Romans

The book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome around AD 57, outlines Christian theology and emphasizes salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul addresses humanity’s sinful nature, the need for redemption, and the role of grace. Paul explains that the Jewish law could not defeat death, but God came to rescue both Jews and Gentiles through Christ's sacrifice. Romans also discusses the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to live in righteousness and unity. Paul's teachings highlight God’s mercy and justice and call believers to a life rooted in love and service to others.

Chapter 1

Paul introduced himself as a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel. He stated that this gospel was promised by God through the prophets in the Scriptures. Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, was appointed the Son of God through His resurrection. Paul shared that he received grace and apostleship to bring Gentiles to faith in Christ. He greeted the believers in Rome, wishing them grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Longing To Visit Rome

Paul thanked God for the believers in Rome. He constantly prayed for an opportunity to visit them and be mutually encouraged by their faith. He felt obligated to preach the gospel to all people and was eager to do so in Rome. Paul declared he was not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe—first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. He explained that through the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that comes by faith. As it is written, "The righteous will live by faith." - Habakkuk 2:4.

God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity

Paul warned that God's wrath is revealed against those who suppress the truth in their wickedness. God’s nature is evident in creation, but people refused to glorify Him. Rather, they turned to idolatry and moral corruption. God allowed them to follow their sinful desires and humanity became filled with envy, murder, deceit, and malice, disobeying parents and showing no mercy. They knew God's decrees, but continued sinning and even approved of others who did the same.

God’s Righteous Judgment - Chapter 2

Paul stated that they have no excuse for judging others, as those who judge often commit the same sins. God's judgment is based on truth, and no one can escape it by pointing fingers. Paul warned that contempt for God’s kindness, patience, and forbearance leads to a hardened heart. Paul explains that God’s wrath will be revealed on the day of judgment. God will repay each person according to their deeds: eternal life for those who seek righteousness but wrath for those who follow evil. Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged by their actions. Gentiles, though without the law, demonstrate their awareness of God’s moral standards, and on the day of judgment, even their secret thoughts will be judged through Jesus Christ.

The Jews And The Law

Paul addressed the Jews, who relied on the law and saw themselves as guides for the blind and teachers of others. He pointed out their hypocrisy, as they broke the very law they taught, bringing dishonor to God and causing His name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles. Paul emphasized that circumcision, the outward sign of the covenant, only had value if one obeyed the law. However, those who are not circumcised but obey the law's requirements will be regarded as if they were circumcised. Paul explained that true circumcision is done by the Spirit in the heart. A person’s identity as a Jew is not outward but inward, receiving praise from God, not humans.

God’s Faithfulness - Chapter 3

Paul addressed the advantages of being a Jew and the value of circumcision. He stated that the Jews were entrusted with the very words of God. Despite their unfaithfulness, God’s faithfulness remained unchanged. Quoting Scripture, Paul affirmed that God’s truth is superior to human falsehood. He refuted the argument that human unrighteousness could make God’s righteousness clearer and emphasized God's justice in bringing His wrath. Paul rejected the claim that his teachings encouraged people to do evil for good to result and that such arguments deserved condemnation.

No One Is Righteous

Paul stated that all were under the power of sin, citing various scriptures to emphasize the universal sinfulness of humanity. He declared that no one is righteous, seeks God, and all have turned away from Him. Paul described humanity's speech as deceitful, their actions as violent, and their lack of reverence for God. Paul explained that the law was given to make people aware of their sin, and no one could be declared righteous by following the law alone. The law revealed the depth of human sinfulness and the need for redemption.

Righteousness Through Faith

Paul explained that righteousness came through faith in Jesus Christ, not the law. He stated that all, whether Jew or Gentile, had sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Through Christ’s sacrificial death, believers were justified freely by God's grace. Jesus’ atonement demonstrated God’s righteousness and justice, showing that God punished sin while offering justification to those who have faith in Christ. Paul explained that boasting was excluded because justification came through faith, not through works of the law.

