Session 15 - Romans 5:12-21 & Ancient Literary Context

Mark continued in the study of Romans Chapter 5:12-21 addressing the "so-what" question. For example, So what does it mean that Jesus died for me? Mark focuses on looking at the Literary context aspect of the passage reading it from three perspectives: Reading through the ancient honor and shame culture: people avoided shame; determined social standing, economic opportunities, political influence, and family reputation or boasting rights. Paul turns the boasts upside down by declaring Christian's boast in their sufferings. Old: death reignedNew: life reigned Reading through ancient imperial warfare language: Rome maintained peace through military superiority Power lived by quick and brutal retaliation Paul uses military language - the peace treaty was signed by the blood of Jesus Reading through ancient Chiastic Jewish Chiasm - language mirror. Emphasized what was in the middle. In this case grace. Ancient ear was trained to listen for Chiasms Consider our role as Christians to mean we are part of God’s cosmic to restore creation through Christ. Points for home Not honor-shame but grace-security Not warfare but peace From individual to cosmic Listen to Mark show how Paul used honor, shame, boasting in our relationship with the Lord, and the power of military language to show that Christ’s death translates to God loves us. We are part of God’s winning side of grace with hope, power, purpose, and security.