羅馬書7:14-8:4:一段關鍵經文的意義與功能

Abstract

Romans 7 has long been one of the most puzzling verses of the New Testament exegesis. We propose in this thesis that Romans 7, especially 7:17-25 should not be dealt alone, but should include also 8:1ff. The conjunction particle a;ra in 8:1 connects 8:1 with 7:25b, such that both verses together serve as the conclusion of 7:21-25a. A study of Paul’s use of the diatribe and the repetition found between 7:14-17 and 7:18-20 concludes that 7:18 may have been a starting point of a new passage. Thus in this thesis we treat 7:18-8:4 a continuous whole, and will try to understand its meaning and function. The purpose of Romans is to preach the Gospel of peace to the Gentiles, that they may have peace with the Jewish people. A survey of the historical context will show that when Paul is writing his letter, Gentile Christianity is moving toward independence, away from the larger Jewish community. This tension between Jews and Gentiles is reflected also throughout the text itself. The letter of Romans show also that Paul’s implied audiences are Gentiles. Paul wrote to them in hope that they may have peace with the Jews. A careful review of five important articles concerning Romans 7 shows that Paul is dealing in Romans 7 with problems concerning Jewish Law and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, and has put great emphasis on the role of sin, such that it exercises great power on men, and that man could be saved only by God through Jesus Christ. We also learn here that there is a close relationship between the texts of Rom. 7 and the story of Medea. How to integrate these important insights is one of the aims of this thesis. Thus, we show in this thesis, that Paul had utilized the well know story Medea, and made it into a narrative concerning Jewish apocalyptic eschatology, showing that Gentiles are, like Jews and others, impure and captivated to Sin, and only through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ is there freedom and salvation. This narrative seeks to convert the minds of Gentiles that they attain a new identity, an identity that is based on the salvation of God through Jesus Christ. Only with such new identity can there be peace between Jews and Gentiles. The salvation of God through Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation of true peace.