Synopses & Reviews
Presented by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars, Sacra Pagina is a fresh series of translations and expositions of the books of the New Testament. The volumes provide basic information as well as sound, critical analysis in a highly readable manner -- yet remain sensitive to religious meaning. Each author has adopted a specific methodology while focusing on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves. The expression Sacra Pagina (Sacred Page) refers to the text of Scripture. In the Middle Ages it also described the study of Scripture to which the interpreter brought the tools of grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, and philosophy. Thus, Sacra Pagina encompasses both the text and the act of interpretation.
The very soul of sacred theology (Dei Verbum 24). That's how the Second Vatican Council described the study of the sacred page. These volumes open up the riches of the New Testament and invite all Christians to study seriously the sacred page.
Byrne facilitates full access to Paul and his Gospel through this letter, allowing Christians today to hear his voice as intelligibly and powerfully as it has spoken to past generations.
Review
This is a lucid, major commentary on Romans.America
Synopsis
This commentary adopts a literary-rhetorical approach, viewing the letter as an instrument of persuasion designed to transform readers through a celebratory presentation of the Gospel. Reflecting upon the fate of Jews and Gentiles, Paul wins his audience to a vision of a God who always acts inclusively. The God who, in the person of Israel's Messiah (Jesus), has acted faithfully to include the Gentile peoples within the community of salvation, will not fail to see to the eventual inclusion of Israel as well. In the victory of grace displayed already in the risen humanity of Jesus, the original design of the Creator for human communities and for the world begins to come true.
The interpretation of Paul's letter to Rome has accompanied and stimulated the path of Christian theology down to today. Romans touches upon virtually all main issues of Christian theology, as well as presenting a rewarding introduction to Paul. Byrne facilitates full access to Paul and his Gospel through the letter, allowing Christians today to hear his voice as intelligibly and powerfully as it has spoken to past generations.
Synopsis
Byrne facilitates full access to Paul and his Gospel through this letter, allowing Christians today to hear his voice as intelligibly and powerfully as it has spoken to past generations.
About the Author
Brendan Byrne, SJ, is professor of New Testament at Jesuit Theological College, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. A member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission (1990-96) and Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities (2 -), he is editor in chief of the theological journal Pacifica. Byrne is the author of numerous books, including Romans in the Sacra Pagina series and a three- volume commentary on the Synoptic Gospels (Liturgical Press). He is currently preparing a similar commentary on the Gospel of John.