Romans Intro

Authorship and Composition

Author

The Epistle to the Romans is universally attributed to Paul the Apostle within early Christian tradition and by modern scholarship.

Paul identifies himself in the opening verse (Romans 1:1).  

Paul dictated the letter and used an secretary named Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22.  

Date and Place of Writing

The letter was most likely written around AD 56–57,

near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey.  

first and second Thessalonians

Galatians

first and second Corinthians 55-56 AD

and then Romans about a year later

Corinth is widely considered the place of origin because:

Paul mentions Gaius as his host, likely the same Gaius known from 1 Corinthians 1:14.

Phoebe, who carries the letter, is from Cenchrea, a port near Corinth.  

Historical and Social Context

Roman Church Background

The church in Rome was already established by the time Paul wrote;

he had not founded it and had not yet visited.  

The Christian community in Rome likely formed through multiple channels:

Jewish believers visiting Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:10) may have taken the faith back to Rome.

Jewish Christians expelled under Emperor Claudius (c. AD 49) returned later,

leading to a change in the church’s demographic makeup.  

so we can deduce that the context of Romans is prepared to talk to people that had a large understanding of the Old Testament.

Christianity today tends to mash up all the Gospels by creating a single narrative from the four distinct offerings.

Still, when the Gospels were written, they were not published simultaneously

but independently of one another, with decades passing between each work. 

The Gospels tell WHO JESUS is and WHAT Jesus DID

the Epistles are FULLY ROOTED in the TEACHINGS of the GOSPELS yet the Teachings Were delivered VERBALLY

Oral teachings —- The Epistles are the HOW to Live them OUT

Therefore, when the Gospels were written, the context of each writer was different.

Gospel of Mark was written, the year was approximately 70 A.D. At this time, Jesus’ followers are a mix of Jewish and Gentiles.

The Gospel of Matthew was written a decade or two after Mark, in the 80s or early 90s A.D. The author of Matthew was likely writing during a time of growing hostility and conflict between Christian Jews, non-Christian Jews, and Jews toward the end of the first century.

The common consensus of the Gospel of John and its dating is around 90 A.D. An additional layer of mystique to this Gospel is that it seems to have two endings—one at the end of chapter 20 and again in the next chapter.

Regardless of when it became a cohesive narrative, the context of the 90s, when this Gospel hit the presses, is steeped in even deeper resentment toward “the Jews” than Matthew’s Gospel. It is believed this sentiment results from the expulsion above and exclusion from the synagogue.

The dating of the Gospel of Luke varies, with some placing it as early as the 80s and 90s and other scholars timestamping it around the year 120 A.D. Popular opinion still leans toward Luke’s Gospel being written a decade or two later than Mark’s.

However, the author of the Gospel of Luke is also the author of the book of Acts. This single work in two volumes complicates matters.

So Paul is writing this Epistle to Roman

providing foundational reminders with the intent to UNIFY the foundational concepts to keep all Chrisitians on course

THIS IS THE MISSION OF OUR STUDY FOR THE NEXT YEAR

cement the FOUNDATIONS of our BELIEF

We are at the point in our Church

where we are needing the REMINDER and CLARITY of

the TRUE FAITH

We are HORIZON want to ensure that we are standing on the right principals

Our World TODAY:

We live in a world where the very basics of our Faith are questions.

People believe you can change your gender

identify as an animal

and therefore drive fully into a CRASH of Theology and TRUTH with WORLDLY WANTS

Ethnic and Cultural Tension

The Roman church included both Jewish and Gentile believers.

After the return of Jewish Christians, this mix produced potential cultural

and theological tensions, especially concerning observance of Jewish Law.  

These tensions form part of the background

against which Paul writes, especially in his arguments

about justification, the law, and Christian unity.  

We need Paul’s TODAY —- We need to FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH

We are called as PAUL to execute FALSE DOCTRINE

DO YOU KNOW THE TRUTH

FOR IT IS THE TRUTH THAT SETS YOU FREE.

