The Book Of Romans Outline and Study
Book of Romans
In this outline we will uncover the book of Romans. This first outline is a brief break out of the areas Paul is sharing on.
The next Section of outline is and introduction expository of romans to follow along with as you read through Romans.
The final is a brief outline with some questions to use as a break out study guide for small group for discussion.
OUTLINE:
I. Doctrinal, “Faith,” Chapters 1—8
A. Justification of the sinner, Chapters 1:1—5:11
1. Introduction, Rom 1:1-17
a. Paul’s personal greeting, Rom 1:1-7
b. Paul’s personal purpose, Rom 1:8-13
c. Paul’s three “I am’s,” Rom 1:14-17
Key verses 16, 17 — the revelation of the righteousness of God.
2. Revelation of the sin of man, Rom 1:18—3:20
This is “Sinnerama.” Universal fact: Man is a sinner. Ecumenical movement is away from God. Axiom: World is guilty before God — all need righteousness.
a. Revelation of the wrath of God against sin of man, Rom 1:18-32
1) Natural revelation of God (original version), vv. 18-20
2) Subnatural response of man (reversion), vv. 21-23
3) Unnatural retrogression of man (perversion), vv. 4-27
4) Supernatural requital of God (inversion), vv. 28-32
b. Revelation of the sin of good people, Rom 2:1-16
Respectable people need righteousness.
c. Revelation of the sin of Israel under the Law, Rom 2:17—3:8
d. Revelation of the universality of sin, Rom 3:9-20
1) Judge’s verdict of guilty against mankind, vv. 9-12
Man cannot remove guilt.
2) Great Physician’s diagnosis of mankind, vv. 13-18
Man cannot change his nature. Man has an incurable disease.
3) Purpose of the Law, vv. 19, 20
Law reveals sin, not salvation. Last word is “sin” (v. 20).
3. Revelation of the righteousness of God, Rom 3:21—5:11
Righteousness provided.
Righteousness of God defined — not the character of God nor self-righteousness of man.
a. Justification by faith explained, Rom 3:21-31
DEFINITION: Justification is the act of God that declares a sinner righteous by faith on the merit of Christ’s sacrifice. It is the addition of the righteousness of Christ as well as the subtraction of sins.
Propitiation — “mercy seat” (Hebrews 9:5)
Redemption — to pay a price for deliverance
Propitiation is toward God.
Redemption is toward sin.
b. Justification by faith illustrated, Rom 4:1-25
(Demonstration — Abraham and David)
c. Justification by faith — results derived, Rom 5:1-11
Eight benefits:
1) Peace, v. 1
2) Access, v. 2
3) Hope, v. 2
4) Patience — fruit of tribulations, v. 3
5) Love, v. 5
6) Holy Spirit, v. 5
7) Deliverance from the Great Tribulation, v. 9
8) Joy, v. 11
Reconciliation is toward man. Definition: Change from enmity to friendship. Justification by faith is an act of God which is permanent.
B. Sanctification of the saint, Chapters 5:12—8:39
1. Potential sanctification, Rom 5:12-21
Federal headship of Adam and Christ
a. Headship of Adam, vv. 12-14
Death — sin
b. Headship of Christ, vv. 15-17
Life — righteousness
c. Offense of Adam vs. righteousness of Christ, vv. 18-21
2. Positional sanctification, Rom 6:1-10
Union with Christ in His death and resurrection is the basis of deliverance from sin.
3. Practical sanctification, Rom 6:11-23
Obedience to God leads to the experience of deliverance from sin.
4. Powerless sanctification, Rom 7:1-25
a. Shackles of a saved soul, vv. 1-14
Spiritual emancipation
b. Struggle of a saved soul, vv. 15-25
Civil war (No good in old nature, no power in new nature)
5. God’s new provision for sanctification, Rom 8:1-39
(Powerful sanctification)
a. New law: Holy Spirit vs. Law, vv. 1-4
b. New struggle: Holy Spirit vs. flesh, vv. 5-13
c. New man, son of God: Holy Spirit and spirit of man, vv. 14-17
d. New creation: old vs. new, bondage vs. liberty, vv. 18-22
e. New body: groaning vs. redeemed body, vv. 23-27
Holy Spirit helps us in our present bodies.
f. New purpose of God, vv. 28-34
God’s purpose guarantees the salvation of sinners.
g. New security of the believer, vv. 35-39
God’s love guarantees the security of the believer.
