Life in the spirit: a study in the history of interpretation of Romans 8:12-17

Abstract

This study is intended to be a contribution to current discussions centered around Biblical hermeneutics. In structure, it takes its lead from the series begun in 1955, Beitrage zur Geschichte der Neutestamentlichen Exegese, edited by Oscar Cullmann et al. The thesis attempts to present a description of the opinions of major Biblical interpreters on the passage contained in Paul's Epistle to the Romans 8:12-17. These six verses have been chosen because of their breadth of reference to central Pauline concepts, and because of their concern for the theme, 'Life in the Spirit'. The interpreters of this passage are considered in the thesis in chronological order, beginning with Origen, the first theologian to write a commentary on Romans, and concluding with Continental and English-speaking theologians writing just before the close of World War I. Because of the impossibility of reporting on every exegete who has written on this passage in Romans, a number o± criteria are established in the Introduction, and with these criteria in mind, the selection of documents and interpreters has been carried out. Also to be found in the Introduction are twenty-two exegetical problems posed by the writer; insofar as possible, each of the documents examined la analyzed with these questions in mind. The thesis attempts to point out major shifts both in conclusions relating to the problems posed in the Introduction, and in the hermeneutical principles governing exegetes writing at different stages in the Church's history. The major divisions of the paper are: Greek Patristic Exegesis, Latin Patristic Exegesis, The Middle Ages, The Age of the Reformation, The Post-Reformation Era, and The Modern Era. A final brief chapter of concluding observations contains some insights on the history of interpretation as a whole, and attempts to summarize values which New Testament scholars can hope to gain from such an historical study.