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THE BOOK OF ROMANS

This Book stands at the head of Paul’s Epistles:

o Called: The Constitution of Christianity and the Cathedral of the

Christian faith.

o Comparable to the Brazen Altar in the Old Testament. The Priest

had to first pass by it before entering the Holy Place of the

Tabernacle. The passage way into doctrinal portion of the New

Testament. “The gateway to New Testament truth.”

o The doctrine of Soteriology is expounded throughout the Epistle in

the presentation of the key doctrines within the framework of

salvation. An example would include: Condemnation (1:18-3:200;

Justification (3:21-5:11); Sanctification (5:12-8:13); Glorification

(8:14-8:380; Consecration (12:1-16:27)

The Bible is a Christ-centered Book:

o Old Testament – The preparation of His life.

o Gospels – The manifestation of His life.

o Acts – The propagation of His life.

o Epistles – The explanation of His life.

The Book of Romans is likened to four buildings:

o The Court House of Law – Chapters 1-5 (Condemnation and

Justification)

o The Power plant of grace – Chapters 6-8 (Sanctification and

Preservation)

o The Synagogue of Israel – Chapters 9-11 (Explanation and

Vindication)

o The Temple of God – Chapters 12-16 (Transformation and

Exhortation)

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The key verse and theme of the Book:

o Romans 1:17 “ For therein is the righteousness of God revealed

from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

o Theme: “The righteousness of God” – The word, “righteousness” is

used in one way or the other more than sixty times in the Book.

What a formidable task - to begin a study of Paul's great letter to the

Romans - but an exciting one, too! The book of Romans has been studied

by millions of people over nearly two millennia. No one has ever made

an intensive study of this epistle and remained the same. It will change

one profoundly and unalterably. After all, that is what God intended! It

changed the recipients of the letter, and it has changed readers down

through the centuries.

The brilliant and attractive Augustine read Romans 13:13, 14 and was

convicted of his profligate life. These words were the means of his

conviction and conversion. Luther, the pious and earnest monk, read

Romans 1:17 - “the righteous shall live by faith,” and was never the

same. He took God at His word and felt himself reborn and a peace

overflowed his soul that he had never felt before. He confessed, “This

language of Saint Paul was to me the true gate to Paradise.” Samuel

Taylor Coleridge, the English poet, called Romans, “the profoundest

book in existence.” Boice writes, “Christianity has been the most

powerful transforming force in human history - and the book of Romans

is the basic, most comprehensive statement of true Christianity” (p. 13).

The Writer-

With few exceptions scholars agree that the book came from the pen

of Paul the Apostle. He is a man with a brilliant intellect, an iron will and

a compassionate heart (p. 10). He was a thinker with a penetrating mind,

well-versed in the Old Testament. His knowledge of the Messianic

passages surely harmonized with the life and teachings of Jesus. Surely

he knew the doctrine of justification by faith in such Old Testament

passages as Genesis 15:6, Psalm 32:1f and Habakkuk 2:4. His

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acquaintance with the Messiah's vicarious sacrifice as Isaiah 53 teaches

was evident because he had sat at the feet of Gamaliel, the distinguished

doctor of the Law and grandson of the famous Hillel. He had an

invincible determination to be God's channel of blessing to lost

humanity. He, furthermore, had a marvelously loving heart - a truly great

soul. Who do you know that could passionately say, “I could wish that I

myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen

according to the flesh” (Romans 9:3)? Who do you know who could

say,” For the love of Christ constraineth (me)” (II Corinthians 5:14), and

live a life to prove it?

For Paul it was a high honor to be one of the apostles. Some

commentators go so far as to state that Paul should have been the

replacement of Judas, and that Peter and the other apostles, without

approval from the Holy Spirit, chose Matthias to take Judas' place rather

than wait upon the Lord.

It is true that Paul did not meet the qualifications of the other twelve

Apostles; that is, he did not accompany the twelve “all the time that the

Lord went in and out among (them), beginning from the baptism of John

unto that same day that he was taken up from (them)” (Acts 1:21,22).

Paul, however, was chosen of the Lord personally several months

after the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was to be “a chosen

vessel unto (Jesus Christ), to bear (His) name before the Gentiles, and

kings, and the children of Israel; for (the Lord) will show him how great

things he must suffer for my name's sake” (Acts 9:15, 16). Paul also

viewed himself as an apostle, “Am I not an apostle? ...Have I not seen

Jesus Christ, our Lord?...For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very

chiefest of apostles” (I Corinthians 9:1; II Corinthians 11:5). To Paul the

Lord Jesus Christ assigned the sign gifts as He did to the twelve (I

Corinthians 13:8).

