At almost every level, Romans stands as the greatest of all the epistles written by the Apostle Paul. Many argue its grandeur over all other New Testament books. Carefully considered and skillfully written, Romans offers the most complete theological statement of the understanding of this great man of faith.
No other book in the New Testament has shaped Christian thinking and moved the direction of the church than the book of Romans. No wonder Joseph Fitzmyer wrote, “One can almost write the history of Christian theology by surveying the ways in which Romans has been interpreted.”
Who Wrote the Book?
Probably because of the magnitude of the book, there is early and ample evidence for this epistle. Clement of Rome, the Epistles of Ignatius, the writings of Justin Martyr, the Epistle of Polycarp, and in Hippolytus’
[su_pullquote align=”right”]O, St. Paul, had thy one work been to compose an Epistle to the Romans, that alone should have rendered thee dear to every sound reason.
Frederic Godet, Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans[/su_pullquote]
Refutation of All Heresies all make quotations and references to Romans. Clement dates around AD95 and the others to the mid-second century. All provide early attestation to the authorship of Paul.
The internal evidence is equally strong. The writer calls himself Paul in the first verse (Romans 1:1). The greeting follows the traditional format of letters written by Paul. The descriptions within the book point exclusively to the apostle (Romans 11:13, Romans 15:15-20). Today scholars across the board accept this book as a genuine work of the Apostle Paul.
The only question of authorship concerns the use of an amanuensis, or secretary, who did the actual writing of the letter. Many speculate Paul’s eyesight led him to employ someone to write. The amanuensis would write from a general outline or from dictation. In Romans 16:21, Paul mentions Tertius as the actual writer. Douglas Moo, in The Epistle to the Romans, believes that Tertius was most likely taking dictation since the style of writing is so close to Galatians and 1 Corinthians.
To Whom was the Book Written?
The book itself indicates the writing is “to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints:” (Romans 1:7 NASB). It is evident that the church had not been founded by Paul. At the time of the writing of this letter, Paul makes clear he had not been in the city.
Who Started the Roman Church?
There is no concrete evidence as to who founded the Roman church. Three theories have emerged over the years to explain its origins. The Catholic Church asserts that Peter founded the church and served as its primary bishop (forerunner to the papacy) for twenty-five years. Some speculate sojourning converts to Christianity on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10) returned to Rome and founded the church. Others see it started by a variety of Christians who had eventually moved to Rome. Many speculate these people converted to Christianity through the message of Paul.
Scholars recognize Peter visited Rome and suffered the fate of a martyr in the city. Outside of the Catholic Church few would see him having a twenty-five year ministry in the city. At the time of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 around AD49, Peter was still a prominent leader in Jerusalem. It is highly unlikely that Peter made it to Rome before the time of Paul’s epistle to the Christians there. How would Paul have failed to greet Peter in the final verses? How would Paul have had such an urge to teach in the city, in light of his desire “not to build on another man’s foundation” (Romans 15:20)?
That said, either of the other two theories are distinct possibilities with merit. Since Roman connections are mentioned on the Day of Pentecost and these believers would have eventually returned home, it seems quite likely that this theory serves as an accurate speculation.
Personal Connections
There is no doubt that the Romans had heard of Paul. Honored and excited to be visited by the Apostle to the Gentiles, the Romans relished the letter presenting Paul’s explanation of the message of the Gospel. The apostle greeted over twenty different people by name, making this letter to strangers incredibly personal. Paul’s mention of so many people may indicate his personal connection with several of the members of the Roman church.
When was Romans Written?
Paul wrote the letter while at Corinth during the apostle’s three-month stay in Greece (Acts 20:2-3). Several facts produce such a conclusion. Paul was going to Jerusalem with the collection at the time of writing (Romans 15:25-27). He stresses this collection in his letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8 & 9). Written later than 2 Corinthians as he readies for departure to Jerusalem, Paul pens the book of Romans (Romans 15:25). Paul references Cenchrea (Romans 16:1), the seaport of Corinth. Gaius (Romans 16:23), the name of a convert in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14), entertains Paul. Erastus (Romans 16:23) seems to have lived at Corinth. All this points to the date of writing just after the writing of 2 Corinthians, about AD56.
What Messages Resonate in the Book of Romans?
The words of Paul in the epistle fail to clearly state its purpose. The contents seem to point of Paul’s intention to visit the city (Acts 19:21, Romans 1:13, Romans 15:22-24, 28, 29), perhaps continuing on to Spain. It also appears Phoebe’s planned journey presented an opportunity to write the believers. Most speculate Paul’s concern that the church had no apostolic authority leading the congregation prompted the writing.
Theme of the Book
Scholars have debated the theme of the book over the centuries. The book is Paul’s understanding of salvation. Moo argues the theme of the book is the gospel – the good news of salvation through Jesus.
Because of the universal nature of sin, eternal life with God will not be automatic but will need a plan devised by a righteous and just God. Perfectly keeping all of God’s commands would work, but none of us can do that. It is then necessary for salvation to come from the goodness and grace of God.
Paul also discusses a process of salvation often called sanctification. How does one walk in a path of salvation? The Holy Spirit strengthens the walk of the believer by His personal presencer.
Favorite Verses
Because of its popularity, the book of Romans contains many memorized verses. These verses are just a few chosen as favorites by many believers.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse (Romans 1:20 NIV).
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 NIV),
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1 NIV),
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23 NIV).
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:24-25 NIV)!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 NIV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26 NIV).
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31 NIV)?
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).
What Do People Say About Romans?
The letter to the Romans stands as the clearest presentation of the truth of Scripture anywhere. Many leading Bible teachers make strong comments about the book of Romans. Their words may encourage you to read the book.
The greatness of the Epistle is seen in the importance of its subject matter, the comprehensiveness of its grasp, the acuteness of its reasoning, the breadth of its outlook, and the vigor of its style.
Henry Thiessen
This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is the purest Gospel.”
Martin Luther
The letter to the Romans stands as the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures.
Charles Swindoll
The deep logic of God’s truth can be expressed in both stories and arguments, by questions as well as statements, through reason and the imagination, through the four Gospels as well as through the book of Romans.
Os Guinness
Paul gives us an astonishing understanding of waiting in the New Testament book of Romans, as rendered by Eugene Peterson, ‘Waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.’ With such motivation, we can wait as we sense God is indeed with us, and at work within us, as he was with Mary as the child within her grew.
Luci Shaw