Overview of the Exegetical Reports
Throughout this course, students will complete two Exegetical Reports, each pertaining to a specific topic related to Pauline theology. These reports will be oriented toward the exegetical description of selected sections of Pauline letters to understand the situational and cultural dimensions of Paul’s theology. In each Exegetical Report, the student will compose responses within a provided template adding up to at least 1,000 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography). At least two peer-reviewed sources other than this course’s textbook should be consulted in each report.
Exegetical Report 2: Romans
In preparation for the assignment below, read Romans 1–4 and the corresponding chapter in Douglas J. Moo’s A Theology of Paul and His Letters. Pay special attention to the details about the historical situation and the social and theological issues that raises in his letter to the Romans. Cite at least two peer-reviewed resources in addition to citing Moo’s text where appropriate. Follow Turabian style throughout, including the formatting of biblical references, footnotes, and bibliography.
To complete this Exegetical Report, use this document as your template.
1. Describe the historical occasion of the prompted Paul to write his letter to the Romans. Identify when Paul wrote this letter and the circumstances that characterized Paul’s missionary work and what is known about the situation in the Roman church. Consider the various potential purpose for why Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome (250 words).
2. According to Moo, where does Paul announce the theme of his letter? How is the phrase “the righteousness of God” tied to the dominant concept of “gospel”? (150 words).
3. Explain how Paul addresses the matters of human culpability for their sin and God’s judgment upon humanity in Rom 1:18–3:20. Provide references to the biblical text as you identify and summarize Paul’s argument (150 words).
4. In Romans 4, Paul elaborates his point in 3:27–31 that faith is the means by which humans are justified with the example of Abraham in chapter 4. Identify the major elements of Paul’s argument in 3:27–31 and explain the importance of Abraham in Paul’s argument. There should be at least two sources cited in this answer (400 words).
5. Make a brief application of Rom 4 that considers the importance of maintaining the view that salvation comes through faith alone in our contemporary context (50 words).