The Beginning of Paul’s Gospel: Theological Explorations in Romans 1–4 (New Book)

I am pleased to announce the (summer 2023) publication of a multi-contributor book, The Beginning of Paul’s Gospel: Theological Explorations in Romans 1-4 (Cascade Books), edited by John Goodrich and myself.

This comes out of the Pauline Theology seminar that John and I co-chair for the Institute for Biblical Research. This book includes excellent essays in specific theological issues of importance in Romans 1-4. Contributors include: John M. G. Barclay, Ben C. Blackwell, Timothy G. Gombis, Erin M. Heim, Chee-Chiew Lee, Grant Macaskill, Marcus A. Mininger, Matthew Monkemeier, Matthew V. Novenson, Rafael Rodriguez, Benjamin Schliesser, Paul T. Sloan, and Ruth Whiteford (essays by John and me as well).

Releases July 2023

ENDORSEMENTS:

“This is a stellar collection of essays by a cadre of eminent Pauline scholars. The rich, carefully argued essays shed new light on important aspects of Romans 1-4, especially on interpretative controversies old and new. Every serious student of Romans should therefore engage this stimulating volume.”

–Michael J. Gorman, professor of biblical studies and theology, St. Mary’s Seminary & University

“Through the ages, Paul’s Letter to the Romans has been regarded as his most important letter. This collection of lively essays offers important and impressive analyses of Romans 1-4, the theological fulcrum of the letter. They provide a valuable starting point for delving more deeply into the theology of Romans.”

–David E. Garland, professor of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary

“Scholarly study of Romans–the most discussed and debated letter in Paul–continues in this fascinating set of essays. The authors don’t all agree with one another, but the essays provoke fresh thinking and reflection on Romans. The essays here should be consulted and discussed in the ongoing conversation about Romans.”

–Thomas R. Schreiner, professor of New Testament interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Nijay Gupta and John Goodrich have assembled an impressive volume on an important topic. The contributors attend to the contexts, content, and arguments of the Pauline texts without losing sight of either exegetical detail or theological relevance. These essays are at all points informative and, at many points, offer insights that open up fresh questions for future scholarship–a welcome contribution to studies of Romans and of Paul’s thought.”

–James B. Prothro, assistant professor of Scripture and theology, Augustine Institute

“Readers of Paul’s Letter to the Romans are indebted to Nijay Gupta and John Goodrich for this collection of leading specialists grappling with the first four chapters of Romans. The array of essays provides a roadmap and critical evaluation of the most recent scholarship, including on such hot-button topics as intertextuality, audience, rhetorical patterns, ethnicity, and theology. The Beginning of Paul’s Gospel would also be an excellent text to help introduce students to these chapters.”

–A. Andrew Das, Niebuhr distinguished chair, Elmhurst University