Sermon Tone Analysis

An Introduction to the Letter to Rome

Written by Paul in A.D. 57

Purpose: to persuade.

“In ancient rhetoric there were five means of persuasion: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery, all of which are evident in Romans.”

Jewett, R., & Kotansky, R. D. (2006).

Romans: A commentary. (E.

J. Epp, Ed.) (p.

23).

Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

Structure

Justification by Faith

Sorrow for Israel rejecting the Messiah

What this means

How the Gospel should affect your life

Benediction

History of Rome in 57 A.D.

Jewett, R., & Kotansky, R. D. (2006).

Romans: A commentary. (E.

J. Epp, Ed.) (p.

23).

Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

Rome’s Golden Age

Emperor Rule

Triumphed over Mark Antony

Senate was established but only ceremonial

“Restored” the Senate in

Significant improvements under (Augusts) Octavian’s rule 31 B.C.E.-14 C.E.

Neighborhoods with local government and shrines to local gods and Emperor

Fire Brigades/Police

Benefits felt by the citizens of Rome not by the slaves (most Christians were slaves)

Successors to Augusts

Tiberius 14-32 C.E.

Caligula 38-41 C.E.

Both were poor administrators squandered Augusts’ successes

They increase the power of the Emperor

Rulers during Paul’s letter to Rome

Claudius 41-54CE

Urban development

Slave Bureaucracy

Unhappy roman citizens

Christianity banned in 47 AD

Nero 54-68CE

Ushered in another Golden Age

pledged to restore the Senate and rule of law

didn’t last long 62 CE Nero stated killing political opponents

He would have Paul executed

In view of the fact that Nero had the alleged arsonists wrapped in animal skins and used as torches in his gardens, a punishment that would have been illegal if they had been citizens, a status that most Jewish Christians would have possessed, most of these victims were probably Gentile believers.

Many Jewish Christians must have survived the persecution.

At a minimum, the references in Tacitus and 1 Clement indicate that several hundred victims must have been involved, and since the Christian movement continued to increase in size after this event, many believers must have escaped.

Overview

Strong Emperor

Overview

Strong Emperor

Weak Senate

Prosperity

Christians were commonly killed

Structure of Romans

Justification by faith

“The righteous shall live by faith.”

Gospel presented and largely reject by Isreal

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version.

(2016).

().

Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Then what becomes of our boasting?

It is excluded.

By what kind of law?

By a law of works?

No, but by the law of faith.

28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

29 Or is God the God of Jews only?

Is he not the God of Gentiles also?

Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith?

By no means!

On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Gospel presented and largely reject by Isreal

This is shown by the actions of the Pharisees

I ask, then, has God rejected his people?

By no means!

For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him?

“I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version.

(2016).

().

Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

How the Gospel should affect your life

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Benediction

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!

Amen.