Romans 15:4-13 forms the conclusion
to the ethical section that began in 12:1. Thus, as Paul begins, he stresses
that we find in the Old Testament is for our instruction, so that their
steadfastness and encouragement might give us hope. Paul has quoted heavily
from scripture throughout this letter. His point here is that the scripture of
Israel is not just for Israel. In light of what we find in the revelation of
God in Jesus, the Old Testament is also a source to Gentiles of hope and
encouragement. This passage and II Timothy 3:16 lay down a view of the Old
Testament to which we need to listen. 1) There is permanent value in the great
moral and spiritual truths, and 2) the witness it has to Christ. Hope results
from the steadfastness (upomonh) and
encouragement (paraklhsis) of
Scripture. Pannenberg[1]
wants to stress that such a verse confirms that the early Christians accepted
the Jewish scripture as their own. Therefore, the “canon” was not open for
them. As Paul continues, therefore, may the God of steadfastness and
encouragement grant to them harmony with each other, in accordance with Christ
Jesus, so that together they may with one voice glorify the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ. His prayer desires that they experience unity with their
minds and their mouths so that they might reveal their spiritual unity in
praising God. Pannenberg[2]
says that the power at work here in the judgment and transfiguration of the
world is the Spirit of God, who will lead creatures to the eschatological praise
of God. Paul encourages them to welcome each other, as Christ has welcomed them
(offered wholehearted acceptance), for the glory of God. Christ was a servant
of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God for the purpose that Christ
would confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, so that Gentiles might
glorify God for the divine mercy given to them. Thus, Paul stresses that the
expanse of the grace of God in Christ overcomes such distinctions. Moreover, Paul is clearly claiming that the
ground of his vision “no distinction” is in the reality that Gentiles have been
included all along in God’s purposes for Israel fulfilled in Christ. Pannenberg[3]
stresses that Jesus Christ is the basis of the hope of the community, as it
looks ahead to the consummation that has yet to come, Christ newly putting into
force the promises of God. Paul then quotes several scriptures. Paul refers in
verse 9 to Psalm 18:49, verse 10 to Deuteronomy 32:43, verse 11 to Psalm 117:1,
and verse 12 to Isaiah 11:10. The people of Israel and Gentiles alike partake
in and respond to the blessings of God. Paul further reinforces the authority
of his viewpoint by presenting scriptural evidence from all three parts of the
Old Testament canon — Torah, Prophets and Writings. He concludes by offering
the prayer that the God of hope fill them with all joy and peace in believing,
so that they may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. This blessing
recalls the main themes of the letter of Paul. Hope is a present blessing from
God that gives us the confidence to move into the future by the power of the
Holy Spirit. Paul prays that this eschatological vision of joint praise will
offer the church hope.
No comments:
Post a Comment