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Bible Overview is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Bible study. Each month we feature a book of the Bible (in order) by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chaignot.

This month we begin our exploration of Paul’s letters, starting with the book of Romans. Paul’s letters are arranged according to their length, and are not in any chronological order. In fact, most scholars think Romans was one of his later letters, and many would argue that it is also his most important. Some think this isn’t so much a letter as it is a treatise on some of the deepest ideas involving Western Christendom. It certainly speaks to its influence among the major religions. If you want to read some of the history previous to this selection, you can find the earlier books in our archives.

The Bible Time-Line is another quick reference for locating individuals or specific books. We encourage readers to share their Bible Study success stories on this site. Email us at overview@biblewise.com to be included on next month's site.

Romans

Paul’s letter to the Romans is perhaps the signature document of Christianity. Several major theologians’ changed their worldviews based on their insights from Romans. Augustine was converted after reading this letter; Luther unleashed the reformation based on a new reading of Romans; Wesley converted after hearing Luther’s exposition of Romans, and most recently Karl Barth, upon reading this letter, ushered in a new era of biblical theology. Yet, for all its profundity, Romans is also accessible to the common person, providing guidance and inspiration for all those who make the effort to understand it.

Scholars agree that Paul authored this epistle, probably while he was in Corinth. This is based on the fact that he sends greetings from Gaius, his host, and that he sent the letter via Phoebe, who was nearby in Crenchrea. Scholars know Paul was in Corinth during the time of Gallio (ca 51 CE) and that he stayed there for 18 months. Most, however, attribute the writing of Romans to a later visit, possibly his third, and as late as 56-57. At that time, Paul was on his way back to Jerusalem with the collection, after which he hoped to expand his missionary work into Spain. His plan was to stop by the community in Rome on his way through to Spain. (Obviously this plan did not come to pass since he was arrested while he was in Jerusalem, and we have no record of any Spanish mission.) Paul had many misgivings about how the collection would be received by the Jewish contingency in Jerusalem, and some scholars think he penned this epistle on his way there, essentially putting down his best thoughts in preparation for the arguments he would need to make in Jerusalem.

Romans is also the only letter written by Paul to a community sight unseen, despite the fact that he sends greetings by name to many people who are in residence there. He did not establish the Roman church, and it seems to have been flourishing for some time. It raises the question as to the founder of the community, and scholars are predictably uncertain. Some think people from Rome might have been in that first audience at Pentecost. Several had, then, gone back to Rome and founded a church. Scholars do know that Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome in 49CE because of a dispute with Chrestus, which many believe is another form of Christus (Christ). It would seem that there were already divisions and hostilities between these two groups – Jews and possibly God-fearing Jews. It is also thought that Peter might have followed up with this church and that he had gone there to nurture it, but this is completely speculative. On the other hand, we do know that Prisca and Aquila hailed from Rome and that they were part of the group that had been expelled. We also know that they arrived in Corinth (from Rome) about the same time as Paul and that they worked together with him as tentmakers. Apparently, they had since returned to Rome and Paul includes them in his greetings.

Paul makes it clear from his letter that he is planning to “stop by” on his way to Spain. He does not intend to stay there to do missionary work, which is consistent with his claim not to evangelize churches that others have founded. His focus had always been to preach where Christ’s name had not been known. Now, however, he claims that his work in the east was done, so he was free to visit Rome.

Much speculation exists over who might have comprised the membership of that church. When the Jews were expelled from Rome in 49CE, the Church was left in the hands of gentile Christians, who were more likely to have considered themselves free from the Law of Moses. With the return of Jewish Christians in 54CE, it’s not hard to see how tensions might have developed between those who were “Law-free” and those who demanded strict adherence to the Law. It gets further complicated by having scholars insist that both groups were present among Gentiles as well as Jews. In addition, there were some who took Paul’s “salvation by grace” to its logical conclusion and felt they had no moral obligations at all. Hence, it is not surprising to find Paul addressing the issue of relations between the Jews and Gentiles throughout his letter. He defends the Law and God’s promises to the Jewish people, but sees the Christian community as contiguous with those promises. He supports those who have strong attachments to the Law, while denouncing those who feel the Christian has no moral obligation if he is justified by faith alone. Yet, he also writes about his own conviction that salvation is by grace and not by works of the Law. He truly tries to cover it all. And at the same time, he very much wants and needs their support for his Spanish mission.

