"The Wrath of God is Revealed from Heaven": An Examination of Romans 1:18 in Light of the Pauline Corpus

Abstract

<p>This study attempts to determine Paul's meaning when he declares in Rom 1:18, "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (NRSV). Two questions in particular are addressed. First, what is the wrath of God? And, second, how is it revealed? Both questions are answered in the literary and theological context of Rom 1:16-3:26, where the revelation of wrath parallels that the righteousness (1:17, 3:21-26). A review of Paul's writings and scholarly literature shows that Paul uses both δικαιοσύνη θεοῡ and ὸρϒὴ θεοῡ as code-terms with a number of distinct but related meanings, categorized according to whether θεοῡ serves as a subjective genitive or a genitive of origin, wit further distinctions within reach category. While divine wrath and righteousness are revealed both eschatologically and, provisionally, in the present day, their most significant revelation takes place- simultaneously- as God's justice and mercy are vindicated in Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.</p>