Roman Empire Context

Rome was the capital of the Empire and culturally pluralistic.

This made it a strategic hub for the spread of Christianity.  

Reasons Paul Composed the Letter to the Romans

Scholars generally identify multiple interrelated reasons for Paul’s composition of Romans rather than a single motivation. 

Missionary

Theological

Apologic and Pastoral

Unification

Missionary Strategy

Paul hoped to visit Rome and make it a base for further missionary work,

particularly to Spain and the western parts of the Empire.  

Paul explicitly mentions his desire to go to Spain after stopping in Rome (Romans 15:24, 28).  

Theological Clarification and Education

Unlike many of Paul’s other letters, Romans was not written in response to a local crisis.

Instead it functions as a comprehensive presentation of his understanding of the Gospel.  

Paul systematically lays out doctrines such as sin, justification by faith, sanctification, and the place of Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan.  

Pastoral and Apologetic Purposes

Paul wanted to strengthen the Roman believers spiritually and prepare them to receive him when he visited.  

His letter also serves an apologetic role, defending his Gospel and clarifying its implications for daily Christian living and unity.  

Unity Between Jews and Gentiles

Because the Roman church included both Jewish and Gentile Christians,

Paul emphasizes equality before God and the unity of believers in Christ.  

Practical Timing and Opportunity

Paul may have taken advantage of Phoebe’s travel to Rome to send the letter with her.  

Core Theological Themes in Romans

Although not an exhaustive thematic analysis, the following are central motifs that emerge directly from the letter and from scholarly interpretation:

Righteousness of God

The letter’s thesis centers on the revelation of God’s righteousness,

particularly in the Gospel (Romans 1:16–17).  

Justification by Faith

Paul argues that humans are justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law

— a foundational doctrine for later Christian theology.  

Likely moving Martin Luther to stand up for TRUTH

Not works but FAITH ALONE

Works are BECAUSE of GRACE —- Not FOR it

Sin and Salvation

The universality of sin and the universal need for God’s salvation is a major theme, opening the argument of the epistle.  

The Gospel — The Good News is GOD’s Power of Salvation — The Victory over SIN

Life in the Spirit

Paul explores the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives (e.g., Romans 8).  

Romans 8 will start with no condemnation and ends with no separation.

God’s Plan for Israel and the Gentiles

Paul addresses God’s ongoing covenant faithfulness vis-à-vis both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 9–11).  

Christian Ethics and Community Life

Romans closes with practical instructions for Christian conduct and communal relations (Romans 12–15).  

Desired Outcomes from the Letter

Paul’s Immediate Goals

Paul likely intended that the Roman believers would:

Understand and embrace his Gospel clearly and systematically.

Be prepared for his arrival and support him (prayerfully and materially).

Achieve greater unity among diverse believers in Rome.  

Strategic and Missional Outcomes

Paul hoped Rome would serve as a missionary base for Westward evangelism toward Spain.  

Long-Term Theological Outcomes

Theologically, Romans has become one of the most influential writings in Christian history.

It shaped major doctrinal developments in the early Church

and influenced later figures such as Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin on doctrines like justification by faith.  

Significance of Studying Romans Today

Studying Romans is valuable because it offers:

Foundational insight into Central Christian doctrines of salvation, grace, and righteousness.

A model of theological reflection grounded in pastoral concern.

Frameworks for understanding Christian unity and ethics.

Continuing influence on Christian theology, mission, and ecumenical dialogue.

Conclusion:

Romans is a Journey

there will be moments of extreme joy and times of self reflection

We pray now that we will LEARN more about CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

to form a more foundation in the world today

We are not AMERICANS FIRST, or even citizens of the WORLD

we are NOT conservative or liberal

We are CHRIST PRACTIONERS —- We will seek to LIVE more like HIM Daily.

Friends —- This journey has been planned and you are READY

We all need to be Remodeled

We all need to be CHANGING TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS

This letter is a CORE STUDY for MATURE CHRISTIANS

and IT IS OUR MISSION TO BE GROWING DAILY.

AMEN