Romans Images and
NotesThe Book of Romans
Romans 1:20 - For the invisible things of him from the
creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the
things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so
that they are without excuse:
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are the called according
to [his] purpose.
Romans in The New Testament - A Brief Overview
Painting of Paul the Apostle by Rembrandt - 1657
Introduction to The
Epistle to the Romans
Brief Summary. Paul's message in his profound epistle
to the Romans 1-8 is that a man is justified by faith in Christ
and not by the works of the Law. Righteousness is by Christ
alone, and when a man believes in Christ, he becomes dead to sin
and the law and alive in Christ. The Holy Spirit sanctifies the
believer and empowers him to live a holy life. A relationship
with Christ brings adopted sonship and the assurance of salvation from sin.
The question about the Jews and their fate is answered in
Romans, they were chosen to possess the oracles of the Lord.
Romans 9-11 reveals that the Jews failed to recognize Christ as
the fulfillment of the Law and rejected their own Messiah.
Therefore God rejected Israel, yet, this rejection is not total
or final. Paul makes it abundantly clear that God will show
mercy to those Jews who acknowledge Jesus as Lord. In Romans
12-16 Paul exhorts the Christians in Rome regarding the practical aspects of
the new life in Christ.
Summary of The Book of Romans
Purpose. Paul was called by God to bring Christianity
to the gentile world, and to establish churches for worship and
ministry. Rome was the capital of the gentile world, and a
church had developed there. Paul no doubt knew the strategic
value of strengthening the body of believers by laying a strong
doctrinal foundation. There is also indications that Paul had
desired to preach the Gospel in Spain, and it would have been
wise to create a solid base in Rome. Paul was continually
challenged by the Jews regarding the Gospel of Christ and the
Law of Moses. Paul obviously wanted to clear up any confusion by
creating a strong doctrinal statement in his epistle. He
addresses the same issues as in his other epistles, false
doctrine, false teachers, and troublemakers who would stir up
dissension in the church. In the epistle to the Romans Paul also
introduces the deaconess Phoebe, he petitions the church at
large to pray for the Roman brethren, and to greet the believers
in Christ at the church in Rome.
Audience. The epistle begins with "to all God's
beloved in Rome" and this would clearly indicate that Paul was
addressing the Christian church in Rome. Throughout the book of
Romans it is clear that in the church at Rome there were many
Jews and gentiles.
Authorship. Paul the apostle is universally accepted
as the author of the epistle to the Romans. Throughout the
entire letter it is easy to see Paul's sincerity, his unique
insights in the teachings about God, the Jews, Jesus and
salvation to all mankind. Statements in the epistle indicate
that Paul was going to Jerusalem with the collection for the
poor which he had gathered (Romans 15:25-27).
Date. The epistle to the Romans appears to have been
written near the end of Paul's third missionary journey,
probably around 57 or 58 AD. One of the main reasons for this
date is because 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians refer to this
collection and this would indicate that Romans was written just
after 1 and 2 Corinthians, toward the end of Paul's third
missionary journey. Most scholars date the epistle near AD 58
and name Corinth as the city of its origin.
Outline of the Book of Romans
Doctrine and Theology - Chapters 1-8
God's Plan for Israel - Chapters 9-11
The New Life in Christ - Chapters 12-16
The Name Jesus In Ancient Hebrew Text
"Yeshua" in First Century Hebrew Text. This is how the name "Jesus"
would have been written in ancient Hebrew documents. The four letters or
consonants from right to left are Yod, Shin, Vav, Ayin (Y, SH, OO, A).
Jesus is the Greek name for the Hebrew name Joshua or Y'shua which means
"The LORD or Yahweh is Salvation".
Interesting Notes
- Some ancient manuscripts omit the word, "Rome," scholars generally agree
that the epistle was addressed to the Christian church in Rome.
Romans Resources
Map of the Roman Empire (14 AD) - This map reveals the
Roman Empire during the time shortly after the birth of Jesus,
in 14 AD at the time of the death of Augustus. The order which
prevailed in this extensive empire, the good military roads, and
the use of Koine Greek as the general language of culture
throughout the area were among the factors which multiplied the
rapid spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Color Map)
Map of Paul's Third Missionary Journey (54 AD) - This map
reveals the areas in Asia and Greece where Paul visited in his
third missionary journey. On Paul's third missionary journey he
returned to the cities he had first visited on his first
missionary journey. During this time he decided to remain in
Ephesus for about 3 years, and this city was the main focus of
his activities and an important Christian community (Acts 19).
(Color Map)
Map of Paul's Voyage to Rome (61 AD) - This map reveals
the journey of the Apostle Paul to Rome in 61 AD. Paul had
appealed to Caesar in Caesarea (Acts 24-25), his goal was to
spread the Gospel of Jesus throughout the Roman Empire all the
way to her great capital, Rome. He demanded that his case be
heard by the Roman Emperor. According to the Book of Acts, after
his shipwreck on the Island of Malta (Acts 28) he came to Italy
and was put on house arrest for two years (Acts 28:30). (Color
Map)
Map of the New Testament World - This map reveals the
"Nations" within the ancient world during the first century
A.D., the time of the New Testament. The map includes the areas
of Israel, Asia, Greece, and Italy. (Color Map)
Map of New Testament Italy - This map reveals the cities
within Italy during the first century A.D., the time of the New
Testament. The map includes the principle cities of Italy like
Neapolis and Rome. Follow the path of the Apostle.
