Epistle to the Romans
Introduction
The Epistle to the Romans, often shortened to Romans, is the sixth book in the New Testament. Biblical scholars agree that it was composed by the Apostle Paul to explain that salvation is offered through the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is by far the longest of the Pauline epistles, and its theological significance cannot be overstated.
Authorship and Dating
The Epistle to the Romans was written by Paul, who was a Pharisee and a persecutor of Christians until his conversion on the road to Damascus. His authorship has been the consensus among biblical scholars, although there have been some challenges to this belief. The epistle was likely written in the winter of A.D. 57-58, during Paul’s three-month stay in Greece mentioned in Acts 20:2-3.
Purpose and Themes
The primary theme of Romans is the basic gospel, God's plan of salvation and righteousness for all mankind, Jew and Gentile alike. It is a comprehensive presentation of the doctrine of justification by faith rather than by Mosaic Law. Paul’s purpose in writing this letter was to teach the great truths of the gospel of grace to believers who had never received apostolic instruction.
Structure and Content
The Epistle to the Romans is structured in a specific and purposeful way. It is divided into several sections, each of which serves a specific purpose in Paul's argument and presentation of the gospel. The content of the epistle can be broadly divided into the following sections:
Greeting (Romans 1:1–7)
Paul begins his letter with a formal greeting to the Romans that also summarizes much of the gospel he teaches.
Condemnation (Romans 1:18–3:20)
In this section, Paul outlines the need for a savior, as both Gentiles and Jews have failed to live up to God's righteous standard.
Salvation (Romans 3:21–8:39)
Here, Paul presents the solution to the problem of sin, which is faith in Jesus Christ. He discusses justification, sanctification, and the security of the believer.
The Problem of Israel (Romans 9–11)
Paul discusses God's sovereignty and the future of Israel in these chapters.
Practical Application (Romans 12–15)
In the final section, Paul discusses how believers should live in light of the gospel.
Reception and Influence
The Epistle to the Romans has had an enormous influence on Christian thought and history. Its teachings have been instrumental in the formation of Christian doctrine, and it has been the subject of numerous commentaries and theological treatises. It has been described as the most profound work in the New Testament.