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Paul spent chapter 12 of his letter to the Romans advocating a new kind of community, built on the foundation of mercy and grace. This was a counter-cultural ethic that was the antithesis of the Roman Empire and its values. It’s particularly surprising then, when he starts the next chapter with what seems to be … Continue reading A Tyrant’s Dream? (Redux): Romans 13.1-7

Romans 12-14 describes how Paul expects Christ-followers to behave in community. In 12.1-8, he urges humility and inner transformation, and teaches that everyone in the Church has been given gifts to help build up the community. Now here in 12.9-21, he continues by discussing what healthy relationships look like. Text [12.9] Let love not be … Continue reading Living Sacrifices in Relationship: Romans 12.9-21

Last time, we saw how Paul introduced a new section in his letter to the Romans, dedicated to moral and ethical instruction, with an exhortation to radical transformation. While this call to change is individual, it is always for the sake of the community. And in the six verses we’ll look at today, we’ll see … Continue reading Living Sacrifices Empowered for Life Together: Romans 12.3-8

So far in this series, Paul has made his case for a single, diverse community of Christ-followers reflective of the new humanity in Christ. This community does not force Gentiles to become Jewish, but also shows respect to Jews, Christian and otherwise, for being God’s chosen people. In the next section, Romans 12-15, Paul explores … Continue reading Living Sacrifices, Transformed not Conformed: Romans 12.1-2

Since we’ve come to the end of another major section in Paul’s Letter to the Romans, it’s time for another targum, a loose explanatory paraphrase of the text:   [9.1-5] I’m telling you the truth from my deepest Christian heart, and the Holy Spirit and conscience will both attest to this: My heart is broken … Continue reading God’s Plan for God’s People: A Targum on Romans 9-11