How Did Richard Longenecker Use Paul's Epistle To The Romans?

Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is one of the most important letters in the New Testament. Paul’s presentation of a Christologically rooted gospel serves as the foundation for much of Christian theology. Traditionally, Paul’s letter has been divided into four major sections. Richard Longenecker, after recognizing Paul’s brief introduction (1:1-1:15) and conclusion (15:14-16:27), names four clear sections: 1. Righteousness, Faithfulness and Faith (1:16-4:25), 2. Peace, Reconciliation and Life “in Christ” (5-8), 3. The Christian Gospel vis-à-vis God’s Promises to Israel (9-11), and 4. Exhortations, General and Specific (12:1-15:13). While Longenecker’s sections titles could spark debate among theologians, what is critical is the positioning of
. . groans. In v 28-30, through predestination, justification and glorification to the image of Christ, God will lead many sons and daughters to glory. Paul sees each stage as an index of hope. The cumulative effect of the divine plan is to bring human beings to ‘glory,” following the risen Lord.

While the scope of this study only examines verses 18-27, it is important to account for the accumulative effect that Paul is working toward in this argument. However, Romans 8:18-27 is not just a summary of previous works, but as a further elaboration by Paul creates several questions that need to be addressed to understand the fullness intended message.
First, what are the implications of the present sufferings being endured considering the promise of future glory? Second, what are the eschatological implication of God’s salvific works in Christ? Third, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in relationship between the Christian and God? The following study of Romans 8:18-27 seeks to answer these questions through careful analysis of historical and literary context aiding careful exegesis of the passage to the extent of identifying Paul’s underlining message and applying it within a contemporary Christian