November 22, 2025

Who are you thanking?

Romans 15-16

Chapman Penuel
Saturday's Devo

November 22, 2025

Saturday's Devo

November 22, 2025

Saturday's Devo

November 22, 2025

Saturday's Devo

November 22, 2025

Big Book Idea

The things that we do should stem from good theology.

Key Verse | Romans 16:19

For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.

Romans 15-16

Chapter 15

The Example of Christ

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
    and sing to your name.”

10 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
    and let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,
    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, 1 15:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 30 that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,

“Those who have never been told of him will see,
    and those who have never heard will understand.”

Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, 2 15:28 Greek sealed to them this fruit I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing 3 15:29 Some manuscripts insert of the gospel of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Chapter 16

Personal Greetings

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant 4 16:1 Or deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert 5 16:5 Greek firstfruit to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, 6 16:7 Or Junias my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, 7 16:7 Or messengers and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers 8 16:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17 who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Final Instructions and Greetings

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, 9 16:18 Greek their own belly and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. 10 16:23 Some manuscripts insert verse 24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen

Doxology

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Footnotes

[1] 15:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 30
[2] 15:28 Greek sealed to them this fruit
[3] 15:29 Some manuscripts insert of the gospel
[4] 16:1 Or deaconess
[5] 16:5 Greek firstfruit
[6] 16:7 Or Junias
[7] 16:7 Or messengers
[8] 16:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 17
[9] 16:18 Greek their own belly
[10] 16:23 Some manuscripts insert verse 24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
Table of Contents
Introduction to Romans

Introduction to Romans

Timeline

Author, Recipients, and Date

The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome. He probably did this while he was in Corinth on his third missionary journey, in A.D. 57 (Acts 20:2–3).

Theme

In the cross of Christ, God judges sin and at the same time shows his saving mercy.

Purpose

Paul wrote Romans to unite the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome in the gospel. He also wanted the church in Rome to become the base of operations from which he could proclaim the gospel in Spain (15:22–24). The ultimate goal of preaching the gospel is the glory of God (11:33–36). Paul longs for the Gentiles to become obedient Christians for the sake of Christ’s name (1:5).

Key Themes

  1. All people are sinners and need to be saved from their sin (1:18–3:20; 5:12–19).
  2. The Mosaic law is good and holy, but only Christ can remove sin and overcome its power (2:12–29; 3:9–20; 5:20; 7:1–25; 9:30–10:8).
  3. Through the righteousness of God, sin is judged and salvation is provided (3:21–26; 5:12–19; 6:1–10; 7:1–6; 8:1–4).
  4. With the coming of Jesus Christ, a new age of redemptive history has begun (1:1–7; 3:21–26; 5:1–8:39).
  5. The atoning death of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan of salvation (3:21–26; 4:23–25; 5:6–11, 15–19; 6:1–10; 7:4–6; 8:1–4).
  6. Justification is by faith alone (1:16–4:25; 9:30–10:21).
  7. Those who are in Christ Jesus have a sure hope of future glory (5:1–8:39).
  8. By the power of the Holy Spirit, those who have died with Christ live a new life (2:25–29; 6:1–7:6; 8:1–39).
  9. God is sovereign in salvation. He works all things according to his plan (9:1–11:36).
  10. God fulfills his promises to both Jews and Gentiles (1:18–4:25; 9:1–11:36; 14:1–15:13).
  11. Because of God’s grace, Christians should be morally pure, should show love to their neighbors, should be good citizens, and should welcome their fellow believers into fullest fellowship (12:1–15:7).

Outline

  1. The Gospel as the Revelation of God’s Righteousness (1:1–17)
  2. God’s Righteousness in His Wrath against Sinners (1:18–3:20)
  3. The Saving Righteousness of God (3:21–4:25)
  4. Hope as a Result of Righteousness by Faith (5:1–8:39)
  5. God’s Righteousness to Israel and to the Gentiles (9:1–11:36)
  6. God’s Righteousness in Everyday Life (12:1–15:13)
  7. The Extension of God’s Righteousness through Paul’s Mission (15:14–16:23)
  8. Final Summary of the Gospel of God’s Righteousness (16:25–27)

The Setting of Romans

c. A.D. 57

Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centers of Western civilization. Paul had established the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–11).

The Setting of Romans

The Global Message of Romans

The Global Message of Romans

The global message of Romans is that all people everywhere have free access to the riches of God’s grace in Christ as they respond in faith to the gospel. In his own Son, God has made a way for lost people to be restored to him—lost people whether they are Greeks or barbarians, wise or foolish (Rom. 1:14).

