analyze the doctrine of adoption in regards to Pauline literature and the historical and cultural background needed to form an understanding of adoption theology as it pertains to the Gentile inclusion in the Kingdom of God.

The purpose of this research paper is to understand why Paul used the analogy of adoption and the significance this has on Gentile believers, which make up a majority of Christians today. The word huiothesia is the greek word for adoption and quite literally means to be placed as a status of a son. In order to determine the meaning of this word in Paul’s letters, we first must identify the contextual factors of Roman and Jewish culture which provides a backdrop for the doctrine of adoption Paul utilizes in his Epistles. The contextual background will shed light on why Paul decided to utilize this metaphor. Paul utilizes the concept of adoption in his letters to Rome, Ephesus and Galatia, all countries with a primarily Gentile population. The reason adoption theology is something that needs to be understood from both Jewish and Gentile people is because of the death of Jesus and what that meant as the veil was torn for all people to have access to God