Summary

In chapter 1, our analysis of both primary and secondary writings concerning the classical genre, protreptikos logos, affirms that the Protreptic functions as an invitation to a way-of-life, espousing a comprehensive world view setting forth its advantages and replying to objections. The aim of protreptic writers is to bring their readers to a new or renewed commitment to pursue a particular life path. This defining purpose of the genre accounts for its two basic structural components as well as an occasional third element: (1) a positive section presenting the doctrines and practices of the championed cause; (2) a negative section criticizing rival causes potentially or actually vying for the allegiance of the audience; and (3) sometimes, a final section encouraging the acceptance of the invitation. It is noted that of the few New Testament scholars who have suggested that Romans is a protreptic work, David Aune has made the best case for the proposal. However, by ignoring the historical context of Paul's communication, Aune is prevented from seeing Romans integrally as a Protreptic, and instead he argues unconvincingly that Romans is composed of three and possibly four independently written Protreptics while failing altogether to see the protreptic function of Romans 9–11, which he persists in characterizing as a digression.

It is argued that second-century Christian apologetic literature offers the closest parallels to the content, function and structure of Paul's communication to Rome.