Romans

Deeply conversant in the full range of questions andinterpretations of the letter, Jewett's commentaryexplores the crucial and controverted passages thathave always animated studies of Romans. Jewett alsoincorporates the exciting new insights from archaeologyof the city of Rome, social history of early Christianity,social-scientific work on early Christianity, and theinterpretation and reception of Paul's letter throughthe ages. Breaking free from abstract approaches that defendtraditional theologies, Jewett shows that the entire letteraims to elicit support for Paul's forthcoming mission tothe "barbarians" in Spain. His work specifically focuseson Paul's missionary plans and how they figure in theletter, on Paul's critical and constructive tack with theRoman community, and finally and especially on howPaul's letter reframes the entire system of honor andshame as it informed life in the Roman Empire at thetime. The latter remains a pertinent message today. Thefirst commentary to interpret Romans within the imperialcontext as well as in the light of the situation in Spain,this landmark commentary, twenty-five years in themaking, will set the standard for interpretation of Romansfor the next generation.