The Book of Romans – 2021
We begin a new series 2021 – Sunday 10th January
Paul was an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, and both of his parents were Hebrews. He was a native of Tarsus, in Cilicia, and by birth a free citizen of imperial Rome. Before his call to apostleship, he was known by his Hebrew name Saul; but he used Paul (“little”), his Roman name, among the Gentiles. His parents sent him early to Jerusalem to study the Jewish law under the direction of Gamaliel, the most celebrated doctor of his nation. After being the instrument of inestimable blessings to the Church of God by his preaching, example, and writings, he sealed the truth of the gospel with his blood, being beheaded at Rome by order of the emperor Nero in A.D. 66 or early 67.
The Book of Romans was written probably A.D.57. It was toward the end of his third missionary journey, just before he left Corinth to take an offering to the saints at Jerusalem.
By the time Paul wrote Romans, he had been a Christian preacher for some 20 years. In Corinth, on his way to Jerusalem, he had 3 months without pressing duties. He may have thought this was a good time to write ahead to Rome, a church he was planning to visit after Jerusalem.
As Paul was endeavouring to go to Rome, he was being warned by the Holy Spirit about the peril awaiting him in Jerusalem. What if he was unable to make it to Rome? Then he must write them a letter so comprehensive that the Christians in Rome would have the gospel of Paul, even if Paul himself were not able to make it there!
Key Chapter: 3 – All under sin
Key Verses: 1:16,17.
Key Words:
1. Righteousness; used 66 times
2. Faith; 62 times
3. Justification (justify); 17 times
4. Impute; 19 times
5. In Christ; 33 times
6. Law; 78 times
7. Sin; 60 times
8. Flesh; 20 times
9. Death; 42 times
There are over 60 references from 14 Old Testament books in Romans. The one upon which Paul places the most emphasis is – “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Paul makes this truth the theme of Romans. It was the revelation of this truth that enabled Martin Luther to bring reformation into the open.
In May of 1738, a failed minister and missionary went unwillingly to a small Bible study where someone was reading from Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans. As the failed missionary said later: “while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for my salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken MY sins away, even MINE”. John Wesley was saved that night in London.
I pray that you will begin reading through the amazing letter of Paul’s, over and over, and as we journey though it together that God will speak to all of us of His great love and grace this 2021.