The Book of Romans

Summary: n Paul's letter to the church in Rome. Basic doctrines of salvation and the elimination of the religious barrier between Jews and Gentiles.

Discussion Question: n From what does the title of this book come?

Title: n Named for the place to which it was sent. In verse 7 it is stated to be to “all in Rome” specifically to Christians. A list of people to greet is mentioned in chapter 16. Chapter 16 verse 5 also lists a specific church thus there seemed to be several churches in Rome. This is not surprising as the city may have had as many as 1 million people.

ROME Rome was the capital city of the most powerful empire in the world. The book of Romans has much to say about the Christian’s relationship to their government. Rome was the capital city of the most powerful empire in the world. The book of Romans has much to say about the Christian’s relationship to their government. Roman Forum

The Roman Empire spread from Great Britain to Israel and included Spain and Asia Minor. Roman Empire © EBibleTeacher.com Roman Empire Rome Judah BritainBritain INDEX

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Roman Coliseum

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Model of Coliseum From Museum of Rome (Shows posts for tent top and statues)

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Roman Archs & Forum (Note people under arch for scale)

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Temple to Saturn

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Model of Rome in Museum of Rome

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Model of Rome in Museum of Rome Note many expansive municipal buildings

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Roman Statue of Constantine

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Bust of Roman Emperor from Museum of Rome

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Bar in Pompeii

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Roman Bowls

Photo: Copywrited Photo may not be used outside of this presentation Roman War Machine from Museum of Rome

Discussion Question: n Who was the author of the book of Romans? n Who physically wrote the book?

Author: n According to chapter 1 verse 1 it was Paul the apostle. In chapter 16 verse 22 we learn that Paul had dictated this letter to Tertius to write down.

Date: n Believed to have been written between AD 57 and AD 59. There is no reference to the destruction of the Temple thus believed to be written prior to 70 AD. Many believe that it was likely written by Paul while he was in Corinth in Acts 20.

Discussion Question: n What do we know about the recipients of this book?

Recipients: n Acts 2:10 talked of “strangers from Rome” who listened to Peters sermon. Perhaps some of them had taken the gospel back to Rome. It seems that many of the Christians here were Greeks however, instead of Jews. The emperor had expelled the Jews from Rome in AD 54 but by the time of the writing perhaps some had returned. Chapter 2:17 sounds like talking to Jews.

Recipients: n The book of Romans, Romans 1:13 (“other gentiles”) and Romans 11:13 “I am talking to you Gentiles” sounds like the recipients are Gentiles. Thus, book was written to both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Many names are mentioned in chapter 16. Rome was the center of government and chapter 13 talks of the authority of government which would have been very important to the readers.

Theme: n The place of Gentiles in the plans of God. Romans 1:16 “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ” is a good summary verse.

Special Information: n A form of the word “righteous” is used over 50 times in this book.

Outline: n I. Introduction (1:1-17) n II. The Law, Sin & Righteousness (1:18-2:16) n III. Faith (3:21-5:11) n IV. Death through Adam, Dead to Sin but alive through the Spirit (5:12-8:39) n V. Gods’ people - Jews and Gentiles (9:1-11:36)

Outline: n VI. Do good (12:1-21) n VII. Christians and Government (13:1-7) n VIII. Live right (13:8-13:14) n IX. The weak and the strong (14:1-15:13) n X. Personal Greetings and Closing 15:14-16:27

Romans 1:1 - 1:17

Discussion Question: n If Paul had the authority of apostleship then why did he describe himself as a bond servant? (1:1)

Matthew 20:25-28 n “Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,...”

Matthew 20:25-28 n “ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)

Discussion Question: n What was Paul referring to when he said “Holy Scriptures”? (1:2)

Discussion Question: n What are some Old Testament prophecies relating to Jesus that you can think of? (1:3)

Some Messianic Prophecies: n Gen 1:15 n Psalm 22 n Isaiah 53 n Micah 5:2 n Zech 9:9 n Etc, etc.

Discussion Question: n What is the relationship of faith and works? (1:5)

James 2:14-26 n “14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” (NIV)

James 2:14-26 n “17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-- and shudder....” (NIV)

James 2:14-26 n “20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless...” n 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” (NIV)

Ephesians 2:8-9 n “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no-one can boast.” (NIV)

Luke 17:10 n “10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, `We are unworthy servants ; we have only done our duty.'“ (NIV)

“Grace And Peace” n A form of the greeting “ Grace and peace ” is used in ALL of Paul’s writings (unless you believe that Paul wrote Hebrews.) (1:7)

Thanks n Paul used some form of the word “ thanks ” over 40 times in his books, often referring to how he was thankful for he brethren to whom he was writing. (1:8)

Romans 1:12 n We learn from this verse that even apostles can benefit from encouragement. How much more can our leaders benefit from encouragement today.

Discussion Question: n Why might someone been ashamed of the gospel? (1:16)

Thought: n In Roman times the cross was much like the hangman’s noose or electric chair that we have today. n Rome was considered the mighty nation. For God to send his son to Israel would be like people telling us God chose a small nation like Puerto Rico as his chosen nation today. God could certainly do this but it is likely that people would not be inclined to accept it.

Discussion Question: n How was the gospel first for the Jew?

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