Abraham Justified By Faith - Chapter 4

Paul explained that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works. His belief in God’s promise, even before his circumcision, was credited to him as righteousness, making him the father of all who believed. Abraham's faith, despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness, remained strong as he trusted that God would fulfill His promise that he would be the father of many nations. Righteousness through faith applied not only to Abraham but to all who believed in God. Christ died for our sins and was raised to life for our justification, showing that righteousness comes through faith.

Peace And Hope - Chapter 5

Paul explained that believers are justified through faith and have peace with God through Jesus Christ. They gained access to God’s grace and the hope of His glory through Christ. Paul encouraged believers to rejoice even in their sufferings because it develops perseverance, character, and hope. Christ died for humanity at the right time, while they were still sinners, demonstrating God's love. If believers were reconciled to God through Christ's death, they would be saved through His life.

Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ

Paul taught that sin entered the world through Adam, bringing death to all humanity because everyone sinned. Even before the law, death reigned from Adam to Moses and affected everyone. Even those who did not break specific commandments are sinful and dead to sin. However, Christ’s gift of grace was greater than Adam’s sin. Adam’s sin led to condemnation, while Christ’s grace brought justification. Just as death reigned through Adam's disobedience, life and righteousness reigned through Christ’s obedience. Paul explained that the law made sin more apparent, but where sin increased, God's grace increased even more.

Dead to Sin, Alive In Christ - Chapter 6

Paul emphasized that believers should not continue sinning to increase grace, as they had died to sin through Christ. Their baptism symbolized being buried with Christ in death and rising to a new life. Believers’ sinful natures were crucified with Christ, freeing them from sin’s control. Paul explained that believers should consider themselves dead to sin and alive in Christ. Paul urged them to resist sin's reign in their bodies and offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness.

Slaves To Righteousness

Paul warned that believers should not use grace as an excuse to sin. He explained that people are slaves to whomever they obey. If you follow sin, it will lead to death, and if you are obedient, it will lead to righteousness. Paul thanked God that believers, once slaves to sin, had been set free and now obeyed a new teaching that led them to righteousness. Paul concluded by stating that while sin’s wages are death, God’s gift is eternal life through Christ.

Released From The Law, Bound To Christ - Chapter 7

Paul explained that the law only applied to the living, using marriage as an analogy. A woman was bound to her husband while he lived but was free to remarry if he died. Similarly, believers died to the law through Christ’s body and were released from its demands. They now belonged to Christ, who was raised from the dead. This change freed them to live for God and bear fruit for righteousness, no longer under sin’s control.

The Law And Sin

Paul clarified that the law was not sinful, but it revealed sin. Without the law, he would not have known what coveting was. However, sin used the commandment to stir up coveting in him. He realized that the commandment meant to bring life brought death because sin seized the opportunity to deceive him. Paul affirmed the law's holiness, righteousness, and goodness by making sin recognizable and exposing its true nature. Paul said, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." This internal conflict made him a slave to sin, despite his delight in God’s law, but he thanked God for delivering him through Jesus Christ.

Life Through The Spirit - Chapter 8

Paul taught that there was no condemnation for those in Christ because the Spirit set them free from sin and death. God sent His Son to condemn sin in the flesh. Those living by the Spirit set their minds on spiritual things, leading to life and peace, while the flesh leads to death. If Christ lived in them, their bodies would die, but the Spirit gave them life. As children of God, they were no longer slaves but heirs with Christ, sharing His sufferings and future glory.

Present Suffering And Future Glory

Paul emphasized that present sufferings cannot be compared to the glory in the future. Believers wait for the redemption of their bodies and full adoption as God’s children. Hope sustains them, even for what they have not yet seen. The Spirit helps them in their weakness, interceding when they do not know how to pray. God works all things for the good of those who love Him, whom He predestined, called, justified, and glorified to be conformed to the image of His Son.

