Arland J. Hultgren, Pauls Letter to the Romans: A Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2011.

Chapter One

The opening of the letter (1:1-17) is discussed and the layout of the commentary is displayed for the first time. That is, after a few introductory remarks H. translates the text (quite nicely it has to be said, in vivid and articulate language), textual notes are given, a general comment is offered, and a detailed comment follows. The chapter concludes with an incredibly extensive bibliography. In this it is very much like the volumes in the Word Biblical Commentary series where the authors offer a bibliography, translate the text, offer textual notes, more detailed exegesis, and general remarks. Its a well established methodology and quite suited to the commentary genre. In terms of Hultgrens work in this section Ill first observe that I appreciate the fact that he has Hebrew and Greek words in Hebrew and Greek fonts. This will make the commentary inaccessible to those without sufficient linguistic training (at least in terms of the detailed exegesis) but this is far more desirable than transliteration. First of all, transliterated texts dont tell English readers without linguistic facilities anything. And second, those who read Hebrew and Greek dont need transliterated texts. I also appreciate the fact that H. tackles even the most difficult theological issues with skill. He is unafraid of the topic of adoptionism and is happy to bring in early Church Fathers when it suits the discussion. And when he deals with these technical and widely discussed subjects he boils his own view down to an easily digestible summary. For instance, The adoptionism spoken of in regard to these passages must be considered more functional than ontological (p. 48). Of vv. 16-17 H. is right on the mark when he says that these verses make up a bridge passage expressing the theme of the letter They function as an overture does in some works of classical music (p. 71). And again he has it just right when he declares The gospel is a message of dynamic power a powerful message, and so a performative utterance that accomplishes something. Preaching is an event in which good news is not just conveyed; it also sets free (p. 72).

Seldom does one find such succinct definitions of such loaded theological terms. H. shows the same intellectual skills when he addresses the righteousness of God. The righteousness of God is discussed more fully than here in an appendix Essentially, however, the righteousness of God signifies Gods saving work, setting right the relationship between humanity and himself (p. 75). A bit further on When the righteousness of God is exercised, perceived and received by faith, Gods saving work is done. Eschatological salvation is proleptically realized in the life of the believer (p. 77). Of course the topic of the has seen rivers of ink spilled in efforts to explain it. Some will find Hs suggestions (in the appendix, pp. 605ff) useful and others will not. But all should read them. In all Hs work in this section is thorough and useful; engaging and informed. On to chapter two next.

Jim West Quartz Hill School of Theology