II. Dispensational, “Hope,” Chapters 9—11
A. God’s past dealings with Israel, Chapter 9
1. Israel defined, vv. 1-5
2. Israel identified, vv. 6-13
3. Choice of Israel in the sovereign purpose of God, vv. 14-24
4. Choice of Gentiles in the scriptural prophecies of God, vv. 25-33
B. God’s present purpose with Israel, Chapter 10
1. Present state of Israel — lost, vv. 1-4
Reason: Christ is the end of the law for righteousness.
2. Present standing of Israel — same as Gentiles, vv. 5-12
“For there is no difference.”
3. Present salvation for both Jew and Gentile — hear and believe the gospel, vv. 13-21
C. God’s future purpose with Israel, Chapter 11
Remnant regathered as a nation and redeemed.
1. Remnant of Israel finding salvation, vv. 1-6
2. Remainder of Israel blinded, vv. 7-12
3. Reason for setting aside the nation Israel — salvation of the Gentiles, vv. 13-21
4. Restoration of nation Israel — greater blessing, vv. 22-32
5. Reason for restoring the nation Israel, vv. 33-36
Locked in the riches of the wisdom of God.
III. Duty, “Love,” Chapters 12—16
A. Service of “the sons of God,” Chapters 12, 13
1. Relationship to God (“present — yield”), Rom 12:1-2
2. Relationship to gifts of the Spirit, Rom 12:3-8
3. Relationship to other believers, Rom 12:9-16
4. Relationship to unbelievers, Rom 12:17-21
5. Relationship to government, Rom 13:1-7
6. Relationship to neighbors, Rom 13:8-14
B. Separation of “the sons of God,” Chapters 14—16
1. Relationship to weak believers, Rom 14:1—15:3
Three principles of conduct for Christians
a. Conviction, Rom 14:5
b. Conscience, Rom 14:22
c. Consideration, Rom 15:1-3
2. Relationship of Jews and Gentiles as believers, Rom 15:4-13
(Racial relationships)
3. Relationship of Paul to Romans and Gentiles generally, Rom 15:14-33
(The gospel and Gentiles, v. 16)
4. Relationship of Christians to one another demonstrated, Rom 16:1-27
Thirty-five individuals mentioned by name — mutual love and tender affection.
Introduction to Romans
AUTHOR: PAUL, the apostle (Rom 1:1)
PLACE OF WRITING: CORINTH; as evident from the greetings of Gaius, who lived at Corinth (Rom 16:23; 1 Co 1:14), and of Erastus, who had settled down there (Rom 16:23; 2 Ti 4:20). Also, Phoebe, who apparently accompanied the epistle (Rom 16:1-2), was from the church at Cenchrea, a "suburb" of Corinth.
TIME OF WRITING: 57-58 A.D.; while on his third journey (Ac 20:1-3), just prior to his arrival to Jerusalem with the collection for the needy saints (Rom 15:25-26; Ac 20:16; 24:17).
FOUNDER OF THE CHURCH AT ROME: Paul had not visited Rome when he wrote this epistle. In this respect it is different from all others, with the possible exception of the Epistle to the Colossians. No apostle had preceded Paul to Rome; obviously, Simon Peter had not. The Roman church was largely a gentile church, and Peter was not the apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7). Paul’s method was not to follow another apostle, and it is not likely he would have gone to Rome had another apostle preceded him.
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation. (Romans 15:20)
In a very definite sense, Paul was the founder of the church at Rome. This great metropolis drew men to its streets and marketplaces from all over the empire as if it were a magnet. Many whom Paul had led to Christ in other places made their way to Rome and witnessed there. The church in Rome was the assembly of these folk. This is not mere speculation, as Priscilla and Aquila are examples.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus. (Romans 16:3)
Paul had first met them in Corinth and led them to Christ (Acts 18:1-3). Later they returned to Rome.
