Lesson 2 Romans

Romans 1:1-17

Romans 1:1–17 ESV

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 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. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 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. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Paul was a messenger of God

Apostle (1:1). Literally, “one who is sent”—a messenger, proxy, ambassador. In Jewish law, this was the shaliach, “a person acting with full authority for another” in a business or legal transaction.[

Romans 1:2–4 ESV

2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

a. Why is it important for you to know what 1:2-4 says about Jesus? What difference do these verses make to your life? b. What errors about Jesus do these verses refute?

Jesus was a prophesy from the old testament. Genesis 3 Isaiah 53.

Jesus was a real person, human nature from the descendant of David. This means He comes from the lineage of Abraham.

He was fully God and declared God by the holy Spirit through His resurrection. He was man and God.

Romans 1:7 ESV

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.

His holy people (1:7). “Saint,” “sanctify,” and “holiness” all refer to the same Greek word-group that means “set apart,” as in 1:1. Thus, a saint is a “holy one” or “set apart one.” A saint is already set apart for God and in the process of being made holy by the Holy Spirit.

Grace (1:5,7). God’s unmerited favor and gifts to humanity.

Read Romans 1:8-15

Romans 1:8–15 ESV

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 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.

Paul’s plan (1:8-15) It was common to follow a letter’s greeting with thanks for the reader’s welfare and prayer that it may continue. Paul adapts this custom for a Christian purpose.

3. For what does Paul thank God (see 1:8)?

That their faith is proclaimed in all the world. The gospel is transforming lives and the gospel of Jesus is spreading around the globe.

4. What does Paul pray for (see verses 9-10)?

That he can see the Roman church and be able to encourage them. But he has been prevented. But he shares his deep desire to see them.

1. He wants to impart spiritual gift to encourage them v11.

2. To be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith in Christ v12.

3. He relates God’s sovereign plan of a harvest, which means God has prevented him to go so that when he goes the harvest will be plentiful. v 13

4. Eagerness to preach the gospel to everyone. V14-15.

Romans 1:16–17 ESV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Central verse of this study.

Not ashamed of the gospel.

The power of God for Salvation

Jew first and also to the Greek.

Key Words

Salvation (1:16). Stated negatively, it is deliverance from every evil, particularly sin, death, and rejection from God’s presence. Stated positively, it is spiritual and physical healing, the bestowal of all blessings.[5]

Righteousness of God (1:17). The state of being “in the right” or declared “not guilty” in relationship to God. This is a legal term.

By faith (1:17). Literally, “from faith to faith.” This might mean, “by faith from first to last.”

7. How does the gospel enable people to be saved (see 1:17)?

8. In what ways are Paul’s priorities, attitudes, and desires in 1:1-17 good examples for you to follow?

10. What insight from 1:1-17 seems most applicable to you right now?

11. How would you like that insight to affect your life?

12. What prayer and other action can you pursue this week to respond to that insight?

13. List any questions you have about 1:1-17.