The Politics of Inheritance in Romans

Argues that Paul's concept of 'inheritance', as demonstrated in his letter to the Romans, subverted and challenged first-century Roman ideologies.

Mark Forman (Author)

9781107666481, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 March 2014

284 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.5 cm, 0.33 kg

Mark Forman explores the extent to which Paul's concept of 'inheritance' in Romans, and its associated imagery, logic and arguments, served to evoke socio-political expectations that were different to those which prevailed in contemporary Roman imperial discourse. Forman explores how Paul deploys the idea of inheritance in Romans and analyses the sources which inform and overlap with this concept. Coins, literature and architecture are all examined in order to understand the purpose, hopes and expectations of first-century society. This book contributes to recent studies covering Paul and politics by arguing that Paul's concept of inheritance subverts and challenges first-century Roman ideologies.

1. Introduction: the politics of inheritance?
2. Some features of Greco-Roman society in the symbols, rituals, and literature of Paul's time
3. Promising the world: inheritance in Romans 4:13-25
4. Suffering 'conquerors': inheritance in Romans 8:17-39
5. Riches for the world: inheritance in Romans 11:1
6. 'Lords' over all the world: inheritance in Galatians
7. Inheritance in 1 Corinthians and Colossians
8. Conclusions.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX], Religion: general [HRA], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]