In this fresh and readable addition to the Paideia series, well-respected New Testament scholar Frank Matera examines cultural context and theological meaning in Romans. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by • attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs • showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits • commenting on the final, canonical form of each New Testament book • focusing on the cultural, literary, and theological settings of the text • making judicious use of maps, photos, and sidebars in a reader-friendly format Critically Acclaimed Commentaries from Today's Top Scholars In this addition to the projected eighteen-volume Paideia commentary series, respected New Testament scholar Frank Matera examines cultural context and theological meaning in Romans. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by: • Attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs • Showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits • Commenting on the final, canonical form of each New Testament book • Focusing on the cultural, literary, and theological settings of the text • Making judicious use of photos and sidebars in a reader-friendly format "Frank Matera's commentary focusing on God's saving righteousness revealed in the gospel is a lucid exposition of Romans. It introduces the major interpretive options for key issues, provides careful exegesis in conversation with other interpreters, and both highlights and engages the letter's profound theological claims. It is therefore a great gift not only to students but also to seasoned interpreters of Paul." -- Michael J. Gorman , St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore "Matera has produced a remarkable commentary that is simultaneously nuanced and accessible. He is in clear conversation with the best biblical scholarship, but there is not a pedantic word in his lucid writing; rather, this commentary is unusually engaging. Attending to the literary, historical, and theological dimensions of Romans, Matera judiciously guides his readers in a careful study of the biblical text. All who are interested in Romans will be grateful to Matera for this fine work. I recommend it with enthusiasm!" -- Marion L. Soards , Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary "Matera wisely distills and dispenses the massive scholarship on Romans. Students will find here an excellently organized, clear, and substantial description and discussion of this important and complex letter. Matera's personal passion for Paul's magnificent convictions in Romans energizes this fine introductory commentary."-- L. Ann Jervis , Wycliffe College, University of Toronto Frank J. Matera (PhD, Union Theological Seminary, Richmond) is professor emeritus of The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where he taught New Testament for many years. He recently served as pastor at St. Mary's Church in Simsbury, Connecticut. A past president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America, he has written commentaries on Romans, Galatians, and 2 Corinthians as well as volumes on Pauline theology, New Testament theology, Christology, and ethics. Religious Studies