Reading Paul on his terms

God is One and God is Fair: Studies in Paul’s Letter to the Romans Jon Isaak. Kindred Productions (Luminaire Studies), 2006.

When I saw a new commentary on Romans being advertised by Kindred Productions, I told myself that the current six on my shelf were probably enough. But as providence would have it, the opportunity to read and review the latest commentary in the Luminaire series came across my desk. Am I ever glad it did!

Jon Isaak, associate professor of New Testament at our MB seminary in Fresno, Cal., takes on the critical role of a guide, offering the opportunity to join “the adventure of trying to read Paul on his own terms.” So much of our reading and interpretation of Romans, since the Reformation, has been shaped by Martin Luther’s emphasis on personal “justification by faith” and the apparent antithesis between works (Judaism) and faith (Christianity). But were these Paul’s primary concerns?

Basing his study on the setting of Paul’s day, Isaak demonstrates that the burning question in Romans is not “how can I be saved?” but “how is God faithful to his promise to save a people (Jews and Gentiles)?” This shift in emphasis to the faithfulness of God and the transformational character of God’s salvation project is a much-needed corrective to the “Jesus and me” understanding of the gospel that has dominated the evangelical landscape.

Indeed, I found that Isaak’s tour through Romans with Paul’s primary concerns front and centre shed light on a number of important contemporary issues such as homosexuality, the role of government, and the place of Israel in God’s salvation project. For example, Isaak challenges the unconditional support for government that has often been read into Romans 13:1–7 and illustrates the need for a “middle step” of reflection and assessment in all church–state relations in order to maintain an ultimate allegiance to Jesus Christ.

The commentary is obviously limited by its length (286 pages), but if you’re looking for a good tour guide to help you read Paul on his own terms and be changed in the process, I strongly recommend you add this book to your library.

Dave Esau is pastor at Cedar Park Church, Delta, B.C.