Reading Romans in Pompeii: Paul's Letter at Ground Level

Peter Oakes combines archeology and biblical studies to give the reader a fresher, deeper understanding of Paul's letter to the Romans. An investigation of the archaeological evidence from Pompeii helps us to think about the ways in which Paul s letter may have been understood by different people —such as a slave girl, cabinet-maker-cum-surgeon and an educated slave concubine—might have understood Paul's letter when they first heard it.

This encounter helps us to picture the lives of ordinary first century people more vividly and offers new insights into Romans. The result of this ground-breaking study is a fuller, richer appreciation of Paul's most important letter.