Paul mentions 35 individuals by name in chapter 16. Of these, 27 were living in Rome at this time. These he must have met elsewhere in the Roman Empire. Paul established the church in Rome by “long distance” and used the “remote control” of an apostle to write and guide its course.
As Christians congregated in this great metropolis, a visible church came into existence. Probably no man established a church in Rome. Converts of Paul and the other apostles from the fringe of the empire went to Rome, and a local church was organized by them.
Certainly, Peter did not establish the church or have anything to do with it, as his sermon on Pentecost and following sermons were directed to Israelites only. Not until the conversion of Cornelius was Peter convinced that Gentiles were included in the body of believers.
Paul knew Rome although he had not been inside her city limits at the time of the writing of Romans. Rome was like a great ship passing in the night, casting up waves that broke on distant shores; her influence was like a radio broadcast, penetrating every corner and crevice of the empire. Paul had visited Roman colonies such as Philippi and Thessalonica and had seen in those places Roman customs, laws, language, styles, and culture on exhibit. He had walked on Roman roads, had met Roman soldiers on the highways and in the marketplaces, and had slept in Roman jails. Paul had gone before Roman magistrates and had enjoyed the benefits of Roman citizenship. You see, Paul knew all about Rome although he was yet to visit there. From the vantage point of the world’s capital he was to preach the global gospel to a lost world — that God loved so much that He gave His son to die, that whosoever believed on Him might not perish, but have eternal life (see John 3:16).
SUBJECT: The righteousness of God
Deissmann, in his study of the Greek papyri found at Oxyrhynchus, makes a distinction between literary and non-literary documents. He places the epistles of Paul in the latter, including the Epistle to the Romans, thereby making them letters rather than epistles. There is a personal note running through all the epistles of Paul, including Romans. Nevertheless, Romans contains the great gospel manifesto for the world. To Paul, the gospel was the great ecumenical movement and Rome was the center of that world for which Christ died. Sir William Ramsay said:
St. Paul had early grasped the importance of the Roman Empire as a vehicle for the dissemination of the Gospel.
Let me state in subdued language that Romans is an eloquent and passionate declaration of the gospel of Jesus Christ by a man who made an arduous but productive journey to die for Christ, the One who died for him. Romans is more than cold logic; it is the gospel stated in warm love.
KEY VERSES:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in it is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16, 17)
These verses set before us the subject of the epistle. Although each word in the epistle is important, these are significant in their marvelous unfolding of the entire epistle. These words are keys on a mighty organ which, if played, give forth the music of the whole masterpiece. These are the high notes:
These words form the subject matter of the epistle. Perhaps some might want to add:
However, all of these are included in the first list found in the key verses of the book. The righteousness from God is the major theme.
Dr. Griffith Thomas has given us a fitting word:
We must never forget that the term “righteousness” is much wider than justification, though this is, of course, included. Righteousness really covers all that is necessary to reinstate a sinner as right with God, and therefore includes his position, his character, his privileges, and his prospects. It embraces the past, present, and future, and it means “the state of being right.”
On this thesis he gives the following outline of the epistle:
(a) Righteousness needed by sinful men (Rom 1:17-3:20)
(b) Righteousness provided by God (Rom 3:21-26)
(c) Righteousness received through faith (Rom 3:27-4:25)
(d) Righteousness experienced in the soul (Rom 5:1-8:17)
(e) Righteousness guaranteed as permanent blessing (Rom 8:18-39)
(f) Righteousness rejected by the Jewish nation (Rom 9-11)
(g) Righteousness manifested in practical life (Rom 12-16)
DEFINITIONS:
Cunninghame:
Under law God required righteousness from man; under grace He gives righteousness to man. The righteousness of God is that righteousness which God’s righteousness requires Him to require.
Hodge:
That righteousness of which God is the Author; which is of avail before God; which meets and secures His approval.
Brooks:
That righteousness which the Father requires, the Son became, the Holy Spirit convinces of, and faith secures.
