A New Perspective on Romans17 July 2013Bill Brewer

Bill Brewer17 Jul 20131

http://historeo.com1Rom 4:14:1 (NASB95) What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 4:1 (NIV84) What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter?4:1 (NIV UK & 2011*) What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? The NIV84 is much more common than the NIV2011 Bill Brewer17 Jul 2013according tothe fleshaccording to theflesh2

http://historeo.comNIV vs. NPP?In this context, I must register one strong protest against one particular translation. When the New International Version was published in 1980, I was one of those who hailed it with delight. I believed its own claim about itself, that it was determined to translate exactly what was there, and inject no extra paraphrasing or interpretative glosses. This contrasted so strongly with the then popular New English Bible, and promised such an advance over the then rather dated Revised Standard Version, that I recommended it to students and members of the congregation I was then serving. Wright, N. T. (2009). Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic. pp. 5152. Bill Brewer17 Jul 2013

3 http://historeo.com

NIV vs. NPP?Disillusionment set in over the next two years, as I lectured verse by verse through several of Paul's letters, not least Galatians and Romans. Again and again, with the Greek text in front of me and the NIV beside it, I discovered that the translators had had another principle, considerably higher than the stated one: to make sure that Paul should say what the broadly Protestant and evangelical tradition said he said. . I do know that if a church only, or mainly, relies on the NIV it will, quite simply, never understand what Paul was talking about.

Wright, N. T. (2002). The New Interpreters Bible: a Commentary in Twelve Volumes. Abingdon Press. Bill Brewer17 Jul 2013

4 http://historeo.comNIV vs. NPP?This is a large claim, and I have made it good, line by line, in relation to Romans in my big commentary, which prints the NIV and the NRSV and then comments on the Greek in relation to both of them. Yes, the NRSV sometimes lets you down, too, but nowhere near as frequently or as badly as the NIV. And, yes, the NIV has now been replaced with newer adaptations in which some at least of the worst features have, I think, been at least modified [e.g., adding according to the flesh to Rom. 4:1].Wright, N. T. (2002). The New Interpreters Bible: a Commentary in Twelve Volumes. Abingdon Press. Bill Brewer17 Jul 2013

5 http://historeo.comNIV vs. NPP?But there are many who, having made the switch to the NIV, are now stuck with reading Romans 3:21-26 [where], "the righteousness of God" in Romans 3:21 is only allowed to mean "the righteous status which comes to people from God," whereas the equivalent term in Romans 3:25and Romans 3:26 clearly refers to God's own righteousness which is presumably why the NIV has translated it as "justice," to avoid having the reader realize the deception. Bill Brewer17 Jul 20136

Wright, N. T. (2002). The New Interpreters Bible: a Commentary in Twelve Volumes. Abingdon Press.

http://historeo.comNIV vs. NPP?In the following paragraph [3:29], a similar telltale translation flaw occurs [in which the] NIV, standing firmly in the tradition that sees no organic connection between justification by faith on the one hand and the inclusion of Gentiles within God's people on the other, resists this clear implication by omitting the word or altogether. [The preceding examples are just] two straws in a clear and strong wind. And those blown along by this wind may well come to forget that they are reading a visibly and demonstrably flawed translation, and imagine that this is what Paul really said.Whereas, of course, a reading of Paul more wide awake to the world in which he lived and thought would have seen the connections and meanings at once. Bill Brewer17 Jul 20137

Wright, N. T. (2002). The New Interpreters Bible: a Commentary in Twelve Volumes. Abingdon Press.

http://historeo.comRom 3:21-26: Comparison of NASB and NIVRom 3:21-26 (NASB85) But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction 23 .24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness . . . . 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness . . . . Rom 3:21-26 (NIV84) But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 .24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice . . . .26 he did it to demonstrate his justice . . . . Bill Brewer17 Jul 2013from the Lawapartofofrighteousnessin His blood through faithwhich is indistinctionforinrighteousnessforthe righteousnessarighteousnessapart fromlawfromcomesintodifferencethat came bythrough faith in his bloodjusticejusticefromBiased toward a universal, personal order of salvation interpretationImputed moral righteousnessIOpen to a covenantal, corporate history of salvation interpretationReal relational righteousnessI http://historeo.comRom 3:28-29: Comparison of NASB and NIV3:28 (NASB95) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also3:28 (NIV84) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too Bill Brewer17 Jul 20139OrWhats the difference between these two versions? http://historeo.com3:28 (NIV84) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too3:28 (NASB95) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles alsoOrRom 3:28-29: Comparison of NASB and NIV Bill Brewer17 Jul 201310Whats the difference between these two versions?3:28 (NASB95) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles alsoOrAB3:28 (NIV84) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles tooABOBTWIn Romans, justification by faith apart from works of the law IS the issue that defines the relationship between Jews and Gentiles Hence the concentration of justification in Romans and GalatiansIn the NIV, vv 28-29 are presented as independent thoughts. Omitting the Or severs the logical connection between V28 the nature of justification and V29 the nature of Jew-Gentile relations[No,]CC[No,] http://historeo.comDifferences between the 1984 NIV and the 2011 NIV Bill Brewer17 Jul 2013http://historeo.com/Resources/NIV Deltas - 1984 vs 2011.htm

