Romans 4 and the New Perspective on Paul

The Author: Gerhard H. Visscher is Professor of New Testament Studies at the Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches in Hamilton, Canada. He earned a Ph.D. in early Christianity from the Department of Religious Studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, a Th.D. from the Theological University of the Reformed Churches in Kampen, the Netherlands, and a M.Div. from the Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches in Hamilton, Canada.

«In Romans 4:4 Paul compares a ‘righteousness’ that might be attained through ‘the works of the law’ with the ‘wages’ that one earns through labour. The passage thus represents a difficulty for the New Perspective interpretation of Paul, in which ‘works of the law’ is understood instead as a reference to boundary markers and covenant membership. In this thorough and perceptive investigation, Gerhard H. Visscher draws attention to the weaknesses in various New Perspective readings of this verse and thus adds his voice to those that call for a new appreciation of old perspectives. This study is a helpful contribution to an ongoing debate.» (Terence L. Donaldson, Lord and Lady Coggan Professor of New Testament Studies, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)«No passage in the Pauline corpus is more crucial to a proper assessment of the ‘New Perspective on Paul’ than Romans 4. In his review of recent scholarship on the chapter, Gerhard H. Visscher makes an important addition to the current debate. But his careful exegesis makes its own original contribution as well, highlighting aspects of Paul’s argument that are significant though commonly overlooked.» (Stephen Westerholm, Professor of Biblical Studies, Department of Religious Studies, McMaster University)