More Than Conquerors

Paul affirmed that if God was for believers, no one could be against them. God, who gave His Son for them, would graciously provide everything they needed. No one could bring a charge against God’s chosen or condemn them because Christ, died, rose, and interceded for them. Paul was convinced that nothing, including hardship, persecution, or death, could separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel - Chapter 9

Paul expressed sorrow for the people of Israel and desired to be cut off from Christ if it could save them. Israel has divine privileges, including being God’s children, covenants, the law, temple worship, and the promises. The patriarchs and the human ancestry of the Messiah came from Israel, who is God over all people. However, many Israelites did not recognize Christ, weighing heavily on Paul’s heart.

God’s Sovereign Choice

Paul explained that God’s promises to Israel had not failed. Israel was not based on physical descent but on God’s promise. Not all of Abraham’s descendants were considered his children; they were only those from the line of promise, through Isaac and Jacob. God’s election was evident in choosing Jacob over Esau before they were born. Paul defended God’s justice, emphasizing that God’s mercy is not based on human desire but on His sovereign will. He cited Pharaoh as an example of God using mercy and hardening to fulfill His purposes. Paul argued that God, as the Creator, had the right to show mercy or wrath as He chose, preparing some for glory and others for destruction.

Israel’s Unbelief

Paul concluded that Gentiles, who did not seek righteousness, attained it through faith, while Israel, pursuing righteousness through the law, failed because they relied on works instead of faith. They stumbled over Christ, the “stumbling stone” prophesied in Scripture. While many Israelites failed to achieve righteousness by faith, Gentiles who believed in Christ found it, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation beyond the boundaries of Israel.

Israel's Unbelief (cont.) - Chapter 10

Paul prayed for the salvation of the Israelites. He acknowledged their zeal for God but noted that it lacked knowledge. Instead of submitting to God's righteousness, they tried to establish their own by adhering to the law. Paul emphasized that Christ fulfilled the law and that righteousness comes through faith in Him. Quoting Scripture, Paul explained that confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation, for all who call on the Lord will be saved. Paul highlighted the necessity of preaching the gospel so that people may believe and be saved. He explained that faith comes from hearing the message about Christ. Despite Israel hearing the message, many rejected it, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about Israel's unbelief. Paul cited Moses and Isaiah, showing that God foretold Israel’s envy and frustration due to God’s outreach to the Gentiles. While Gentiles responded to God, Israel remained stubborn and disobedient despite God's persistent call.

The Remnant Of Israel - Chapter 11

Paul explained that God did not reject His people, Israel. He uses Scripture to illustrate the faithful remnant chosen by grace during Elijah’s time. Israel’s failure to achieve righteousness came not from God’s rejection but from their hardened hearts. Only the "elect" obtained righteousness, while others remained spiritually blind and unhearing. God’s grace, not human works, marked His preservation of a faithful remnant.

Ingrafted Branches

Paul explained that Israel’s stumble allowed Gentiles to receive salvation and inspire Israel through envy. Using an olive tree analogy, Paul highlighted that Gentile believers were like wild branches grafted into Israel’s holy root. He warned Gentiles not to boast, as Israel’s unbelief led to their removal. Gentiles stood by faith alone, not by superiority, and must remain humble. Should Israel turn back to faith, will be grafted in once more, as God’s promises to His chosen people endure.

All Israel Will Be Saved

Paul explained that Israel’s hardening is temporary until the full number of Gentiles entered God’s kingdom, after which “all Israel” would find salvation. He referenced God’s covenant to remove sin from Israel, underscoring His irrevocable gifts and calling. God’s mercy would extend to Israel once shown to disobedient Gentiles. Through Israel’s rejection, Gentiles found mercy, and likewise, Israel’s return would showcase God’s mercy for all, fulfilling His overarching plan.

Doxology

Paul marveled at the infinite wisdom, knowledge, and judgments of God and declared them beyond human understanding. He said that no one could advise or repay God. Paul glorified God, praising His ultimate authority and eternal sovereignty.

