The research project involves the preparation of a papyrological commentary on the Letter to the Romans, which was written by the Apostle Paul and is one of the most significant epistles of the New Testament (NT). Papyrological commentaries on the NT analyze documentary sources such as papyri, ostraca, as well as wooden and wax tablets from the Greco-Roman period in order to better understand the context in which the NT—in this case, Paul’s letter—was written. The analysis of such documentary sources from Egypt is an ongoing research project, the results of which are published in the series »PKNT/Papyrologische Kommentare zum Neuen Testament«.
The already published volumes of the PKNT-series show that the documentary sources can and have already shed light on some aspects of the NT and its environment. The text under research Pauls Letter to the Romans is concerning its level of Greek language one of the most demanding texts of the NT. Its interpretation is important not only for Christian theology, but also for Christian-Jewish dialogue. As such the research deals not only with the interpretation of a text from antiquity but may also contribute to the dialogue between two Abrahamitic religions.
This FWF-funded project aims to provide a commentary on the Letter to the Romans in light of everyday texts preserved on papyrus. The Letter to the Romans is one of the most important – if not the most important – letters of the Apostle Paul. It is also likely the most frequently commented-on letter of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Precisely for this reason, taking a fresh look at the text with the help of sources that have received little attention to date is an exciting research endeavor. The research will reveal to what extent the papyri confirm the existing understanding of the text and to what extent they offer critical insights that, in certain passages – such as the Letter to Philemon mentioned above – enable a new perspective on the text.
12/2022–04/2027
