Romans

Romans

What was happening in the Church when this Epistle was written?

The apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans around AD 57.  According to the introduction to the book of Romans in the Sourceview Bible, Paul “wrote about the grace of God both from experience (Act 9:1-19) and education (Act 22:3).”  At the time Paul wrote the book of Romans, he had never actually been to Rome; therefore, he introduced himself to the believers in Rome.  According to introduction to the book of Romans in the Sourceview Bible, “Paul wrote to predominantly Gentile believers in the capital city of the Roman empire: (1) to introduce himself to the believers there and enlist their help in spreading the gospel; (2) to develop and defend the truth of the gospel he had been preaching; and (3) to encourage the Roman believers to rely solely on God’s grace for their salvation (3:24).”  Paul commended the Romans for their faith in Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:8).  Paul warned them that they are storing up punishment for themselves if they persist in their stubborn refusal to turn from their sins (see Romans 2:5).  Paul confronted them on various issues such as: boasting, stealing, committing adultery, and idolatry (see Romans 2:17-23).  Paul wanted the believers in Rome to know the truth; therefore, Paul taught them the truth – God’s truth.  

Main Ideas of this Epistle

According to Nelson’s Complete Book of Maps and Charts (page 366), the book of Romans can be summarized as follows:  The need of sinful humanity for God’s righteousness (Romans 1:18-3:20), the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to sinful human beings in justification (Romans 3:21-5:21), and the sanctification of the redeemed (Romans 6:21-8:39).  Further, Paul discusses God’s righteousness as revealed in His faithfulness to His covenant promise to Israel (Romans 9:1-11:36) and the righteousness that Christians are to display before each other and to the world (Romans 12:1-16:27). Paul began his message to the Romans with an introduction of himself.  Paul wrote, “This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.  God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.  The Good News is about his Son.  In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He is Jesus Christ our Lord.  Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name” (see Romans 1:1-5).  Paul explains how people can be made right with God.  “This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.  This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.  As the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life’” (see Romans 1:17).  God will judge everyone according to what they have done.  He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.  But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness (see Romans 2:6-8).  “There will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good” (see Romans 2:10).  “All people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin” (see Romans 3:9).  God has shown us the way to be made right with God without keeping the requirements of the law.  “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.  And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (see Romans 3:21-22).  “For everyone has sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23).  We are made right with God by believing in Jesus Christ (see Romans 3:23-26).  It is based on faith in Jesus Christ – not by obeying the law (see Romans 3:27-28). People are “counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners (see Romans 4:5).  “God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith” (see Romans 4:13).  Therefore, the promise is received by faith; it is given as a free gift (see Romans 4:16). As believers, we are united with Christ in His death as well as united with Christ in His life (see Romans 6:1-11).  We “should consider ourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ” (see Romans 6:11).  We are to live our lives for the glory of God (see Romans 6:13).  We can “produce a harvest of good deeds for God” since we are alive with Christ (see Romans 7:4).  “We can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit” (see Romans 7:6).  There is “no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).  Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (see Romans 8:35-39). God desires His people to be saved.  God’s message about faith is “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved” (see Romans 10:9-10). 

Character and Nature of God in this Epistle

God is faithful and true (see Romans 3:3-4).  God is the God of the Jews and the God of the Gentiles (see Romans 3:29).  God desires His people to place their faith in Him.  It is their faith in Him that brings Him glory (see Romans 4:20).  Abraham was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.  Abraham had faith in God.  This was counted to him as righteousness.  God desires us to be righteous.  God desires us to be made right with Him.  God desires us to believe in Him (see Romans 4:23-24). God loves people so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us while we were still sinners (see Romans 5:8).  God desires to help us.  The “Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26).  God is for us, not against us (see Romans 8:31). God shows mercy and compassion to those He chooses (see Romans 9:14-18). God desires His people to be saved.  God loves His people and He desires to be with His people – both now and forever!