The Mystery of Romans: The Jewish Context of Paul's Letters [Paperback]

Mark D. Nanos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1996

Paul's letter to the Romans, says Nanos, is an example of Jewish correspondence, addressing believers in Jesus who are steeped in Jewish ways-whether of Jewish or gentile origin. Arguing against those who think Paul was an apostate from Judaism, Nanos maintains Paul's continuity with his Jewish heritage. Several key arguments here are: Those addressed in Paul's letter were still an integral part of the Roman synagogue communities. The "weak" are non- Christian Jews, while the "strong" included both Jewish and gentile converts to belief in Jesus. Paul as a practicing devout Jew insists on the rules of behavior for "the righteous gentiles." Christian subordination to authorities (Romans 13:1-7) is intended to enforce submission to leaders of the synagogues, not Roman government officials. Paul behaves in a way to confirm the very Jewish portrait of him in Acts: going first to the synagogues.

Product Details

• Paperback: 435 pages
• Publisher: Fortress Press (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080062937X
• ISBN-13: 978-0800629373
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #166,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very different message, February 6, 2002

By 

The BPR Reference Guide (East Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mystery of Romans: The Jewish Context of Paul's Letters (Paperback)

Paul's letter to the Romans has turned out to be one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible. His words have been interpreted in such diverse ways as to launch various religious movements and spawn new theologies that are completely contradictory to the message that Paul intended. One such example would be "Replacement Theology." Such ideas are based in part on anti-Semitism, which in turn, is based in part on a misunderstanding of Paul's words.

The author notes that Paul is not well liked. "Jews often perceive him as a traitor, or worse. Christians often consider him arrogant and manipulative, at the very least, and among scholars and those sensitive to the integrity of the Jews and Judaism his perceived disregard for and betrayal of his Jewish heritage and the Jewish people is justifiable cause for suspicion."

Mark Nanos "locates in the author of Romans a very different Paul: a thoroughly Jewish Paul, functioning entirely within the context of Judaism, giving priority to Israel..." With this mindset, "The Mystery of Romans" starts to reveal a message different from what history and Christianity has perhaps taught us.

"The Mystery of Romans" is a fascinating book based on brilliant scholarship. There are extensive footnotes throughout. One of the most rewarding chapters, Chapter Three, asks and answers the question: "Who were the 'weak' and the 'strong' in Rome?" It was this chapter alone that opened up a new understanding of Romans for me personally.

Every once in a while you come across a book that you wish every Christian would read. This is such a book. - Ronni

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who Were the "Weak in Faith"?, July 27, 2000

By 

Loren Rosson III (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mystery of Romans: The Jewish Context of Paul's Letters (Paperback)

The real strength of Nanos' book lies in the exposition of Rom. 14:1-15:6, where Paul discusses the "weak in faith" and the "strong in faith" in Rome. The author refutes the traditional view that the weak in faith were Christian Jews, arguing that they were almost certainly non-Christian Jews. These Jews were weak in faith because they refused to accept Jesus as Israel's true messiah, not because they lived by the works of the law. On the contrary, those who observed purity laws, fasting, sabbath -- or any Jewish works -- were to "be fully convinced in their own minds what is right" (Rom. 14:5). They were to continue "observing the sabbath in honor of the Lord" (Rom. 14:6a) as well as "abstaining from meat in honor of the Lord" (Rom. 14:6b). Paul didn't believe that the Jews in Rome were "weak in practice" or "weak in opinions". He thought they were "weak in faith", refusing to believe that the messiah had come and initiated the eschatological age.

Nanos handles the implications of the Apostolic Decree (Acts 15:20) very well. He allows that while Paul may have disagreed with James' compromise in theory ("nothing is unclean in itself" (Rom. 14:14a)), he agreed with apostolic wisdom in practice ("food is unclean, however, for those who think it is unclean" (Rom. 14:14b)). Gentiles, while in the company of Jews, must abide by the minimal purity standards of the Apostolic Decree. "If your brother is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love" (Rom. 14:15). Paul exhorted the Gentiles in Rome to observe any purity regulations that would otherwise have offended their Jewish associates. "It is good not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that causes your brother to stumble" (Rom. 14:21). Paul wanted the strong in faith to accommodate the weak in faith and "not please themselves" (Rom. 15:1), so that, hopefully, soon, the Jews would embrace Christianity and both groups could worship as "one voice" (Rom. 15:5-6).

So Gentiles may be theoretically free from the works of the law, but that freedom must always be examined in light of the company one is in. Israel's place is preeminent (Rom. 11:17-18), and Gentile arrogance will result in being cut off from the church and salvation altogether (Rom. 11:20b-21). Jewish heritage demands respect. This book could go a long way in promoting honest Jewish-Christian dialogue. While not a comprehensive commentary of Romans, its focus on key passages clears up serious confusion and provides a solid foundation for understanding Paul's most famous letter.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent but difficult read, February 4, 2004

By 

Joseph J. Slevin (Carlsbad, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Mystery of Romans: The Jewish Context of Paul's Letters (Paperback)

Nanos is unequalled in his ability to write and back up his thoughts with proof. He has a twist in this book, from a Jewish perspective, he attempts to show how Paul is writing to Jews and Romans to consider one another as brothers, to emphasize toleration.

Nanos' thesis is that Paul was writing a correction to both, neither should think more of themselves than what they should. It was not the Jews who thought too much of themselves, it was he Romans who were thinking they were more than just simple Christians. His reference to Romans 9 is very insightful.

It is a difficult read, written mostly to a more educated audience, however, it is a good tool for anyone who has a desire to understand the depth of scripture from a Jewish perspective.

If only all christians would remember that the early church was originally all Jewish until the conversion of the Samaritans. The core of Paul's work was done in synagogues and Jews were among the converts throughout Europe and Asia Minor.

Nanos goes a long way to reveal a much needed dialog between Christian and Jew. Christian roots, Jewish ideas, a need for understanding.