The Date-

The letter was more than likely written from Corinth while Paul rested

at the home of Gaius (16:23) in A.D. 57 or 58. Paul visited Corinth on

his second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-18:22), between A.D. 50/51 -

53/54, and a second time on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:3),

between A.D. 53/54 - 57/58. It was while Paul was on this third

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missionary journey that the book of Romans was written. It was carried

to Rome by a female servant of the Lord named Phoebe (Romans 16:1,

2). Several facts help in setting the date: (1) Paul had never yet been to

Rome (1:11,13,15); (2) he was intending to go to Rome after first visiting

Jerusalem (15:23-28); (3) he was going to bear a collection of alms from

Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem (15:26,31); (4) when he wrote the

Epistle, Timotheus, Sosipater, Gaius and Erastus were with him

(16:21,23), and (5) Phoebe, a deaconess of the Corinthian port of

Cenchrea was the bearer of the Epistle to Rome (16:1), (Yeager, Vol. XI,

p. 199).

The Church -

The church at Rome consisted of both Gentile and Jewish converts to

Christianity. No doubt there were some one million to one and one-half

million inhabitants in Rome during Paul's day. Christianity had spread to

Rome during these two decades following Christ's death. People traveled

extensively overland and aboard ship in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Roman road system made travel overland easy; Pax Romana kept

peace enforced. People traveled to Rome for various reasons: to conduct

business, to pursue a profession, to ply a trade, to study, to resist arrest

(for a fugitive could get lost in the big city) and some wanted to settle

there, and as in the case of Paul, to bring the gospel to the capital city. It

has been confirmed that Paul had not visited Rome at the time of writing

(Romans 1:10; 15:28). He did have the eager desire, however, to visit the

city of the great empire. Over the years he must have had many friends

who had gone to Rome and established residence there. It did not occur

to him that when he did have the opportunity to visit Rome it would be

by the compliments of the Roman government; he would go there as a

prisoner of the emperor.

The church or Christian community started in the Jewish synagogues

and must have consisted of several “house-churches.” Paul greets

twenty-five individuals, two families and a number of unspecified

“brethren” and “saints.” Paul refers to his Jewish audience (2:17; 4:1;

6:14; 7:1,4; 16:3,7,11).

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The Theme and Purpose -

Although Paul writes on a number of subjects, the overall theme

seems to be “justification by grace through faith in the redemptive

work of Christ Jesus.” “The righteous shall live by faith” expressed in

3:21-24,28 is further explained in 5:11; 8:30-34; 9:30-32; 11:23-26 and

16:26. The purpose is given rather succinctly by Hendriksen, “Paul is a

very practical man. He knows what the Roman church needs. Guided by

the Holy Spirit, he fulfils that need. Moreover, since the doctrine at stake,

namely, that concerning the manner in which sinners are saved, is basic,

what is presented in 1:16 - 8:39 is urgently needed not only by the

church in Rome but by every church, every believer, every sinner, down

through the ages.” (p. 25). The church at Rome was surrounded by a

huge army of unbelievers - both Jews and Gentiles. Paul may never get

to visit the city to encourage the true believers; hence, the letter, in its

first seven chapters, is characterized by argumentative style.

The heart of the book of Romans is “the gospel” as follows:

The Person of the gospel... “Christ.”

The power of the gospel... “unto salvation.”

The people of the gospel... “to everyone.”

The plan of acceptance... “to everyone that believeth.”

The particular result... “the just shall live by faith.”

An evaluation of the book is as follows: Intellectually - it concerns

itself with a number of the deepest problems of Christian thought.

Historically - the world-wide view naturally and necessarily

commends the epistle to the consideration of all serious historical

students. Theologically - it deals with a number of great theological

principles in a thoroughly comprehensive way, and no one can ponder

what is said on such subjects as sin, righteousness, grace, law, justice,

without being made conscious of the profound theological importance of

the epistle. Spiritually - great spiritual truths in the reality, extent and

awfulness of sin which leads to the teaching of redemption. Practically -

Godet says, “the probability is that every great spiritual revival in the

church will be connected as effect and cause with a deeper understanding

of this book.”

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Some refer to the Epistle as a “treatise” or “tractate,” that addresses key

theological issues against the backdrop of middle first century

Christianity although not a comprehensive summary of Paul's theology.

As a tractate, Romans contains a general theological argument or series

of arguments.

