Romans - An Introduction and Chapter 1:1-17

Introduction

The Importance of the Letter

The Book of Romans is often seen as an important piece of literature and theology. While the Gospels talk about what Jesus said and did, Romans digs into what His sacrifice means, laying out the main beliefs of the faith in a clear, sometimes question-and-answer, style. When people today aren't sure about God, sin, or salvation, Romans helps explain what the good news really is and how it shapes how Christians live and what they do. It focuses on the idea that faith is what makes someone right with God, which is a big deal in evangelical Christianity. Romans, along with Galatians, even helped kick off the Protestant Reformation and other spiritual movements. Martin Luther thought Romans was so important he said Christians should read it often, since it shows how God's grace helps people live out their faith.

Because it's such a major book, Romans comes first among Paul's letters in the New Testament, and it's still a key text for evangelical Christians.

Some theologians argue that the Gospels are the most important part of the New Testament because they tell the story of Jesus firsthand. But others made a strong case that Romans offers a unique and thorough look at the gospel and what Christian faith is all about—something you don't really find anywhere else in the New Testament.

Debated Issues Answered in Romans

Many theological issues have been debated in the church through the centuries. The book of Romans deals with controversial issues of theology perhaps more than any other book of the Bible. Here are some examples of questions answered in this letter:

What must a person believe in order to be saved by faith?

What does it mean that a Christian does not work for his salvation?

Did God decide to save some people and not to save others?

How does God choose who is saved and who is not?

What will happen to people who have never heard the gospel?

How can God be just if he forgives some sinners and punishes others?

Is a believer still a sinner?

What kind of spiritual victory is possible for real life?

Is it possible for a believer to lose his salvation?

Does God still have a plan for Israel?

Paul: Background of the Author

The New Testament gives two names for Paul. He is first introduced as “Saul,” in Acts 8:1. Saul is a Hebrew name. Even after his conversion he is called Saul until his clash with the sorcerer and false prophet at Paphos, when Luke suddenly writes, “Saul, who also is called Paul” (Acts 13:9). Thereafter he is always called Paul in the Book of Acts as well as in his epistles.

Paul was a Roman citizen, by birth a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin. He was born in Tarsus in the region of Cilicia and probably into a home that was well-to-do for to be a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37, 38; 22:25-29), his family must have possessed some wealth and standing.

At age 5, as it was accustom for Jewish law, he began his study of the Scriptures. At thirteen, Paul became a “son of the commandment” (bar mitzvah) at which time he took upon himself the full obligation of the law and the more promising lads were directed into rabbinical schools. He studied under Gamaliel, the grandson of the famous Hillel, in Jerusalem.  Both in theory and practice he became passionate in his devotion the Scripture and prior to his conversion, Paul became a dedicated leader in the strict party of the Pharisees .  His highest aspiration was to realize the law perfectly and to merit the glory of the kingdom of heaven by the righteousness thus acquired.

Everything points to the probability that Paul wrote Romans toward the close of his three month ministry in Achaia (Greece), mentioned in Acts 20:3; hence during his third recorded visit to Corinth on his third missionary journey (Acts 18:23-21:16).

Paul’s purpose of Romans

Paul wrote the letter to the Church in Rome to prepare them for his long anticipated journey to Rome. Paul wanted to clear up any misconceptions and misunderstanding about the gospel he preached. False rumors had filtered into Rome concerning Paul's message. He had for years been in controversy with the Pharisaical element in the Church. It was important that he correct these issues so that he could gain the support he needed for his continuing evangelizing plans that included Spain.

Rome was the epicenter of the Roman empire. Everything flowed through Rome! It was the hub for culture, business and knowledge. If you want to get a message out to the entire Roman empire, it had to go through Rome. I would be like the modern day example Memphis and FedEx:

[Give example]

Paul desired to get the record straight and send proper doctrine to the Church at Rome so when it spread, it would be correct.

He did not just want answer his critics in this letter, Paul wanted it to be a blessing the Roman Church in hopes that i would help them to:

Resolve the conflict between the Jews and Gentiles in the local congregations. He want to unify them so they could worship God in harmony

The salvation of more souls that would bring honor and glory to God’s name.

The Theme of Romans

Romans 1:16–17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.””

The Gospel focuses on Christ.

It is for all people.

It is to the Jew first, but also to the Gentile.

