Romans 1:1-7, the Second Reading appointed for the 4th Sunday in Advent in the Year of Matthew, seems, at first glance, an odd choice. It is, of course, the opening to Paul's letter to "all God's beloved in Rome." Upon careful inspection, however, it is clear that we have contained herein, the entire Gospel of God, from the promises of the prophets to the announcement to the Gentiles. It will be the preacher's task to announce this grand view.
(The following questions have been developed to understand the function of the Word in the text, a central concern of Law and Gospel preachers. These questions are best used in conjunction with other fine sets of questions available to exegetes. For more on this method and on Law and Gospel preaching in general, see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? From beginning to end the Word functions as Gospel - the Gospel that has been "promised beforehand," "the gospel concerning [God's] Son", who was both descended from David and declared Son of God with power. Through this one we have all "received grace and apostleship." We "belong to Jesus Christ."
2. How is the Word not functioning in the text? There is no word of Law here, no place where our need for a Savior is lifted up.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? We are those receiving this word, that we belong to God and have received grace and apostleship through Jesus Christ.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? There is a subtle call in this text in that we have received grace and apostleship in order "to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles." In other words, the gifts we have received are not for us alone, but to equip us for service.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? Given the lack of a word of Law here, we will need to create several couplets appropriate to this text. Some ideas: alone/belonging to Jesus Christ; without hope/receiving grace and apostleship.
6. Exegetical work: Many commentators centered on verses 3-4 in the text, where both the incarnation and the glorification of Christ are mentioned. Augustine wrote: "Christ is the son of David in weakness according to the flesh but Son of God in power according to the Spirit of sanctification." (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT, vol. VI, p. 10). Luther also wrote: "'Concerning his Son'. This is the Gospel which deals not merely with the Son of God in general but with Him who became incarnate and is of the seed of David." (Luther's Works, vol. 25, p. 146). And again: "For from the very beginning of Christ's conception, on account of the union of the two natures, it has been correct to say: 'This God is the Son of David, and this Man is the Son of God.'"(Ibid., p. 147). R.C. H. Lenski, in his classic commentary, wrote: "Paul is not sketching the history of Jesus and lifting out a few notable features; he is sketching the two states of Jesus and these in so far as they form the very heart of the gospel promise in its fulfilment." (Interpretation of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, p. 35). And again: "The Son did not merely become man but man 'out of David's seed,' which means man as the Messiah. Since he was this promised descendant of David, all the Messianic promises centered in him." (Ibid., p. 36). Ernst Kasemann gives an important clarification: "In good OT and Jewish fashion sarx refers here to the weak and corruptible flesh, not the flesh entangled in sin as in 8.3." ((Commentary on Romans, p. 11). Finally, Paul Achtemeier sums it up: "In these three verses (1:2-4) we have summarized for us the entire sweep of God's relation to us and to his whole creation." (Interpretation series, Romans, p. 30).
7. Consider the insights of the pioneers of the New Homiletic? Since this text is so thoroughly theological, it will be important to remember Charles Rice' advice to always help the listener recognize their shared story in this text. Where is it for us and for our listeners?
Blessings on your proclamation!
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