Romans and Redemptive History

The letter to the Romans itself recounts much of global redemptive history. Paul moves from the problem of sin (Romans 1–3) to the solution provided in Christ (chs. 3–8) to how that solution applies in a practical way among God’s people (chs. 9–16).

The second half of Romans 1 tells us of God’s righteous wrath upon unbelieving Gentiles (Rom. 1:18–32). In chapter 2 Paul says, however, that not only immoral people but also moral people are under God’s judgment (2:1–16). And then he presses in even deeper, saying that even religious people are ripe for judgment (2:17–29). The conclusion is that “all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin” (3:9).

All this is a result of the fall of mankind, which we read about in Genesis 3. The sin that has flooded throughout the world is rooted in the rebellion of one man and one woman who represented all of humanity, with the man as the head (see Rom. 5:12–19). Yet at the climax of human history, at just the right time (5:6), God sent his Son to die in the place of his people and thus to begin to undo the effects of the fall (3:21–26; 5:6–21).

This great salvation is the fulfillment of promises made to ethnic Israel (Rom. 9:6). Yet the gospel has burst through all ethnic boundaries, spilling out to Jew and Gentile throughout the world until the time when Christ will come a second time and restore not only God’s children but, with them, the entire cosmos (8:19–22).

The Global Reach of God’s Righteousness

Indeed, one of the great themes of Romans is the worldwide scope of the gospel. The theme statement of the letter makes this clear: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). The gospel is God’s saving power to anyone who trusts in Christ. This is not a geographically segregated gospel. It is not for a certain class, or ethnicity, or education level. It is for everyone who is prepared to acknowledge their sin and rebellion and turn in trusting faith to Christ.

Romans 9–11 makes this especially clear. Here Paul explains that, although God chose ethnic Israel to be his unique covenant people and made special promises to them, they failed to live up to their side of the covenant. Yet the word of God has not failed (Rom. 9:6). Indeed, God himself has sovereignly overseen everything that has taken place in Israel, even down to their own hardened hearts (9:6–24). Despite Israel’s covenant failure, God has reserved a remnant among them (11:1–12). And, Israel’s failure has been God’s mysterious way of breaking open his grace to the Gentiles all over the world (11:13–36).

In this way, the hand of God down through history is bringing his salvation to every tribe and tongue and people group.

Universal Themes in Romans

Human sin. Sin is described in Romans as ungodliness (Rom. 1:18), unrighteousness (1:18), foolish and darkened hearts (1:21), idolatry (1:23), and impurity (1:24). Paul makes clear that no one is exempt from this condition. All people everywhere are “under sin” (3:9). They are “slaves of sin” (6:17). Sin does not affect us simply by causing us occasionally to make bad decisions or other mistakes; rather, sin infects all that we are and do: mind, heart, and will. This is true of all people, Jew and Gentile alike (3:9).

The extensive reach of redemption. The reach of sin is pervasive indeed, extending to every corner of the globe and to every dimension of the human person. Yet the reach of the redemption achieved in Christ is deeper still. The magnificent letter to the Romans opens and closes with resounding statements of the global reach of the gospel of grace. In his opening greeting, Paul declares his desire to visit Rome, “in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles” (Rom. 1:13). He goes on to say that he is “under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians” (1:14). And at the close of the letter Paul explains that he has made it his ambition to bring the gospel “from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum” (15:19).

The very point of the Christian gospel is that God’s grace is not for a select few—otherwise grace would not be grace (11:6). The sacrifice Christ has made is available to all people everywhere in the world. The whole world will one day be cleansed of sin and injustice, and all those who have put their faith in Christ will be restored to the glory of God for which they were created (2:7; 3:23; 8:18).

The Global Message of Romans for Today

The letter to the Romans provides the greatest remedy the world could ever know (Christ) to the greatest problem the world has ever seen (sin). And this remedy is available to the greatest diversity of people the world could ever produce: everyone.

Global Christians wrestle today with problems on a variety of fronts: political, social, economic, and more. Accordingly, God calls us to engage our world with faithful presence, representing Christ and the gospel with faithfulness and fortitude in all these various arenas of life. In Romans we see an example of this in Paul’s admonition to the Roman believers to submit to the government that God has placed over them (Rom. 13:1–7).

