Vocabulary- define each word and comment on its importance in the gospel. 1. law

1 Introduction to Paul s Letter to the Romans Author Paul identifies himself as the author, though the actual writing was done by Tertius (Rom. 1:1; 16:22). The content of Romans testifies to Paul s authorship. Chapters 4 and 7 especially show the author to be familiar with old law, as Paul was (Phil. 3:5). He claims to be a minister to the Gentiles (Rom. 15:16; Acts 9:15). There are also people, places, and events consistent with other records of Paul s life, travel, and associates (Rom. 15:25; 16: 3, 23). Background 1. of the gospel and church in Rome Unlike the churches named in Acts, there is no record of who first brought the gospel to Rome (there were people from Rome present at Pentecost, Acts 2:10). For many years Paul heard of them and desired to visit them (1:8-12; 15:22-23; Acts 19:21). At the time Paul wrote, there were Jews and Gentiles among the church (Rom. 1:13; 2:17). Sometime before this letter was written, all Jews were expelled from Rome, leaving only Gentiles among the church until Jews were allowed to return to the city (Acts 18:2; 28:17). At this point, Roman emperors were not yet persecuting the church. 2. of this letter It was written while Paul was in Corinth, on the way to Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25; Acts 20:2-3). This is known primarily by Paul s reference to Gaius (Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14). This fits Luke s record of Paul s travels in Greece, shortly before delivering funds to needy saints in Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-28; Acts 20:2b). Also, Phoebe, who likely delivered this letter, came from Cenchrea which is a port of Corinth (Rom. 16:1). 3. of the city, culture 1 At this time, Nero ruled the Roman empire (he ruled from 54-68 AD; he later ordered attacks on Christians and is often credited with executing Paul around the year 67 AD). Rome attracted people from all over the world, who brought their religions with them. It was a typical big city, having all types of ungodliness (pagan worship, government controlled prostitution, public baths shared by both genders) but also providing access to many lost people. The gospel was growing in influence here, and the more the Romans learned the less they liked. But, Paul was not ashamed to come with the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). Purpose Paul wanted all Christians to grow in Christ, so why did he choose to write to the saints in Rome? Paul expresses his desire to come see them on his way to Spain (Rom. 15:24). In chapters 1-2, Paul talks about the history of both Gentile and Jew and rebukes anyone who judges others for sins they themselves are guilty of (2:1). Gentiles and Jews could be guilty of this, but several times, Paul speaks to Jews (2:17ff; 3:9, 29). To Gentile and Jew, he shows that faith has always been essential to pleasing and being redeemed by God (1:5; 3:28; 4:5; 5:1; 6:23; 9:32; 10:10; 12:1; 13:14; 16:26). In a city and church full of people from different backgrounds, these lessons were essential for peace and growth in Christ. Vocabulary- define each word and comment on its importance in the gospel. 1. law 2. sin 3. grace 1 for more detail read Clinton Hamilton s Truth Commentary on Romans, pages xxi, lxv

2 4. faith 5. righteousness 6. spirit 7. justified Questions 1. How is our study of a book aided by knowing the author? 2. Who was instrumental in first bringing the gospel to Rome? 3. From where was the Roman epistle written? How do we know? 4. At what point in Paul s travels, as recorded by Luke in the book of Acts, does he write this letter? (cite the Scripture) 5. What are Paul s general travel plans, at the time that he writes the Roman epistle? 6. What practices of typical Roman culture conflicted with the life of a Christian? 7. What practices of typical American culture conflict with the life of a Christian? 8. From the perspective of a Gentile Christian, what might cause conflict with Jewish Christians? 9. From the perspective of a Jewish Christian, what might cause conflict with Gentile Christians? 10. What similar conflicts could arise today among Christians?

