Study Guide for Romans Midterm

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts and details related to the interpretation of Romans and Paul's theology as discussed in class.

What is the central theme of Romans according to Martin Luther?

Individual salvation and how a sinful human can stand before a holy God.

Who is central to Paul's theology according to Albert Schweitzer?

Jewish 'Christ-mysticism', which focuses on being united to Christ.

How does E. P. Sanders characterize Second-Temple Judaism?

It was not characterized by legalism, but by 'covenantal nomism'.

What is the main critique of Judaism according to Paul in his epistles?

Judaism is criticized for legalism and relying on righteousness through works.

What is the 'New Perspective' on Paul and Judaism as presented by James Dunn and N. T. Wright?

It emphasizes the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's covenant rather than individual justification.

What significant event in Paul's life marked his dramatic change in direction?

His conversion/call through the revelation of Jesus.

What was concluded at the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentile salvation?

Gentiles do not need to keep the law to be saved; they just need to follow certain behavioral guidelines.

What does Paul indicate is necessary for justification in Romans 4:1-25?

Justification is a gift by faith alone, not based on works or circumcision.

What does Paul mean by 'the righteousness of God' in Romans?

It can refer to God's inherent righteousness, the gift of righteousness to believers, or God's righteous acts.

In Romans 1:16-17, what relationship does Paul present between Jews and Gentiles?

Jewish priority and Gentile inclusion in the salvific plan.

What critique does Paul give regarding the law in Romans 3:20?

The law does not justify but provides knowledge of sin.

What concept does Paul introduce in Romans 2 regarding natural law?

All people, Jew and Gentile alike, have a sense of right and wrong apart from the law.

What does Paul suggest about the Israelites' covenant identity in Romans 3:1-8?

Israel's identity does not exempt them from God's wrath against sin.

How does Paul contrast faith and works in Romans 3:21-31?

Faith is seen as an orientation towards God's action, not aligned with human action.

What does Paul emphasize about God's grace in his writings?

God's grace is 'incongruous', given without regard to the worthiness of recipients.

What do the terms 'Jew' and 'circumcision' represent in Romans 2:25-29?

They represent an inward spiritual reality rather than merely external physical conditions.

What is the central theme of Romans according to Martin Luther?

Individual salvation and how a sinful human can stand before a holy God.

Who is central to Paul's theology according to Albert Schweitzer?

Jewish 'Christ-mysticism', which focuses on being united to Christ.

How does E. P. Sanders characterize Second-Temple Judaism?

It was not characterized by legalism, but by 'covenantal nomism'.

What is the main critique of Judaism according to Paul in his epistles?

Judaism is criticized for legalism and relying on righteousness through works.

What is the 'New Perspective' on Paul and Judaism as presented by James Dunn and N. T. Wright?

It emphasizes the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's covenant rather than individual justification.

What significant event in Paul's life marked his dramatic change in direction?

His conversion/call through the revelation of Jesus.

What was concluded at the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentile salvation?

Gentiles do not need to keep the law to be saved; they just need to follow certain behavioral guidelines.

What does Paul indicate is necessary for justification in Romans 4:1-25?

Justification is a gift by faith alone, not based on works or circumcision.

What does Paul mean by 'the righteousness of God' in Romans?

It can refer to God's inherent righteousness, the gift of righteousness to believers, or God's righteous acts.

In Romans 1:16-17, what relationship does Paul present between Jews and Gentiles?

Jewish priority and Gentile inclusion in the salvific plan.

What critique does Paul give regarding the law in Romans 3:20?

The law does not justify but provides knowledge of sin.

What concept does Paul introduce in Romans 2 regarding natural law?

All people, Jew and Gentile alike, have a sense of right and wrong apart from the law.

What does Paul suggest about the Israelites' covenant identity in Romans 3:1-8?

Israel's identity does not exempt them from God's wrath against sin.

How does Paul contrast faith and works in Romans 3:21-31?

Faith is seen as an orientation towards God's action, not aligned with human action.

What does Paul emphasize about God's grace in his writings?

God's grace is 'incongruous', given without regard to the worthiness of recipients.

What do the terms 'Jew' and 'circumcision' represent in Romans 2:25-29?

They represent an inward spiritual reality rather than merely external physical conditions.

What is the universal human condition described by Paul in Romans 1:18-3:20?

All humanity, both Jews and Gentiles, are under the power of sin and stand condemned before God.

What parallel does Paul draw between Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12-21?

Just as sin and death entered the world through Adam, so grace and life came through Christ's righteous act, leading to justification for many.

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers as described in Romans 8?

The Spirit empowers believers to live righteously, assures them of their adoption as children of God, and enables them to overcome the sinful nature.

What were some key reasons Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans?

To prepare for his visit to Rome, to garner support for his mission to Spain, and to address tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers within the Roman church.

What do the terms 'redemption' and 'propitiation' signify in Paul's theology in Romans?

