Introduction to the letter to the Romans

The 45th book of the Bible, the 6th in the New Testament

The Epistle to the Romans is one of Paul’s longest and most important letters, and is considered the first—and perhaps the greatest—work on Christian theology.
It is also the earliest evidence of a Christian congregation in the capital of the Roman Empire, which at that time ruled over parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Personally, I am not surprised that God included this letter as the sixth book in His covenant with us humans.
After the Gospels — the accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, which form the foundation — and then the Acts of the Apostles — the story of the beginnings of Christianity, our faith — it follows logically that the explanation and the foundations for our entire life of faith must also follow!

Paul did not yet know the church in Rome personally, so he presents to them in detail the full Gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, which is valid for all people worldwide.

This doctrinal interpretation of the significance of Jesus’ atoning death has held special importance throughout the history of Christianity to this day. It was and remains a safeguard against all false teachings, regardless of ideology or denomination.

At the outset, he states that no human being, whether Jew or Gentile, can lead a life pleasing to God through their own efforts.

As a way out of this inevitable path to destruction, God sends His Son, Jesus Christ, who, through His death on the cross, erases the sin of every individual who accepts this gift in faith, so that they may receive salvation by pure grace and become a child of God.

Paul goes on to describe what the life of such a follower of Jesus should look like, explaining that accepting Christ’s sacrifice is not a license to continue sinning or to live a self-centered life.

True conversion also results in a change of behavior — a life lived in love, consideration, and mutual support for one another.

The process of sanctification is a lifelong journey for every true Christian —
we can learn more about it in the following letters. 🙂

Paul likely wrote his letter to the Romans from Corinth at the end of his third missionary journey, during the winter of 55 – 56 AD.
The collection taken up by the Christian churches in Asia Minor and Greece for the persecuted church in Jerusalem had been completed, and Paul planned to travel to Spain after delivering the donations, with a stopover in Rome along the way.

The Epistle to the Romans can be divided into three main sections:

1. A section on the teaching of the Good News and the grace of God

2. A historical section concerning Israel—God’s original covenant people

3. A practical section on the rights and duties of believers

Content of the letter to the Romans:

Romans chapter 1
Sender
I. God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ (1:18–8:39)
A. The need for salvation among all humanity (1:18–3:20)
Romans chapter 2
God’s judgment is the same for Jews and Gentiles, determined solely by the doing (or not doing) of the law
Greater moral knowledge and teaching ability do not make the Jews righteous before God; their boasting in the law is nullified because they transgress it
Circumcision is worthless for the Jew if he transgresses the law; Circumcision of the “heart” is necessary
Romans chapter 3
B. The new righteousness proclaimed in the gospel is accessible to Gentiles as well as to Jews (3:21–8:39)
Romans chapter 4
Romans chapter 5
Romans chapter 6
We have been crucified with Christ, died with him, buried with him (through baptism), and raised with him
Life in union with the risen Christ
The Apostle’s exhortation to believers to remain in this knowledge of salvation and no longer serve sin
The service of sin has given way to the service of righteousness
Romans chapter 7
If we have died and risen with Christ, we are rightfully free from the law and are obligated, in the service of the Risen One, to consider ourselves dead to sin
Romans chapter 8
The Christian is under the law of the Spirit
The contrast between those who serve God in the Spirit and those who live according to the desires of the flesh
The Christian as a dwelling place of the Spirit
Romans chapter 9
II. The present rejection of the vast majority of the Jewish people in relation to God’s plan of salvation (Chapters 9–11)
Romans chapter 10
Romans chapter 11
Romans chapter 12
III. Exhortations to the Church regarding the Christian life (12:1–15:13)
Romans chapter 13
Romans chapter 14
Romans chapter 15
IV. Conclusion of the Letter; Personal Messages, Greetings, and Final Exhortation (15:14–16:27)
Romans chapter 16