3 An Overview of Romans Chapters 1-3 All have sinned 1:1-7 Introduction 1:18-23 Gentiles have sinned 2 Jews have sinned 3 All have sinned Chapters 4-6 Saved by faith through Christ 4 Being saved by faith removes the boasting of being saved by works, exemplified by Abraham 5 Adam introduced death, Jesus delivers from death 6 Delivered from sin and death, into Christ to serve God Chapters 7-8 Delivered from the law and flesh by Christ 7 Jews are dead to the letter to serve God in the newness of the Spirit 8:1-17 The law of the Spirit of life in Christ versus the law that was weak through the flesh We walk according to the Spirit, not the flesh We live according to the Spirit, not the flesh We are to be spiritually minded, not carnally/fleshly minded 8:18-39 Though we suffer and groan, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us Chapters 9-11 Israel rejects God s plan 9 Paul s sorrow, Israel s choice, God s choice 10 God offers the righteousness of faith, and Israel seeks their own righteousness by lacking faith and refusing to hear, believe, call on the name of the Lord 11 God has not rejected all Israel but shows His wisdom and knowledge by His plan to save all men Chapters 12-16 Transformed and Proving the will of God 12 Be transformed to work together like a body, overcome evil with good 13 live peaceably with all men 14 live peaceably with brethren 15 have the mind of Christ 16 final greetings

4 I. Introduction to the Epistle (1:1-17) A. Salutation (1:1-15) B. Statement of the theme of the epistle (1:16-17) Outline of the book of Romans (from Clinton Hamilton s commentary on Romans) II. Argument for Salvation or Justification by Faith (1:18 11:36) A. The sinful condition of the whole world and the need for salvation (1:18-3:20) B. Justification is on equal terms to all men by faith (3:21-5:21) C. Possible objections to the grace of God considered (6:1-7:25) D. Positive benefits of the grace of God considered (8:1-39) E. Application of the argument that justification is by faith to the fall and rejection of the Jews, on the one hand, and the acceptance of the Gentiles, on the other hand a vindication of God s treatment of the Jews and the Gentiles (9:1-11:36) III. Hortative Section Dealing with Practical Living Based on the Argument Presented (12:1-15:13) A. These exhortations are predicated on the mercies of God (12:1-8) B. Various exhortations to love and numerous related duties and responsibilities (12:9-21) C. Obligation to be subject to civil authority (13:1-7) D. Central responsibility of the redeemed believer is to love one s neighbor as one s self (13:8-10) E. Exhortation to holiness is necessitated as one approaches nearer to eternal salvation (13:11-14) F. Application of freedom and brotherly love in the realm of opinion (14:1-12) G. Principle of the love of brethren in relation to the narrower concept of personal feelings and privileges (14:13-23) H. The example of Christ s love manifested and its application to self-denial for the welfare of others (15:1-13) IV. Personal Information Conveyed (15:14-33) A. Paul s reason for writing the epistle (15:14-21) B. Paul s plans that include a visit to Rome (15:22-33) V. Greetings to and from Certain Brethren (16:1-23) A. Commendation of Phoebe (16:1-2) B. Salutations addressed to certain saints in Rome (16:3-16) C. Warnings about those who would cause divisions and occasions of stumbling (16:17-20) D. Salutations from Paul s fellow-laborers (16:21-23) VI. Benediction and Doxology (16:24-27) A. Grace of God be with you all (16:24) B. Revelation of the mystery by the gospel to the obedience of faith for all nations (16:25-26) C. To the only wise God be glory through Jesus Christ forever (16:27)

5 Romans 1 v1-7 Paul s greeting to the saints v3 His Son Jesus Christ * promised by prophecy v2 (Christ) * born of David in the flesh v3 (Jesus) * declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead v4 (Acts 13:33) v5 obedience to the faith or obedience of faith (16:26) What is the significance of Paul use of grace...and peace in his greeting? What event specifically identified Jesus as the Son of God? Comment on the phrase the obedience of faith (v5). v8-17 Paul s long-standing desire to come to Rome to preach the gospel v13 a significant number of Gentiles in Rome among the saints v15 the gospel is not only for the lost v16 the gospel can only save those who obey it (2 Thess. 1:8; 1 Pet. 4:17) v17 the righteousness of God What is the primary purpose of the gospel? To reveal: * the righteous character of God? OT already revealed that (Ex. 9:27; Judg. 12:7; 1 Chron. 12:6; Ps. 7:9) * the righteousness that is from God, available to man? Ro. 3:22; 4:13; 5:19; 10:3 from faith to faith (through faith for faith, RSV) from (ek)- the point whence action or motion proceeds to (eis)- the point reached or entered What request had Paul been regularly making to God in verse 10? What can we learn from the way that Paul was making this request, that relates to 1 Jn. 3:22? Did Paul s prayerfulness mean he made no preparations one way or the other?

