Abstract:
This article explores the relevance and inferences of 'suffering righteousness'
in the inter-textual references within Romans 4, 5 and 8. The primary
objective is to determine the contextual implications of the vindication
of the suffering righteous one. The enquiry probes an analysis of
the structural context and the underlying code in inter-textual references
pertaining to suffering righteousness in the Psalms, Isaiah 40-55, Wisdom
2-5 and 3:6 and Macc 7:37-38, and investigates the socio-semiotic
relations of references in Romans. The article takes the themes of reconciliation
and justification to its logical conclusions. 'Vindication' and
'exaltation' in Romans, fulfil the structure of 'suffering righteousness'
founded in the Old Testament and cognate literature. The contextual
implications of 'suffering righteousness' expressed in such features as
'justification, vindication, exaltation and glorification' rectify the 'status
inconsistencies' of its recipients. The variegated semiotic perspectives
exercised above contribute to the polymorphous character of the meaning
of the text.
