Tom Holland - Romans: The Divine Marriage, Volume 2 Chapters 9-16: A Biblical Theological Commentary, Second Edition Revised

Romans

The Divine Marriage

Volume 2 Chapters 916

A Biblical Theological Commentary

(Second Edition Revised 2020)

Tom Holland

Copyright

Romans: The Divine Marriage, A Biblical Theological Commentary, Volume 1 Chapters 1-8 and Volume 2 Chapters 9-16.

Copyright 2011; Revised 2020 Tom Holland. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher.

Write: Permissions, Apiary Publishing, Kemp House 152-160 City Road London EC4 2NX. Email: enquiries@apiarypublishing.com.

Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton, a member of the Hodder Headline Group. All rights reserved. NIV is a trademark of International Bible Society. UK trademark number 1448790. [The NIV underwent a revision published in 2011. I regularly comment in this commentary on the bad choices that the translators had made in relation to the previous translations of Pauls use of sarx (flesh). Happily, in the new revision they have corrected most of these errors.

Volume 1 ISBN: 9781912445202

Volume 2 ISBN: 9781912445226

Cataloguing-in-Publication data:

Holland, Tom

Romans: The Divine Marriage: a biblical theological commentary / Tom Holland.

1. Bible. N.T. RomansCommentaries. I. Title

BS2665.3 H75 2011

Dedication

Dedicated to

Eryl Davies,

a man of vision and grace,

and a Barnabas of our time.

Endorsements

I. Howard Marshall described Tom Hollands ground-breaking Contours of Pauline Theology as a remarkably fresh and creative study which makes one rethink familiar passages in new ways, while Anthony Thiselton remarked that many of its arguments offer corrections to widespread misunderstandings of Paul.

Here in his new study the insights of Hollands former work, with its central New Exodus paradigm, impact radically upon earlier readings of Pauls Letter to the Romans, revealing that these readings were controlled by eclectic methodologies that have in varying measure obscured the message of the biblical text.

Those who have already encountered Contours will be eager to discover how a corporate reading of the Apostle Pauls greatest contribution to the New Testament unfolds, and howto highlight but one issuea forensic sense of justification is to be maintained in the light of a broader covenantal context.

Many readers will be amazed that yet another study of a biblical text that has been subjected to so many fingertip searches in the past can yield such fresh evidence. All in all, Tom Hollands new commentary will not only affect the way one reads Romans, it will change the that one looks at the Bible as a whole.

As the subtitle indicates, Tom Hollands Romans is truly both biblical and theological, as the letter is set firmly in its unfolding canonical context. Holland shows how Romans contributes to our understanding of Gods covenant arrangement with humankind. The commentary digs deeply into current scholarship on the Old Testament roots of Pauls teaching, yet presents its conclusions in accessible language.

Prof Douglas Moo, Wheaton College

This commentary on Romans develops many of the major themes explored in Dr Hollands useful and insightful book Contours of Pauline Theology. Tom Holland always remains alert to the influence and relevance of the Old Testament, and emphasises the impact of Pauls thought upon the Church as a community, and as well as on the individual as part of that community. Above all, Tom Holland deploys his scholarship to produce a very saline and practical commentary. The preacher will find here many practical applications, which will bring Pauls message to life for today. This is a clear and readable exposition, which well reflects Pauls pastoral concern for the community of the Church.

Anthony C. Thiselton, D.D., Professor of Christian Theology, University of Nottingham

This vigorously argued commentary seeks to allow Old Testament themes and thought patterns, not misguided scholarly conventions, to control Romans message. Pauls ministry is seen rigorously in New Exodus terms; the church is the New Israel, Yahwehs people and (along with true Israel of old) figurative bride. Verses from the prophet Isaiah are particularly foundational. Organizationally Hollands treatment is strongly messianic in focusevery section of Romans is subordinated to the Messiah King. Scholars of Romans will be stimulated by interaction with this canonically alert, creative, and frequently contrarian exposition and synthesis of a Pauline classic.

Robert W. Yarbrough, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

One of the greatest strengths of Romans: The Divine Marriage is that it compels readers to read Romans in light of the categories and covenants set forth in the OT. Whether or not one agrees entirely with Holland's reading, this work serves to remind us that the Scripture is a unified, not a fragmented, book with a single, coherent, and integrated message. And for that reminder we may be genuinely grateful.

Guy Prentiss Waters, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, USA

I commended this well researched and well written book to the Church and believe that the reader will benefit from it as I have in my own reading. I trust and pray that the material will find a wide audience, for it is indeed most deserving of such attention. And it now takes its rightful place in that considerable library section on Romans, but stands out through both confession of true faith and courageous scholarship.

Michael A. Milton, Ph.D., Reformed Theological Seminary.

Holland's clearly stated exegetical conclusions will be of interest to those both within and outside of the perspectives of evangelical exegesis, particularly for his sustained corporate reading of Romans as well as his specific challenges to New Perspective arguments' .....Holland has 'very interesting perspectives to offer.

Prof Florence Morgan Gillman, University of San Diego.

Tom Hollands commentary on Pauls letter to the Romans is not just another commentary. He has a thesis to establish and he goes about his task with powerful argument, incisive exegesis and clear theology.

Robert Strivens, Principal, London Theological Seminary

Tom Holland has written a thought-provoking book that will undoubtedly be fruitful for many teachers and preachers. More than any other commentator on Romans so far, he uncovers the Old Testament roots of the letter and shows the impact of Pauls thoughts upon the Christian church today.

Dr Rob van Honwelingen, Theological University, Kampen, Netherlands

If you spend much time with Tom Holland, youre very likely to develop a far greater hunger for understanding the OT Scriptures! In this day, when the OT is so neglected in preaching and teaching, there is little doubt that Hollands work is potentially one of the instruments for change. Overall, I believe that this commentary should prove accessible and wonderfully impacting upon the thinking of those who choose to read it. May the Lord use this ground-breaking work as an instrument for good!

M. Maxwell-Carr, posted on Goodreads

Holland not only shows that the main root of Paul's (Romans) theology is the Old Testament (especially Isaiah, the prophets and the theme of the new exodus), but he demonstrates more than any other commentary (through amazing and extended explanations of Paul's quotes and allusions to the OT) where Pauls thoughts are rooted. His contribution to the study of Romans is huge: he supplies us with a lot of "biblical theological insights".