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“The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans,” New Testament Teacher Resource Manual (2002), 159–73
This Epistle written during this time
First missionary journey (Acts 13–14)
Second missionary journey (Acts 15:36–18:22)
Third missionary journey (Acts 18:23–21:15
Imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome (Acts 21:16–28:31)
Through second Roman imprisonment
About A.D.
47–50
50–53
53–57
57–62
62–65
Author:The Apostle Paul introduces himself as the writer in the first line of the Epistle to the Romans.
Audience:This letter was written to the gentile and Jewish Saints in Rome.
Historical Background:Paul wrote this letter about A.D.57 while he was in Corinth, just before his last journey to Jerusalem. He sent it to prepare the Saints for his upcoming visit to Rome. (For more background information, see the commentaries for Romans in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, pp.315–16.)
Unique Features:Romans is the most systematically written of Paul’s Epistles and perhaps the most doctrinal book in the New Testament. It points to Jesus Christ as the source of salvation by teaching how we can put off sins and replace them with a newness of life. Romans also emphasizes the importance of walking after the Spirit over legal formalism. (See the commentaries for Romans in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p.316.)
Theme:Paul wrote to the Saints in Rome to prepare them for his visit, but more importantly to present his apostolic explanation of God’s universal plan of salvation. We all sin, Paul taught. But through faith in and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, we can all be saved through His power and grace. In developing this theme Paul addressed doctrines such as sin and righteousness, faith in Christ and works of righteousness, justification, and election. Paul summarized the theme of this letter when he wrote:
“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.
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed through faith on his name; as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (JST, Romans 1:16–17).
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As a passionate scholar and enthusiast in the field of biblical studies, particularly the New Testament, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to the discussion of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. My extensive familiarity with historical contexts, theological nuances, and the broader biblical narrative allows me to delve into the intricacies of this profound text.
The Epistle to the Romans holds a distinctive place in the Pauline corpus, and its historical background is crucial for a comprehensive understanding. Paul authored this epistle around A.D. 57 while residing in Corinth, just before embarking on his final journey to Jerusalem. The letter was intended for both gentile and Jewish Saints in Rome, serving as a preparation for Paul's impending visit to the city.
The structure of the Epistle aligns with Paul's missionary journeys and subsequent imprisonments as documented in the book of Acts. The chronological markers, such as the first, second, and third missionary journeys, and the imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome, provide a contextual backdrop to the epistle's composition.
Romans stands out as one of Paul's most systematically written epistles, exhibiting a doctrinal depth that makes it a cornerstone of the New Testament. The emphasis on salvation through Jesus Christ and the transformative power of faith distinguishes it as a theological masterpiece. Paul addresses critical doctrines such as sin, righteousness, faith in Christ, works of righteousness, justification, and election, weaving them together to present a cohesive understanding of God's universal plan of salvation.
The epistle's theme revolves around Paul's apostolic explanation of God's plan of salvation. It underscores the universal need for redemption, proclaiming that all individuals, Jew and Greek alike, can be saved through faith in and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. The famous passage in Romans 1:16–17 encapsulates this theme, emphasizing the gospel of Christ as the power of God unto salvation and revealing the righteousness of God through faith.
In summary, the Epistle of Paul to the Romans is a theological masterpiece that not only reflects Paul's profound understanding of salvation but also provides invaluable insights into the core doctrines of the Christian faith. Its systematic presentation and emphasis on faith, grace, and righteousness make it a pivotal text in the New Testament, influencing Christian theology throughout history.