6 v18-32 The need for the gospel among the Gentiles v18-23 the Gentiles (historically, as a whole) suppressed the truth (Eph. 4:17-19) v21 futile in their thoughts preoccupation w/ earthly things to the neglect of sp things is futile, vain (Eccl) v22 in the name of advancement, they digressed v23 attributed to creation that which ought to be attributed to God - (macro) evolution attributes to nature the innate power to develop and advance without intelligence directing it. With no higher direction for the creation, who directs man? Man. And God created this world in such a way that this decision has consequences. v24-32 the consequences of pursuing uncleanness * dishonor their bodies, the penalty of their error v27 shameful (aschemosune) an indecency; by implication, the pudenda [the external genital organs of a human being and especially of a woman usually used in plural, merriam-webster.com] v32 worthy of death = righteous judgment of God What specific failures of the Gentiles began their downward spiral (morally)? Are those failures present in our society? Where? How are we affected by the presence of these things?

7 Romans 2 v1-16 Contrasting God s judgment & man s judgment v1-5 Different types of judgment If you see me sin, how might you rightly judge me? How might you wrongly judge me? Right: Wrong: v6-10 God will judge each according to his deeds, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. v11-16 there is no partiality with God v12a, 14-15 Gentile sinned without law v12b-13 Jews sinned in law v14 by nature "c. a mode of feeling and acting which by long habit has become nature" {Thayer s Lexicon of the New Testament} not having a law are a law unto themselves- they have no law (from God) because they rejected His law. v15 the law written in their hearts How did that law get there? Possibly by oral tradition, cultural practices, things learned by observation and experience. -- example: Pharaoh s daughter disobeyed her father s orders, saving baby Moses. Her conscience bore witness to the wicked nature of those orders. So, though she did not have God s law, she did the things contained in it. their conscience also bearing witness... accusing or excusing How many lived with a pure conscience, legitimately doing what they believed to be right? How many of us do? v17-29 The need for the gospel among the Jews v17-20 the typical Jew: a. called a Jew- Jn. 8:33 d. know His will- verse 13 b. rest on the law- Jn. 5:45 e. approve what is excellentc. boast in God- Micah 3:11 f. confident that you yourself are: guide, light, instructor, teacher. -- They did not understand its true purpose so could not be accurate guides (Gal. 3:24-25; 1 Tim. 1:7).

8 v21-29 Who is a true Jew? v21-25 the nation of Israel did not obey what they knew v28-29 salvation has never been based upon nationality (v11), nor any single outward matter. Praise from God has always required outward obedience from an humble heart. of the heart, in the Spirit and not in the letter * spirit vs Spirit? (unknown by study of the original language) -- the OT commonly uses heart and spirit synonymously (Ps. 51:10; Ezek. 18:31) -- on two occasions there is a NT-OT contrast in terms of letter versus Spirit (Rom. 7:6; 2 Cor. 3:6) but in this context, there is no contrast of the two covenants (as is the context of 2 Cor. 3:6). -- is there another meaning? * letter In Deut. 10:12-16, Moses tried to make the same point that Paul is here making. What will God render to those who work what is good? What will God render to those who do not obey the truth? In what way could Paul rightly refer to my gospel? How did the Jews dishonor God? (is it any different for us today?) If Paul is now preaching the gospel of Christ (1:16), why does he say that circumcision is profitable if you keep the law (v25)?

9 Romans 3 All guilty of sin but all may be potentially saved by faith in Jesus v1-8 Anticipating & answering a Jewish objection v1 After reading the end of chapter 2, it is not hard to imagine a Jew asking If being a physical Jew or physically circumcised is not God s greatest concern, then why did He reveal them at all? Are you saying they re useless?! v2-4 The Jews had God s word but did not obey it. Their disobedience did not change what God had spoken. v5-8 God will justly judge them, demonstrating His righteousness. What advantage did the Jews have? v9-20 All mankind has shown himself guilty when under law NOTE: In this section, Paul often discusses the law. Not even a knowledge of Greek grammar will answer every question in every instance as to whether Paul is referring to the law of Moses or to law, in a general way. Most, if not all, of the principles Paul teaches would apply to any law that God gave to man, if that law did not include the provision of redemption through Jesus blood. v9-18 Jew & Gentile are guilty of sin, regardless of what law they were under. v19-20 All people have been under some law. All have violated that law (v9). Therefore all the world is guilty before God and no flesh will be justified in His sight, if simply judged by the deeds (works) of their law. NOTE: In the following verses, some translations say deeds and works. Throughout this chapter (and latter chapters), both those words mean the same thing. They are both translated from a common Greek word (ergon). So, if your translation uses the words deeds and works throughout Romans, you should know that there is no difference between them. Why can no flesh be justified by deeds of law (v20)? v21-31 Man may now be justified v21-23 The righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed v27 The law of works (deeds, v20) does not exclude boasting. The law of faith does exclude boasting. v28 the deeds of the law (v20, 28) = the law of works (v27) in which is boasting. Why is boasting allowed under the law of works?