It is by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

An Outline for Romans

Doctrinal Section: Sin, Justification, Sanctification 1-8

The Power of the Gospel 1:1-17

The Doctrine of sin 1:18-3:20

The Doctrine of Justification 3:21-4:25

The Doctrine of Sanctification 5:1-8:39

National Israel - 9-11

Israel’s Past Election - 9

Israel’s Present Rejection - 10

Israel’s Future Restoration - 11

Practical Application of Doctrine: Personal holiness and ethical behavior 12-16

Chapter Content

Chapter 1. Gentiles' need of righteousness

Chapter 2. Jews' need of righteousness

Chapter 3. All men guilty and sinful; Justification by faith explained.

Chapter 4. Justification by faith illustrated by Abraham and David

Chapter 5. Results of justification by faith

Chapter 6. Sanctification: the believer and victory over sin

Chapter 7. Sanctification: the hindrance of the sin principle

Chapter 8. Sanctification: the life of walking in the Spirit

Chapter 9. God's election of National Israel in the past

Chapter 10. God's rejection of National Israel in the present

Chapter 11. God's restoration of National Israel in the future Chapter 12. Consecration; The character of Christian Service

Chapter 13. Obedience to civil authority; Love, the fulfilling of the Law

Chapter 14. Doubtful things;  How to treat a weaker brother

Chapter 15. Warnings against simply pleasing one's self;  Paul's future plans

Chapter 16. Greetings

Romans 1:1-17

Romans 1:1

Romans 1:1 NKJV

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

We learn some important things about Paul in his introduction of himself. We learn how he viewed himself and how he wanted others to view him.

We learn his spiritual condition

The decision to use the Roman name, “Paul,” may be associated with his decision to evangelize the Gentile peoples who were under the domination of the Roman Empire.

Before everything else and above everything else, Paul was a servant of Jesus Christ. The word “servant” (doulos) is from a root meaning “to bind” and literally signifies a “bond servant” or “slave”.

An understanding of what Paul means by his statement is given in Deuteronomy 15:12–17 ““If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed; you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the Lord has blessed you with, you shall give to him. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today. And if it happens that he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you, then you shall take an awl and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise.”

It was voluntary.

Entrance into the spiritual status of “a servant of Jesus Christ” is only by free choice. The invitation of salvation is extended to all, but enrollment is only by voluntary enlistment.

It was based on love.

Paul had fallen deeply in love with Jesus. It is as if he is saying, “I love my Master and want always to serve Him.” Because the word “love” is capable of so many shades of meaning, we need to remember the Biblical meaning: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (I John 5:3). Love is measurable: it displays its reality through obedience to God's Word. And when service is love service, Christ's commandments are not burdensome. Service is just as Jesus said it would be: His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

It provided security.

The master was now responsible for providing for his daily needs and directing his future destiny. In this regard Paul could testify that he had learned, in whatsoever state he found himself, to be content” (Phil. 4:11).

God has promised to supply all of our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Paul never found the first exception to this promise. Indeed, Paul found that being a “love slave” of Jesus Christ paradoxically produced a new freedom. It was a freedom that enabled him to do what God wanted him to do. It was an empowerment that caused him to exclaim, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). He had learned to be content no matter what his circumstances and surroundings (Phil. 4:11).

It was a permanent relationship.

“He shall be your servant forever” (Deuteronomy 15:17). Paul had counted the cost and made his decision. He willingly surrendered all his rights, aspirations, and goals in order to become a servant of Jesus Christ. “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Phil. 3:7-8). He had found the pearl of great price!

We learned his special calling

“called to be an apostle”

Meaning 1) as a technical term denoting one of the twelve (cf. Luke 6:13; Acts 1:26

Meaning 2) to refer to a Christian teacher (cf. Acts 14:14 – “the apostles, Barnabas and Paul” or Rom. 16:7 – “Andronicus and Junia ….who are of note among the apostles”)

Meaning 3) in a broad sense as referring to an emissary or anyone who is sent on an errand.

Paul claimed to be an apostle in the first sense, that of ranking with the original twelve apostles. In order to be this type of “apostle” one has to have three qualifications: 1) visibly see Jesus after His resurrection (see 1 Cor. 9:1); 2) receive one’s commission to be an apostle directly from Jesus (see Gal. 1:1), and 3) have your ministry confirmed by the signs, wonders and miracles that attended an apostle’s ministry (see 2 Cor. 12:12).

