ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS
Sin, Savation, Ethics, and Mysticism

This presentation is dynamic, clear, concise and revealing. Utilizing his years of study, original research and discussions with a wide variety of contemporary scholars, Fr. Viviano gives form and meaning to Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

From the opening greeting of the letter to its closing Conclusion and Doxology, Fr. Viviano captures Paul’s master plan in what he calls three Diptychs. A diptych is a two-leafed tablet with facing pages. For example, on panel A of the First Diptych (Rm 1:18-3:20) we have the problem of sin and salvation, on Panel B (Rom 3:21-4:25) we have the resolution as justification by faith. By analyzing the entire letter on the basis of this writing technique the depth and breadth of Paul’s inspired vision becomes ever more transparent.

For Fr. Viviano the central statement of Paul’s thesis and theme of the letter is found in Rm 1:16-17. “For I’m not ashamed of the good news — it’s God’s saving power for everyone who believes, first the Jew and the Greek as well. In this good news God reveals His saving righteousness, from faith to faith as it is written, Whoever is righteous by faith shall live.”