Romans
Introdution
This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.
~Martin Luther~
The book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul, as dictated to Tertius (16:22). It was written in Corinth around 56-57 A.D. The letter was carried from Corinth to Rome by Phoebe (16:1).
Paul had finished his third missionary journey and wanted to expand his work westward toward Spain. He also had a desire to visit the church in Rome to encourage and be encouraged by them. Ultimately, Paul wanted Rome to become his sponsoring/sending church as he went west just as Antioch had been for his work in the east.
Before the new work could begin Paul had one piece of business to accomplish. There had been a collection taken up for the believers in Jerusalem who were suffering from a famine (Acts 11:28). Paul had to deliver the money to the church in Jerusalem before he could go to Rome.
Since he could not go to Rome immediately he sent this letter as an introduction of himself and the way in which he presented the gospel. This would expedite his relationship with the Roman church and serve as a help and guide in his absence.
The main theme of the book is ‘The Gospel’(ch.1 v.16-17). That is, it is Paul’s explanation of the good news about Jesus Christ. It describes the true spiritual condition of everyone outside of Christ, justification by faith in Christ, the result of justification, the process of sanctification, the sovereignty of God in election and life in Christ that glorifies God.
(Ch1. v.18-Ch.3 v.20) Paul wrote to a church that was somewhat divided between Jewish believers and Gentile believers. When he describes people lost in sin he talks about people who have the natural world to illuminate the character and qualities of the Creator and people who have God’s revelation of morality in the Law and Prophets. His point is that everyone knows good from evil, and everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is under sin.
3:9, “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin”
(Ch.3 v.21-Ch.4 v.25) Having pointed out the reality of sin Paul goes on to explain the good news of how sin has been dealt with. Paul’s explanation of justification by faith asserts that the same faith saves the Jew and the gentile alike. Paul uses the example of Abraham who was declared righteous because of his faith before he received the sign of circumcision.
4:25, “He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”
(Ch.5 v1-21) Our justification has made us to be at peace with God, to have hope of salvation. This is cause for rejoicing. When Adam sinned, sin entered the world and we all participate in it. This is how we got separated from God. Jesus by his perfect life, death and resurrection justified us. Now we have been reconciled to God.
5:18, “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men.”
(Ch.6 v1-Ch.8 v.17) How do we live in a world full of sin where even our own bodies and souls are steeped in sin? We can’t go back to being separated from God. We have to realize that the only way forward is to die to sin and self and be alive in Christ. Our adoption is secured by the work of Christ. We have an inheritance in Christ, an inheritance of glory with Christ.
8:1, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
(Ch.8 v.18-Ch.11 v.36) What qualities or qualifications do we possess that God has loved us this way? None, we have simply been chosen as recipients of grace. We are branches cut off the old tree. We could have been left to rot or thrown into the fire but God has grafted us into Christ.
8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
(Ch.12 v.1-Ch.15 v.13) By God’s mercy we dedicate our whole selves to the process of transformation. We learn how the family of God operates by loving one another. As we do, we are filed with joy, hope and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit.
15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
brotherpayne 