An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul's Concept of Reconciliation in Romans 5:1-11

Abstract

The fundamental premise underlying this work is that in Rom 5:1-11, Paul presents God’s reconciliation of humanity with Godself through Jesus’ death as both a key expression of God’s salvific activity and as the foundation and model of reconciliation among peoples. Contrary to studies which create a dichotomy in Paul’s understanding of reconciliation as either a reconciliation between God and humans or a reconciliation among humans themselves, this study presents reconciliation as a key Pauline soteriological expression which has both vertical and horizontal implications with emphasis on how Paul’s theology of reconciliation shapes his discourse on God’s righteousness and the social relationship of the new people of God, especially in reference to gender and ethnic/racial relationships. While there may be no explicit reference to the horizontal dimension of reconciliation in the text of Rom 5:1-11, it is the task of this study to demonstrate that in the letter to the Romans, horizontal reconciliation presupposes vertical reconciliation and both are inseparable. Among ndi Igbo, the perennial cultural practice of inequality and the subordination of persons because of ethnicity/class (Osu Caste System) and gender (discrimination and subordination of women) are among the major causes of disaffections that breed tensions, conflicts, and division within the community. This study proposes that embodying Paul’s ethics of vertical and horizontal reconciliation by the Igbo Christian communities can go a long way towards enhancing social and cultural transformation that can lead to peaceful interpersonal relationships and a just Christian community.