In this epistle, then, are Paul’s thoughts on the basic tenets of Christianity. He addresses the problem of mankind’s sinfulness and their need of justification. The only way people can be justified is if God Himself puts right what has been wrong. People do not have the tools to accomplish this. People who ignore God (Gentiles) still have standards of conduct that they follow. People who know God’s will (Jews) also have standards that they must follow. Both groups continuously fall short and cannot by themselves put themselves right before God. The good news is that the gospel has revealed God’s way of righting wrongs – He shall gain life who is justified by faith.

Despite its modest length (only 16 chapters), most scholars see eight distinct sections. Salutation and Thanksgiving 1:1-15; Paul’s Summary Statement/Thesis 1:16-17; World’s Need for Salvation 1:18-3:20; Justification by Faith 3:21-5:21; Christian Freedom from the Law 6:1-8:39; God’s Plan for Israel 9:1-11:36; The Christian Way of Life 12:1-15:13; Conclusion 15:14-16:27.


I – 1:1-15 – Salutation and Thanksgiving

1:1-7		Salutation Paul introduced himself, said he was “set apart” for the gospel He was servant as well as apostle Paul explored meaning of Gospel Possible Christological formula Christ was a descendant of David; has Spirit of holiness; Son of God Believers have received grace and apostleship to call others to Christ

1:8-15		Thanksgiving Paul writes about the occasion for the letter He prayed for them constantly Wished to see them for mutual encouragement Had planned to visit them many times, but it never worked out

II – 1:16-17 -- Paul’s Summary Statement/Thesis

Gospel is the revelation of God’s righteousness “The righteous will live by faith” Gospel includes salvation for everyone – Jew and Gentile

III – 1:18-3:20 -- World’s Need for Salvation

Described plight of mankind

1:18-32		Condemnation of the Gentile world Men have sinned and are without excuse They have evidence of God’s power and deity from the natural world Sins are evidenced in idolatry and sexual impurities

2:1-16		Condemnation of the Jews Those who judge others will themselves be judged God’s judgments were intended to lead others to repentance and forgiveness Those who are stubborn and unrepentant are storing up God’s wrath against themselves The self righteous are as guilty as the unrighteous God’s judgment is absolutely impartial God’s judgment will fall on the Jews because they have not kept his revelation

2:17-3:8		The specific sins of the Jews

		2:17-29 Along with special privileges come special responsibilities Paul lists the ways in which Jews felt superior over Gentiles Describes specific privileges of being a Jew Law, relationship to God, understanding of his will, guide for others Jews have failed to live up to the teachings they all knew Instead of being humble about that, they’ve all been boasting Jews felt secure in circumcision, yet they do not keep the law’s requirements Being a Jew is determined by inward character, not outward signs 3:1-8 God’s faithfulness Despite Jews’ failures, God is still faithful to them The nation has been entrusted with God’s very words Some have argued that if sinning brings out God’s mercy, people should sin as much as possible, thereby bringing out the best in God Paul rejects this argument: “Their condemnation is deserved”

3:9-20		Scriptural proofs of man’s sinfulness Quotes from scripture regarding man’s failings (Not direct quotes, but summation of various passages) This is equally true for Jews as well as Gentiles

IV – 3:21-5:21 -- Justification by Faith

3:21-26		Restatement of justification, i.e., “How good do we have to be?” Since all have sinned, all must be saved Justification came through redemption that came through Christ The Cross changed relationship forever between God and people Most thought change would happen at end times Paul maintained change had already taken place through Cross People could not change things on their own; God did

3:27-31		Key is faith (not works) Those who cannot accept justification by faith must prove it with their lives They will find their lives are not up to the task Justification must be available to all

