Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
N. T. Wright is widely regarded as the most influential commentator and interpreter of Paul, and Paul’s letter to the Romans is often thought of as the Gospel in condensed form. And, within Romans, chapter 8 is one of the most spectacular pieces of early Christian writing. It’s thrust is clear, but its detailed argument is complex, incorporating the major biblical and theological themes. In this short book, Wright takes a deep dive into Romans 8, showing how it illuminates so much else that God reveals in Scripture: God the Father, Christology, and the Spirit; Jesus’ Messiahship, cross, resurrection, and ascension; salvation, redemption, and adoption; suffering and glory; holiness and hope. Wright shows how Romans 8 holds together covenant and apocalyptic and justification and “being in Christ.” It illuminates the Gospel from the promises to Abraham through the visions of Revelation.
- Takes the reader deep into the heart of Paul’s understanding of God and his purpose
- Includes questions for reflection or discussion
- Shows how Romans 8 holds together covenant and apocalyptic and justification and “being in Christ”
- Preface
- 1 Romans 8 in Context
- 2 Romans 8.1–4: No Condemnation
- 3 Romans 8.5–11: The Spirit Gives Life
- 4 Romans 8.12–17: Led by the Spirit
- 5 Romans 8.17–21: The Liberation of Creation
- 6 Romans 8.22–7: The Groaning of the Spirit
- 7 Romans 8.28–30: Justifi ed and Glorified
- 8 Romans 8.31–4: If God Is for Us
- 9 Romans 8.34–9: Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
- Appendix 1: Roman-Inaugurated Eschatology: The Return of the Golden Age (the Age of Saturn)
- Appendix 2: Hebrew Eschatology: The Messianic Age and/or the Coming of God’s Glory
Romans is a mystery. Wright leads us on an exciting journey beyond the veil, into its inner sanctum. Discover how humans are being renewed in glory, creation refreshed, and God honored. As we gaze upon Jesus, our King and High Priest, we discover our true mission and human purposes.
—Matthew W. Bates, professor of theology, Quincy University
Like a falcon in a dive, Tom Wright takes readers on a majestic and soaring flight through Romans 8, the heart of Paul's letter to the Roman house churches. There's so much to see on atonement, spirit versus flesh, adoption, love, and hope, and Tom does not disappoint with his amazing mix of explanatory insights and easy readability. For many readers, reading this book will be the first time Romans actually makes sense to them.
—Michael F. Bird, deputy principal at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
N. T. Wright has long made it clear that Romans 8 is a text that is dear to his own heart and understanding of Paul. In this book, we encounter Wright as pastor, professor, and scholar. He teaches us how to read a text (as professor), what he discovers in the text (as scholar), and why Paul's message in one of his most significant passages still matters for the church today (as pastor). It was also refreshing to witness Wright model the ability to grow as an exegete revising one's opinion when better readings present themselves. This book is an exemplar of a pastorally and exegetically rich analysis of a dense but rewarding section of Paul's most famous letter.
—Esau McCaulley, associate professor of New Testament, Wheaton College
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
12/17/2024
I have read just about everything that this author has written, so I was quite pleased to get into another of his fine works. This one focuses on a single chapter: Romans 8 - and it is a chapter worthy of a book. Even still it feels that only the surface has been scratched ;-) I am a Lutheran Pastor and thus it probably is not a surprise that I do not always agree with the author when it comes to Romans (or Galatians), however I always appreciate hearing what he has to say. For me, I find that his insights add a depth or at least prompt good thought - so that even if I still disagree with him (and often that disagreement is minor or one of emphasis) I have benefited from the process. I would very much like to see more Christians getting stuck into Romans, and while this is only covering a single chapter, it may whet your appetite for more. So give it a read :)
