This investigation builds upon the study of Paul’s use of Scripture as it is understood from perspective of intertextuality. Brian Abasciano’s exegetical method combines a thorough traditional exegesis with a comprehensive analysis of Paul’s use of Scripture. He does this by reading Romans 9 in light of the Jewish interpretive traditions of the texts to which Paul alludes in Romans 9, placing great emphasis on analyzing the original contexts of the Old Testament texts Paul uses. Covering Romans 9:1–18, Abasciano’s exegesis also takes into account the epistle as a whole, especially the famous pericope of chapters 9 through 11.
The study finds that many of the themes Paul deals with in Romans 9–11 are also present in ancient Jewish and Christian interpretive traditions surrounding the passages he invokes. More importantly, Paul’s scriptural quotations and allusions function as pointers to their broad original contexts, from which he developed much of the form, content, and direction of his argument. The final chapter seeks to draw conclusions concerning the significance of Paul’s use of the Old Testament in Romans 9:1–9 for the exegesis and theology of Romans and for Pauline intertextuality.
