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Explore the background, authorship, recipients, and key themes of the Book of Romans which focuses on God's plan for making mankind righteous. Discover the six key words: Revelation, Condemnation, Justification, Sanctification, Vindication, and Transformation.
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Romans The Gospel of God’s Righteousness
Background • Author : Paul (1:1; 11:13; 15) dictated this letter to Tertius (16:22; see 1 Cor.16:21; Col.4:18; 2 Thess.3:17). • Recipients: Saints at Rome (1:7); both Gentile (1:13; 11:13-24; 15:15-21) and Jewish membership (2:17-29; 4:1; 7:1; 16:3,7,11).
Background • The NT does not give the details of how the church at Rome started (local churches, 16:5,10-11,14-15). Possibly the gospel was taken to Rome as a result of Pentecost (Ac.2:10) or persecution (Ac.8:4). It was said at this time that “All roads lead to Rome”.
Background • There is no sound evidence that Peter started the church in Rome as Catholics believe. • The spirituality of these brethren was well known (1:8; 16:19).
Background • Time and Place of Writing: Probably from Corinth (Phoebe, 16:1-2; see Ac. 18:18; Gaius and Erastus, 16:23; see 1 Cor.1:14; 2 Tim. 4:20); around 56-58 A.D.; at the end Paul’s 3rd missionary journey (Ac. 20:1-3,16) and just prior to Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem with the collection for the needy saints (15:25-26; see Ac. 19:21; 20:16; 24:17).
Background • Purpose: Paul’s primary purpose was to teach about the gospel of God’s righteousness (1:16-17). His secondary purpose was to explain his future plans (1:13; 15:22-24,28-29; see Ac. 19:21). • Theme: The gospel of God’s righteousness; or, God’s plan for making mankind righteous (saving mankind).
Background • The “righteousness of God” • God’s personal righteousness (3:5, 25-26) • God’s plan to make man righteous (1:17; 3:21-22; 10:3)
Romans in Six Words 1. Revelation = the REVEALING of God’s righteousness (1:1-17) 2. Condemnation = the NEED for God’s righteousness (1:18 – 3:20) 3. Justification = the PROVISION of God’s righteousness (3:21 – 5:21)
Romans in Six Words 4. Sanctification = the RESULT of God’s righteousness (6:1 – 8:39) 5. Vindication = the DEFENSE of God’s righteousness (9:1 – 11:36) 6. Transformation = the RESPONSIBILITIES of God’s righteousness (12:1 – 16:27)
Romans in Six Words 1. Revelation 2. Condemnation 3. Justification 4. Sanctification 5. Vindication 6. Transformation
Revelation (1:15-17) • Key verse: 1:14-17 • After a typical salutation (1:1-7) and mention of his personal plans (1:8-13), Paul sets forth his theme: a righteous-ness of God is revealed in the gospel (1:14-17; see 1:1, 9) • Key words: 1) gospel, 2) salvation, 3) believes / faith, 4) righteous(ness)
Romans in Six Words 1. Revelation 2. Condemnation 3. Justification 4. Sanctification 5. Vindication 6. Transformation
Condemnation (1:18 – 3:20) • Key verse: 3:9, 19, 23 • Paul sets forth his case that all mankind are guilty of sin and stand condemned and in need of the righteousness God (all are in unrighteousness, 1:18, 29; 2:8; 3:5; 6:19; ungodliness, 1:18; 4:5; 5:6; 11:26; and, uncleanness, 1:24; 6:19)
Condemnation (1:18 – 3:20) • Gentiles are guilty because they have refused and rejected God (1:18-32); Jews are guilty because they have transgressed God’s law (2:1 - 3:8); the whole world is guilty of sin (3:9-20)
Romans in Six Words 1. Revelation 2. Condemnation 3. Justification 4. Sanctification 5. Vindication 6. Transformation
Justification (3:21 – 5:21) • Key verse: 3:21-22, 25-26 • Paul sets forth the provision for the righteousness of God; it is found in justification by faith in Jesus Christ • Justification by faith is provided by God (3:21-31), illustrated from Abraham (4:1-25), found in believers (5:1-11), and accomplished through Christ (5:12-21)
Justification (3:21 – 5:21) • Justification and righteousness are attributed to man’s faith (4:3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 22) • Justification and righteousness are attributed to the work of Jesus on the cross (4:25; 5:17, 18, 21)
Justification (3:21 – 5:21) • The source of justification (by God’s grace, 3:24), the means of justification (by Jesus’ blood, 5:9), and the condition of justification (by man’s faith, 3:28) • God’s grace is accessed by man’s faith (4:16; 5:1)
Lessons for Today • Revelation: What will you do with the revealed gospel (1:15-16; 2:16; 15:16, 19, 20; 16:25)? • Condemnation: Do you stand condemned and in need (3:23; 2:23)? • Justification: Is your faith active and obedient (1:5; 2:8; 4:12; 6:16-17; 15:18; 16:19, 26)?
Lessons for Today • Hearing is needed (10:17) • Belief is needed (1:16) • Repentance is needed (2:4) • Confession is needed (10:9-10) • Baptism is needed (6:3-4) • Faithful living is needed (6:4; 8:4)
Romans in Six Words 1. Revelation 2. Condemnation 3. Justification 4. Sanctification 5. Vindication 6. Transformation