You Tube Theology

Part of a lecture on Paul's Letter to the Romans given by Dr. Robert A. J. Gagnon, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Here Dr. Gagnon discusses Paul's treatment of "the advantage of the Jew" in Romans 3:1-9. Paul acknowledges that this is a great advantage in being a Jew because knowledge of the sayings of God in Scripture ought to prepare one for expecting the gracious work of God in Jesus Christ. But the advantage does not extend to an exemption from God's judgment for falling short of God's moral standard. The text is a great example of the use of diatribe by Paul (driving an imaginary dialogue partner or interlocutor into the corner by raising leading questions). It also illustrates well the meaning of "the righteousness of God" in Romans.