ENCOUNTERING the BOOK OF ROMANS

A THEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SECOND EDITION

Douglas J. Moo

a division of Baker Publishing Group

Grand Rapids, Michigan

© 2002, 2014 by Douglas J. Moo

Published by Baker Academic

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakeracademic.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Moo, Douglas J.

Encountering the book of Romans: a theological survey / Douglas J. Moo.—Second Edition.

pages cm.—(Encountering biblical studies)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-8010-4966-8 (pbk.)

1. Bible. Romans—Theology. I. Title.

BS2665.52.M65 2014

227′.107—dc23

2013048251

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2007

Scripture quotations labeled NET are from the NET BIBLE®, copyright © 2003 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. www.netbible.com. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, photos, maps, and illustrations are copyright © Baker Photo Archive.

Encountering Biblical Studies

Walter A. Elwell, General Editor and New Testament Editor

Eugene H. Merrill, Old Testament Editor

For the many students all over

the world who have helped me understand

what Romans is all about

Contents

To the Student

Author’s Preface

Abbreviations

Part 1 Encountering an Ancient Letter: Romans 1:1–17

1. Getting Oriented: What Is Romans Really About?

2. Paul and the Romans

3. The Gospel of God: Romans 1:1–17

Part 2 Encountering the Human Dilemma: Romans 1:18–3:20

4. God’s Wrath against Sinners: Romans 1:18–32

5. Jews Are “without Excuse”: Romans 2:1–29

6. The Universal Power of Sin: Romans 3:1–20

Part 3 Encountering God’s Provision in Christ: Romans 3:21–4:25

7. God’s Righteousness in Christ: Romans 3:21–31

8. The Faith of Abraham: Romans 4:1–25

Part 4 Encountering Life and Hope in Christ: Romans 5:1–8:39

9. Rejoicing in Life and Hope: Romans 5:1–21

10. Freedom from the Power of Sin: Romans 6:1–23

11. Freedom from the Law: Romans 7:1–25

12. Life and Hope through the Spirit: ...