Yet the message of Romans for the church today does not fundamentally address political or social problems; rather, it addresses the very human heart that makes such political or social problems arise. Romans tells us and shows us that the human heart is sick. Indeed, the self-salvation attempts to which all humans are so prone are both futile and unnecessary. For Romans teaches that, while immorality does not earn God’s favor (Romans 1), neither does morality (ch. 2). Our goodness cannot accomplish the salvation that our badness requires. “Works of the law” will justify “no human being” (3:20). Instead, God put forward his own Son to be a sacrifice for sin that turns away divine wrath (3:25). God the Father solves the human dilemma by sending God the Son and applying the benefits of the Son’s achievement by God the Holy Spirit (ch. 8).

What can Christians around the globe do in response but gladly surrender our lives as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1) in heartfelt praise to the God of grace?

Oh, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,

    or who has been his counselor?”

“Or who has given a gift to him

    that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:33–36)

2 Corinthians Fact #7: More than simple charity

Fact: More than simple charity

More than simple charity. From the Jerusalem church, the good news about Christ had spread to the Gentile world. Paul’s collection (chs. 8–9) was an opportunity for Gentile believers to show gratitude to their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ (see Rom. 15:27).

2 Corinthians Fact #1: Amen

Fact: Amen

Amen is the Greek form of the Hebrew word mean­ing “to confirm.” The word is used throughout the Bible to affirm the truth of important statements (see 1:20). Paul often ends his letters with “Amen” (see Rom. 16:27), but here in 2 Corinthians he says it near the beginning of his letter.

Romans Fact #13: He obviously cared deeply

Fact: He obviously cared deeply

Paul had not visited Rome when he wrote this letter, but he sent personal greetings to more than 25 individually named men and women plus households (16:3–15). He obviously cared deeply for his Christian brothers and sisters and appreciated their work for Christ.

New Testament Timeline

New Testament Timeline

The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.

5 B.C.* Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
4 B.C. Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee.
A.D. 6 Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15).
8* Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50).
8*–28/30 Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt.
28–29* John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19).
28–30* Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture.
33 (or 30) Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2).
33/34* Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16).
34–37 Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18).
36 Pilate loses his position for incompetence.
36/37* Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18).
37–45 Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21).
38* Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10).
39 Antipas is exiled.
40–45* James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1).
41–44 Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3).
42–44 Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7).
44 Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23).
44–46 Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah.
44–47* Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10).
46–47 Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26).
46–48 Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean.
48* Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28).
48–49* Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40).
48/49–51* Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22).
49 Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3).
49–51* Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8).
51 Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17).
50–54* Peter comes to Rome.
52–57* Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17).
52–55 Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20).
53–55* Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10).
54 Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5).
54–68 Nero reigns.
55–56* Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5).
57* Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Je­­ru­salem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29).
57–59 Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34).
60 Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10).
60–70* Letter to the Hebrews is written.
62 James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus.
62–63* Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13).
62* Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts.
62–64 Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17).
63–64 Work on the temple complex is completed.
64 (July 19) Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians.
64–67* Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome.
66 First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions.
67* Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother.
68 Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors.
69 Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor.
70 (Aug. 30) Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school.
73 (May 2)* Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide.
75 Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal.
77 Pliny the Elder writes Natural History.
77–78 Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome.
79 Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate.
81 The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome.
81–96 Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla.
85–95* John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus.
89–95* John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus.
93–94 Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome.
94 Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome.
95* Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders.
95–96* Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9).
96–98 Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution.

* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or

Paul Collects an Offering for Judea

Paul Collects an Offering for Judea

Activity Text Date
The church in Antioch sends Barnabas and Paul to Judea with relief funds. Acts 11:29–30; 12:25 c. A.D. 44–47
James, Cephas, and John encourage Paul to remember the poor, which he is eager to do. Gal. 2:10 c. 44–47
Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Ephesus. 1 Cor. 16:1–4 (see note on Acts 20:4) c. 53–55
Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Macedonia. 2 Corinthians 8–9 c. 55–56
Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Achaia. Rom. 15:25–33 (see note on Acts 20:3) Spring of 57
Paul is arrested when he arrives in Jerusalem to deliver the gift. Acts 24:17 (see Acts 21:17–33) Pentecost, 57
The Epistles

