on the walk

I am preparing to teach Romans this fall. So I am reading a handful of commentaries. There are exceptions but most commentaries of the academic sort begin with an introduction to the book. They usually will discuss any relevant issues related to authorship, textual transmission, dating, dominant interpretive traditions, historical situation, community of origin, etc. And most of them will at least make a passing reference to genre.

I love these genre studies. In fact I love all the intro stuff and think that all of it is vital to informed and honest Bible study. [Some of you have encountered my SAGA mnemonic, Setting Author, Genre, Audience.] But I must say that the genre issue has a place dear to my heart for at least two reasons. Continue Reading »