4:1-25		Examples of justification from Old Testament

		4:1-5 Case of Abraham Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Occurred before any requirement of circumcision had been made) 4:6-8 Situation involving David Blessed is the man whose offenses have been forgiven God never withdrew his support from David 4:9-17 God’s promise to Abraham Promise preceded circumcision Therefore, Abraham is father of all who believe (even the uncircumcised) Promise came through faith, not the law Faith is superior to law in terms of being justified before God Abraham is father “of many nations” – i.e., father of all 4:18-25 Abraham’s faith is model for all Despite physical evidence to contrary, Abraham believed God’s promise He and Sarah were beyond childbearing age when Isaac was born God waited until all human possibilities had passed All past events were recorded for future generations to learn from them We learn that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead made it possible for Abraham and Sarah to have a son We and Abraham are justified

5:1-11		Fruits of justification Justification has results The one who is justified enjoys peace and joy Because they have hope in the glory of God even suffering has new meaning Suffering has a value – leads to perseverance, endurance Behind all this is the love of God It is the Spirit that mediates the blessings of Christ to God’s people God’s love came just at the right time

5:12-21		Comparison of Adam and Christ Just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam) so will justification enter through one man’s redemption (Christ) All are descendants of Adam and have been born into a world where sin is But the grace that came through Jesus far exceeded Adam’s sin Those who receive God’s grace and gift of righteousness, live and reign through the one man, Jesus Christ The one whom God acquits is made righteous and has new life Because the Law reveals sin, grace is all the more visible and exceeds sin

V – 6:1-8:39 -- Christian Freedom from the Law

6:1-14		Freedom from sin Some argued that men should sin, so that God’s grace can even more abound Paul said that those who have new life have already escaped sin’s claim People have died with Christ and will come to new life with him Since Christ is not subject to sin, neither are believers Instead people should put themselves at God’s disposal, to serve him Sin is no longer their master because they are no longer under law, but are under grace

6:15-23		Slaves of righteousness Slaves must do as their master tells them Believers are now under a new Master – righteousness (not sin) Freed from sin, they are now free to offer a new obedience to God God has emancipated them from sin, are now free to be slaves of righteousness (Free to be bound into the service of God)

7:1-6		Freedom from the Law Uses illustration that the death of a husband sets a woman free to marry again In like manner, death of the law sets believers free to unite with Christ The former life was based on lower instincts, where sinful passions existed Believer has now entered a new life where the law no longer rules

7:7-25		Does the Law equate with sin? No. The Law was given by God Purpose of the law was to delineate right from wrong But because of the law, people now know sin Paul uses example of the commandment: Do not covet The desire is wrong, yet it is so natural, all people do this Generally no harm comes from desire, but the law determines this a sin The problem, however, is not with the law, but with sin The law is good, holy, and was given by a holy God The law exposed sin’s real character People simply cannot not do what the law demands

8:1-11		A new life, created by the Spirit There is no condemnation for those united with Christ In Christ the life-giving law of the Spirit has set us free Believer can choose between either the higher or lower nature People live on the higher (spiritual) nature, which is the outlook of the Spirit The Spirit produces goodness in man Because they have been justified, their outlook is formed by the Spirit

8:12-17		Life in the Spirit All who are moved by the Spirit are the sons of God Believers have entered that life, now they must live it on that level They can do it because the Spirit enables them, dwells in them They are justified, in a new relationship with God Paul uses the image of children inheriting their father’s estate In like manner, the sons of God also inherit, are heirs

8:18-30		Suffering and the Christian Present suffering will pale in comparison to the splendor that awaits One day there will be no more suffering In the meantime, God helps man in his sufferings through the Spirit Even the universe awaits the end of suffering, and has hope for the New Age Christians have the firstfruits (the Spirit) but long for the full harvest Though salvation is certain, we await in hope and endurance Our own prayers are inadequate, but the Spirit pleads for us It is God’s plan to govern all, and that all should work for good God calls people to respond in faith; they are justified

8:31-39		Victory through God’s love If God is with us, who can be against us God has already given his son, what would He not do for us No one can stand against God; God stands on our side Jesus also pleads our case to the Father Believers also have Jesus as a model in suffering Regardless of trials, victory will be ours through him who loved us There is nothing in death or life…that can separate us from the love of God Christians are in a whole new situation; it is a new day

