I employ the model of brokerage to interpret the agency of the Spirit in Romans 8. Following a brief discussion of the patron–client system, I provide a description of ancient brokers. Next, I apply the elements of the brokerage model to the Spirit in Romans 8. The striking correspondences between ancient brokers and the Spirit serve to illumine the role of the latter in the life of believers. In conclusion, I interpret the notion of adoption as a salvific metaphor that stresses the generosity of God, the Benefactor.
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Marcin Kowalski (2019) studied this question.
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