THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS
Introduction:
“Though this epistle is in order placed the first of the epistles, yet it was not first written: there were several epistles written before it, as the two epistles to the Thessalonians, the two to the Corinthians, the first epistle to Timothy, and that to Titus: the reason why this epistle stands first, is either the excellency of it, of which Chrysostom had so great an esteem that he caused it to be read over to him twice a week; or else the dignity of the place, where the persons lived to whom it is written, being Rome, the imperial city.” — John Gill’s Expositor.
“For WHAT CLASS of Christians was this Epistle principally designed—Jewish or Gentile? That a large number of Jews and Jewish proselytes resided at this time at Rome is known to all who are familiar with the classical and Jewish writers of that and the immediately subsequent periods; and that those of them who were at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10), and formed probably part of the three thousand converts of that day, would on their return to Rome carry the glad tidings with them, there can be no doubt.” — Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary.
“If we may compare scripture with scripture, and take the opinion of some devout and pious persons, in the Old Testament David’s Psalms, and in the New Testament Paul’s Epistles, are stars of the first magnitude, that differ from the other stars in glory. The whole scripture is indeed an epistle from heaven to earth: but in it we have upon record several particular epistles, more of Paul’s than of any other, for he was the chief of the apostles, and laboured more abundantly than they all. His natural parts, I doubt not, were very pregnant; his apprehension was quick and piercing; his expressions were fluent and copious; his affections, wherever he took, very warm and zealous, and his resolutions no less bold and daring: this made him, before his conversion, a very keen and bitter persecutor; but when the strong man armed was dispossessed, and the stronger than he came to divide the spoil and to sanctify these qualifications, he became the most skilful zealous preacher; never any better fitted to win souls, nor more successful.” — Matthew Henry.
Writer: The Apostle Paul; addressed to Roman Christians, Romans 1:7.
Key Verses: Romans 1:16; 5:1.
The epistle may be divided into two main sections:
Part I: doctrinal, Romans 1:1—11:36.
Part II: practical, Romans 12:1—16:27.
Main Theme:
Part 1:
1) The Plan of Salvation.
2) Justification by Faith.
3) Sanctification through the Holy Spirit.
Part 2: Mainly Exhortations concerning Christian Duties.
The Apostle’s Argument:
In Part 1, the Apostle proceeds to prove that the entire human race is surrounded by three insurmountable barriers:
1) The barrier of guilt, Romans 1:1—3:31.
2) The barrier of sinful tendencies and fleshly lusts, Romans 7:15-24.
3) The barrier of the supposed salvation of a certain portion of the race, and the divine condemnation of all others, Romans 9:7-18.
NOTE: In the midst of his argument showing the awful situation of the natural man, he points out the doors of divine mercy provided for in the plan of salvation, by which all men can escape the impending judgments of God if they will.
4) The “Doors of Escape” or “Divine Mercy” in the “Barriers” are:
a. Redemption, Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
b. Justification by Faith, Romans 3:24—5:1.
c. Universal Opportunity to Believe, Romans 10:8-14.
Synopsis:
I. The Plan of Salvation.
A. The Need of Salvation, based on the sinfulness of man:
1. The need of the Gentiles because of sin, Romans 1:18—2 7.
2. Likewise the Jews are under the condemnation of the law, Romans 2:8-3:20.
3. All are sinners, Romans 3:10-12, 23.
B. The Method of Salvation and Redemption is by faith in Christ, Romans 3:21-28.
1. Salvation by faith in Christ is for both Jew and Gentile, Romans 3:29-30.
2. Salvation by faith in Christ honors the law by establishing it, Romans 3:31.
C. Salvation by faith is illustrated in the life of Abraham, Romans 4.
1. Apart from works, Romans 4:1-6.
2. Apart from ordinances, Romans 4:9-12.
3. Apart from the law, Romans 4:13-25.
D. The blessings of salvation are made effective through the love of God as manifested in the sacrificial death of Christ, Romans 5:1-11.
E. The scope of the free gift of salvation expounded, Romans 5:12-21.
F. The free gift does not encourage the continuance in sin, but demands rather the crucifixion of man’s corrupt nature, and a life of holy service to God, Romans 6:1-23.
G. In chapter seven, Paul is evidently speaking of the struggle with sinful tendencies and fleshly lust, Romans 7:7-24.
H. The culmination of the divine plan of salvation is pictured in Romans 8.
1. It is a new spiritual life of liberty and righteousness by faith in Christ.
2. This is one of the great spiritual chapters of the Bible; in it the Holy Spirit is referred to nineteen (19) times.
I. Parenthesis, Paul’s concern for his own people, Romans 9:1-5.
J. The Mystery of God’s dealings with Israel:
1. The Special Privileges of Israel, Romans 9:4-5. See also Romans 3:12.
2. The Distinction between the Natural and Spiritual seed of Abraham, Romans 9:6-13.
3. The mystery of the divine sovereignty, Romans 9:14-24; v. 15, “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
4. The Prophets Predicted… Romans 9:25-33.
a. The Failure of the Jews to live up to their privileges.
b. The calling of the Gentiles.
c. Their acceptance of the divine plan of righteousness by faith.
K. The Misunderstanding of the divine plan by the Jews, resulting in their self-righteousness, Romans 10:1-3.
L. The Plan of “Salvation by Faith” expounded and its universal application set forth, Romans 10:4-18.
M. God’s dealings with Israel, Romans 10:19—11:12.
N. The Gentiles warned not to boast because of their privileges, but to take heed lest they fall under condemnation, Romans 11:13-22.
O. The Restoration of Israel predicted and the mysteries of God’s ways declared to be Unsearchable, Romans 11:23-36.
II. Practical Applications
A. Chiefly Exhortations and Instructions concerning Christian Duties, Romans 12:1-16:27.
1. One of the finest summaries of Christian Duties found in the Scriptures, Romans 12.
2. Civic and social duties, Romans 13:1-10.
3. The duty of living as “children of the day,” Romans 13:11-14.
4. Duties to the Weak, Romans 14:1 to 15:7.
a. Charitableness in judging, Romans 14:1-13.
b. Carefulness not to give offence to you “brother,” Romans 14:15-23.
c. Bearing the infirmities “of the weak, and not to please ourselves,” Romans 15:1-7.
B. Paul’s Closing Thoughts: Mainly personal experiences and greetings. Romans 15:8—16:27.
1. Reasons for glorifying “God for his mercy” on the part of the Gentiles and the Apostle’s wide-spread ministry among them, Romans 15:8-21.
2. Paul’s desire to visit Rome and his greetings to the various Christian friends, Romans 15:22-16:16.
3. Final words and benediction, Romans 16:17-27.