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Document Details : Title: The Story of Creation, Believing Humanity and God in Romans 8:18-25 Author(s): GILLMAN, John Journal: Louvain Studies Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Date: 2017 Pages: 36-57 DOI: 10.2143/LS.40.1.3206244 Abstract : In Rom 8:18-25 the three storylines of creation, believing humanity, and God mutually illuminate each other in the overarching story of the apocalyptic drama which Paul unfolds. Each is to be read and interpreted in light of the other two. The intensity of the spotlight is directed primarily toward creation in Act One (vv. 18-21) and believing humanity in Act Two (vv. 22-25). In both Acts the spectrum of divine illumination is also visible, with its own subtle, though distinctive indispensable light. After a brief review of the literary context of the passage, the structure, content and line of thought are discussed. A chiastic pattern is proposed for the passage, and several parallels between vv. 18-21 and vv. 22-25 are identified. Then, specific attention is given to each of the above-mentioned storylines, demonstrating how, in one brief narrative, Paul artfully interweaves and inter-relates perspectives about creation, humanity, and God. The article concludes with seven reflections that relate themes in Rom 8:18-25 to contemporary ecological concerns. |
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