Moorehead:
The sum total of all that God commands, demands, approves, and Himself provides.
The righteousness of God is secured by FAITH not WORKS.
BACKGROUND OF THE CHURCH AT ROME: Nothing is revealed in the New Testament as to the start of the church in Rome. It is possible that visitors to Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the Lord's ascension were among the 3000 saved and later took the gospel with them back home (Ac 2:10). Or it could be that among those dispersed following Stephen's death were some that went to Rome and preached thegospel there (Ac 8:1-4).
The first we read of Christians from Rome is possibly that of Aquila and Priscilla, who along with all Jews were expelled from Rome by Claudius and were found by Paul at Corinth during his second journey (Ac 18:1-2). After travelling with Paul to Ephesus and working with the church there (Ac 18:18-19, 24-26; 1 Co 16:19), we find them back at Rome and hosting a church in their house (Rom 16:3-5).
From the greetings given by Paul in chapter sixteen, it appears that there were several churches in Rome meeting in various homes (Rom 16:5,14-15). The names of individuals would suggest that the Christians were primarily Gentiles, with a smaller number of Jews.
The reputation of the Christians in Rome was widespread; both their faith (Rom 1:8) and obedience (Rom 16:19) were well known. For this reason Paul had long wanted to see them (Rom 15:23), with the goal of sharing in their mutual edification (Rom 1:11-12) and to be assisted on his way to Spain (Rom 15:22-24).
PURPOSE OF WRITING: Paul expresses in this epistle that he had for some time planned to preach the gospel at Rome (Rom 1:13-15) and from there go on to Spain (Rom 15:22-24). Though he still had these intentions (Rom 15:28-29), the spreading cancer of the "Judaizing teachers" which had disrupted churches in Antioch, Corinth and Galatia was likely to make its way to Rome. To prevent this, and to assure that his visit to Rome would be a pleasant one (Rom 15:30-33), Paul writes:
TO SET STRAIGHT THE DESIGN AND NATURE OF THE GOSPEL
In doing so, he demonstrates how the gospel of Christ fulfills what is lacking in both heathenism and Judaism, thereby effectively replacing them as religious systems. Such an epistle would arm the church at Rome against those who would pervert the gospel or suggest that it was inadequate by itself.
THEME: Romans 1:16-17
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'"
In these two verses Paul states his confidence in the gospel and the reasons for it. The bulk of his epistle is devoted to explaining why and how the gospel of Christ is God's power to save those who believe.
Brief Outline
(adapted from Dextor Sammons)
INTRODUCTION (Rom 1:1-17)
Review Questions for the Introduction
In this outline we will uncover the book of Romans. This first outline is a brief break out of the areas Paul is sharing on.
The next Section of outline is and introduction expository of romans to follow along with as you read through Romans.
The final is a brief outline with some questions to use as a break out study guide for small group for discussion.
OUTLINE:
| 1 | Salutation | Rom 1:1-17 |
| 2 | Sin | Rom 1:18—3:20 |
| 3 | Salvation | Rom 3:21—5:11 |
| 4 | Sanctification | Rom 5:12—6:23 |
| 5 | Struggle | Rom 7 |
| 6 | Spirit-filled living | Rom 8:1-27 |
| 7 | Security | Rom 8:28-39 |
| 8 | Segregation | Rom 9—11 |
| 9 | Sacrifice & service | Rom 12, 13 |
| 10 | Separation | Rom 14, 15 |
| 11 | Salutation | Rom 16 |
I. Doctrinal, “Faith,” Chapters 1—8
A. Justification of the sinner, Chapters 1:1—5:11
1. Introduction, Rom 1:1-17
a. Paul’s personal greeting, Rom 1:1-7
b. Paul’s personal purpose, Rom 1:8-13
c. Paul’s three “I am’s,” Rom 1:14-17
Key verses 16, 17 — the revelation of the righteousness of God.
