Of all the letters in the Pauline corpus, the Letter to the Romans has attracted the greatest degree of scholarly attention. Yet surprisingly scant consideration has been given to the question of its literary genre. Taking up the comparatively brief suggestions of previous scholars, Dr Guerra argues that the Letter belongs to the protreptic genre - the class of writing in antiquity which urges the adoption of a particular way of life (or a deeper commitment to it), setting out its advantages, replying to objections, and demonstrating its superiority. Working through each chapter of the Letter in turn, he indicates how Paul provides a critique of non-Christian ways of life (both Jewish and Gentile) and affirms the superiority of the Christian Gospel. It becomes apparent that the Pauline apologetics of Romans stand between the hellenistic Jewish tradition and the later Greek Christian apologists, and may have influenced the latter.

"...a lucid and insightful discussion of the implications of reading Romans as a proteptic letter and for showing us where futher research is needed." The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"...makes a valuable contribution to the discussion of the literary genre of Romans and can be recommended to anyone interested in a serious study of Romans." Thomas H. Tobin, Anglican Theological Review

"Guerra's well-supported thesis will have significant impact on future studies of this epistle." Kirk Summers, Religious Studies Review

"This book breaks new ground and invites further investigation." Choice