Paul's Use of the Old Testament in Romans 9.1-9: An Intertextual and Theological Exegesis

Description

This investigation builds upon recent developments in the study of Paul's use of Scripture that center around the concept of "intertextuality." Abasciano uses an exegetical method that incorporates into a thorough traditional exegesis a comprehensive analysis of Paul's use of Scripture against the background of interpretive traditions surrounding the texts alluded to, with great emphasis placed on analyzing the original contexts of Paul's citations and allusions. Such an intertextual exegesis is conducted in Romans 9:1-9 with an awareness of the broader unit of chapters 9-11 especially, and also the epistle as a whole. The study finds that many of the themes Paul deals with in Romans 9-11 are also present in ancient Jewish and Christian interpretive traditions surrounding the passages he invokes, and more importantly, that Paul's scriptural quotations and allusions function as pointers to their broad original contexts, from which he developed much of the form, content, and direction of his argument, holding significance for a number of exegetical details as well as broader themes and rhetorical movements. The final chapter seeks to draw conclusions concerning the significance of Paul's use of the Old Testament in Romans 9:1-9 for the exegesis and theology of Romans and for Pauline intertextuality. The identity of the true people of God is central to Romans 9-11 and the epistle. And Paul's use of Scripture is contextual and referential, calling for attention to Pauline intertextuality in standard exegetical procedure. JSNTS 301

Brian J. Abasciano earned his Ph.D. in divinity from the University of Aberdeen, UK, pastors at Faith Community Church in Hampton, New Hampshire, USA, and serves as an adjunct professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, USA.

'[A] carefully written study of Romans 9.1-9 drawing largely but not exclusively on the methodological approach to Paul's use of the OT found in Richard Hays' Echoes of Scripture. The shape of the argument is conventional and clear... takes its place alongside a number of other recent and forthcoming works which explore intertextuality in the argument of Romans.' Sean Winter, JSNT 'Abasciano has demonstrated the richness of the "meaning-effects" when the apostle's textual citations and allusions are understood within their larger literary context....I hope this volume will not be ignored...[t]here are many exegetical insights here.' Thomas W. Gillespie, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, USA, Review of Biblical Literature "As a whole the monograph makes a fresh contribution to the study of Romans 9, particularly in strengthening and establishing the case for Paul's use of Exodus 32 (denied by some scholars, such as E. Lohse). It is valuable for its survey of Jewish interpretations of the source texts used by Paul...It demonstrates how much a correct understanding of how Paul is using the Old Testament is vital for determining what he is arguing...The discussion of Paul's view of election and calling is thus helpfully reopened." Howard Marshall, University of Aberdeen, The Journal of Theological Studies Reviewed in International Review of Biblical Studies, 2007. Reviewed in Theological Book Review Vol. 19 No. 1 2007 'I find Abasciano's study convincing. It is marked by careful, detailed, and fully contextualized exegesis. At the same time, the author never loses sight of the big picture. Accordingly, Abasciano has provided us with a fine example of the synergy of exegesis and theology.' - Craig A. Evans, The Catholic Biblical Quaterly -- Craig A. Evans * Catholic Biblical Quarterly * "[A] careful study of Paul's use of the Old Testament. It has contributed to the growing body of literature on Pauline intertextuality by a thorough and in-depth analysis of Paul's use of the Scripture in specific texts." -- Hon-Lee Kwok, New College, Edinburgh * Expository Times * '[T]he most detailed account to date of Paul's use of Scripture in Rom 9:1-9'. 'This is a rich and insightful study that shows the fruitfulness of exploring the complex intertextual connections between Paul and the Old Testament.' Steve Moyise, RBL, October 2006 -- Steve Moyise, University of Chichester, UK * RBL *