2. Revelation of the sin of man, Rom 1:18—3:20
This is “Sinnerama.” Universal fact: Man is a sinner. Ecumenical movement is away from God. Axiom: World is guilty before God — all need righteousness.
a. Revelation of the wrath of God against sin of man, Rom 1:18-32
1) Natural revelation of God (original version), vv. 18-20
2) Subnatural response of man (reversion), vv. 21-23
3) Unnatural retrogression of man (perversion), vv. 4-27
4) Supernatural requital of God (inversion), vv. 28-32
b. Revelation of the sin of good people, Rom 2:1-16
Respectable people need righteousness.
c. Revelation of the sin of Israel under the Law, Rom 2:17—3:8
d. Revelation of the universality of sin, Rom 3:9-20
1) Judge’s verdict of guilty against mankind, vv. 9-12
Man cannot remove guilt.
2) Great Physician’s diagnosis of mankind, vv. 13-18
Man cannot change his nature. Man has an incurable disease.
3) Purpose of the Law, vv. 19, 20
Law reveals sin, not salvation. Last word is “sin” (v. 20).
3. Revelation of the righteousness of God, Rom 3:21—5:11
Righteousness provided.
Righteousness of God defined — not the character of God nor self-righteousness of man.
a. Justification by faith explained, Rom 3:21-31
DEFINITION: Justification is the act of God that declares a sinner righteous by faith on the merit of Christ’s sacrifice. It is the addition of the righteousness of Christ as well as the subtraction of sins.
Propitiation — “mercy seat” (Hebrews 9:5)
Redemption — to pay a price for deliverance
Propitiation is toward God.
Redemption is toward sin.
b. Justification by faith illustrated, Rom 4:1-25
(Demonstration — Abraham and David)
c. Justification by faith — results derived, Rom 5:1-11
Eight benefits:
1) Peace, v. 1
2) Access, v. 2
3) Hope, v. 2
4) Patience — fruit of tribulations, v. 3
5) Love, v. 5
6) Holy Spirit, v. 5
7) Deliverance from the Great Tribulation, v. 9
8) Joy, v. 11
Reconciliation is toward man. Definition: Change from enmity to friendship. Justification by faith is an act of God which is permanent.
B. Sanctification of the saint, Chapters 5:12—8:39
1. Potential sanctification, Rom 5:12-21
Federal headship of Adam and Christ
a. Headship of Adam, vv. 12-14
Death — sin
b. Headship of Christ, vv. 15-17
Life — righteousness
c. Offense of Adam vs. righteousness of Christ, vv. 18-21
| Disobedience | vs. | Obedience |
| Judgment | vs. | Free Gift |
| Sin | vs. | Grace |
| Condemnation | vs. | Justification |
2. Positional sanctification, Rom 6:1-10
Union with Christ in His death and resurrection is the basis of deliverance from sin.
3. Practical sanctification, Rom 6:11-23
Obedience to God leads to the experience of deliverance from sin.
4. Powerless sanctification, Rom 7:1-25
a. Shackles of a saved soul, vv. 1-14
Spiritual emancipation
b. Struggle of a saved soul, vv. 15-25
Civil war (No good in old nature, no power in new nature)
5. God’s new provision for sanctification, Rom 8:1-39
(Powerful sanctification)
a. New law: Holy Spirit vs. Law, vv. 1-4
b. New struggle: Holy Spirit vs. flesh, vv. 5-13
c. New man, son of God: Holy Spirit and spirit of man, vv. 14-17
d. New creation: old vs. new, bondage vs. liberty, vv. 18-22
e. New body: groaning vs. redeemed body, vv. 23-27
Holy Spirit helps us in our present bodies.
f. New purpose of God, vv. 28-34
God’s purpose guarantees the salvation of sinners.
g. New security of the believer, vv. 35-39
God’s love guarantees the security of the believer.
II. Dispensational, “Hope,” Chapters 9—11
A. God’s past dealings with Israel, Chapter 9
1. Israel defined, vv. 1-5
2. Israel identified, vv. 6-13
3. Choice of Israel in the sovereign purpose of God, vv. 14-24
4. Choice of Gentiles in the scriptural prophecies of God, vv. 25-33
B. God’s present purpose with Israel, Chapter 10
1. Present state of Israel — lost, vv. 1-4
Reason: Christ is the end of the law for righteousness.