The Epistles

Book Author Date Recipients Place of Writing
James James 40–45 Jewish Christians in or near Palestine Jerusalem?
Galatians Paul 48 South Galatian churches Syrian Antioch
1 Thessalonians Paul 49–51 Church in Thessalonica Corinth
2 Thessalonians Paul 49–51 Church in Thessalonica Corinth
1 Corinthians Paul 53–55 Church in Corinth Ephesus
2 Corinthians Paul 55–56 Church in Corinth Macedonia
Romans Paul 57 Church in Rome Corinth
Philippians Paul 62 Church in Philippi Rome
Colossians Paul 62 Church in Colossae Rome
Philemon Paul 62 Philemon Rome
Ephesians Paul 62 Churches in Asia Minor (circular letter?) Rome
1 Timothy Paul 62–64 Timothy Macedonia?
Titus Paul 62–64 Titus Nicopolis
1 Peter Peter 62–63 Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor Rome
2 Peter Peter 64–67 Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor? Rome
2 Timothy Paul 64–67 Timothy Rome
Jude Jude Mid–60s Jewish Christians in Egypt? Asia Minor? Antioch? Unknown
Hebrews Unknown 60–70 Jewish Christians in Rome or in or near Palestine Unknown
1 John John 85–95 Churches near Ephesus? Ephesus
2 John John 85–95 Church or churches near Ephesus Ephesus
3 John John 85–95 Gaius Ephesus
Aquila and his wife, Priscilla

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (also called Prisca), were close friends and coworkers with the apostle Paul. Forced from Rome by the emperor Claudius, they fled to Corinth (18:1–2). Like Paul, who stayed in their home, they were tentmakers by trade. On his way back to Antioch, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to establish the church in that city. There the godly couple taught the Christian way “more accurately” to a gifted Alexandrian disciple named Apollos (18:26). They were eventually able to return to Rome, where the church met in their home (Rom. 16:3–5). Paul’s deep love and respect for Aquila and Priscilla is obvious in his letter to the Romans, where he declares that the couple “risked their necks” for his life (Rom. 16:3). (Romans 16:3–5)

Study Notes

Rom. 15:1–3 Christ is the supreme example of strengthening others and living for the glory of God. Paul quotes Ps. 69:9 to make this point.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:4 for our instruction . . . encouragement. All the words of the OT are the words of God. They teach believers how to live in a way that pleases God.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:8 circumcised. The Jews. In fulfilling God’s saving promises to the Jews, God shows truthfulness and faithfulness to his word.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:9–12 Paul cites verses from 2 Sam. 22:50 (or Ps. 18:49); Deut. 32:43; Ps. 117:1; and Isa. 11:10. The OT clearly emphasizes the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God.

Study Notes

Rom. 12:1–15:13 God’s Righteousness in Everyday Life. The gift of God’s saving righteousness leads to a new life. Paul explains some practical results of God’s saving mercy.

Rom. 14:1–15:13 Paul addresses a specific dispute, probably over whether Christians need to follow Jewish food laws. He agrees with the “strong” (who did not feel compelled to follow those laws), but he encourages them not to despise or offend the “weak.”

Study Notes

Rom. 15:14 Instruct often means warning against wrong conduct (compare 1 Cor. 4:14; 1 Thess. 5:12, 14; 2 Thess. 3:15).

Study Notes

Rom. 15:16 Gentile converts are the offering Paul presents to God.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:19 By the power of signs and wonders refers to the miracles God did through Paul during his ministry. Miracles pointed to the power of God (see Acts 5:12; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4). Paul has fulfilled his charge to preach the gospel among the Gentiles from Jerusalem to Illyricum (roughly the area that is now Albania and was formerly Yugoslavia). Churches have been planted in key places. From there Paul’s coworkers will bring the gospel to more remote areas (e.g., Epaphras in Colossae, Col. 1:7).

Study Notes

Rom. 15:20–21 Paul’s aim was to preach the gospel where no churches existed, fulfilling Isa. 52:15.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:22–24 Paul had been stopped from coming to Rome because he had not completed his work of planting churches in unreached eastern parts of the Roman Empire (v. 22), but now he feels that his work in the east has come to an end (vv. 23–24). He hopes to see the Roman church. He wants them to be his base of support for his mission to Spain. No visit of Paul to Spain is recorded in the NT. It is possible that he went there after the events recorded in Acts 28:30–31.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:25 He cannot visit Rome immediately. Paul’s next task is to travel to Jerusalem to bring the money he had collected for the poor saints there (see 1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8–9).

Study Notes

Rom. 15:26 Macedonia and Achaia are roughly equivalent to northern and southern Greece today, including such cities as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:27 they were pleased. The Gentiles enjoy the spiritual blessings of the Jewish people. They should happily assist them financially.

2 Corinthians Fact #7: More than simple charity

Fact: More than simple charity

More than simple charity. From the Jerusalem church, the good news about Christ had spread to the Gentile world. Paul’s collection (chs. 8–9) was an opportunity for Gentile believers to show gratitude to their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ (see Rom. 15:27).

