The London Lyceum Paul's Gospel in Romans with Jarvis Williams
Feb 25, 2026
Jarvis Williams, New Testament scholar at Southern Seminary and author on Paul’s Gospel, explores Romans' vertical, horizontal, and cosmic dimensions. He discusses how context shapes Paul’s emphasis. Conversations touch on Israel’s role, the scope of the gospel, and surprising readings of Romans 2 and 7.
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Paul’s Threefold Gospel Framework
- Paul’s gospel integrates vertical, horizontal, and cosmic dimensions rather than prioritizing one exclusively.
- Jarvis Williams argues Romans anchors the vertical (wrath-bearing death and resurrection) but also unfolds communal transformation and cosmic renewal.
Vertical Justification As Romans' Anchor
- Romans emphasizes vertical justification rooted in Christ's death and resurrection as foundational.
- Williams locates justification themes in Romans 3 and 5 and ties them to deliverance from God's wrath and resurrection exaltation in chapter 1.
Context Shapes Paul's Emphases
- Different Pauline letters stress different gospel dimensions depending on context.
- Williams shows Galatians foregrounds horizontal Spirit-driven transformation while 1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes death, resurrection, and the coming kingdom.