2. Present standing of Israel — same as Gentiles, vv. 5-12
“For there is no difference.”
3. Present salvation for both Jew and Gentile — hear and believe the gospel, vv. 13-21
C. God’s future purpose with Israel, Chapter 11
Remnant regathered as a nation and redeemed.
1. Remnant of Israel finding salvation, vv. 1-6
2. Remainder of Israel blinded, vv. 7-12
3. Reason for setting aside the nation Israel — salvation of the Gentiles, vv. 13-21
4. Restoration of nation Israel — greater blessing, vv. 22-32
5. Reason for restoring the nation Israel, vv. 33-36
Locked in the riches of the wisdom of God.
III. Duty, “Love,” Chapters 12—16
A. Service of “the sons of God,” Chapters 12, 13
1. Relationship to God (“present — yield”), Rom 12:1-2
2. Relationship to gifts of the Spirit, Rom 12:3-8
3. Relationship to other believers, Rom 12:9-16
4. Relationship to unbelievers, Rom 12:17-21
5. Relationship to government, Rom 13:1-7
6. Relationship to neighbors, Rom 13:8-14
B. Separation of “the sons of God,” Chapters 14—16
1. Relationship to weak believers, Rom 14:1—15:3
Three principles of conduct for Christians
a. Conviction, Rom 14:5
b. Conscience, Rom 14:22
c. Consideration, Rom 15:1-3
2. Relationship of Jews and Gentiles as believers, Rom 15:4-13
(Racial relationships)
3. Relationship of Paul to Romans and Gentiles generally, Rom 15:14-33
(The gospel and Gentiles, v. 16)
4. Relationship of Christians to one another demonstrated, Rom 16:1-27
Thirty-five individuals mentioned by name — mutual love and tender affection.
Introduction to Romans
AUTHOR: PAUL, the apostle (Rom 1:1)
PLACE OF WRITING: CORINTH; as evident from the greetings of Gaius, who lived at Corinth (Rom 16:23; 1 Co 1:14), and of Erastus, who had settled down there (Rom 16:23; 2 Ti 4:20). Also, Phoebe, who apparently accompanied the epistle (Rom 16:1-2), was from the church at Cenchrea, a "suburb" of Corinth.
TIME OF WRITING: 57-58 A.D.; while on his third journey (Ac 20:1-3), just prior to his arrival to Jerusalem with the collection for the needy saints (Rom 15:25-26; Ac 20:16; 24:17).
FOUNDER OF THE CHURCH AT ROME: Paul had not visited Rome when he wrote this epistle. In this respect it is different from all others, with the possible exception of the Epistle to the Colossians. No apostle had preceded Paul to Rome; obviously, Simon Peter had not. The Roman church was largely a gentile church, and Peter was not the apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7). Paul’s method was not to follow another apostle, and it is not likely he would have gone to Rome had another apostle preceded him.
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation. (Romans 15:20)
In a very definite sense, Paul was the founder of the church at Rome. This great metropolis drew men to its streets and marketplaces from all over the empire as if it were a magnet. Many whom Paul had led to Christ in other places made their way to Rome and witnessed there. The church in Rome was the assembly of these folk. This is not mere speculation, as Priscilla and Aquila are examples.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus. (Romans 16:3)
Paul had first met them in Corinth and led them to Christ (Acts 18:1-3). Later they returned to Rome.
Paul mentions 35 individuals by name in chapter 16. Of these, 27 were living in Rome at this time. These he must have met elsewhere in the Roman Empire. Paul established the church in Rome by “long distance” and used the “remote control” of an apostle to write and guide its course.
As Christians congregated in this great metropolis, a visible church came into existence. Probably no man established a church in Rome. Converts of Paul and the other apostles from the fringe of the empire went to Rome, and a local church was organized by them.
Certainly, Peter did not establish the church or have anything to do with it, as his sermon on Pentecost and following sermons were directed to Israelites only. Not until the conversion of Cornelius was Peter convinced that Gentiles were included in the body of believers.
