The Living Tradition of Living in the Law: Paul’s Use of Leviticus 18:5

Eko Nugroho Onggosanusi

doi:10.46567/ijt.v4i1.49

Authors

Eko Nugroho Onggosanusi University of Aberdeen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46567/ijt.v4i1.49

Keywords:

law, faith, righteousness, Paul, intertextuality, horizon fusion, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Romans, Galatians

Abstract

This essay addresses Paul’s quotations of Leviticus 18:5 in Galatians and Romans. Starting from the interpretive tradition of Leviticus 18:5, intertextuality between the quotation and the surrounding texts is traced along with echoes of Leviticus 18:5 throughout each epistle. It is demonstrated that Paul interpreted Leviticus 18:5 in Galatians in connection to the reward of life. In Romans, on the other hand, Paul interpreted Leviticus 18:5 as the law written on the hearts of those who are in Christ –thus fulfilling its covenantal function. Rather than implying inconsistency, Paul’s different applications of Leviticus 18:5 are consistent with the unity of his view on the law.

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Author Biography

Eko Nugroho Onggosanusi, University of Aberdeen

Eko Onggosanusi (Eko Ong) received his Master of Divinity from the Redeemer Seminary Dallas in May 2015. His main interest and desire for further study are in biblical studies especially the New Testament. He also holds a doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (granted in December 2000) and is currently a director at Samsung Research America-Dallas. He is a parttime doctoral student in the New Testament at the University of Aberdeen.

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