Introduction. to the. Book of Romans

Transcription

1 1 Introduction to the Book of Romans

2 2 Introduction to the Book of Romans I. Authorship: A. Paul is indisputably recognized as the author of the book of Romans. 1. Romans 1:1, Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2. Romans is the longest of Paul s epistles. B. Tertius was Paul s scribe, secretary who actually wrote the epistle as Paul dictated the material to him. II. To Whom Written: 1. Romans 16:22, I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. A. Romans was written to Christians in Rome, the capital of the Roman empire. B. Paul, at the time Romans was written, had never been to Rome. C. Nothing is said in scripture regarding the beginning of the church in Rome, but it is clear from what Paul writes in Romans that it had existed there for a considerable period of time before this letter was written. 1. Romans 1:8, First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

3 3 2. Romans 16:19, For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 3. Romans 1:13, Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 4. Romans 15:23, But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 5. Acts 2:11, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. D. The letter was delivered to the Roman disciples by Phoebe, a Christian from the church in Cenehrea which was located near Corinth. (Romans 16:1). III. Date and Place Written: A. Romans was probably written toward the end of Paul s third missionary journey in late winter or early spring of circa 58 A.D. (some date the writing to 55 A.D. however). B. Very likely Corinth was the place of writing. C. Paul was enroute to Jerusalem with aid for the saints. Romans 15:25. D. He knew that at Jerusalem he would encounter enemies and asked for the prayers of Roman Christians.

4 4 1. Romans 15:30, 31, Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; IV. Paul s Purpose in Writing Romans: A. Paul planned to visit Rome enroute to Spain. 1. Romans 15:24, 28, Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. B. This epistle introduced Paul to the Roman Christians, some of whom he knew from other places. C. This epistle clearly set forth, both to Jewish and Gentile Christians, Paul s understanding of the glorious gospel and salvation of and through Jesus Christ. D. Romans amplifies and clarifies what is otherwise said in the New Testament. It does not contradict what is otherwise said in the New Testament by Paul and other inspired writers Timothy 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

5 5 2. Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. E. Since Paul, at the time of writing Romans, had never been to Rome and had no part in establishing the church in Rome, the epistle did not deal with current problems, as was the case in 1 and 2 Corinthians, for example. F. Romans is a major theological treatise dealing with the core of the Christian faith and is a defense against error and heresy. V. Outline of Romans: A. Romans consists of major portions; that is, 1. a doctrinal section (chapters 1-8) and a practical section (chapters 12-16) 3. separated by a section dealing with the place of Israel in regard to salvation (chapters 9-11). B. The gospel is the power (Romans understood power) of God unto salvation to all who believe, 1. to the Jews because they broke the law of Moses. 2. to the Gentiles because they broke the law of conscience. C. All need the salvation of grace preached by Paul!

6 6 Questions Introduction to the Book of Romans 1. The book of Romans was authored by. His scribe, secretary was. 2. Romans was written to in, the of the. 3. When and under what circumstances did the church in Rome begin? 4. Romans was written at toward the end of Paul s missionary journey in late or early of circa A.D. 5. Paul was enroute to with for the. He knew enemies were waiting there for him and asked for the of. 6. Also, Paul planned to visit enroute to. 7. Romans clearly sets forth, both to and, Paul s understanding of the glorious and through.

7 7 8. Romans consists of three major portions; that is, 9. The gospel is the ( understood ) of unto to all who, to the and to the. 10. Why did, do both Jews and Gentiles need the salvation of grace preached by Paul?