OUTLINE:

* A Threefold Division of the Book:

o Doctrinal – 1-8

o Dispensational – 9-11

o Devotional – 12-16

I. Introduction. 1:1-17

A. Salutation to the Romans. 1:1-7

1. The servant of God – 1

2. The gospel of God – 2-3

3. The Son of God – 3-5

4. The saints of God – 6-7

B. Expression of Personal Feelings. 1:8-15

1. Praise – 8

2. Prayer – 9-10

3. Purpose – 11-13

4. Position – 14-16

Debtor

Readiness

Courage

C. Statement of the Theme. 1:16-17

D. Why Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (16)

Because of its nature – “power of God”

Because of its aim – “salvation”

Because of its scope – “everyone that believeth”

Because of its condition – “believeth”

Because of its revelation – “righteousness”

E. The righteousness of God – 17

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II. The Righteousness of God Needed. 1:18-3:20

A. The Need of the Heathen. 1:18-32

1. The heathen have clearly seen God. 1:18-20

2. The heathen have clearly rejected God. 1:21-23

3. The heathen have clearly become reprobate. 1:24-32

Deifying man – 25

Vile affections – 26

Corrupt practices – 27-31

Unholy companionship – 32

B. The Need of the Moralist. 2:1-16

1. Condemned by his own judgment. 2:1

2. Condemned according to truth. 2:2-5

3. Condemned according to works. 2:6-10

4. Condemned without respect of persons. 2:11-16

C. The Need of the Jew. 2:17-3:8

1. His law cannot make him righteous. 2:17-24

2. His circumcision cannot make him righteous. 2:25-27

3. His birth cannot make him righteous. 2:28-29

4. His arguments cannot make him righteous. 3:1-8

D. The Need of the Whole World. 3:19-20

1. The charge against the whole world. 3:9

2. The indictment against the whole world. 3:10-18

3. The defense on behalf of the whole world. 3:19a

4. The verdict against the whole world. 3:19b-20

III. The Righteousness of God Provided. 3:21-8:39

A. The Provision for Justification. 3:21-5:21

1. Justification by faith alone. 3:21-31

Righteousness provided – 21-22

Righteousness needed – 23

Righteousness bestowed – 24

Righteousness declared – 25-26

The more excellent way – 27-31

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2. Justification is illustrated in the Old Testament. 4:1-25

Abraham was justified by faith – 1-12

Abraham received inheritance by faith – 13-16

Abraham received posterity by faith – 17-25

3. Justification brings blessings to its recipients. 5:1-11

Peace

Access

Hope

Glory

Love

The Holy Spirit

Joy

4. Justification is imputed to us as was sin. 5:12-21

Sin speaks of character, sins speak of conduct

Two races and two heads – 12

B. The Provision for Sanctification. 6:1-7:25

1. Sanctification and the principle of sin. 6:1-14

Know – 6

Reckon – 11

Yield – 13

Obey – 17

2. Sanctification and the practice of sin. 6:15-23

3. Sanctification and the law. 7:1-14

Two husbands – 1-14

Two natures – 15-22

Two laws – 23-25

4. Sanctification and the conflict within. 7:15-25

C. The Provision of Assurance. 8:1-39

1. The assurance of the righteousness of God. 8:1-4

2. The assurance of the indwelling Spirit of God. 8:5-13

3. The assurance of eternal heir ship. 8:14-25

4. The assurance of present intercession. 8:26-27

5. The assurance of the eternal purpose of God. 8:28-34

6. The assurance of the eternal presence of God. 8:35-39

IV. The Righteousness of God Exemplified. 9:1-11:36

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V. Introductory Thoughts on This Parenthetical Section

* Definition of a parenthesis is “an explanatory clause or

qualifying statement.” “An infusion that does not create

confusion.” Grammatically the context is complete without it.

The problem of the parenthesis is that it constitutes an abrupt

diversion. The example is in the contrast of chapter 8 and

chapter 9.

Chapter 8 closes with a shout of triumph

Chapter 9 opens with a dirge of sorrow

Chapter 8 closes with great joy

Chapter 9 opens with great sorrow

Chapter 8 closes with the fact of no separation

Chapter 9 opens with thoughts of separation from God

Israel in terms of past history – Chapter 9

Israel’s present state – Chapter 10

Israel’s future - Chapter 11

A. Righteousness Exemplified in Divine Sovereignty. 9:1-33

1. Sovereignty exhibited in Israel’s identity. 9:1-8

The Apostle grieves over Israel’s condition – 1-3

The seven-fold privilege of Israel – 4-6

2. Sovereignty exhibited in God’s personal choices. 9:9-13

3. Sovereignty exhibited in God’s powerful will. 9:14-24

4. Sovereignty exhibited in Israel’s partial blindness. 9:25-33

B. Righteousness Exemplified in Human Responsibility. 10:1-21

1. Nearness of the gospel: opportunity for responsibility.

10:1-10

2. Offer of the gospel: ground for responsibility. 10:11-15

3. Disobedience to the gospel: failure of responsibility.

10:16-21

C. Righteousness Exemplified in Israel’s Future. 11:1-36

1. Israel’s rejection leaves a remnant. 11:1-10

As it was in the days of Elijah – 2-4

There is an election of grace – 5

Not of works – 6

The rest are blinded – 7-10

2. Israel’s rejection is not permanent. 11:11-24

Twofold aim of rejection of Israel:

