The Rhetoric of Romans

Abstract

Rhetorical Criticism seeks to understand how texts are designed to accomplish certain ends. Written while Paul was planning a new gospel mission to Spain, Romans is a letter of self-introduction designed to recommend Paul to the churches at Rome as an important teacher of the gospel worthy of their support. Paul pursues this goal at two levels. In terms of the larger rhetorical strategy of the letter, Paul demonstrates his cultural relevance by articulating the gospel as the only solution to the commonly acknowledged problem of passion and desire. In terms of the smaller stylistic components of the letter, Paul skillfully employs both the diatribe style (characteristic of the schools of philosophy) and so-called ardens style (characteristic of the schools of rhetoric) to present himself as a teacher of urbane culture and merit.