The Book of Romans

Romans is the first New Testament book attributed to the apostle Paul - a pioneer missionary and messenger of Christ who stated many New Testament letters or books. The book of Romans is Paul's longest and perhaps his most influential letter. Among all of his New Testament writings, Paul's letter to the Romans contains the most in depth theology. Probably for these reasons it is placed first among his 13 New Testament books - the letters he wrote to various churches and church leaders with whom he had ministered or had great influence. Paul wrote Romans in connection with his God-given mission to take the message of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world.

Paul wrote this letter to prepare the way for his anticipated ministry at Rome and his planned mission to Spain. He had two primary purposes for writing. The Romans had apparently received distorted, or confusing, rumors about Paul's  message and teaching about God. For this reason, Paul felt it necessary to put into writing the message he had been preaching for twenty-five years. He intended to correct certain problems in the church that stemmed from wrong attitudes of Jews toward Gentiles and Gentiles toward Jews.

The theme of Romans is introduced in 1:16-17. Basically, Paul expresses the power of Christ's message to save people spiritually and to bring them into a right relationship with God. The main idea is this: God sets things right between Himself and people who have faith in Jesus Christ. First, he points out that the problem of sin and humanity's need to be rescued from sin and restored to a right relationship with God affects every person who ever lives. Apart from God's grace, no person can become right with God on their own standards. We must rely on Him, yield our lives to Him and accept His gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul describes how people whose lives have truly been transformed by Christ will reflect His righteousness, love and other character traits in all areas of life. This includes their personal attitudes and behaviors, as well as their conduct, interaction an relationships with people inside and outside the church. Following some final words of challenge and encouragement and an explanation of his personal plans, he draws his letter to a close with a final warning against deception and division in the church. He concludes by honoring God for what He accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Seven major features characterize Romans. Romans is Paul's most in-depth and organized letter, expressing a broad yet specific, overview of New Testament theology. Paul writes in a question and answer, or debating style. Paul uses the Old Testament extensively as a basis of authority for his presentation of the true nature of the message about Christ. Paul presents the spiritual concept of a righteousness from God as the core revelation of the gospel. Paul focuses on the two elements of the nature of sin, along with God's way of dealing with each element through the life and sacrifice of Christ. Romans 8 is the most developed chapter in the Bible on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christ's followers. Romans contains the Bible's most powerful discussion about the Jews rejection of Christ and how God's plan ultimately comes back to Israel (chapters 9-11).