introduction to Romans

Audience

In general, Roman citizens were trying to make it up the ladder of society. To try to better themselves.

there was really only a rich and poor, very few middle class.

Their largest meal was in the evening. For the ones that could afford it, this was a party many times. Sometimes an orgy, many times not.

There was very little concern for the poor.

A peoples morality only will go as high as their God’s. Since they really didnt have a god system, it was mostly for show, then their lifestyle didnt either.

It was mostly eat or be eaten.

Roman law was based on one mans law that was adopted by the consensus. This works, but it also means that the law will be fallible and cannot be trusted.

It seems that America is desperately trying to do this now.

early Rome had a high view of family. Eventually the pursuit of wealth and lack of any truth as standard for morality would take its tole on family life. We believe God has ordained family as a guiding institute in socitety. Basically we believe God has set it up that society will live or die by the quality of families.

This is why things like homosexuality and adultery are so devistating to a country or people group.

Who are the Romans from the book of Romans?

There would be both Jew and Gentile in the audience. It wouldnt make sense for Paul to draw such clear lines about what to make of Israel after the work of Christ if there wasnt.

I cannot determine who had the majority, but its clear that they were there and this would cause a fracture in the church. Much different people made up the church there.

Paul is writing to unite them around the gospel.

Romans 1:5 NKJV

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

All things start with God, Its by the work of Jesus that we have anything.

Paul says the same thing. Jesus has saved him to give him authority to go and tell.

The mission-obedience to faith among all nations for his Name.

This is the reason he is writing and this is what the mission of God is. This is what Paul is totally about.

Paul is very concerned for this body of believers in Rome; a for their obedience to faith and b for his mission to move beyond rome into spain/Europe (romans 15:24)

There are 3 ways we can rightly respond to this study of Romans.

In obedience to faith

for some this is a call to faith for the first time

for some this is a call to take up your cross and follow Jesus

To want to take the gospel to the world

In what way is Jesus calling you to do this?

To become consumed with the glory of God.

everything you do, do it for the glory of God. Unpack that.