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Arikawe, Ibitayo Olusegun (2025) Paul's use of Old Testament Quotations in Romans 9-11: A Social Identity Approach. PhD thesis, University of Gloucestershire. doi:10.46289/WDWA6506
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16466 Arikawe, Ibitayo (2025) Paul's use of Old Testament Quotations in Romans 9-11. A Social Identity Approach.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract
This dissertation examines Paul’s use of Old Testament scripture in Romans 9–11 through the interpretive lens of social identity theory. It demonstrates that Paul employs citations from Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Hosea, and Malachi to construct a social identity framework for the formation of the Christ group in Rome. With the oracular use of these citations, Paul develops a social categorisation of the Christ group based on shared and inclusive values, such as faith, mercy, compassion, and the olive tree, etc., that distinguishes them from other groups. This is a transformative engagement that promotes unity within a socially fractured Christ group that comprises Judeans and non‑Judeans. Drawing on socio-rhetorical analysis and social identity theory, the study shows how Paul addresses a real social-ethnic crisis in the Roman assembly. These citations reframe ethnic boundaries, shifting allegiance from ethnicity or Torah observance to shared participation in God’s mercy and calling. Consequently, scripture becomes the foundation for forging a unified collective identity for God’s people. Importantly, this dissertation demonstrates that Paul’s oracular and identity-forming hermeneutic remains relevant. His integrative model provides a theological and pastoral resource for contemporary Christian churches and organisations facing social‑ethnic divisions. Moreover, it presents a scriptural framework for reconciliation in communities emerging from ethnic conflicts. In contexts still ravaged by division, Paul’s strategy of invoking scripture as both divine oracle and community‑building narrative offers a compelling paradigm for unity, healing, and shared identity in Christ.
| Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||||
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Old Testament; Social Identity Theory | ||||||
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity |
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| Divisions: | Schools and Research Institutes > School of Arts, Culture and Environment | ||||||
| Depositing User: | Kate Rea | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 24 Aug 2026 14:06 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 24 Aug 2026 14:06 | ||||||
| URI: | https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16466 |
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