The vindication of the righteous in Romans 8:31-39 : inference and relevance

Abstract

This article explores the relevance and inferences of 'suffering righteousness' in the inter-textual references within Romans 4, 5 and 8. The primary objective is to determine the contextual implications of the vindication of the suffering righteous one. The enquiry probes an analysis of the structural context and the underlying code in inter-textual references pertaining to suffering righteousness in the Psalms, Isaiah 40-55, Wisdom 2-5 and 3:6 and Macc 7:37-38, and investigates the socio-semiotic relations of references in Romans. The article takes the themes of reconciliation and justification to its logical conclusions. 'Vindication' and 'exaltation' in Romans, fulfil the structure of 'suffering righteousness' founded in the Old Testament and cognate literature. The contextual implications of 'suffering righteousness' expressed in such features as 'justification, vindication, exaltation and glorification' rectify the 'status inconsistencies' of its recipients. The variegated semiotic perspectives exercised above contribute to the polymorphous character of the meaning of the text.