Study Notes

Rom. 15:31 delivered from the unbelievers. Paul did go to Rome, even if it was not in the way he anticipated (see Acts 22–28).

Study Notes
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Paul Collects an Offering for Judea

Paul Collects an Offering for Judea

Activity Text Date
The church in Antioch sends Barnabas and Paul to Judea with relief funds. Acts 11:29–30; 12:25 c. A.D. 44–47
James, Cephas, and John encourage Paul to remember the poor, which he is eager to do. Gal. 2:10 c. 44–47
Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Ephesus. 1 Cor. 16:1–4 (see note on Acts 20:4) c. 53–55
Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Macedonia. 2 Corinthians 8–9 c. 55–56
Paul raises support for the Christians in Jerusalem while in Achaia. Rom. 15:25–33 (see note on Acts 20:3) Spring of 57
Paul is arrested when he arrives in Jerusalem to deliver the gift. Acts 24:17 (see Acts 21:17–33) Pentecost, 57
Study Notes

Rom. 16:1 Phoebe probably brought this epistle to the Romans. servant. The Greek word can mean either “servant” (13:4; 15:8; 1 Cor. 3:5; 1 Tim. 4:6) or “deacon” (referring to a church office; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12). Cenchreae. See note on Acts 18:18.

Study Notes

Rom. 16:2 Paul asks the church to assist Phoebe since she has helped so many. Phoebe served as a patron, probably offering financial assistance and hospitality to other believers.

Study Notes

Rom. 16:3 Prisca and Aquila. See 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19. Prisca is called Priscilla in Acts 18:2–3, 18, 26.

Study Notes

Rom. 16:4 Perhaps Prisca and Aquila risked their lives when Paul was in danger in Ephesus (Acts 19:23–41; 1 Cor. 15:32; 2 Cor. 1:8–11).

Study Notes

Rom. 16:5 the church in their house. See note on 1 Cor. 16:19. Apparently a church met in the home of Prisca and Aquila. Asia here refers to a province in what is modern-day Turkey.

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (also called Prisca), were close friends and coworkers with the apostle Paul. Forced from Rome by the emperor Claudius, they fled to Corinth (18:1–2). Like Paul, who stayed in their home, they were tentmakers by trade. On his way back to Antioch, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to establish the church in that city. There the godly couple taught the Christian way “more accurately” to a gifted Alexandrian disciple named Apollos (18:26). They were eventually able to return to Rome, where the church met in their home (Rom. 16:3–5). Paul’s deep love and respect for Aquila and Priscilla is obvious in his letter to the Romans, where he declares that the couple “risked their necks” for his life (Rom. 16:3). (Romans 16:3–5)

Study Notes

Rom. 16:7 Andronicus and Junia were probably a husband-and-wife ministry team. Most scholars now think that Junia was a woman, though some have argued that a man named Junias is in view (the spelling would be the same in Greek). The verse seems to be saying that Andronicus and Junia were well known to the apostles, not that Junia was herself an apostle. This passage also reveals that the couple was Jewish, had been imprisoned, and had become Christians before Paul.

Study Notes

Rom. 16:8–10 The people greeted in these verses are not mentioned elsewhere in the NT. The family of Aristobulus probably refers to the slaves in Aristobulus’s household. Some think Aristobulus is the grandson of Herod the Great (c. 73–4 B.C.) and the brother of Herod Agrippa I (10 B.C.–A.D. 44).

Study Notes

Rom. 16:11 The family of Narcissus refers to the slaves in Narcissus’s household. Some scholars think Narcissus was the wealthy freedman who served the emperor Claudius (A.D. 41–54). Nero’s mother, Agrippina, forced Narcissus to kill himself when Nero became emperor (A.D. 54).

Study Notes

Rom. 16:13 Rufus. Possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21). Apparently Rufus’s mother ministered significantly to Paul.

Study Notes

Rom. 16:16 Christians greeted one another with a holy kiss to show their warm affection (see note on 1 Cor. 16:20; also 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14).

Study Notes

Rom. 16:20 This is an allusion to Gen. 3:15.

Study Notes

Rom. 16:21 Those who are with Paul greet the Romans. Timothy is probably Paul’s most beloved coworker in ministry. Lucius is unknown. Jason is likely the same person named in Acts 17:5–7, 9. Sosipater is probably the same person as Sopater from Berea (Acts 20:4).

