Pauline Theology - Romans and Galatians the Author: Apostle Paul
·Name & Background: Born as Saul of Tarsus, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5),
and also a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-28). Trained under the famous rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
(Acts 22:3), Paul became zealous for the Law and persecuted Christians.
· Conversion: On the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), Paul encountered the risen Christ, was
struck blind, healed, and called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
· Ministry: Paul carried out at least three missionary Journeys, establishing and
strengthening churches across Asia Minor, Greece, and Macedonia.
· Writings: Paul wrote 13 epistles (letters) in the New Testament, four of which are
Romans, I Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Galatians.
· Death: Tradition states Paul was martyred In Rome around A.D.64-67, likely by
beheading under Emperor Nero.
The Letters and Their Dates
1. Romans
o Author: The Apostle Paul
o Date: Around A.D.57, during Paul's third missionary journey, likely from Corinth.
o Audience: Believers in Rome
o Purpose: To explain salvation by faith, unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, and-to prepare for
his visit.
2.1 Corinthians
o Author: The Apostle Paul
o Date: Around A.D. 55, during Paul's stay in Ephesus.
o Audience: The church at Corinth.
o Purpose: To address divisions, immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts, and to give instruction on
love and resurrection.
3. 2 Corinthlans
o Author: The Apostle Paul.
o Date: Around A.D. 56, likely written from Macedonia
o Audience: The church at Corinth
o Purpose: To defend his apostleship, encourage generosity, and reconcile with the
church after conflicts.
4. Galatians
oAuthor: The Apostle Paul.
o Date: Between A.D. 48-55 (some say as early as his first missionary journey,
others later).
o Audience: Churches in the region of Galatia.
o Purpose: To confront false teachers, defend justification by faith, and warn against returning to
the Mosaic Law.
Summary: All four letters Romans, I Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Galatians- were written by
the Apostle Paul between A.D. 48-57, during his missionary journeys. They address issues of
faith, doctrine, church problems, and Christian living.
Paul emphasizes that righteousness is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ rather than by works
of the Law. He argues that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith. (Romans 3:21-28,
Galatians 2:16)
The Role of the Law
Paul sees the Law as revealing sin but incapable of saving people. In Galatians,he argues that the
Law served as a guardian until Christ came. (Romans 3:20;7:7-25;Galatians 3:19-25;5:14).
Unity of Jews and Gentiles
Paul stresses that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ, for all are one in Him.
(Romans 9-11, Galatians 3:28).
The Cross and Resurrection
Paul highlights that believers are crucified with Christ and raised to new life. (Romans 5:6-11 and
Galatians 2:20).
Christian Ethics and Love
Paul calls for believers to live in love, serve one another, and bear the fruit of the Spirit. (Romans
12-15, Galatians 5:13-26).
Paul's Life and Missionary Journeys
Paul's life and ministry are recorded in the Book of Acts and his epistles.
First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14): With Barnabas. Preached in Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch,
Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Faced persecution, but many Gentiles converted. Second Missionary
Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22): This time with Silas and later Timothy and Luke. They traveled
through Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece. Planted churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea,
Athens and Corinth. Wrote l & 2 Thessalonians. Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17):
Strengthened churches in Asia Minor. Spent three years in Ephesus. Collected an offering for the
poor in Jerusalem and Wrote l & 2 Corinthiams, Romans. Arrest, Trials, and Journey to Rome
(Acts 21-28): Arrested in Jerusalem, imprisoned in Caesarea. Appealed to Caesar, taken to Rome.
Wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Phllemon (Prison Epistles).
Final Years and Martyrdom: Likely released, continued ministry. Wrote l & 2 Timotlny, Titus
(Pastoral Epistles). Arrested agnin and executed in Rome under Nero (c. AD 67).
Sanctifcication in Paul's Theology: Sanctification is the process of being made holy and set apart
for God. Paul teaches that sanctification is both positional (we are made holy in Christ) and
progressive (we grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit). Paul teaches that believers
are sanctified by faith in Christ, not by observing the Law (Galatiams 3:1-3). The Holy Spirit
enables believers to live holy lives (Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-25). Believers are crucified
with Christ and must walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-14). Paul acknowledges the battle
between the flesh and the Spirit (Romans 7:14-25)
Relationship between Law and Grace: Paul presents a contrast between the Law and Grace in
both Romans and Galatians. The Law exposes sin but cannot save (Romans 3:20;7:7-12). It is a
temporary guardian which acted as a tutor until Christ came (Galatiams 3:23-25).
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH/ CHURCH PROBLEMS AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS/ FREEDOM
FROM THE LAW.
Justification by Faith: Righfeousness is a gift from God, not earned by works (Romams 3:21-28).
Believers are no longer under the Law but under grace (Romans 6:14). Instead of following the
Law, believers are led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18). Paul does not dismiss moral obligations
but teaches that Christian living is empowered by grace, not legalism (Romams 8:3-4). Grace is
not a license to sin but a call to holiness (Romams 6:1-2). Detailed Teaching Outline
1. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH(ROMANS)
Introduction
·The central theme of Romans is the gospel of God's righteousness revealed in Christ.
·Paul addresses both Jews and Gentiles, showing that all are sinners and can only be
justified through faith.
Key Texts
·Romans 3:21-26-"But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made
known..."
·Romans 4:1-25- Abraham as the model of justification by faith.
·Romans 5:1-2-Peace with God through faith.
Main Points
1. The Problem of Sin (Rom. 1:18-3:20)
o All bumanity is guilty before God (Gentiles in idolatry, Jews in self-
righteousness).
o The law exposes sin but cannot save.
2. The Provision of Righteousness (Rom. 3:21-26)
o God provides righteousness through Jesus Christ
o Justification means being declared righteous, not by works, but by fnith
3.The Example of Abraham (Rom. 4)
o Abraham was justified before the law and before circumcision
Faith. not works or rituals, makes one right with God.
4. The Results of Justilcation (Rom.5-8)
o Peace with God (5:1).
o Access to grace (5:2).
o Freedom from condemnation (8:1).
Assurance of God's love (8:38-39).
Rest in grace, not performance; preach grace, not legalism.