A Living Sacrifice - Chapter 12

Paul urged believers to dedicate their lives fully to God, offering their bodies as “living sacrifices” that are holy and pleasing to Him. This surrender of self is a true form of worship. He encouraged them not to conform to worldly standards but to transform through renewing their minds. This renewal would enable them to understand and align with God’s perfect will.

Humble Service In The Body Of Christ

Paul emphasized humility and the practice of honest self-assessment guided by faith. As one body in Christ with many members, each believer has unique gifts to serve others, such as prophecy, teaching, generosity, and leadership. Each person’s role is essential for the unity and function of the body.

Love In Action

Paul outlined love in action, calling believers to sincerity, detesting evil, and committing to what is good. He encouraged joy, patience, faithfulness in prayer, and sharing with those in need. Paul urged believers to bless persecutors, empathize with others, and live harmoniously. He warned against pride, revenge, and responding to evil with evil. Paul called for overcoming evil with good, maintaining peace, and allowing God to enact justice.

Submission To Governing Authorities - Chapter 13

Paul taught that God establishes all authority; therefore, believers should submit to governing powers. He explained that resisting authority is to resist God. Authorities generally reward good behavior and punish wrongdoing, acting as God’s servants in maintaining order. Paul also encouraged fulfilling civic responsibilities like paying taxes and showing respect.

Love Fulfills The Law

Paul explained that love is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s law. By loving others, believers naturally adhere to the commandments, encapsulated in the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Love refrains from harming others, embodying God’s law and upholding moral responsibility.

The Day Is Near

Paul urged believers to live righteously and explained that "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." He called them to abandon sinful deeds and adopt a lifestyle reflective of spiritual “daylight,” marked by moral integrity rather than indulgence in lust, conflict, or jealousy. Paul encouraged them to “clothe” themselves with Christ and resist fleshly desires, which meant living with an awareness of Christ’s imminent return.

The Weak And The Strong (cont.) - Chapter 15

Paul urged believers strong in faith to patiently support those who were weaker, prioritizing their growth over self-interest. He pointed to Christ, who endured insults for others’ sake, as the ultimate example of selflessness. He prayed for unity among believers to glorify God collectively. Paul emphasized acceptance of one another, as Christ accepted all, both Jew and Gentile.

Paul The Minister To The Gentiles

Paul acknowledged the Romans' goodness and knowledge. He reminded them of his duty, by God’s grace, to minister to the Gentiles. He glorified Christ for accomplishing the Gentiles’ obedience through his ministry, confirmed by signs and wonders. Paul explained his ambition was driven by wanting to preach the gospel where Christ was unknown, which is why he has been unable to visit Rome sooner.

Paul’s Plan To Visit Rome

Paul stated that he would visit Rome on his way to Spain. He intended to deliver a contribution from Macedonia and Achaia to the needy believers in Jerusalem, acknowledging the Gentiles’ spiritual debt to the Jews. Paul asked the Romans to join him in prayer for protection in Judea and the success of his journey, desiring to visit them joyfully and be refreshed by their fellowship.

The Weak And The Strong - Chapter 14

Paul encouraged believers to accept those whose faith may be weaker and avoid arguments over non-essential issues. Some believers might feel free to eat all foods, while others choose limited diets out of conviction. Both views must be respected, as each individual serves God and not other believers. Paul warned against judging each other since all will answer to God’s judgment. Instead, believers should prioritize love and peace, avoiding actions that may lead others to stumble. Paul affirmed that the Kingdom of God is centered on righteousness, peace, and joy, not disputable matters.

Personal Greetings - Chapter 16

Paul praised Phoebe, a deacon from Cenchreae, urging the Romans to welcome her and provide support, as she had assisted many, including him. He extended greetings to fellow workers and friends, including Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for him, and Epenetus, Asia’s first convert. He recognized many faithful workers, like Mary, Andronicus, Junia, and Rufus, alongside other devoted believers. Paul urged them to be vigilant against divisive individuals who mislead others for personal gain, affirming that God would soon defeat Satan. Paul sent greetings from his co-workers and ended with a doxology, a short hymn of praises to God for revealing salvation to the Gentiles through Christ.