Shared Axiomatic Truths

One axiomatic truth employed in both rabbinic and New Testament literature is the notion that God is revealed through creation (Gen. Rab. 1; Testament of Naphtali 38:2; and Rom 1). The significance of this is that it demonstrates that Paul’s argumentation in Rom 1 is in keeping with a Jewish worldview and does not necessitate, as commentators suggest, considerable dependence on Alexandrian ideas (Jewett, Romans, 154–55).

Another axiomatic truth that is used in both bodies of literature is the truism, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another” (Tract Derech Eretz-Rabbah VII; and Rom 12). While there are some differences between these bodies of literature (in Tract Derech Eretz-Rabbah the axiom is stated negatively: “A man should not be joyful among the weeping nor weep among the joyful”), the similarities are undeniable. Further, the rabbinic use of this axiom is particularly helpful for the study of the New Testament, since there is question among commentators whether Paul is using this axiom to refer to those within the community or outside the community (Cranfield, Romans, 628–29; Jewett, Romans, 756–57). Being aware of the use of this axiom in rabbinic literature is useful, because chapter seven of Derech Eretz-Rabbah refers to the treatment of those inside and outside the community.

Another example of a shared axiomatic truth within rabbinic and New Testament literature is “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country” (Exod. Rab. 4:18; Matt 13:57; Mark 6:4; Luke 4:24; John 4:44).