Review of “Re-reading Romans in Context” (2013) by Graham Jackson

Those who have read The Language of the Cross will know that Jackman writes with consideration and clarity, though never simplistically. The same is true of his latest book, Re-reading Romans in Context. As the title suggests it is an effort to re-read, and to encourage readers to re-read, Paul’s letter to the Romans in light of the circumstances Paul wrote it. Paul was dealing with a specific situation in Rome, particularly the question of the standing of Gentile believers within the church, and the issues he covers in his letter are intended to speak to, and even resolve, that situation. This approach is in contrast to common approaches to Romans that treat it as a theological treatise or statement of doctrine.

The book is informed, in part, by recent developments in Pauline studies, namely the “New Perspective” on Paul pursued by scholars including Stendhal, Sanders, Dunn and Wright. It is unsurprising to find these works cited frequently throughout the book, though Jackman does draw on other sources. Nevertheless, the book is written for a Christadelphian audience and does not seek to participate in the academic discourse but rather to address the assumptions underpinning Christadelphian approaches, particularly the Lutheran bent common to many Protestant approaches. Jackman wisely chooses not to engage negatively with previous Christadelphian commentaries on Romans and instead seeks to present his approach in a sequential manner.

The result is a refreshing, if challenging, re-appreciation of the book of Romans. After completing his initial assessment of the purpose of the book, Jackman undertakes to apply his treatment to the whole book. This allows the reader to see how Jackman’s proposed re-reading affects the message of the book.

It is probably as well to note, as Jackman himself acknowledges, that Re-reading Romans is unafraid to question Christadelphian approaches to certain topics. His treatment of the Holy Spirit is perhaps the most pertinent example.[1] He writes:

The emphasis that I have placed here on the role of the Spirit and of the indwelling Christ may be unfamiliar, perhaps even unsettling, to many Christadelphian readers. It has to be said, however, that faithfulness to Paul’s argument makes that emphasis not wilful or wayward but simply inevitable (p132).

All readers will be impressed by Jackman’s diligent and careful study, and with the sincerity in which he addresses his topic.

The book includes two useful appendices covering the history of the Roman church in the first century and some thoughts about interpreting texts.