Intro To Romans
Historical Setting
It seems evident that the Epistle to the Romans was written from Corinth during Paul’s three-month stay in that city on his Third Missionary Journey (Acts 20:1–3). Many scholars date this visit in the winter of 57–58, but some prefer an earlier date.
That the epistle was written from Corinth is indicated by his references to Gaius (Rom. 16:23; cf. 1 Cor. 1:14) and Erastus (Rom. 16:23; cf. 2 Tim. 4:20) and by his commendation of Phoebe, whom Paul describes as rendering special service to the church at Cenchreae, the eastern seaport of Corinth (Rom. 16:1).
That the epistle was written from Corinth is indicated by his references to Gaius (Rom. 16:23; cf. 1 Cor. 1:14) and Erastus (Rom. 16:23; cf. 2 Tim. 4:20) and by his commendation of Phoebe, whom Paul describes as rendering special service to the church at Cenchreae, the eastern seaport of Corinth (Rom. 16:1).
Theme
The theme of the epistle is the universal sinfulness of man and the universal grace of God in providing a way by which sinners may not only pardoned but also restored to perfection and holiness. This “way” is faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died, rose again, and ever lives to reconcile and to restore.
First Paul shows that all men, Jews and Gentiles alike, have sinned and continue to fall short of God’s glorious ideal (ch. 3:23).
There is no excuse for this, for all men, Jews and Gentiles alike, have received some revelation of the will of God (ch. 1:20).
Therefore, all men are justly under condemnation.
Moreover, sinful men are now hopelessly incapable of extricating themselves from this predicament, for in their depraved condition it is wholly impossible for them to obey God’s will (ch. 8:7).
Legalistic attempts to obey the divine law are not only doomed to failure but may also be evidence of an arrogant and self-righteous refusal to recognize man’s weakness and his need of a Saviour. Only God Himself can provide a remedy. And this He has done—by the sacrifice of His Son.
All that is asked of fallen man is that he exercise faith, faith to accept the provisions made to cover his sinful past, and faith to accept the power offered to lead him into a life of righteousness.
This is Paul’s gospel, as developed in the first part of the epistle. The remaining chapters deal with the practical application of the gospel to certain problems dealing with the chosen people and with the members of the Christian church.