The Book of Romans, Part 1 – Introduction

[Study Aired June 13, 2023]

Roman 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Roman 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Roman 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
Roman 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Roman 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Roman 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Roman 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Roman 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

The book of Romans is one of thirteen letters written by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament of the Bible. Considered one of the most important writings in the Bible, it presents a comprehensive and systematic explanation of the gospel message.

Thirteen is a significant number in scripture meaning “Rebellion” which Paul deals with in his writings.

Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Titus 3:1-2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Ephesians 6:5-6 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Paul warns us to not rebel against the world. We are commanded to live a peaceable life as much as possible.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

The Roman letter addresses the believers in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile Christians, and it covers a wide range of topics. Here is a summary of the key themes I plan to review for the study series of Romans:

God’s Righteous Judgment

Paul discusses God’s righteous judgment. He highlights that those who persist in unrepentant hearts treasure up wrath for themselves. God will give to each person according to their deeds.

Romans 2:5-6 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds.

Sin and Justification

Paul highlights the universal problem of sin. He emphasizes that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, have fallen short of God’s glory and are in need of salvation. Paul explains that righteousness and justification cannot be obtained through men’s efforts or adherence to the law, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Salvation by Faith

Paul emphasizes that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection is the means by which individuals are justified and reconciled to God. This salvation is a gift of God, received by faith apart from works.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

The Role of the Law

Paul addresses the relationship between faith and the law of the Jews. He explains that the law was given to reveal sin and highlight the need for a Savior. He emphasizes that no one can be justified by following the law alone, as salvation comes through faith in Christ.

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law.

The Power of the holy spirit

Paul teaches about the transformative work of the holy spirit in the lives of believers. He explains that through the indwelling of the spirit, believers are empowered to live a new life, free from the bondage of sin and able to bear spiritual fruit.

Romans 8:9-11 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

God’s Sovereign Plan

Paul delves into God’s redemptive plan for both Jews and Gentiles. He explains that God has not rejected His people, the Jews, but has extended salvation to the Gentiles as well. He emphasizes that God’s plan is based on His mercy, and that all believers, regardless of their background, are part of God’s people.

Romans 3:29-30 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Living a Transformed Life

Paul provides practical instructions for living, including loving one another, submitting to governing authorities, and exercising spiritual gifts within the church. He emphasizes the importance of unity among believers.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

The Importance of Love

Paul emphasizes the significance of love in our lives. He encourages us to love one another and fulfill the law through acts of love.

Romans 13:8-10 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

The book of Romans addresses fundamental topics such as sin, salvation, justification, the law, the holy spirit, and God’s redemptive plan. Romans presents a thorough understanding of these subjects, emphasizing the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Through its teachings, the book provides a detailed perspective on the core principles of Christ’s doctrines.

Highlighting the faith of Abraham as an example of justification by faith and not by works. Paul emphasizes that the promise of God’s grace and righteousness extends to all who have faith, whether they are of the law (Jews) or of the faith of Abraham (Gentiles). It emphasizes Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises, despite the impossible circumstances. The following passage shows that Abraham’s righteousness was not based on his own works but was imputed to him through his faith in God’s ability to fulfill His promises.

Romans 4:16-22 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Here are our verses for review.

Roman 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Roman 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Roman 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

In these verses, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle who has been set apart for the proclamation of the gospel of God. He emphasizes that the gospel he proclaims is not a novel idea but a fulfillment of the promises made by God through His prophets in the holy scriptures. Specifically, Paul highlights the significance of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into the world as a descendant of David.

2 Samuel 7:12-13 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee [David], which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever.

These verses speak of God’s promise to David that his descendant will establish an eternal kingdom. It foreshadows the lineage of Jesus, who was a descendant of David and would fulfill this promise.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

This prophecy in Isaiah foretells the birth of a child who will be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” It points to the miraculous birth of Christ, who would come into the world as the Son of God.

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

This verse shows that a ruler will come from Bethlehem. It signifies the birthplace and the Christ, who would be the ruler of Israel and whose existence is ages of the ages.

These Old Testament verses help to establish the connection between the promises made by God’s prophets and the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus Christ, who descended from David according to the flesh. They highlight the divine plan that was foretold in the scriptures and now unfolded in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Roman 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Roman 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Roman 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Roman 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Roman 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

In these verses, Paul continues to establish the foundation of his message in the book of Romans. He declares that Jesus Christ has been revealed as the Son of God with power through His resurrection from the dead. This resurrection confirms His divine nature and authority, demonstrating that He is the Son of God. Paul acknowledges that it is through Jesus Christ that believers have received grace and apostleship. This grace empowers them to live in obedience to the faith and to carry out the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome, affirming that they are among those who have been called by Jesus Christ. Paul recognizes them as beloved by God and called to be saints, offering them grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He expresses gratitude to God for the reputation of their faith, which has become well-known throughout the world.

Acts 13:33: God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Psalms 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

This verse affirms that Jesus Christ, through His resurrection, has been declared and confirmed as the Son of God. It refers to the fulfillment of the prophecy in the second psalm, emphasizing the divine declaration of Jesus’ Sonship through His resurrection.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

This verse emphasizes the concept of grace and its significance in salvation. It reinforces the idea that believers receive grace from God, not as a result of their own efforts, but as a gift. It aligns with Paul’s statement that believers have received grace through Jesus Christ.

The gift of grace is freely give but it is through chastening.

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Romans 8:28-30 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

The verses in Romans shed light on the remarkable reality of being summoned by Jesus Christ. They emphasize that those whom God foreknew and predestined, He also called and justified. These passages reveal God’s active involvement in reaching out to believers, initiating the call, and securing their justification. They provide the assurance that God is the one who takes the lead in dragging people to Himself and ensuring their ultimate glorification.

Here are the verses for our next study.

Rom 1:9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 
Rom 1:10  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 
Rom 1:11  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 
Rom 1:12  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 
Rom 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. 
Rom 1:14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 
Rom 1:15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 
Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 
Rom 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.