VI – 9:1-11:36 -- God’s Plan for Israel

9:1-5		Failure of the Jews to accept Christ as the Messiah Their unbelief evokes great grief and despair within Paul Paul offers to suffer the judgment of God, if they would only change He lists their privileges: God’s sons, covenants, temple, law, promises

9:6-13		God’s selective purpose God’s promises are not synonymous with Abraham’s descendants God chose Isaac, not Ishmael; God chose Jacob and disregarded Esau (Ishmael and Esau would also have been Abraham’s descendants) God chooses to whom his promises will apply He is now free to choose those who have faith like Abraham, but are not his descendants (i.e., Gentiles)

9:14-29		God is free to choose God chooses from among the Gentiles as well as the Jews If God only showed mercy to those who “earned” it, it wouldn’t be mercy Paul uses examples of Pharaoh and Moses, pot and potter God used Pharaoh to bring justice to light Unlike the pot, man is still responsible for his actions God’s whole purpose is that there should be vessels for his mercy God was merciful towards the Jews because His plan included birth of Jesus Hence, God is free to choose or reject – from among Jews and Gentiles Paul reminds them of the promises that a remnant shall be saved Both Jews and Gentiles are free to love, obey God This is based on the OT witness

9:30-35		Why did the Jews fail? Jews failed because they tried to earn God’s favour Lacked the quality of faith in God Jews were caught in “stumbling-stone” of Jesus Jews could not accept Jesus, “tripped” over him Jews tripped over the very stone that would have saved them

10:1-13		Two kinds of righteousness Jews believed righteousness was necessary, but they wrongly tried to do it their own way Jews have not been able to accept that God rights the wrong for those who have faith Christ brought that righteousness; people cannot earn it People cannot win God’s favor by exhibiting certain behaviors Paul quotes Moses, Deuteronomy They did not earn the Promised Land; it was given as gift In like manner, Jesus was given as gift Jews do not have to search for him any more (not in heaven/hell) The word is near them – on lips and in hearts Inward acceptance equates with outward expression There is enough righteousness for both Jew and Gentile

10:14-21		Israel has no excuse for failing Responsibility for refusing God’s message lies with the Jews God gave every possible opportunity for them to receive it God sent prophets; Jews heard Gospel message (If the Gentiles could get it, the Jews have no excuse) Even Isaiah challenged the notion that Jews would forever be God’s chosen

11:1-10		The remnant So has God completely rejected his people? – NO Paul uses example of Elijah to introduce the concept of a remnant Not all Jews have been unfaithful (Paul himself is counted as one) Everything is according to God’s original plan God himself has selected the remnant – through grace Those selected few (Christians) are the true remnant, the true Israel Re: the others….They are blind and deaf

11:11-24		The role of the Gentiles in God’s plan Rejection by Jews opened way for Gentiles to be included Word of warning to Gentiles Just as God did not spare the Jews, he will not spare them if they make themselves superior Paul uses two metaphors to make his point If the first portion of the dough is consecrated, so is the whole lump The nature and health of a tree depends on its root The Gentiles are the “whole lump” and the “tree” The Jews are the “first portion” and the “root” The Gentiles must not allow themselves to feel superior, filled with pride Faith and pride are mutually exclusive

11:25-32		Future salvation of Israel Paul warns the Gentiles that the Jews will be welcomed back as God’s people God’s mercy will extend to the Jews as well The blindness of the Jews was necessary to include Gentiles When Gentiles have been saved, the Jews will receive God’s mercy God’s word is true; the final word is that God stands by his choosing of the Jews Ultimately, God gives mercy and salvation to all

11:33-36		Doxology God is to be praised for his mercy in saving both Jew and Gentile It is an act of God’s free grace

VII – 12:1-15:13 -- The Christian Way of Life

12:1-2		The basics of Christian behavior Believers should devote themselves entirely to serving God, doing his will Having faith in God means wanting to do what God wills These are all people who have already entered into that “new life” Their nature has already been transformed