Study Notes

Rom. 16:22 Tertius functioned as Paul’s secretary for the letter. It was common for those writing letters in the first century to dictate to a secretary, but the content of the letter is clearly Paul’s.

Study Notes

Rom. 15:14–16:23 The Extension of God’s Righteousness through Paul’s Mission. Paul focuses on his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles, adding some greetings and final instructions.

Rom. 16:1–23 Paul warmly greets those he knows in Rome. He is able to say something specific about almost every person greeted.

Rom. 16:23 Gaius here is the Gaius of 1 Cor. 1:14. This supports the idea that the letter was written from Corinth. He was a man of some wealth, for he provided a place for the entire church to meet. It is difficult to know if Erastus is the person mentioned in Acts 19:22 and 2 Tim. 4:20.

See chart See chart
New Testament Timeline

New Testament Timeline

The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.

5 B.C.* Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
4 B.C. Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee.
A.D. 6 Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15).
8* Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50).
8*–28/30 Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt.
28–29* John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19).
28–30* Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture.
33 (or 30) Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2).
33/34* Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16).
34–37 Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18).
36 Pilate loses his position for incompetence.
36/37* Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18).
37–45 Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21).
38* Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10).
39 Antipas is exiled.
40–45* James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1).
41–44 Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3).
42–44 Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7).
44 Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23).
44–46 Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah.
44–47* Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10).
46–47 Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26).
46–48 Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean.
48* Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28).
48–49* Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40).
48/49–51* Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22).
49 Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3).
49–51* Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8).
51 Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17).
50–54* Peter comes to Rome.
52–57* Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17).
52–55 Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20).
53–55* Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10).
54 Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5).
54–68 Nero reigns.
55–56* Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5).
57* Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Je­­ru­salem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29).
57–59 Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34).
60 Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10).
60–70* Letter to the Hebrews is written.
62 James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus.
62–63* Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13).
62* Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts.
62–64 Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17).
63–64 Work on the temple complex is completed.
64 (July 19) Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians.
64–67* Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome.
66 First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions.
67* Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother.
68 Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors.
69 Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor.
70 (Aug. 30) Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school.
73 (May 2)* Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide.
75 Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal.
77 Pliny the Elder writes Natural History.
77–78 Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome.
79 Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate.
81 The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome.
81–96 Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla.
85–95* John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus.
89–95* John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus.
93–94 Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome.
94 Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome.
95* Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders.
95–96* Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9).
96–98 Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution.

* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or

Study Notes

Rom. 16:26 prophetic writings. The OT Scriptures (see 1:2).

Study Notes

Rom. 16:25–27 Final Summary of the Gospel of God’s Righteous­ness. Many of the themes in the introduction reappear in the conclusion.

Rom. 16:27 glory forevermore. God’s glory is to be the theme of Christians’ lives and the joy of their hearts.

Introduction to Romans

Introduction to Romans

Timeline

Author, Recipients, and Date

The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome. He probably did this while he was in Corinth on his third missionary journey, in A.D. 57 (Acts 20:2–3).

Theme

In the cross of Christ, God judges sin and at the same time shows his saving mercy.

Purpose

Paul wrote Romans to unite the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome in the gospel. He also wanted the church in Rome to become the base of operations from which he could proclaim the gospel in Spain (15:22–24). The ultimate goal of preaching the gospel is the glory of God (11:33–36). Paul longs for the Gentiles to become obedient Christians for the sake of Christ’s name (1:5).

Key Themes

  1. All people are sinners and need to be saved from their sin (1:18–3:20; 5:12–19).
  2. The Mosaic law is good and holy, but only Christ can remove sin and overcome its power (2:12–29; 3:9–20; 5:20; 7:1–25; 9:30–10:8).
  3. Through the righteousness of God, sin is judged and salvation is provided (3:21–26; 5:12–19; 6:1–10; 7:1–6; 8:1–4).
  4. With the coming of Jesus Christ, a new age of redemptive history has begun (1:1–7; 3:21–26; 5:1–8:39).
  5. The atoning death of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan of salvation (3:21–26; 4:23–25; 5:6–11, 15–19; 6:1–10; 7:4–6; 8:1–4).
  6. Justification is by faith alone (1:16–4:25; 9:30–10:21).
  7. Those who are in Christ Jesus have a sure hope of future glory (5:1–8:39).
  8. By the power of the Holy Spirit, those who have died with Christ live a new life (2:25–29; 6:1–7:6; 8:1–39).
  9. God is sovereign in salvation. He works all things according to his plan (9:1–11:36).
  10. God fulfills his promises to both Jews and Gentiles (1:18–4:25; 9:1–11:36; 14:1–15:13).
  11. Because of God’s grace, Christians should be morally pure, should show love to their neighbors, should be good citizens, and should welcome their fellow believers into fullest fellowship (12:1–15:7).