10 Name some things of which men boast today. Of what may the Christian rightly boast? Does verse 28 contradict James 2:24? (explain your answer)

11 Romans 4 v1-8 God imputes righteousness v1 Abraham s justification (review definition of justification from first lesson) v2 see Rom. 3:27 KEY CONCEPT works and boasting (3:20, 27) v4 him who works -- means what? 1. make any effort, perform any action? 2. the works of the law (3:20, 27)? the wages are not counted as grace but as debt (thus boasting, v2) -- Did Abraham earn the promises made to him since he left his family, travelled a great distance, etc? -- By walking to Canaan, crossing Jordan, walking around Jericho, and fighting for Canaan was the land given to Israel by grace or by debt? (Heb. 3:12; 4:1-3) -- Some say the thief on the cross didn t work. He just believed! Define work. He called Jesus Lord and expressed faith in the coming kingdom. v5 to him that does not work to him that believes his faith is accounted for righteousness 3:27 v6-8 David shows that man can be righteous apart from works (3:27) In Romans 3:27, boasting is permitted by the law of, not the law of. How could a man be righteous before God by means of debt, not grace? How could a man be righteous before God by means of grace, not debt? Define the word account(ed), impute(d). It is found 10 times in this chapter vss 3-6, 8-11, 22-24. When does God record the sin of a man, holding him accountable for it? When does God erase the sin of a man, no longer charging him with the guilt of that sin? v9-12 To whom is this righteousness available? v10 Abraham accounted as righteous before circumcision v11-12 same righteousness available to all who also walk in the steps of the faith of Abraham. (Js. 2:21)

v13-15 The promise to Abraham available through faith, not Moses law v13 all men may be heirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:29) the promise that he would be heir of the world is based on the righteousness of faith (Heb. 11:7; Ti. 3:7) v14-15 If Moses law made people heirs, then faith (in Christ) is void and none will receive the promise for none are righteous (Rom. 3:10; Heb. 10:4). 12 v16-25 Abraham s righteousness was by faith v16 it is of faith not the law according to grace not debt, not earned v4 the faith of Abraham Js. 2:21 the father of us all Jew and Gentile, many nations v17 (Gen. 17:5) v18 your descendants all who walk in his steps of faith (v12, 16; Gal. 3:29) v22 Not a once in a lifetime experience, moment. (see Js. 2:21) v25 delivered up because of our offenses raised up because of our justification (1 Cor. 15:17; 1 Pet. 3:21) Why is Abraham called the father of Jew and Gentile (v16)? Who is included in Abraham s seed? (see Galatians 3:29; Matt. 5:5) The promise to be heir of the world was/is received through the Who else also was an heir through this righteousness, according to Heb. 11:7? Match the teaching that would be most appropriate for each audience: Atheist The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ is for all Muslim Baptist Young child Christian who is content as is Idol-worshiper God s invisible attributes are clearly seen by what is made You have left your first love, repent and do the first works God made the world and does not dwell in man-made temples He that believes and is baptized shall be saved Fear God and keep His commandments for this is man s all 1 st -century Jew, trusting in the law Know that God has made Jesus Lord and Christ -- Paul is not addressing a typical Protestant, denominational audience or idea in this text. If he were, he would address them differently than he would a first-century Jew. Each audience needs a different message in order to for their faith to lead to righteousness.

