Paul’s letter to the church(es) in city of rome Anno domini lx Romans Paul’s letter to the church(es) in city of rome Anno domini lx

The church in rome

Context: understanding romans Who wrote the letter Who the author was writing to The reason for writing the letter The background circumstances in which the letter was written Sometimes hard to be certain when looking at the New Testament: the details get clarified all the time, but some things are still a “best guess”

Context of paul’s letter: rome Rome was a multicultural, sprawling, busy city More than a million inhabitants Fiercely Republican: Emperor and Senate; SPQR Main language for everyday communication was … Greek “All roads lead to Rome” – centre of the vast Roman Empire Slavery was what made the empire work – wealthy Roman would have 50 slaves; the emperor would have around 20,000 Rome’s military discipline and rule held the empire together – Pax Romanum

Context of paul’s letter: Paul Letter written from Corinth, on Paul’s third missionary journey, about 60 AD Paul was a Jew, a Christian, apostle to the gentiles, and a Roman citizen – uniquely qualified to address this cosmopolitan church Paul had been on his mission of mercy to Jerusalem Paul had never visited Rome, but was anxious to do so Paul had clear ideas on how salvation “works” to bring us to God Paul did not want to “build on another man’s foundation”

Context of paul’s letter: the church(es) in rome Origins of the church unclear – apostolic foundation (maybe Peter?) or Jewish believers settling in the cosmopolitan city, or Christians evangelised by Paul elsewhere and gathering together when they settled in Rome Likely to have been several fellowships Initially, Jews likely to have been in the majority, and “in charge” All Jews were expelled from Rome in 49 AD by Claudius – some disturbances, but the reason is not certain Claudius’s edict died with him and from 54 AD Jews could return – to exclusively gentile churches, a recipe for internal tensions

Understanding romans: key themes in the letter Romans is a hugely important letter – theologically rich Not an “occasional letter” – there is no one problem addressed, or single theme / reason for writing “to all the beloved of God living in Rome” Written both for Jews and non-Jews Jews are not superior, Law is not to be disrespected – Gospel is the focus Love God, love each other, and live lives that give God glory Sinners are received as righteous by God; live lives to His glory 1:16,17 can be seen as a summary of Paul’s theology