Romans Intro

The Book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, is one of the most profound and systematic presentations of the Christian faith in the New Testament. It is a letter addressed to the believers in Rome, a community that Paul had not yet visited but hoped to reach.

Authorship and Background: Paul, a former Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic conversion and became one of the most influential apostles of Jesus Christ. His letter to the Romans is considered his magnum opus, deeply theological yet practical, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in the heart of the Roman Empire.

Purpose of the Letter: Paul wrote Romans to prepare the Roman church for his upcoming visit and to clarify the Gospel message he preached. He sought to unify the Jewish and Gentile believers by emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the works of the law. The letter also addresses various theological issues, such as sin, salvation, grace, faith, and the role of Israel in God's plan.

Structure and Themes: The letter is structured in a logical and systematic way:

Romans 1:
Paul introduces himself and the Gospel, emphasizing its power to save both Jews and Gentiles. He then addresses the sinfulness of the Gentiles, explaining that they are guilty before God because they have rejected Him despite His clear revelation through creation. Their idolatry leads to various immoral behaviors, showing that they are without excuse and in need of God’s righteousness through faith in Christ.

Romans 2:
Paul addresses the self-righteousness of both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that God’s judgment is based on truth and that everyone is accountable to God. He explains that true circumcision is not just outward but is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit.

Romans 3:
Paul argues that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and that no one is righteous by their own efforts. He introduces the concept of justification by faith, explaining that righteousness comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Romans 4:
Paul uses Abraham as an example of justification by faith, showing that Abraham was declared righteous before the law was given. He emphasizes that righteousness is credited to those who believe, not by works, and this promise is available to all who have faith.

Romans 5:
Paul explains the results of justification, including peace with God and access to His grace. He contrasts Adam and Christ, showing that through Adam’s sin, death entered the world, but through Christ’s obedience, the gift of grace and righteousness leads to eternal life.

Romans 6:
Paul addresses the believer’s relationship to sin, explaining that those who have been baptized into Christ’s death are dead to sin and alive to God. He urges believers to live in righteousness, not as slaves to sin, but as servants of God.

Romans 7: Paul discusses the struggle between the law and sin, illustrating that the law reveals sin but cannot save from it. He describes his personal struggle with sin before he was born again, highlighting the inability to overcome it through the law alone, and pointing to the need for deliverance through Christ.

Romans 8: Paul celebrates life in the Spirit, declaring that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. He explains that believers are led by the Spirit of God, which empowers them in their weaknesses and assures them of their future glory. The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ.

Romans 9:
Paul expresses his sorrow for Israel’s unbelief and discusses God's sovereignty in election. He explains that not all descendants of Israel are part of God’s true Israel and that God’s purpose in election is based on His mercy and calling, not human effort.

Romans 10:
Paul continues to discuss Israel’s unbelief, emphasizing that righteousness comes by faith and not by the law. He declares that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, and he underscores the importance of preaching the Gospel so that people may hear and believe.

Romans 11:
Paul explains that God hasn't fully rejected Israel, identifying a faithful remnant chosen by grace. He discusses the inclusion of Gentiles, emphasizing humility and faith, and suggests that all believers—Jews and Gentiles together—constitute spiritual Israel, with the potential for Israel's full restoration.

Romans 12:
Paul transitions to practical instructions, urging believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. He encourages them to use their spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ and to live in love and harmony with one another.

Romans 13:
Paul discusses the believer's relationship to governing authorities, emphasizing submission to those in power as they are ordained by God. He also highlights the importance of love as the fulfillment of the law and urges believers to live righteously in anticipation of Christ's return.

Romans 14:
Paul addresses issues of conscience, particularly concerning dietary practices and the observance of special days. He encourages believers to avoid judging one another and to live in a way that does not cause others to stumble, emphasizing that each person is accountable to God.

Romans 15:
Paul continues the theme of unity, urging strong believers to bear with the weaknesses of the weak and to live in harmony. He cites Christ’s example of selflessness and reaffirms his mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul concludes by expressing his plans to visit Rome and asking for prayers.

Romans 16:
Paul closes his letter with personal greetings to various believers in Rome, commending them for their service to the church. He warns against those who cause divisions and encourages the believers to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. The letter ends with a doxology praising God for His eternal wisdom revealed in Christ.