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Summary: The most important exegetical commentary on Romans
Review: The real strength of Nanos' book lies in the exposition of Rom. 14:1-15:6, where Paul discusses the "weak in faith" and the "strong in faith" in Rome. The author refutes the traditional (especially Lutheran) view that the weak in faith were Christian Jews, arguing that they were almost certainly non-Christian Jews. These Jews were weak in faith because they refused to accept Jesus as Israel's true messiah, not because they lived by the works of the law. On the contrary, those who observed purity laws, fasting, sabbath -- or any Jewish works -- were to "be fully convinced in their own minds what is right" (Rom. 14:5). They were to continue "observing the sabbath in honor of the Lord" (Rom. 14:6a) as well as "abstaining from meat in honor of the Lord" (Rom. 14:6b). Paul didn't believe that the Jews in Rome were "weak in practice" or "weak in opinions". He thought they were "weak in faith", refusing to believe that the messiah had come and initiated the eschatological age.Nanos handles the implications of the Apostolic Decree (Acts 15:20) very well. He allows that Paul disagreed with James' compromise in theory ("nothing is unclean in itself" (Rom. 14:14a)). But he emphasizes that Paul agreed with James' decision in practice ("food is unclean, however, for those who think it is unclean" (Rom. 14:14b)). Gentiles, while in the company of Jews, must abide by the minimal purity standards of the Apostolic Decree. "If your brother is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love" (Rom. 14:15). Paul exhorted the Gentiles in Rome to observe any purity regulations that would otherwise have offended their Jewish associates. "It is good not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that causes your brother to stumble" (Rom. 14:21). Paul wanted the strong in faith to accommodate the weak in faith and "not please themselves" (Rom. 15:1), so that, hopefully, soon, the Jews would embrace Christianity and both groups could worship as "one voice" (Rom. 15:5-6). Mark Nanos's long overdue commentary demands reconsideration of today's Christian attitudes toward Jewish customs. Gentiles may be theoretically free from the works of the law, but that freedom must always be examined in light of the company one is in. Israel's place is preeminent (Rom. 11:17-18), and Gentile arrogance will result in being cut off from the church and salvation altogether (Rom. 11:20b-21). Jewish heritage demands respect. This book should go a long way in promoting honest Jewish-Christian dialogue. While not a comprehensive commentary of Romans, its focus on key passages clears up serious confusion and provides a solid foundation for understanding Paul's most famous letter.
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