FROM SUFFERING TO GOOD: UNDERSTANDING GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY THROUGH ROMANS 8:28
Kata Kunci:
Roman 8:28, Divine sovereignty, theodicy, apocalytic Paul, pastoral hermeneuticsAbstrak
The interpretation of Romans 8:28 remains a theological fulcrum in discussions of divine providence, theodicy, and pastoral care, yet a significant disjuncture persists between its exegetical meaning within Paul’s argument and its widespread appropriation in contemporary discourse. This study addresses that gap by examining the verse’s textual, grammatical, and literary complexities, particularly the variant readings of συνεργεῖ and the rhetorical function of the passage within Romans 8. Employing grammatical-historical exegesis, discourse analysis, and theological reflection, the research integrates recent apocalyptic interpretations of Paul with the pastoral realities of suffering communities. The findings indicate that the verse functions not as a theodicy explaining suffering but as a doxological affirmation of God’s sovereign purpose, oriented toward conformity to Christ and eschatological hope. The study’s novelty lies in its proposal of the Doxological Sovereignty Framework, a contextual model that resists both prosperity-oriented distortions and existential despair while affirming the transformative character of divine action. This framework contributes to Pauline scholarship by bridging exegetical rigor and pastoral application, offering practical implications for ministry, theological education, and the formation of communities navigating suffering. The research underscores the need for hermeneutical approaches that honor the text’s original context while addressing contemporary existential questions.
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