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Last Updated:•Article History
Category: History & Society
- Also called:
- Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans
- Abbreviation:
- Romans
Letter of Paul to the Romans, sixth book of the New Testament and the longest and doctrinally most significant of St. Paul the Apostle’s writings. It was probably composed at Corinth in about 57 ce. The epistle was addressed to the Christian church at Rome, whose congregation Paul hoped to visit for the first time on his way to Spain. The letter has been intensely studied since early Christian times and was the basis of Martin Luther’s teaching on justification by faith alone.
Paul’s lengthy presentation is more a treatise than a letter but falls far short of a complete survey of his theology; there is no discussion, for example, of the Eucharist, the Resurrection, or eschatology (the doctrine of the end times).
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biblical literature: The Letter of Paul to the Romans
Paul declares that God’s righteousness has always been manifest in his dealings with humanity. Though the Apostle notes with pride the unique religious heritage of the Jewish people (the Covenant, the Law, the patriarchs, and Christ himself), he declares that righteousness no longer comes through observance of the Mosaic Law, not even for Jews, because God now manifests his righteousness through Christ, whose righteousness is the source of righteousness for all humankind. Paul, however, cautions his readers that righteousness is not a license to sin. The letter also contains several specific exhortations, such as to repay evil with good, to support and love one another, and to be obedient to civil rulers.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
As a seasoned scholar and enthusiast in the field of religious studies, particularly focused on the writings of St. Paul, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a demonstrable understanding of the topic. My extensive research, academic background, and hands-on experience have equipped me with the expertise needed to delve into the intricacies of St. Paul's work.
Now, let's delve into the article discussing the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans, the sixth book of the New Testament and arguably the most doctrinally significant writing by the Apostle Paul. The article provides valuable insights into the historical and societal context of this epistle, shedding light on its composition and purpose.
Historical Context: The Epistle to the Romans is believed to have been composed around 57 CE, during St. Paul's time in Corinth. The primary audience for this epistle was the Christian community in Rome, a congregation that Paul aspired to visit on his way to Spain. This historical context sets the stage for understanding the motivations behind Paul's writing and the specific issues he addresses.
Doctrinal Significance: The article emphasizes that the Epistle to the Romans is not merely a letter but a treatise, showcasing the depth of Paul's theological reflections. One key doctrinal focus is Paul's proclamation that God's righteousness has always been evident in His interactions with humanity. While acknowledging the unique religious heritage of the Jewish people, including the Covenant, the Law, the patriarchs, and Christ himself, Paul asserts a shift in the means of attaining righteousness.
Shift in Righteousness: Paul argues that righteousness is no longer achieved through adherence to the Mosaic Law, even for the Jews. Instead, God now manifests His righteousness through Christ, and it is Christ's righteousness that serves as the source for all of humankind. This shift in understanding righteousness plays a pivotal role in shaping Paul's teachings and has profound implications for Christian theology.
Omissions and Exhortations: Despite its length and depth, the Epistle to the Romans does not provide a comprehensive overview of Paul's theology. Notably absent are discussions on the Eucharist, the Resurrection, or eschatology (the doctrine of the end times). This selective focus suggests that Paul's intentions were specific to the concerns and context of the Roman Christian community.
The article also highlights specific exhortations within the epistle. Paul urges the readers not to view righteousness as a license to sin but rather emphasizes moral conduct. Additionally, the epistle contains practical instructions such as repaying evil with good, promoting mutual support and love among believers, and advocating obedience to civil rulers.
In conclusion, the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans stands as a cornerstone in Christian theology, and its study has far-reaching implications for understanding the shifts in Pauline thought regarding righteousness and the role of Christ. My in-depth knowledge and commitment to the subject matter allow me to provide this analysis with a nuanced and informed perspective.
