This volume looks at how Romans has been interpreted by those of the ethnē (‘Gentiles’) in the last two millennia. Reasoner focuses on twelve loci in Romans (1:16–17; 1:19–21; 3:21–28; 5:12; 5:18–21; 7:7–8:4; 8:28–30; 9:16–19; 9:20–23; 10:4; 11:25–27; 13:1–7) and describes how Paul’s letter has been interpreted by Origen, Augustine, Abelard, Aquinas, Luther, Erasmus, Barth, and post-Barthians (e.g. N.T. Wright) in these loci. I would have included Ambrosiaster, Chrysostom, and Calvin, but Reasoner’s selection is fairly balanced and sound. One could also quibble over his choice of textual loci, but again one has to appreciate the limitations required by such a project and his selection covers the key points of Romans.

It becomes clear at certain point that Origen and Barth are Reasoner’s heroes, and he defers to them often. He also includes some of his own sentiments in places such as the pistis christou debate where Reasoner prefers the subjective genitive or ‘faithfulness of Jesus Christ’ interpretation. Reasoner also leans towards universalism in his analysis of Rom 5:18–21, and he lists Bishop John Colenso as an example of someone who was both a universalist and committed to missionary work. However, Colenso is a poor role model since he was basically a Unitarian, and he denied many Christian doctrines such as the veracity of Scripture and substitutionary atonement.

The volume has certain highlights such as the discussion on Erasmus and Barth on God’s faithfulness in Rom 1:16–17 and debates about universalism in Rom 5:18–21. It is genuinely informative, interesting, and thought-provoking. Reasoner successfully imparts to readers an appreciation for the ecclesial context in which Scripture was written and read, the diversity and richness of biblical interpretation through the centuries, and the importance of reception history for biblical studies. This volume is highly recommended for those interested in the theological interpretation of Scripture and reception history, and it will give readers some new things to think over as they work through Romans.

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