Paul the Apostle of Obedience

By Jason A. Myers

Book Description

In this scholarly exploration of Paul's letter to the Romans, Jason A. Myers invites readers to discover fresh insights into one of Christianity's most foundational concepts: obedience. Rather than approaching Paul's teachings through traditional Hebrew and Jewish interpretative lenses, Myers takes readers on a fascinating journey into the Greco-Roman world that shaped the apostle's original audience.

The author focuses specifically on Paul's phrase "the obedience of faith" and demonstrates how understanding the cultural context of the Roman Empire illuminates this central theme in entirely new ways. Myers reveals how obedience language functioned within the political and social discourse of Paul's time, showing that what modern readers might find puzzling would have resonated clearly with Gentile Christians in Rome.

Through careful analysis of how Paul strategically places obedience language at both the opening and closing of Romans, Myers argues that this concept serves as more than mere theological doctrine. Instead, it functions as a rhetorical framework that unifies the entire letter and speaks directly to the lived experience of Paul's diverse audience.

This work offers contemporary readers a deeper appreciation for how Paul's message would have been received by its original hearers. By examining the intersection of faith and obedience through ancient Greco-Roman eyes, Myers provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the practical dimensions of spiritual commitment and discipleship in Paul's revolutionary teachings.