http://historeo.comRomans OutlineI.Introduction (1:117)II.The Righteousness of Godfrom Gods Faithfulness to Mans Faith (1:1811:36)A.The Righteousness of Godto Mans Faith (1:185:21)The Wrath of God on Mans Unrighteousness (1:183:20)2.Gods Saving Righteousness to Faith (3:215:21)a)To Faith in Christ Jesus (3:2131)(1)The Decisive Demonstration of Gods Righteousness in the Death of Jesus (3:2126)(2)The Consequences for the Self-Understanding of the Jewish People (3:2731)b)Abraham as a Test Case (4:125)c)First Conclusions: The New Perspective of Faith in Relation to the Individual and to Humanity at Large (5:121)(1)The New Perspective on the Believers Present and Future (5:111)(2)The New Perspective on Gods Righteous Purpose for Humankind (5:1221)Dunn, J. D. G. (1998). Vol. 38: Romans. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Bill Brewer17 Jul 201312b) Abraham as a Test Case (4:125) http://historeo.comRom 4:1: Why does it matter?4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? (NASB)The preceding translation see 4:1 as a question about Abrahams personal experienceIt fits well with the Evangelical Protestant insistence on reading Romans in terms of individual salvation4:1 What then shall we say? Have we found Abraham our forefather according to the flesh?The preceding translation sees 4:1 as a question about the interpretation (midrash) of Gods promise to AbrahamFits the New Perspective on Paul in reading Romans in terms of covenantPaul follows 4:1 with a midrash of Gods promise to Abraham that challenges head-on the most widely accepted way for Jews to understand Gods reckoning of righteousness to Abraham Bill Brewer17 Jul 201313 http://historeo.comTypes of Jewish Exegesis (Interpretation)Hyper-Literalism: Emphasis on the letterGal 3:16, [God] does not say, seeds, but to your seed Paraphrase: E.g., Targum (Aramaic translation) of Prov 25:22, For you will heap burning coals on his head and God will make him your friend (RE: Rom 12:20)Allegory (extended metaphor): Not dependent upon historical factRom 7:1-6, made to die to the Law[to] be joined to anotherPesher: Text is a mystery solved by an inspired connection to person/eventGospel of Matthew, this is that .Typology: correspondence of divine appointments within salvation historyRom 4:23-24, Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also.Midrash (inquiry): interpretation/application of TorahRom 4:3-22: Gen 15:6; Ps 32:1-2; Gen 17:10-11; 17:4-6; 17:5; 15:5; 17:17Midrash (inquiry): interpretation/application of TorahRom 4:3-22: Gen 15:6; Ps 32:1-2; Gen 17:10-11; 17:4-6; 17:5; 15:5; 17:17Prov 25:22Prov 25:22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you. Gal 3:16Gal 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, And to seeds, as referring to many, but rather to one, And to your seed, that is, Christ. Bill Brewer17 Jul 201314Rom 12:20 12:20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. http://historeo.comMidrash (interpretation)Midrash (interpretation) comes from darash, (to enquire)Midrash occurs only twice in the BibleThe story of the prophet Iddo (2 Chron 13:22) The story of the book of the kings (2 Chron 24:27)But its biblical significance is hugeSimilar to the significance ofBiblical commentaries plusBiblical interpretation to the BibleMidrash refers to two big thingsThe science/art of interpretationThe products of such interpretation; e.g., Midrash of Shemhazai and AzazelComparemahalak (journey) from halak (to walk)mitsvah (commandment) fromtsavah (to command)

Bill Brewer17 Jul 201315 http://historeo.comRules of Jewish InterpretationThe Seven Middoth (rules) of Hillelqal wahomer lighter to heaviergezerah shawah similar laws, similar verdictsbinyan ab mikathub ehad a standard from a passage of Scripturebinyan ab mishene kethubim a standard from two passages of Scripturekelal upherat general and particularkayoze bo bemaqom aher like that in another placedabar halamed meinyano something proved by the contextRules in blue are logical in nature (1,5,7)Remaining are rules for verbal associations (2,3,4,6)Hillels seven rules later expanded into 13, then 32, including gematria (connecting passages based on numerical equivalences, substitutions)Most of Hillels rules carry little weight in modern-day rules of interpretationSubsequent additions would be subject to substantial ridiculePauls use of the rules is more a matter of rhetoric than a divine stamp of approval