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Turn gospel to the Gentiles

Provoke Israel to emulation

The Gentiles are warned – 17-24

3. Israel’s restoration is prophesied. 11:25-32

4. Israel’s restoration evokes praise. 11:33-36

VI. The Righteousness of God Enacted. 12:1-15:13

*Note the “therefore” – Doctrine of consecration in light

of all that precedes. Exhortation in light of God’s

provisions. Doctrine is now to be matched with duty.

Moses commanded but Paul besought.

A. Righteousness Produces a Life of Transformation.

12:1-21

1. Transformation exhibited in humility. 12:1-8

2. Transformation exhibited in love of the brethren. 12:9-

16

3. Transformation exhibited in honor before the world.

12:17-21

B. Righteousness Produces a Life of Subjection. 13:1-14

1. Subjection to the state. 13:1-7

2. Subjection to the citizens of the state. 13:8-10

3. Subjection to the timetable of God. 13:11-14

C. Righteousness Produces a Life of Consideration.

14:1-15:13

1. Consideration for a brother weak in the faith. 14:1-13

2. Consideration for our neighbor. 14:14-23

3. Consideration as we have Christ as example. 15:1-13

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VII. Conclusion. 15:14-33

A. The Presentation of Personal Feelings. 15:14-33

1. Explanation for writing. 15:14-16

2. Vindication for writing.15:17-21

3. Paul’s plans following the writing. 15:22-29

4. Paul’s plea for prayers on his behalf. 15:30-33

B. The Presentation of Personal Greetings. 16:1-23

1. Commendation of Phoebe. 16:1-2

2. Greetings for friends in Rome. 16:3-16

3. Warnings to friends in Rome. 16:3-16

4. Greetings from friends with Paul. 16:21-23

C. The Concluding Doxology. 16:24-27

1. The worthy recipient of praise. 16:24

2. The ascription of praise. 16:25-26

3. The benediction. 16:27

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Resources:

o “Exploring Romans” – John Phillips

o “Be Right” – Warren Wiersbe

o Class Notes – Charles Stevens, Piedmont

Baptist College

o Class Notes – John Brooke, Trinity

Theological Seminary

o Liberty Bible Commentary

o Thru The Bible – J Vernon McGee

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Ancient Roman Roads "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a

woman, made under the law . . ." (Gal 4:4)

The Roman road was the bloodstream of the empire. Merchants paid taxes to

Rome on all their transactions, and they needed the roads to carry their goods to

an ever-widening market. Legionnaires marched upon them swiftly gaining

efficient access to battle. In a sense, the roads were funding and facilitating

Roman expansion.

Yet God had a higher purpose. A new kind of merchant would soon be

traversing the entire Mediterranean area, not one who transports his treasure to

the city marketplace, but one who is a treasure, and who carries true riches, - not

to sell, but to give away freely. The transforming good news of God’s

forgiveness through Jesus the Messiah was imbedded into the hearts of the

Apostles and early believers, and God prepared those roads for them to walk

upon and lead others into His path.

A new kind of soldier would be running these well built thoroughfares to

fight, - not flesh and blood, but a spiritual warfare that would liberate entire

civilizations from the bondage of Satan’s tyrannical oppression and coercion, to

a Kingdom ruled by love, service and willing devotion.

Throughout history ‘the road’ has provided an excellent metaphor for life’s

journey. With amazement, we can look back over the winding grades of

difficulty, the narrow pass of opportunity, the choice between security or

adventure, when our road divided and we had to make the call.

Yes, all roads led to Rome, specifically the Forum, in the ancient empire of

old, where an Emperor judged the players in the arena for their conduct before

him. Our personal road will eventually and inevitably cease at the throne of

Almighty God. It is He who must judge our travel upon this earth, in the

blinding glory of His eternal justice. Compelled by His love, He placed sin’s

damning penalty upon His Own Son, instead of us, so that we could freely

receive the “thumbs up!” from Him who loves us beyond all measure.

(http://www.bible-history.com/maps/ancient-roads-in-israel.html)