Paul knew Rome although he had not been inside her city limits at the time of the writing of Romans. Rome was like a great ship passing in the night, casting up waves that broke on distant shores; her influence was like a radio broadcast, penetrating every corner and crevice of the empire. Paul had visited Roman colonies such as Philippi and Thessalonica and had seen in those places Roman customs, laws, language, styles, and culture on exhibit. He had walked on Roman roads, had met Roman soldiers on the highways and in the marketplaces, and had slept in Roman jails. Paul had gone before Roman magistrates and had enjoyed the benefits of Roman citizenship. You see, Paul knew all about Rome although he was yet to visit there. From the vantage point of the world’s capital he was to preach the global gospel to a lost world — that God loved so much that He gave His son to die, that whosoever believed on Him might not perish, but have eternal life (see John 3:16).
SUBJECT: The righteousness of God
Deissmann, in his study of the Greek papyri found at Oxyrhynchus, makes a distinction between literary and non-literary documents. He places the epistles of Paul in the latter, including the Epistle to the Romans, thereby making them letters rather than epistles. There is a personal note running through all the epistles of Paul, including Romans. Nevertheless, Romans contains the great gospel manifesto for the world. To Paul, the gospel was the great ecumenical movement and Rome was the center of that world for which Christ died. Sir William Ramsay said:
St. Paul had early grasped the importance of the Roman Empire as a vehicle for the dissemination of the Gospel.
Let me state in subdued language that Romans is an eloquent and passionate declaration of the gospel of Jesus Christ by a man who made an arduous but productive journey to die for Christ, the One who died for him. Romans is more than cold logic; it is the gospel stated in warm love.
KEY VERSES:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in it is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16, 17)
These verses set before us the subject of the epistle. Although each word in the epistle is important, these are significant in their marvelous unfolding of the entire epistle. These words are keys on a mighty organ which, if played, give forth the music of the whole masterpiece. These are the high notes:
| (1) gospel | (6) everyone | (11) revealed |
| (2) Christ | (7) believeth | (12) faith |
| (3) power | (8) Jew | (13) just |
| (4) God | (9) Greek (Gentile) | (14) live |
| (5) salvation | (10) righteousness |
These words form the subject matter of the epistle. Perhaps some might want to add:
| (1) Holy Spirit | (5) identification | (9) service |
| (2) sin | (6) sanctification | (10) separation |
| (3) imputation | (7) security | |
| (4) law | (8) predestination |
Dr. Griffith Thomas has given us a fitting word:
We must never forget that the term “righteousness” is much wider than justification, though this is, of course, included. Righteousness really covers all that is necessary to reinstate a sinner as right with God, and therefore includes his position, his character, his privileges, and his prospects. It embraces the past, present, and future, and it means “the state of being right.”
On this thesis he gives the following outline of the epistle:
(a) Righteousness needed by sinful men (Rom 1:17-3:20)
(b) Righteousness provided by God (Rom 3:21-26)
(c) Righteousness received through faith (Rom 3:27-4:25)
(d) Righteousness experienced in the soul (Rom 5:1-8:17)
(e) Righteousness guaranteed as permanent blessing (Rom 8:18-39)
(f) Righteousness rejected by the Jewish nation (Rom 9-11)
(g) Righteousness manifested in practical life (Rom 12-16)
DEFINITIONS:
Cunninghame:
Under law God required righteousness from man; under grace He gives righteousness to man. The righteousness of God is that righteousness which God’s righteousness requires Him to require.
Hodge:
That righteousness of which God is the Author; which is of avail before God; which meets and secures His approval.
Brooks:
That righteousness which the Father requires, the Son became, the Holy Spirit convinces of, and faith secures.
Moorehead:
The sum total of all that God commands, demands, approves, and Himself provides.
The righteousness of God is secured by FAITH not WORKS.