13 Romans 5 The Christian s Hope: Salvation in Christ Having shown man s need to be saved by faith, Paul now shows the basis and benefits of being saved by faith which gives us hope. v1-2 We have hope because of our past salvation (justification) v2 Christ also provides grace in which we stand, continue (1 Cor. 15:1; 16:13), joy in the hope What two things does Paul say we have through Christ in verses 1-2? v3-8 Our hope perseveres v3 Hope is strengthened by tribulation, making us stronger (endurance) v4 Hope is reaffirmed with greater endurance and stronger character (Js. 1:12) v5 Hope is reaffirmed by the Holy Spirit: - poured the love of God into our hearts (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 3:19) - was given to us Any time we come to this phrase (or receive the HS), we have to ask in what way the author means it: A. given to, received by all believers (Ro. 8:15) resulting in many things (fruit of Spirit Gal. 5; seal, guarantee 2 Cor. 1:21-22) B. not given to, received by all believers (Acts 8:18-19) resulting in miraculous gifts for those to whom this gift was given. v6-8 Hope is reaffirmed when we remember that Christ died for the ungodly (us). Why would we overcome our typical reaction and learn to choose to rejoice in tribulation? Read Acts 16:23-34 and discuss some aspect of rejoicing in tribulation. In Acts 16:23-34, discuss how glorying in tribulation produced: * perseverance- * character- * hope-

14 v9-11 Why our hope perseveres v9-10 we shall be saved from wrath through Him v11 the present is full of joy through our Lord Jesus Christ. To what does Paul attribute our salvation, justification, reconciliation in verses 9-11? v12-21 The grace and life brought by Christ conquers sin and death brought by Adam KEY CONCEPT: Physical or spiritual death in verses 12-21? The phrases physical death and spiritual death do not appear in the Bible, but clearly the Bible speaks of death in more than one way (Rom. 8:13; 14:8), so each time we read of death, context must define it. Because of the repeated use of death in this chapter, it likely has the same meaning every time. v12 through one man sin entered the world death (entered the world) through sin death spread to all men because all sinned v13 sin continued, which shows law continued also (this law preceded Moses law) v14 death reigned because all sinned v15-19 The Offense (Adam s sin) The Free Gift (Christ s salvation) by it, many died v15 by it, grace abounded to many v15 one offense resulted in condemnation v16 many offenses resulted in justification v16 (4:25) by Adam s offense death reigned v17 by Christ s grace/gift life reigns v17 one offense, resulting in condemnation v18 one Man s righteous act, resulting in justification v18 many made sinners by one man s disobedience v19 many made righteous by one Man s obedience v19 v20 the law entered that the offense might abound -- see Romans 7:13b v21 sin reigned in death grace abounded much more grace reigns to eternal life Define the death of which Paul speaks in this chapter. Is it physical, spiritual, other? How do you know?

15 Romans 6 Freedom From Sin Having shown the history and the hope of saving faith, the Holy Spirit shows the means and meaning of freedom from sin. * Do not forget that ch. 5 discussed law, sin, death, grace, righteousness, and eternal life (v20-21) v1-14 Jesus death teaches about our dying to sin v1-2 God s grace never gives us permission to sin v3-4 Jesus & us: buried and raised baptized into: Christ Jesus- freed from sin when we are in Christ; all spiritual blessings are in Him (Eph. 1:3) His death- freed from sin by His death. death- freed from sin when we die (the old man dies, then we are raised with Christ Col. 3:3) that just as even so we also should What do these phrases teach about baptism: - baptized into Christ Jesus - baptized into His death - baptized into death Is the baptism Paul is discussing water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, or another baptism? How do we know? v5-11 Dead to sin, alive to God What does Paul say about Jesus death and resurrection? How do verses 2, 6-7 describe dying to sin? How do verses 5, 11 describe newness of life?

16 v12-14 Which will reign in me: Sin or Grace? * In verse 12, Paul is giving the answer to the question of verse 1. Why did sin have dominion before Christ? What did Christ bring according to John 1:17 and Romans 5:21? If men do not accept the grace and truth of Christ, what else can break sin s dominion? v15-23 Free from sin to be slaves of God What determines whose slave we are? What is doctrine? What does Paul say about the role of doctrine in our escape from the slavery of sin? What does obedience from the heart mean? What is the fruit of unrighteousness and the fruit of righteousness (see verses 16, 19, 21-22)?