We learned his lifestyle

“separated unto the gospel of God”

. Paul is conscious of a double setting apart in his life. He was set apart by God for special apostolic ministry (Galatians 1:15, 16), and set apart by men for that same ministry when the Holy Spirit told the leaders of the Church at Antioch to separate him and Barnabas for the special mission to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2).

Romans 1:2

Romans 1:2 NKJV

which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

The Scriptures

Their Source

God is the primary author of scripture (see II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Peter 1:20-21). It had been promised “afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures”. This statement refers to the Old Testament. Paul held the Old Testament in highest esteem. For Paul, the Old Testament had an abiding authority.

Their Sanctity

The Old Testament scriptures are described as “holy.” The mediators of the scriptures are described as “his” prophets. Far too many people are being taught that the Old Testament is antiquated and no longer God's word to us today. Jesus said, “think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Paul affirmed this truth when he said, “do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea we establish the law” (Romans 3:31).

Romans 1:3-4

Romans 1:3–4 NKJV

concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

The Son of God

As the “revealed” Son, Paul lists four important elements of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

His deity is revealed:

The first truth about the revealed Son is His divine sonship (“concerning his son”). The deity of Jesus as God's son is the foundation of all other revelation. God has given to us His Son. And Jesus is God's eternal son. Before he assumed human flesh, he was God's only begotten son (John 3:16). He was with God and was God from all eternity. “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-2,14).

His identity is revealed:

The second truth about the revealed Son is His official name and title. “Jesus” is his human name. This name emphasizes his humanity. He was truly man. “Christ” (“anointed”) is his title signifying his Messiahship. The phrase, “Jesus Christ,” unites both his humanity and his deity and is equivalent to saying, “Jesus the Messiah.”

His lordship is revealed:

The third truth about the revealed Son is his Lordship (“our Lord”). The word “lord” signifies the concepts of “owner, ruler.” We belong to him and are under his authority. Therefore, we owe him our loyalty, our lives, our love, our everything!

His humanity is revealed:

The fourth truth about the revealed Son is his humanity (“which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh”). In the fullness of time “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law” (Galatians 4:4). The Son of God, divine, truly God, assumed the human nature WITHOUT laying aside his divine nature.

He is the REIGNING SON - (1:4a) - “declared [appointed] to be the Son of God with power” (cf. Mat. 28:18)

From eternity Jesus was appointed “Son of God with power”

The word “declared” means “to fix, determine, appoint.” Jesus was “appointed” Son of God with power at the time of His resurrection from the dead. Paul must not be misunderstood at this point. Jesus has always been the Son of God. During his earthly sojourn, His period of humiliation, He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). His personal use of power was set aside. He spoke only the words His father gave Him and did only the works that His father specified (John 5:19,30). But at the resurrection, God exalted Jesus and rewarded His complete obedience by investing Him with all the power both in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).

In time it was effectuated at the resurrection. - “by the resurrection from the dead.”

Jesus' appointment to “Son of God in power” was from eternity but was effectuated in time. Psalms 2:7 says, “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” Paul explains this verse in his sermon preached at Antioch (Acts 13:33-34). “God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.”

The manifestation of Christ's investiture with power was brought about by “the spirit of holiness.” It is probably best to interpret the phrase as referring to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the divine Trinity, rather than the “spiritual” versus the “physical” element in Christ's human nature, or with his “divine” as contrasted to his “human” nature. The Holy Spirit, Who has come to represent the risen Christ, is the manifestation of Christ's power and majesty, and thus the guarantee of His having been appointed Son of God in power (Cranfield, I, 64).

Romans 1:5

Romans 1:5 NKJV

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,

Paul’s Goal

to make men obedient to the faith

A better translation of this phrase is: “to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

To glorify Jesus Christ. – “for His name’s sake”

These two goals ought to be the controlling attitudes that shape our relationships with other people. Whatever our special calling may be, to bring others into obedience to the faith (a saving faith which obeys) and to glorify Jesus Christ in everything. These goals must remain our highest priority.

The call and spiritual gifts of apostleship were given for the purpose of bringing people of all nations to obedience to Christ. The only proper use of spiritual gifts is for the work of God. The only proper motive for ministerial work is for the glory of the name of Christ. Motives such as personal gain or personal credit are unworthy of a servant of God.

