the book is a good primer on Romans and Pauline theology." - Concordia Theological Quarterly

"Anthony Thiselton has provided perhaps the easiest and quickest access to the issues in the letter to the Romans and to the relevant scholarship and trends concerning the letter. Few people have the ability to demonstrate the contribution and relevance of the tradition of Romans interpreters throughout the church's history the way Thiselton can." - Klyne Snodgrass, North Park Theological Seminary

"Good scholarship, deep theology, wisdom drawn from the centuries, and alertness to the issues that occupy us today. . . . Thiselton's rich, multifaceted engagement with Paul's most influential letter is a tour de force." - David F. Ford, University of Cambridge

"For those who want to understand what Paul was driving at and why he wrote in the way that he did, Thiselton's Discovering Romans is without equal." - Colin Brown, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Thiselton brings his unique perspectives and interests to this central Pauline book. His commentary is full of provocative exegetical and theological insights." - Stanley E. Porter, McMaster Divinity College

"Discovering Romans is a highly accessible guide to the biblical book itself and to a wealth of secondary literature about it. This is an enjoyable and rewarding work." - Matthew R. Malcolm, Trinity Theological College, Perth

Anthony C. Thiselton is Emeritus Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Nottingham, and associate priest in a Nottingham parish. He has previously taught at the Universities of Sheffield, Bristol and Durham and is known internationally for his work on the theory of biblical interpretation.