01 Romans Series Overview

The book of Romans is considered by many, as one of the most important, and concisely written doctrinal statements in Scripture.

It was the book which so moved men like Martin Luther and John Wesley, encouraging them in their personal understanding of the fact that salvation comes by grace alone.

In this overview, we will seek to understand not simply the basic fundamentals of the book, by how believers (and unbelievers) might personally apply this book.

1 Occasion of the Writing

The first verse of chapter one provides us with the identity of the author:

Romans 1:1

That verse identifies Paul as the author. Meaning that the words were from Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. However in chapter sixteen, we see that Paul had someone transcribe the words, am individual named Tertius, who acted as Paul’s secretary, writing down what Paul dictated:

Romans 16:22

The Bible speaks of Paul suffering from a life-long eye disease, which would often require him using someone to transcribe Paul’s words.

Most bible expositors are in agreement that the epistle was written in 57 AD, while Paul was ministering in Corinth. Therefore, the epistle was written only a few years after Nero had become emperor in Rome. The date would also show that it was written prior to Nero’s widespread persecution of believers, whom he made the scapegoats for the great fire of 64 AD, which nearly destroyed the city of Rome.

While Christians had not yet begun experiencing the greatest degree of persecution, the church was still facing pressure to compromise and capitulate to the corrupt and immoral Roman culture.

Therefore, Paul wrote this letter, which he intended to be doctrinally strong, and well-grounded in biblical truth.

At the time of the writing, Paul had never been to Rome, although it had been his desire to minister in the heart of the Roman Empire.

Paul would eventually go to Rome (more than once in fact) – and he would eventually be martyred in Rome at the hands of Caesar.

As mentioned, Paul wrote the letter while he was in Corinth, which like Rome, was a major city. And like Rome, Corinth was also a worldly city, and a “frequent travel destination”.

Both cities were important trading hub, which meant there would be a mix of various cultures and beliefs, which would lead to both cities being extremely idolatrous, and plagued with great sexual immorality.

2 Importance of the Letter

There is little doubt that Paul wrote in a very studious and systematic manner, all with the desire to present Christian doctrine in a systematic way.

Paul begins the letter by discussing the observable physical world, and showing how it relates to, and is in rebellion against God.

He then shows how all men are sinful, and eternally separated from God, but then goes on to show that the Lord’s remedy, is His grace, which comes through the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary.

Paul, then goes on to establish how our condemnation translates into us being “justified” and being made “righteous” all through the work of Christ.

The epistle also shows how it is Jesus’ blood alone which removes our sin.

While Paul hadn’t yet been to room at the time of the epistle, he still had another motivation for writing the Romans, in that he was born as a Roman citizen. Therefore, he had a great concern for the Roman church.

3 Practical Application

Because Paul makes it clear, that we are unable to save ourselves, Paul shows that even the very best of our works are insufficient, and beyond that, worthless.

That would cause complete despair, if it was not for God’s mercy, displayed at Calvary, when Jesus died in our place, thus emphasizing that salvation comes through Christ alone.

The structure of the epistle:

• The first eleven chapters are primarily a statement of solid biblical doctrine (which means correct teaching and belief).
• The final five chapters provide practical instruction, showing how that doctrine is to be enacted upon and lived by the believer.

Therefore, Paul is attempting to show “what” and “why” we believe.

The apostle is attempting to show the believer, the importance of not simply to have “head” knowledge, but to make it “practical” and therefore to live it out.

That foundation is shown in both the Old and New Covenants:

Proverbs 2:6

And then:

James 1:22

As Christians in a fallen world, and our own sinful flesh, we must continually examine ourselves, not against our standards, or those of others, but against God’s declared Word.

4 Summary

The epistle was written in Corinth, prior to Paul journey to Jerusalem, where he was going to deliver alms for the impoverished believers in that church. His plan was then to travel from Jerusalem to Rome, and then on to Spain. However, those plans were interrupted when he was arrested in Jerusalem.

When he finally did make it to Rome (at least on one occasion), it was as a prisoner.

Brief Outline:

Romans may be segmented into four sections:

• The believer’s need for righteousness – Romans 1:18-3:20.
• The believer’s righteousness has been provided for – Romans 3:21-8:39.
• The believer’s righteousness pictures vindication – Romans 9:1-11:36.
• The need for the believer to practice righteous living – Romans 12:1-15:13.

While Romans deals heavily about the subject of righteousness, Paul stresses that the believer doesn’t have any righteousness in themselves, but that our righteousness is imputed from Christ.

The overall, theme which we chose for the series, is Paul’s proclamation that he wasn’t ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation:

Romans 1:16