'Redemption' refers to being bought back or set free from sin's bondage, while 'propitiation' refers to God's wrath being appeased by Christ's sacrifice.

How does Paul discuss Israel's status and future in Romans 9-11?

Paul affirms God's election of Israel, laments their partial hardening, and asserts that a remnant will be saved, eventually leading to their full restoration.

What specific exhortation does Paul give for Christian living in Romans 12:1-2?

Believers are to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of their minds.

What is the central theme of Romans according to Martin Luther?

Individual salvation and how a sinful human can stand before a holy God.

Who is central to Paul's theology according to Albert Schweitzer?

Jewish 'Christ-mysticism', which focuses on being united to Christ.

How does E. P. Sanders characterize Second-Temple Judaism?

It was not characterized by legalism, but by 'covenantal nomism'.

What is the main critique of Judaism according to Paul in his epistles?

Judaism is criticized for legalism and relying on righteousness through works.

What is the 'New Perspective' on Paul and Judaism as presented by James Dunn and N. T. Wright?

It emphasizes the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's covenant rather than individual justification.

What significant event in Paul's life marked his dramatic change in direction?

His conversion/call through the revelation of Jesus.

What was concluded at the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentile salvation?

Gentiles do not need to keep the law to be saved; they just need to follow certain behavioral guidelines.

What does Paul indicate is necessary for justification in Romans 4:1-25?

Justification is a gift by faith alone, not based on works or circumcision.

What does Paul mean by 'the righteousness of God' in Romans?

It can refer to God's inherent righteousness, the gift of righteousness to believers, or God's righteous acts.

In Romans 1:16-17, what relationship does Paul present between Jews and Gentiles?

Jewish priority and Gentile inclusion in the salvific plan.

What critique does Paul give regarding the law in Romans 3:20?

The law does not justify but provides knowledge of sin.

What concept does Paul introduce in Romans 2 regarding natural law?

All people, Jew and Gentile alike, have a sense of right and wrong apart from the law.

What does Paul suggest about the Israelites' covenant identity in Romans 3:1-8?

Israel's identity does not exempt them from God's wrath against sin.

How does Paul contrast faith and works in Romans 3:21-31?

Faith is seen as an orientation towards God's action, not aligned with human action.

What does Paul emphasize about God's grace in his writings?

God's grace is 'incongruous', given without regard to the worthiness of recipients.

What do the terms 'Jew' and 'circumcision' represent in Romans 2:25-29?

They represent an inward spiritual reality rather than merely external physical conditions.

What is the universal human condition described by Paul in Romans 1:18-3:20?

All humanity, both Jews and Gentiles, are under the power of sin and stand condemned before God.

What parallel does Paul draw between Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12-21?

Just as sin and death entered the world through Adam, so grace and life came through Christ's righteous act, leading to justification for many.

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers as described in Romans 8?

The Spirit empowers believers to live righteously, assures them of their adoption as children of God, and enables them to overcome the sinful nature.

What were some key reasons Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans?

To prepare for his visit to Rome, to garner support for his mission to Spain, and to address tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers within the Roman church.

What do the terms 'redemption' and 'propitiation' signify in Paul's theology in Romans?

'Redemption' refers to being bought back or set free from sin's bondage, while 'propitiation' refers to God's wrath being appeased by Christ's sacrifice.

How does Paul discuss Israel's status and future in Romans 9-11?

Paul affirms God's election of Israel, laments their partial hardening, and asserts that a remnant will be saved, eventually leading to their full restoration.

What specific exhortation does Paul give for Christian living in Romans 12:1-2?

Believers are to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of their minds.

What does Paul teach in Romans 6 about a believer's relationship to sin and Christ?

Believers have died to sin and are raised with Christ to walk in newness of life, indicating a break from sin's dominion through union with Christ's death and resurrection.

How does Paul describe the believer's struggle with sin and the law in Romans 7?

He describes an internal conflict where the believer desires to do good but is hindered by sin, highlighting the law's inability to bring life and its role in exposing sin but not conquering it.

What are some practical exhortations for Christian living found in Romans 12 beyond dedicating one's body and mind?

Paul encourages believers to live in humility, exercise their spiritual gifts in love, demonstrate genuine love, serve diligently, rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints, and practice hospitality.

What does Paul instruct believers about their relationship with governing authorities in Romans 13?

Believers are to be subject to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God, and to pay taxes and render respect to whom it is due.

How does Paul advise believers to interact regarding matters of conscience and disputable opinions in Romans 14 and 15?

Believers who are strong in faith should not despise those who are weak, and the weak should not judge the strong. All should act out of conviction, not cause others to stumble, and pursue peace and mutual edification, bearing with one another's weaknesses to build up the body of Christ.

What does Paul reveal about his missionary strategy and future plans in Romans 15?

Paul details his mission to preach Christ where he has not been named, from Jerusalem to Illyricum, and expresses his desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain, requesting their prayer and support.