Romans Introduction

Starter Quote

A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized Chapter 6: Romans (Guy Prentiss Waters)

[Romans] 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, “Preface to the Epistle to the Romans” (1522)

Background Information

Author

Paul

Date

55-58 AD, but difficult to nail down specifically

Acts 20:1–3 ESV

1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

Audience

The Church in Rome

The Church in Rome most likely began as a result of Pentecost

Acts 1:8–11 ESV

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Written to both Jews and Gentiles in the congregation

Slight emphasis towards Gentile Christians

Romans 1:5–7 ESV

5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:13–15 ESV

13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Purpose of the Book

The righteousness of God

Genre

Epistle

Letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Rome

Theological Treatise using Diatribe

Paul covers sin, redemption, sanctification, mortification, glorification, communal living, and more in a diatribe manner

Outline of Book

Romans 1:1-17 - Introduction

Romans 1:18-3:20 - The Unrighteousness of Humanity

Romans 3:21-4:25 - Righteousness is Obtained through Faith in Christ Jesus Alone

Romans 5:1-8:39 - The Glorious Gifts of God’s Righteousness

Romans 9:1-11:36 - God’s Faithfulness to His Righteousness Despite Israel’s Unfaithfulness

Romans 12:1-15:13 - God’s Righteousness in Daily Life

Romans 15:14-16:27 - Conclusion

Purpose of book

The purpose of the book of Romans is the righteousness of God

Theology

Unity in the Gospel - Pastoral Theology

49AD Claudius issued a degree removing Jews due to disturbances

54AD Claudius dies and the edict ends - Messianic Jews return to Rome

Paul’s Theology of the Gospel and Righteousness

Future Missionary Partnership for Spain

The Glory of God

Romans–Galatians Theology of Romans

It can be seen that references to deity dwarf all other topics—a total of 326 references in 432 verses.

Quotes on the book

Richard Longenecker

The Epistle to the Romans Challenges in the Study of Romans

Yet despite its status in the church and its importance for Christian thought, life, and proclamation, Romans is probably the most difficult of all the NT letters to analyze and interpret. It hardly can be called a simple writing.

John Clavin

The Epistle to the Romans The Centrality of Romans for Christian Theology

If we have gained a true understanding of this Epistle, we have an open door to all the most profound treasures of Scripture.

Purpose of the book

The purpose of the book of Romans is the righteousness of God