letters, Paul not only tells and announces, but at the same time explains and argues, that is to say he engages in theological reflection. Of course, no historical account, no proclamation properly so called, can manage without implicit theological reflection. But in the doctrine of justification the theological reflection becomes explicit. It becomes a tool of persuasion. Indeed, as an apologia for the truth of the gospel it becomes downright polemical. The apostle Paul even felt compelled to withstand,