New Testament Survey: Book of Romans New Testament Survey: The Book of Romans Paul in Prison

Picture of Rome

The Author Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles. Born and educated in Tarsus, capital of Cilicia. Learned the tent-making trade (Acts 18:3) Paul’s method of writing—logical method of presenting the truth. Later Jewish education at feet of Gamaliel. See page 47…Paul was thoroughly acquainted with the attitudes, doctrines, and modes of reasoning used by the Jews who were early adversaries of the gospel.

Date of Writing In the epistle, Paul was heading toward Jerusalem (15:25-27). Must have been written later than 2 Corinthians, since he was ready to depart. Time of writing = spring of 57 or 58 A.D. 2 Corinthians written from Macedonia; then he headed for Greece. After delivering the contribution for the poor saints, he wished to journey to Spain through Rome. See page 47…

To Whom Addressed Paul was a special apostle sent to the Gentile nations of the world. Many times, he was hindered from going to Rome (1:13). Rome was the center of the world’s life Paul was vitally interested in preaching to the whole Roman Empire. Wrote to the Christians there in preparation for his intended visit. See page 48…

Origin of the Church in Rome The origin of the Roman church is unknown. Inconsistent facts concerning Peter being the founder. The Divine record does not indicate that Peter was ever in Rome. Peter’s own epistles were not written or addressed from Rome. In Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, he made no mention of Peter! See page 48…

Origin of the Church in Rome Paul wrote his epistles from a Roman prison; he did not mention Peter. No mention of Rome in Peter’s own writings, and no other inspired writer mentions a connection between Peter and Rome. Could have been one converted on Pentecost Evidence many Jews lived in Rome. Decree of banishment from Rome by Claudius (Acts 18:1,2) See page 48…In the Neronian persecution (AD 64), Christian martyrs formed a great multitude. At the time of writing, it appears that the church was not very large—neither elders or deacons are mentioned. The church at Rome consisted of both Jewish and Gentile elements. In 11:13—Gentiles. In 7:1—those who know the law.

Condition of the Church in Rome It’s only natural that a church made up of both Jews and Gentiles would experience some strife. A difficult fact that hindered complete reconciliation between the Jews and Gentiles—both were equal in God’s eyes. Paul also wrote to prepare them for the problems caused by the Judaizing teachers who would come their way. See page 49…

Purpose and Message Depravity into which sin leads those who abandon God. Rejecting God, after having known Him, to walk in the “vanity of their own minds.” Moral destitution of the Gentile nations—”God gave them up!” Romans 1:18-32 See page 49…

Purpose and Message God does not respect any man’s person enough to wink at his sin. Romans 2 There is a universal need for salvation. Romans 3:23 God’s grace alone was able to provide for salvation, a provision made possible by the blood of Christ, which was offered to all men through the gospel Romans 3:23-26 See page 49…

Purpose and Message Justification is not by the works of the Law; such would make God a respecter of persons Law of Moses not given as plan to make man righteous; it was given to reveal sin. Through knowledge of that fact, they needed a Savior. Romans 3:19,20 Justification attained by faith in Christ Romans 3:22 See page 49…”Faith in Christ”—the system of God’s righteousness--His plan for making men righteous--is revealed (1:17). This is why the gospel is God’s power to save (1:16)

Purpose and Message Jews had failed to attain unto God’s righteousness—they did not seek Him by faith. Romans 9:32 Refused to allow the Law to serve the purpose for which it was intended—preparation for Christ Galatians 3:24 Developed their own system of righteousness—human traditions Romans 10:1-3 See page 49 and 50…”Faith in Christ”—since they rejected this system, God rejected them and poured out His wrath against the nation!

Purpose and Message The national rejection did not doom the individual who was willing to have faith in Christ. Romans 11:26 Christianity, as Paul emphasized in this letter, should blot out all national enmity. Bring them to Christ, where they could love one another as brethren and enjoy the fullness of Christian fellowship. Romans 8:1-6 See page 50…”Faith in Christ”—This was to be a spiritual relationship instead of a fleshly one (old Israel)

The Book’s Contents and Character God’s condemnation rests upon all men because all have sinned. Romans 1:18—3:23 God’s way of making men righteous is only through Christ—offered in the gospel—appropriated by man’s faith for all! Romans 3:19—5:21 God’s grace offers righteousness to all men on the same conditions. Romans 5:22—8:30 See page 50…”Faith in Christ”—This was to be a spiritual relationship instead of a fleshly one (old Israel) General viewpoint—God is no respecter of persons. Romans 2:11

The Book’s Contents and Character Fleshly Israel had a sad plight, but God’s promises were fulfilled through spiritual Israel. Romans 9:13 It was God’s will that the Gentiles also receive His mercy and grace. Romans 9:24-26 Gentile acceptance had caused a hardening of fleshly Israel. Romans 9:27-33 See page 51…”Faith in Christ”— This hardening resulted in bitterness, resentment, and rebellion--evidencing their unbelief! Fleshly Israel made the sad mistake of trusting in the works of the Law. They rejected God’s offer of righteousness through a system of faith. Therefore, the gospel saved only a remnant.

The Book’s Contents and Character They trusted their own righteousness instead of God’s. Romans 10:1-3 Rejected Christ—fulfillment of the Law—continued looking for Messiah who had already come. Romans 10:4-8 Now, God’s requirements for salvation were the same for both Jews and Gentiles. Romans 10—12 See page 51…”Faith in Christ”— This hardening resulted in bitterness, resentment, and rebellion--evidencing their unbelief. Fleshly Israel made the sad mistake of trusting in the works of the Law and rejecting God’s offer of righteousness through a system of faith. Therefore, the gospel saved only a remnant.

The Book’s Contents and Character The prophets had prophesied that the gospel would go to the Gentiles for salvation—the Jews rejected that truth! Romans 10:13-21 God had not rejected all Israel—only unbelievers and the disobedient who had hardened their hearts Romans 11:1-10 Israel’s rejection open the door for the Gentiles—but they were not to gloat. Romans 11:11-23 See page 51…”Faith in Christ”— Why? A similar fate awaited them if they, too, became unfaithful and disobedient to the law of Christ! All the disobedient would be CUT OFF!

The Book’s Contents and Character The Jews could claim God’s mercy individually, by turning from unbelief. Romans 11:26-32 Sanctification, which comes as a fruit of justification—now living sacrifices Romans 12 Importance of subjection to civil authorities Romans 13:1-7 See page 51…”Faith in Christ”— Why? A similar fate awaited them if they, too, became unfaithful and disobedient to the law of Christ! All the disobedient would be CUT OFF!

The Book’s Contents and Character God’s moral law was based upon principle—love thy neighbor as thyself. Romans 13:8-14 One must not allow his personal liberty to destroy another’s weak faith. Romans 14—15:7 Paul’s travel plans, final greetings, and farewell Romans 15:8—16 See page 51…”Faith in Christ”— Why? A similar fate awaited them if they, too, became unfaithful and disobedient to the law of Christ! All the disobedient would be CUT OFF!