The Social Setting of Paul's Letter

by Philip F. Esler

• Biblical Studies & Commentaries

• Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
• Published: 2003

Publisher's Description

What is the purpose of Paul's letter to the Romans? Esler provides an illuminating analysis of this epistle, employing social-scientific methods along with epigraphy and archaeology. His conclusion is that the apostle Paul was attempting to facilitate the resolution of intergroup conflict among the Christ-followers of Rome, especially between Judeans and non-Judeans, and to establish a new identity for them by developing a form of group categorization that subsumes the various groups into a new entity.