Barth's Apocalyptic Exegesis and the Question of Israel in Römerbrief, Chapters 9–11

Abstract

Abstract: Karl Barth's Der Römerbrief (1921) is considered by all to be a major milestone of modern theology, but is rarely considered by New Testament scholars as a reliable guide to Paul's theology and the message of Romans. In this essay I argue that Barth's “dialectical” reading of the epistle is in fact a very successful attempt to convey the truth and power of Paul's apocalyptic theology. While a critical comparison of Barth's dialectic and Paul's apocalyptic reveals some weaknesses in Barth's construal, his commentary stands as a penetrating and powerful rendition of Paul, and not simply as an example of Barth's early theology. This thesis is tested with particular reference to Romans 9–11, and the question of Israel and supersessionism. I show that Barth's reading of these chapters cannot be regarded as supersessionist, precisely because he rigorously subverts any historicist or heilsgeschichtlich readings of the relation between Israel and the Church. In this respect Barth's dialectical reading follows Paul's apocalyptic understanding of history, even though it must be corrected at points with a better reading of Paul.