Outline

  1. The Gospel as the Revelation of God’s Righteousness (1:1–17)
  2. God’s Righteousness in His Wrath against Sinners (1:18–3:20)
  3. The Saving Righteousness of God (3:21–4:25)
  4. Hope as a Result of Righteousness by Faith (5:1–8:39)
  5. God’s Righteousness to Israel and to the Gentiles (9:1–11:36)
  6. God’s Righteousness in Everyday Life (12:1–15:13)
  7. The Extension of God’s Righteousness through Paul’s Mission (15:14–16:23)
  8. Final Summary of the Gospel of God’s Righteousness (16:25–27)

The Setting of Romans

c. A.D. 57

Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centers of Western civilization. Paul had established the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–11).

The Setting of Romans

The Global Message of Romans

The Global Message of Romans

The global message of Romans is that all people everywhere have free access to the riches of God’s grace in Christ as they respond in faith to the gospel. In his own Son, God has made a way for lost people to be restored to him—lost people whether they are Greeks or barbarians, wise or foolish (Rom. 1:14).

Romans and Redemptive History

The letter to the Romans itself recounts much of global redemptive history. Paul moves from the problem of sin (Romans 1–3) to the solution provided in Christ (chs. 3–8) to how that solution applies in a practical way among God’s people (chs. 9–16).

The second half of Romans 1 tells us of God’s righteous wrath upon unbelieving Gentiles (Rom. 1:18–32). In chapter 2 Paul says, however, that not only immoral people but also moral people are under God’s judgment (2:1–16). And then he presses in even deeper, saying that even religious people are ripe for judgment (2:17–29). The conclusion is that “all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin” (3:9).

All this is a result of the fall of mankind, which we read about in Genesis 3. The sin that has flooded throughout the world is rooted in the rebellion of one man and one woman who represented all of humanity, with the man as the head (see Rom. 5:12–19). Yet at the climax of human history, at just the right time (5:6), God sent his Son to die in the place of his people and thus to begin to undo the effects of the fall (3:21–26; 5:6–21).

This great salvation is the fulfillment of promises made to ethnic Israel (Rom. 9:6). Yet the gospel has burst through all ethnic boundaries, spilling out to Jew and Gentile throughout the world until the time when Christ will come a second time and restore not only God’s children but, with them, the entire cosmos (8:19–22).

The Global Reach of God’s Righteousness

Indeed, one of the great themes of Romans is the worldwide scope of the gospel. The theme statement of the letter makes this clear: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). The gospel is God’s saving power to anyone who trusts in Christ. This is not a geographically segregated gospel. It is not for a certain class, or ethnicity, or education level. It is for everyone who is prepared to acknowledge their sin and rebellion and turn in trusting faith to Christ.

Romans 9–11 makes this especially clear. Here Paul explains that, although God chose ethnic Israel to be his unique covenant people and made special promises to them, they failed to live up to their side of the covenant. Yet the word of God has not failed (Rom. 9:6). Indeed, God himself has sovereignly overseen everything that has taken place in Israel, even down to their own hardened hearts (9:6–24). Despite Israel’s covenant failure, God has reserved a remnant among them (11:1–12). And, Israel’s failure has been God’s mysterious way of breaking open his grace to the Gentiles all over the world (11:13–36).

In this way, the hand of God down through history is bringing his salvation to every tribe and tongue and people group.

Universal Themes in Romans

Human sin. Sin is described in Romans as ungodliness (Rom. 1:18), unrighteousness (1:18), foolish and darkened hearts (1:21), idolatry (1:23), and impurity (1:24). Paul makes clear that no one is exempt from this condition. All people everywhere are “under sin” (3:9). They are “slaves of sin” (6:17). Sin does not affect us simply by causing us occasionally to make bad decisions or other mistakes; rather, sin infects all that we are and do: mind, heart, and will. This is true of all people, Jew and Gentile alike (3:9).

The extensive reach of redemption. The reach of sin is pervasive indeed, extending to every corner of the globe and to every dimension of the human person. Yet the reach of the redemption achieved in Christ is deeper still. The magnificent letter to the Romans opens and closes with resounding statements of the global reach of the gospel of grace. In his opening greeting, Paul declares his desire to visit Rome, “in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles” (Rom. 1:13). He goes on to say that he is “under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians” (1:14). And at the close of the letter Paul explains that he has made it his ambition to bring the gospel “from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum” (15:19).

