1.

An Introduction
It can never be read or considered too much or too well, and the more it is handled, the more delightful it
becomes and the better it tastes.

Martin Luther

Please read Romans 1:1-15; 15:14-16:27

AUTHOR
Most commentators have generally agreed that the apostle Paul wrote the epistle to
the Romans, based on what is seen as overwhelming evidence. The book itself claims
Pauline authorship in Romans 1:1.
However, there have been several appeals against Pauline authorship, including one
that says, because Luke fails to mention a church in Rome, Paul could never have wrote
such a letter.

TIME/PLACE OF WRITING
It is generally agreed among commentators that the place of writing for the epistle of
Romans was Corinth. The following Biblical evidence is put forward to prove this:

Romans 16:1,2: The person who probably carried this

letter was Phoebe, who is commended to the Roman
church in the letter. Phoebe comes from Cenchrea, an
eastern port of Corinth.
Romans 16:23; cf 1 Cor 1:14: At the time of writing Gaius is
playing host to Paul. This Gaius is probably the Gaius
baptised by Paul in Corinth.

Romans Bible Study Series: 1. An Introduction

Romans 16:23; cf 2 Tim 4:20: Erastus is mentioned as

remaining in Corinth in 2 Timothy, and is also mentioned in
greeting the church at Rome in this epistle.

If, therefore, Paul wrote this epistle while in Corinth, when was the situation in Corinth
that which is described in Romans? Consider the following points:

Romans 15:19-24; 1:10: This indicates the situation as

being later in Pauls missionary activities in the east of the
Roman Empire, his work there coming to completion.
Acts 20:1-3; Romans 15:25: Paul probably wrote Romans
towards the end of his 3 months in Greece, before
returning with gifts from the Greek church to the
Jerusalem church. This would be around 57 AD.

THE SCENE AT ROME

Having seen what Pauls situation was like at the time of writing, we now turn to the
scene at Rome itself, from the establishment of the church there. Let us consider for a
short time the early history of the church in Rome. This may very well help us to
understand more clearly the text of Romans itself, and as to why Paul wrote what he did
to them. In so doing, consider the following points:

Acts 2:10,41: The establishment of the church in Rome is

not clearly described in Scripture. However early in Acts,
Roman tourists in Jerusalem are confronted with the
Gospel, and probably brought it back with them to Rome.
This is probably how the church began.
Acts 11:26; 13:1: As the Gospel spread and itinerant
preachers travelled the Roman highways, it is probable
that they reached Rome, furthering the work there. This
would be increasingly the case as churches were
established closer to Rome.
Acts 18:2: History records the banishment of Jewish people
from Rome under Claudius (41-54AD). This was because of
Chrestus (Christus - a not unusual rendering), and probable
disturbances associated with unbelieving Jews.
Romans Bible Study Series: 1. An Introduction

Romans 11:13-32; 15:15,16: At the time of Pauls letter,

the church appears to be predominantly Gentile. This is
probably due to the Jewish banishments under Claudius,
and growing converts from pagan Rome.
Romans 16:3-15: Roman Catholicism claims Peter as
the first and founding bishop of Rome, from 42-67AD. Paul
in his epistle to the Romans fails to mention such an
important figure.
Romans 16:3-5; cf Acts 12:12; 16:15,40; 1 Cor 16:19: The
believers in Rome met in house churches. Romans
16:14,15 may suggest the presence of other such churches
in this large city.

Consider how the church in Rome began. What does the Biblical evidence
suggest as being the likely scenario? How would this have happened in practical terms?
QUESTION:

THE PURPOSE OF ROMANS

It needs to be remembered that this book is in fact a letter to the believers in Rome,
with several parts typical of letters written in that period (1:1-7; cf Acts 15:23-29;
23:26-30; Gal 1:1-5).
As we have reasons for or purposes in writing letters to family and friends, so Paul has a
reason for writing to the Christians in Rome. Paul had completed his missionary work in
the eastern Roman Empire (15:19-24), and now planned to visit Rome (15:23; cf 1:10,11;
Acts 19:21). Therefore he writes to inform the church of his plans (1:10-12; 15:24ff),
requesting that they pray for him in order that he may be able to do so (1:10; 15:31;
Acts 20:3; 14:19; 17:5,13; 18:6,12ff; 23:12-21; 2 Cor 11:24,32,33; 20:22,23;
21:10,11,27ff; 21:17).
Because there was a real possibility he may not get to Rome, he was keen to provide the
Roman church with instruction they needed in order to grow, and to answer error, for
this was to be the purpose of his visit (1:15,16).
Paul also sought the co-operation of the Church of Rome for missionary operations in
Spain.

Romans Bible Study Series: 1. An Introduction

THE STRUCTURE OF ROMANS

A. PROLOGUE: PAULS DESIRE TO VISIT ROME

1:1-15

B. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL

1:16-8:39

1. Theme of the Gospel

2. Need for the Gospel
3. God meets the need
4. The way of holiness

1:16,17
1:18-3:20
3:21-5:21
6:1-8:39

C. GODS PLAN OF SALVATION

9:1-11:36

D. RESPONDING TO THE MERCIES OF GOD

12:1-15:13

1. Common life of Christians

2. Christians and those outside the church
3. Christian liberty and Christian love
E. EPILOGUE: PAULS PERSONAL NOTES

12:1-13
12:14-13:14
14:1-15:13
15:14-16:27

WHY STUDY ROMANS?

This is a question that you may be asking as we begin these studies. Well there are many
reasons why we should study the Epistle to the Romans, including the authorship of the
Holy Spirit. This is obviously the basic reason why we study any book of the Bible. Sure it
was written by the apostle Paul, For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of
man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21; cf
2 Tim 3:16). God the Holy Spirit so moved upon Paul so that what he wrote was just as
much the words of God as they were his. Because of this, the words of the Epistle to the
Romans are a message from God to men, and by implication a message from God to us.
Another reason is that Romans provides a helpful introduction to the message of the
Bible as a whole. It really is the epitome of Biblical doctrine, containing a helpful
overview of the Bibles chief doctrines, including sin and Gods plan to remedy that
condition, thus saving a people for Himself. These doctrines also include judgment,
salvation, faith, sanctification, election and Christian practice. Romans is the closest
thing to a systematic theology that the Bible itself provides.
Because of the above reasons, Romans seems to be a most useful place to start in
seeking to understand the scheme of the Scriptures, For the prophecy came not in old
time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost (2 Tim 3:15b).
Romans Bible Study Series: 1. An Introduction

INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY
In Romans 1:7, Paul calls the Christians there saints. What does the use of that term
mean, both in theory and practice?

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Romans Bible Study Series: 1. An Introduction