qal wahomer lighter to heavierkelal upherat general and particulardabar halamed meinyano something proved by the context Bill Brewer17 Jul 201316 http://historeo.comRules of Jewish InterpretationThe Seven Middoth (rules) of Hillelqal wahomer lighter to heaviergezerah shawah similar laws, similar verdictsbinyan ab mikathub ehad a standard from a passage of Scripturebinyan ab mishene kethubim a standard from two passages of Scripturekelal upherat general and particularkayoze bo bemaqom aher like that in another placedabar halamed meinyano something proved by the contextRom 11:12 Now if [Israels] transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be! Rom 11:24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? Also see Rom 5:8-11 Bill Brewer17 Jul 201317 http://historeo.comRules of Jewish InterpretationThe Seven Middoth (rules) of Hillelqal wahomer lighter to heaviergezerah shawah similar laws, similar verdictsbinyan ab mikathub ehad a standard from a passage of Scripturebinyan ab mishene kethubim a standard from two passages of Scripturekelal upherat general and particularkayoze bo bemaqom aher like that in another placedabar halamed meinyano something proved by the contextRomans 4: V3 quotes Gen 15:6 on credited or reckonedV7-8 quotes Ps 32:1-2 on credited or reckonedVv9-11 argue from context that Abraham was reckoned as righteous prior to his circumcisiongezerah shawahdabar halamed meinyanogezerah shawah similar laws, similar verdictsdabar halamed meinyano something proved by the context Bill Brewer17 Jul 201318 http://historeo.comRom 4:1-25VersesOutline12Introduction (in continued diatribe style) 3The text to be explained Gen 15:6 Abraham believed [pisteu] God, and it was credited [logizomai] to him as righteousness48The meaning of credited [logizomai]45from the logic of divine-human relations68from its use in Ps 32:1-2921The meaning of [pisteu]912from the order of events in Abrahams case 1317from the link between faith and promise in Abrahams case1721from the character of Abrahams faith 22Conclusion the text explained2325Corollary its wider application as thus understoodDunn, J. D. G. (1998). Romans 18. Word Biblical Commentary (Vol. 38A, p. 198). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.123456891213171721222325Ps 32:1-213 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there violation.16 For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,17 (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made you ) in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due.5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,17 (as it is written, A father of many nations have I made you ) in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.18 In hope against hope he believed, in order that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall your descendants be. 19 And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarahs womb;20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,21 and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.6 just as David also speaks of the blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account. 9 Is this blessing then upon the circumcised, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say, Faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it reckoned? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised;11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be reckoned to them,12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.3 For what does the Scripture say? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.22 Therefore also it was reckoned to him as righteousness.23 Now not for his sake only was it written, that it was reckoned to him,24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be reckoned, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,25 He who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. Ps 32:1-2 Blessed is he whose transgression is lifted, whose sin is covered.2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Bill Brewer17 Jul 201319 http://historeo.com Bill Brewer17 Jul 201320Rom 4:1-25The exposition of Gen 15:6 of which chap. 4 consists is one of the finest examples of Jewish midrash available to us from this era

Dunn, J. D. G. (1998). Word Biblical Commentary (Vol. 38, p. 197). Dallas: Word, Inc.

http://historeo.comRom 4:1: Why does it matter?4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? (NASB)The preceding translation see 4:1 as a question about Abrahams personal experienceIt fits well with the Evangelical Protestant insistence on reading Romans in terms of individual salvation4:1 What then shall we say? Have we found Abraham our forefather according to the flesh?The preceding translation sees 4:1 as a question about the interpretation (midrash) of Gods promise to AbrahamFits the New Perspective on Paul in reading Romans in terms of covenantPaul follows 4:1 with a midrash of Gods promise to Abraham that challenges head-on the most widely accepted way for Jews to understand Gods reckoning of righteousness to Abraham (see Gen 26:4-5) Bill Brewer17 Jul 201321Gen 26:4-5Gen 26:4-5 I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; 5 because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws. http://historeo.comRom 4:1 Bill Brewer10 Jul 2013Most translations us commas to make our father/forefather according to the flesh parentheticalThe NIV goes further by eliminating according to the flesh altogetherIn all, our father/forefather according to the flesh is rendered totally irrelevant to the point Paul is allegedly makingThat is, Abraham is to be understood an example of every man of how every person finds personal salvationThe NPP alternative is that Abraham IS NOT every manRather he is a central figure in the history of salvation, the spiritual father of both Jew and Gentile over against Adam, the fleshy father of them allThus Pauls question in 4:1, have we found Abraham our forefather according to the flesh? )(?NET, KJV, HCSB, LEB, NAB, NASB, NRSV, ESV, D-RAbrahamfather/forefatheraccording to the fleshhas foundWhat our?Abrahamfather/forefatheraccording to the fleshdiscoveredWhat ourNIV()in this matter22The answer is no and Pauls offers an alternative midrash to back it up! http://historeo.com17 Jul 2013BACKUPS Bill Brewer23 http://historeo.com2721627.5