Abstract
Dr Wu gave three reasons for studying the perennial issue of suffering in the most systematic presentation of the Gospel by the apostle to the Gentiles: it features prominently in this epistle (p. 1), scholarly treatment is sparse (p. ix) and is of pastoral concerns (p. xi). An audience-focused approach (p. 3) of Shum (2002) follows. Shum focuses on Paul’s use of Isaiah and confines the interpretive framework to the Servant Song with an emphasis on captivity and renewal and overlooked the nature of covenant between God and Israel. In this book, the author interacts extensively with secular writers, the Dead Sea Scroll, OT Pseudepigrapha and Apocrypha.
Chapter 1 summarises Paul’s use of scriptures (pp. 13–23) which has received considerable attention in the last few decades, and is continuing to receive scholarly treatments. Chapters 3–7 deal with some theological themes in Romans 5–8. The author discusses the Adam-Christ antithesis of Romans 5:12–21 in chapter 3 and its connection with Romans 8. It not only gives reasons for the existence of suffering, it also offers solution for how to triumph over suffering. Four chapters are devoted to Romans 8. Chapters 4 presents the work of Christ and the eschatological Spirit, and chapter 5 reaffirms believer’s participation in suffering and glory. Chapter 6 discusses cosmic renewal and purposes of sufferings. The climax is reached in chapter 7 in which believers in Christ participate in the triumph of God. The book ends with a five-fold conclusions on suffering, each serving its own divine purpose (pp. 224–5).
Romans 5–8, the focus of attention of this book, reveals a man gripped by God and the exalted Jewish Messiah, and views suffering as a prelude to and integral part of glory, now and in the age to come. Once this spiritual reality is grasped, suffering fades into insignificance. Then Paul’s triumph can be read in conjunction with listening to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and reading the life of the one-legged George Stott (1835–1889), Mr Hudson Taylor’s daring recruit from the newly established Free Church. Like so many others since and before, Mr Stott reaffirmed the power of the cross and authenticated the truth of the magisterial presentation of what the Christian faith is all about in Romans 5:12–21.