12:3-8		Putting others first Believers have a diversity of gifts, with that come responsibilities People are to act in harmony with each other Every gift is important; no one can lord it over another Paul uses analogy of the body; they have different functions but are all united with Christ Paul lists some of the various positions (gifts) needed within the church

12:9-21		Above all, express love The Christian will love others and express this love The Christian will seek to do the good that is God’s will There can be no Christianity without fellowship There can be no fellowship if people are haughty If a believer suffers evil, he must overcome that evil with good

13:1-7		Submit to civil authorities Being inaugurated into a new life does not give license to disregard authorities Officials have been appointed by God Christians must accept the existing order of society This includes paying taxes in full

13:8-10		God’s will is love All the commandments can be summed up: Love your neighbor as yourself To obey God is to love your neighbor and to seek his good

13:11-14		Salvation is near Christians should take seriously the need for righteousness Paul expected the second coming to be near

14:1-15:13		Divisions in the church

		14:1-12 Issues involving food and drink The “weaker” members refused to eat meat or drink wine They should not be judged, but accepted as full members in the faith Each person should decide for him/herself what is appropriate for their Christian faith All should give thanks to God, act in obedience to Christ Paul did not impose rules, regulations on conduct during worship Main point is not to judge one another 14:13-23 Consideration of each other Issues of food and drink pale in comparison to well-being of fellow member Believers should abstain from conduct that causes another to stumble Everything is pure, but not everything edifies another The kingdom of God is not about food or drink, but about peace and joy Work for peace and build up for the common good 15:1-13 There is unity through love Those who are strong are strong to help with the burdens of others Accepting those burdens goes beyond tolerance It actually requires renunciation of one’s own freedoms for others Jesus was the example all should follow The source of this strength will be found in God Only when worshipers accept one another is real worship possible

VIII – 15:14-16:27 -- Conclusion

15:14 -21		Purpose in writing Explains why he is writing to them even though he did not found the church They didn’t need him to write, but he wished to refresh their memories God has appointed him to be the apostle to the Gentiles It was God’s gift to him; he is merely demonstrating the gift

15:22-33		Future plans His work in unchurched areas prevented him from visiting beforehand That work is now finished He plans to go to Spain and will stop in Rome on his way through He hopes they will support his ministry there First, however, he must take the collection to Jerusalem He asks for their prayers that his errand might find acceptance Then he will be able to come with a happy frame of mind and in peace

16:1-16		Greetings Paul greets various people by name It is likely that Phoebe carried the letter to Rome Prisca and Aquila, who met him in Corinth, have apparently returned to Rome Paul asks that they greet each other with a kiss of peace

16:17-20		A warning against false teachers He says they do not serve God, but are only interested in serving themselves They stir up quarrels and lead people astray They are not identified, so obviously the congregation knew who they were

16:21-24		Greetings from those with Paul

16:25-27		Praise to God Once again, God is praised for His mercy in what He has done through Christ It is God’s will that all be saved God alone has power to protect and save

The letter, then, ends with a doxology of praise to God. As previously indicated, Paul’s hopes and expectations for a Spanish mission did not come to pass. He did go to Jerusalem, and was almost assassinated while purifying himself at the temple. Even though he was kept safe in Roman custody, Paul was never again a free man. He did arrive in Rome, not in preparation for his new mission but in chains, as a prisoner. There is nothing to indicate, however, that Paul did anything but live out his remaining days dedicating his own life to being a witness to the truth of what he preached. Because of his letters, believers throughout the ages have continued to grow and rejoice in his understanding of God’s immeasurable grace and mercy.

Bibliography

Best, Ernest. “The Letter of Paul to the Romans.” The Cambridge Bible Commentary. Cambridge: At the University Press, 1969.

Black, Matthew. “Romans.” The New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans,1981.

Duling, Dennis and Norman Perrin. The New Testament. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace and Company, 1994.

Edwards, James. “Romans.” New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1992.

Gaebelein, Frank. “Romans.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1985.

Mills, Watson and Richard Wilson. Mercer Commentary on the Bible. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1995.

Morris, Leon. “The Epistle to the Romans.” The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 1988.

Smith, Robert. “Matthew.” Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1989.