Bible Study Reader
Romans Overview 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Romans

Introduction

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul, probably from Corinth during his third missionary journey, around AD 57. Unlike most of Paul's other letters, Romans was addressed to a church he had not founded or yet visited. The Christian community in Rome was likely established by Jewish and Gentile believers who had come to faith elsewhere -- perhaps some who were present at Pentecost (Acts 2:10) -- and the church appears to have been a mixture of Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul wrote to introduce himself and his gospel ahead of a planned visit on his way to Spain (Romans 15:23-28), but his letter far exceeded a mere self-introduction: it became the most systematic and comprehensive exposition of the gospel in all of Scripture.

Romans has been called the "cathedral of the Christian faith." In it, Paul sets forth the universal human problem of sin and God's gracious solution through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, received by faith alone. The letter addresses the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's plan of salvation, the nature of justification, the power of the Holy Spirit for holy living, and the practical outworking of the gospel in the life of the church. Romans has shaped Christian theology more profoundly than perhaps any other single document -- it was central to Augustine's conversion, to Luther's rediscovery of justification by faith, and to the evangelical revivals through Wesley and Whitefield.

Structure

The Gospel and God's Righteousness (1:1-17)

Paul introduces himself and his apostolic calling, greets the Roman believers, and states the theme of the letter: the gospel reveals the righteousness of God, a righteousness that comes by faith from first to last.

The Universal Problem of Sin (1:18-3:20)

Paul demonstrates that all humanity stands condemned before God. Gentiles are without excuse because they suppress the truth revealed in creation, and Jews are equally guilty because they fail to keep the law they boast in. The conclusion is devastating: "There is no one righteous, not even one."

Justification by Faith (3:21-5:21)

God's solution is revealed: righteousness apart from the law, through faith in Jesus Christ, for all who believe. Paul uses Abraham as the great example of justification by faith, and he shows how the work of Christ undoes the ruin brought by Adam's sin.

Sanctification and Life in the Spirit (6:1-8:39)

Believers who have been justified are united with Christ in his death and resurrection and are therefore freed from the dominion of sin. The law cannot produce holiness, but the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in victory. The section culminates in one of the greatest passages in Scripture: nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Israel in God's Plan (9:1-11:36)

Paul addresses the painful question of Jewish unbelief. He affirms God's sovereign freedom in election, explains that Israel's stumbling has opened a door for the Gentiles, and looks forward to a future restoration when "all Israel will be saved." The section closes with a doxology marveling at the depth of God's wisdom.

The Christian Life (12:1-15:13)

Paul turns to practical exhortation. Believers are to present their bodies as living sacrifices, use their gifts in the body of Christ, love one another, submit to governing authorities, bear with the weak in faith, and follow the example of Christ in all things.

Personal Plans and Final Greetings (15:14-16:27)

Paul explains his missionary strategy and travel plans, commends Phoebe, greets numerous individuals in the Roman church, warns against those who cause divisions, and closes with a magnificent doxology.

Chapter Summaries

  1. 1Paul introduces himself as an apostle set apart for the gospel, states the letter's theme that the righteous shall live by faith, and demonstrates that Gentile humanity is without excuse for suppressing the knowledge of God revealed in creation.
  2. 2Paul turns to those who judge others yet commit the same sins, showing that Jews who rely on the law and circumcision are equally guilty before God.
  3. 3Paul concludes that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin, that no one is righteous, and that the righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ apart from works of the law.
  4. 4Paul demonstrates from Scripture that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works or circumcision, and that his faith is the model for all who believe in the God who raised Jesus from the dead.
  5. 5Paul explains the blessings that flow from justification -- peace with God, access to grace, and hope of glory -- and draws a parallel between Adam, through whom sin and death entered the world, and Christ, through whom grace and life abound.
  6. 6Paul addresses the objection that grace encourages sin by showing that believers have died with Christ in baptism and are therefore freed from sin's dominion to live as servants of righteousness.
  7. 7Paul explains that believers have died to the law through the body of Christ and describes the inner struggle with sin that the law exposes but cannot resolve.
  8. 8Paul declares that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, describes the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, and concludes with the assurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God.
  9. 9Paul expresses his anguish over Israel's unbelief and affirms God's sovereign right to show mercy to whomever he wills, using the examples of Jacob and Esau, Pharaoh, and the potter and the clay.
  10. 10Paul explains that Israel's failure is not God's fault but their own, because they pursued righteousness by works rather than by faith, and that salvation is available to all who call on the name of the Lord.
  11. 11Paul argues that God has not rejected Israel, that a remnant exists by grace, that Gentile inclusion should provoke Israel to jealousy, and that ultimately all Israel will be saved in God's mysterious plan.
  12. 12Paul urges believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, and to use their spiritual gifts in humble service, love, and generosity toward one another.
  13. 13Paul commands submission to governing authorities as servants of God, urges love as the fulfillment of the law, and calls believers to live in the light because the day of salvation is near.
  14. 14Paul addresses disputes over food and holy days, urging the strong and the weak in faith not to judge or despise one another but to pursue peace and mutual edification.
  15. 15Paul calls believers to follow Christ's example of bearing with the weak, celebrates the inclusion of the Gentiles as fulfillment of Scripture, and outlines his plans to visit Rome on his way to Spain.
  16. 16Paul commends Phoebe, greets numerous co-workers and friends in the Roman church, warns against those who cause divisions, and closes with a doxology praising God's eternal purpose now revealed through the gospel.