How a post-new-perspective, narrative-historical reading of Romans differs from a Reformed reading

In his 2016 NIGTC commentary on Romans, Richard Longenecker provides a summary of what he regards as the key themes that Paul “considered distinctive to his own proclamation of the Christian gospel” (1045-46). They strike me, for the most part, as being expressive of a Reformed outlook. I have quoted the eleven themes in bold below with a brief critique of each point. Then I have set out a quick summary of eleven key issues or arguments that emerge when the letter is read in accordance with a post-new-perspective, narrative-historical hermeneutic.

Read time: 8 minutes

Paul’s letter to the Romans (15:8-16:27)

The way I see it, Paul’s letter to the Romans is like a stage with three vast backdrop cloths hanging one in front of the other.

The largest cloth depicts the creational presuppositions of the letter: God is the creator of all things and cannot be worshipped in the form of created objects; Adam sinned and death entered the world. The letter is often read on the assumption that this largest backdrop explains everything. That is far from the case.

Read time: 9 minutes

Paul’s letter to the Romans (14:1-15:7)

Romans 14 is usually read as a new section dealing with disagreements within the community over such matters as diet and observance of holy days. There is, however, an immediate and decisive eschatological aspect to the discussion:

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Rom. 14:4).

Read time: 6 minutes

Paul’s letter to the Romans (12:1-13:14)

In this article, the author discusses Paul’s teachings in Romans about the practical implications of the gospel for the believers in Rome. The author highlights the importance of unity and obedience, as well as the need to maintain good relations with the wider Greek-Roman culture. The author also explores Paul’s teachings on subjection to governing authorities and the potential political conflict that may be implied.
Read time: 6 minutes

Why does Paul tell his readers to heap burning coals on the heads of their enemies?

What is going on here? Is this a tolerable way for Christians to behave? Should we all be doing it? And before you ask, no, it has nothing to do with helping them to keep the fire going.

The larger concern in this section of Romans is how the believers will react to persecution. At least, we have: “be patient in tribulation… Bless those who persecute you… Repay no one evil for evil….” So Paul addresses the urge to retaliate to hostility:

Read time: 7 minutes

Paul’s letter to the Romans (9:1-11:36)

Paul’s letter to the Romans discusses the prophetic narrative that God has made Jesus Son of God through his resurrection and that he will eventually rule over the nations. The letter also mentions the wrath against the idolatrous Greeks and the shortcomings of God’s own people, the Jews. In the midst of this turmoil, the righteous will live by faith, and believing Gentiles will be included in the age to come. The letter emphasizes the need for active participation in the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Christ. Paul’s own identification with Christ as a Jew is painful but necessary. The letter also addresses the dilemma faced by Paul’s people, the Jews, and the emergence of an alternative “Israel” that will inherit God’s promise. It defends God’s right to determine the fate of his creation and the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in his plan. The letter concludes with the mention of a remnant of Jews who will survive the wrath of God.
Read time: 13 minutes