The very point of the Christian gospel is that God’s grace is not for a select few—otherwise grace would not be grace (11:6). The sacrifice Christ has made is available to all people everywhere in the world. The whole world will one day be cleansed of sin and injustice, and all those who have put their faith in Christ will be restored to the glory of God for which they were created (2:7; 3:23; 8:18).

The Global Message of Romans for Today

The letter to the Romans provides the greatest remedy the world could ever know (Christ) to the greatest problem the world has ever seen (sin). And this remedy is available to the greatest diversity of people the world could ever produce: everyone.

Global Christians wrestle today with problems on a variety of fronts: political, social, economic, and more. Accordingly, God calls us to engage our world with faithful presence, representing Christ and the gospel with faithfulness and fortitude in all these various arenas of life. In Romans we see an example of this in Paul’s admonition to the Roman believers to submit to the government that God has placed over them (Rom. 13:1–7).

Yet the message of Romans for the church today does not fundamentally address political or social problems; rather, it addresses the very human heart that makes such political or social problems arise. Romans tells us and shows us that the human heart is sick. Indeed, the self-salvation attempts to which all humans are so prone are both futile and unnecessary. For Romans teaches that, while immorality does not earn God’s favor (Romans 1), neither does morality (ch. 2). Our goodness cannot accomplish the salvation that our badness requires. “Works of the law” will justify “no human being” (3:20). Instead, God put forward his own Son to be a sacrifice for sin that turns away divine wrath (3:25). God the Father solves the human dilemma by sending God the Son and applying the benefits of the Son’s achievement by God the Holy Spirit (ch. 8).

What can Christians around the globe do in response but gladly surrender our lives as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1) in heartfelt praise to the God of grace?

Oh, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord,

    or who has been his counselor?”

“Or who has given a gift to him

    that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:33–36)

Romans Fact #13: He obviously cared deeply

Fact: He obviously cared deeply

Paul had not visited Rome when he wrote this letter, but he sent personal greetings to more than 25 individually named men and women plus households (16:3–15). He obviously cared deeply for his Christian brothers and sisters and appreciated their work for Christ.

2 Corinthians Fact #1: Amen

Fact: Amen

Amen is the Greek form of the Hebrew word mean­ing “to confirm.” The word is used throughout the Bible to affirm the truth of important statements (see 1:20). Paul often ends his letters with “Amen” (see Rom. 16:27), but here in 2 Corinthians he says it near the beginning of his letter.

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Dive Deeper | Romans 15-16

For the past three summers, my life has been changed by serving at Camp Barnabas with Watermark students. Camp Barnabas is a camp for kids and adults with special needs. This experience allowed me to truly understand what it is like to fully serve other people and show them God's love.

In Romans 15, Paul focuses on the idea of serving. Paul starts this chapter off by saying, "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1) This implies that we are strong, but we must remember that it is actually God's strength that allows us to serve others. I really saw this in my first year at Barnabas because I was trying to do everything on my own, and it caused me stress and frustration. I broke down and asked the Lord to help me see that I couldn't do this on my own, that I needed him to work through me.

God answered my prayer. Even though it was still hard, he reminded me that I would always be able to find peace in the "God of endurance and encouragement" (Romans 15:5).

As we move into chapter 16, Paul mentions many people whom he has met on his journeys. He gives thanks to all the people who have built him up and helped him walk faithfully through life. However, he also warns us to watch out for people who will try to tear us down: "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them." (Romans 16:17)

I think of this verse when I return from Barnabas, and I am "back in the real world." At my school, I have witnessed bad decisions made by peers. Romans 16 reminds me to be thankful to my Christian friends, family, small group leaders, and pastors who help me in my walk with Christ.

This month's memory verse

"There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

– Romans 3:22b-24

Discussion Questions

1. How have you been doing in the area of serving? Have you been living to please yourself, or have you been letting God move through you to build up others?

2. Have you faced any challenges recently that have caused you stress or fatigue? How have you dealt with these feelings? Have you relied on the "God of endurance and encouragement" (Romans 15:5)?

3. If you were writing Romans 16, who would you thank? Who has helped you grow in your faith recently? Send them a text to thank them and encourage them.

4. Is there anyone in your life who has been pulling you away from Christ recently? If so, have you invited others in to help you know how to respond?