BACKGROUND OF THE CHURCH AT ROME: Nothing is revealed in the New Testament as to the start of the church in Rome. It is possible that visitors to Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the Lord's ascension were among the 3000 saved and later took the gospel with them back home (Ac 2:10). Or it could be that among those dispersed following Stephen's death were some that went to Rome and preached thegospel there (Ac 8:1-4).
The first we read of Christians from Rome is possibly that of Aquila and Priscilla, who along with all Jews were expelled from Rome by Claudius and were found by Paul at Corinth during his second journey (Ac 18:1-2). After travelling with Paul to Ephesus and working with the church there (Ac 18:18-19, 24-26; 1 Co 16:19), we find them back at Rome and hosting a church in their house (Rom 16:3-5).
From the greetings given by Paul in chapter sixteen, it appears that there were several churches in Rome meeting in various homes (Rom 16:5,14-15). The names of individuals would suggest that the Christians were primarily Gentiles, with a smaller number of Jews.
The reputation of the Christians in Rome was widespread; both their faith (Rom 1:8) and obedience (Rom 16:19) were well known. For this reason Paul had long wanted to see them (Rom 15:23), with the goal of sharing in their mutual edification (Rom 1:11-12) and to be assisted on his way to Spain (Rom 15:22-24).
PURPOSE OF WRITING: Paul expresses in this epistle that he had for some time planned to preach the gospel at Rome (Rom 1:13-15) and from there go on to Spain (Rom 15:22-24). Though he still had these intentions (Rom 15:28-29), the spreading cancer of the "Judaizing teachers" which had disrupted churches in Antioch, Corinth and Galatia was likely to make its way to Rome. To prevent this, and to assure that his visit to Rome would be a pleasant one (Rom 15:30-33), Paul writes:
TO SET STRAIGHT THE DESIGN AND NATURE OF THE GOSPEL
In doing so, he demonstrates how the gospel of Christ fulfills what is lacking in both heathenism and Judaism, thereby effectively replacing them as religious systems. Such an epistle would arm the church at Rome against those who would pervert the gospel or suggest that it was inadequate by itself.
THEME: Romans 1:16-17
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'"
In these two verses Paul states his confidence in the gospel and the reasons for it. The bulk of his epistle is devoted to explaining why and how the gospel of Christ is God's power to save those who believe.
Brief Outline
(adapted from Dextor Sammons)
INTRODUCTION (Rom 1:1-17)
- JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH (Rom 1:18-11:36)
- SIN - THE "NEED" FOR SALVATION
- The Need Of The Gentiles (Rom 1:18-2:16)
- The Need Of The Jews (Rom 2:17-3:8)
- The Universal Need For Salvation (Rom 3:9-20)
- JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH - THE "PROVISION" MADE FOR SALVATION
- God's Righteousness Through Faith (Rom 3:21-31)
- Abraham As An Example (Rom 4:1-25)
- FREEDOM - THE "RESULT" OF SALVATION
- Freedom From Wrath (Rom 5:1-21)
- Freedom From Sin (Rom 6:1-23)
- Freedom From The Law (Rom 7:1-25)
- Freedom From Death (Rom 8:1-39)
- JEW AND GENTILE - THE "SCOPE" OF SALVATION
- God Chooses To Save Believers (Rom 9:1-33)
- Israel Chose To Trust In Their Own Righteousness (Rom 10:1-21)
- Both Jew And Gentile Can Have Salvation Through Faith (Rom 11:1-36)
- THE TRANSFORMED LIFE (Rom 12:1-15:13)
- IN RELATION TO OVERALL CONDUCT (Rom 12:1-21)
- IN RELATION TO CIVIL AUTHORITY (Rom 13:1-7)
- IN RELATION TO FELLOW MAN (Rom 13:8-14)
- IN RELATION TO WEAK BRETHREN (Rom 14:1-15:13)
Review Questions for the Introduction
- Who wrote the epistle to the Romans?
- The apostle Paul (Rom 1:1)
- From where was it written?
- Corinth
- What is the approximate date of writing?
- 57 or 58 A.D.
- What is the purpose of this epistle?
- To set straight the design and nature of the gospel
- Where is the theme of this epistle stated?
- Romans 1:16-17
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