Romans 1:6-7

Romans 1:6–7 NKJV

among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Saints relationships

Their relationship with Christ

The reader's relationship to Christ is described in the phrases, “the called of Jesus Christ” (v.6), and “called to be saints” (v.7). The first phrase emphasizes that they “belong” to Jesus Christ. The word “called” (kletos, in both verses), as used in the Epistles, refers only to those who have both received and accepted the invitation of salvation.

Their RELATIONSHIP to God

We are the objects of God's love because we belong to Christ. God delights to call us his beloved ones.

Romans 1:8

Romans 1:8 NKJV

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

His praise for them is prioritize to God through Jesus for them.

The term world was commonly used to refer to the civilized, known world rather than to the whole earth. The gospel had not yet gone everywhere on the earth.

Romans 1:9-10

Romans 1:9–10 NKJV

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.

Paul’s prayer for them

It was GENUINE - "God is my witness" (9) - the equivalent of an oath

It was HABITUAL - "without ceasing...always" (9)

It was INTERCESSORY - "making mention of you" (9) - focus on others

It was SUPPLICATORY - "making request" (10)

It was SPECIFIC - "that I may have a prosperous journey ...to come unto you" (10) - no vague generalities; he had been praying for this a long time

It was SUBMISSIVE - "by the will of God" (10) - God expects us to know what we want, but He answers us in the light of eternity.

Romans 1:11-13

Romans 1:11–13 NKJV

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

He longed to SEE them - "I long to see you" (11) - intensity of feeling

He longed to SERVE - "that I may impart unto you" (11)

By increasing their Spiritual Perception - "spiritual gift"

By increasing their Spiritual Power - "be established"

What “spiritual gift” did he desire to impart to them? We don’t know other than his specified goal: “To the end ye may be established” = made spiritual strong and stable.

He longed to SHARE with them (12-13)

By Strengthening Faith (12) - mutual comfort

By Seeking Fruit (13)- salvation of the lost; entire sanctification of believers.

Romans 1:14

Romans 1:14 NKJV

I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.

A BURDEN FOR THE LOST 1:14 – “I am debtor” - the heart of missions

An EXPLANATION for his burden - (Why did Paul feel personally indebted?)

“Debt to the Christ who died involves debt to them for whom Christ died.”

Rom. 5:6: “Christ died for the ungodly.”

The EXTENT of his burden – (To whom did Paul feel personally indebted?)

To all races - “to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians”

To all ranks – “to the wise and to the unwise”

Romans 1:15-16

Romans 1:15–16 NKJV

So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

A BOLDNESS TO SHARE THE GOSPEL 1:15-16 – “I am ready” . . . “I am not ashamed”

He had EQUIPPED himself to know how to share Christ. (1:15) - “I am ready”

The necessity of preparation. – “so as much as in me is”

The need to make “sharing Christ” a top priority. – a present tense, eager, on-going desire – not just the emotional stir of the moment. His is motivated by his burden.

He had EXPERIENCED the power of the Gospel. (1:16) - “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ – it is the power of God unto salvation”

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because it had powerfully transformed his life. He knew it was the “power of God unto salvation.” You can’t get excited about, and stay excited about what doesn’t work in your own life. His life illustrated what he preached.

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because it contains sufficient power to transform everyone’s life – if they will only believe.

The sufficiency of the Gospel 1:16 – “to everyone … Jew first, and also to the Greek”

The simplicity of the Gospel 1:16 - “that believeth”

Romans 1:17

Romans 1:17 NKJV

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

the “righteousness of God” can be thought of as:

a divine attribute (our God is a righteous God),

a divine activity (he comes to our rescue),

a divine achievement (he bestows on us a righteous status).

Paul’s belief is inseparably tied to the on-going REIGN of faith in the believer’s life - “from faith to faith”

Righteousness is secured by faith - NIV = "by faith"

Righteousness is sustained by faith – NIV = "from first to last"

Conclusion

Paul identifies as a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle, tasked with sharing God’s good news about Jesus with the Gentiles. He greets the Roman Christians, values them, and looks forward to visiting them when possible. Paul is eager to preach in Rome, believing it an honor and confident in the gospel’s power, which offers God’s righteousness to all through faith, as promised in the Old Testament.