Romans

Today in our New Testament Challenge reading schedule we begin reading the Book of Romans.  The apostle Paul wrote this letter to a vibrant church in the city of Rome sometime around 57-58 A.D. while on his third missionary journey from the city of Corinth in the home of his friend and convert Gaius (16:23; cf. 1 Cor. 1:14)  He planned to go first to Jerusalem to deliver a gift of money from the Gentile churches to the poor in Jerusalem. Then he hoped to visit Rome on his way to Spain. His hopes were later realized, but not as he expected. When he finally arrived in Rom in early A.D. 60, he was a prisoner under house arrest (Acts 28:11-31). 

Paul's letters to young churches normally addressed a particular issue or occasion. But Romans is different. It offers a more general view of Paul's theology and provides a systematic outline of the essentials of the Christian faith.

Paul had for many years dreamed of preaching in Rome. This letter served as a kind of introduction to prepare the church for his anticipated visit. It gave them instruction in the faith and an overall 'syllabus' of Paul's teaching. We also know that this church included both Jews and Gentiles and that Paul wrote to give them instruction and encouragement that would help them live in harmony. The first eleven chapters of the book deal with the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ apart from works of the law.  The remainder of the book deals with our life as a Christian, once we have been justified. 

Romans chapter 1 begins with Paul’s introduction and with an inspiring statement about the Gospel’s power for salvation.  (1:16)  Paul then goes into great detail throughout the entire book to expound upon the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I want to draw your attention to something Paul says in chapter one.  In the first seven verses, Paul lays out in brief the story of the gospel.  The “gospel of God” was prophesied of long before Paul’s day.  Obviously, to Paul, the entire OT pointed to Christ as the true culmination of Israel’s story.  According to Paul, it is through this Messiah, Jesus, that we have received grace. 

The reason?  To “bring about the obedience of faith.” (1:5; cf. 16:26)    But what does this mean? The ESV Study Bible explains it this way:  “Obedience is required, but it is an obedience that flows from saving faith and is always connected to ongoing faith.”

In other others, Paul is speaking of the obedience that is the direct result of having faith in the gospel. He is not speaking of a one-time faith, such as what is given at conversion through our initial belief, repentance and baptism, but rather the obedience that is formed by that faith that keeps the faith in the gospel.

I am going to go so far as to say that it is nearly impossible for one to keep their faith in the gospel if they are not obedient to it. The gospel calls us to radical submission to God and dying to sin, a radical loving of the other, a radical turning of the mind to something outside of ourselves. If we refuse to do what God says, refuse to love others, and refuse to see beyond ourselves, then, eventually, our faith will waver, and we will fall.

Paul’s gospel, while one that centers on Christ and the very real and true fact that we are saved by faith apart from works of the law, is a sober reminder that what we do in this life really does matter.  That a changed life is absolutely vital to the spreading of the gospel and the redemption of the people of God.

May you be blessed and inspired as you read and study the book of Romans!

Robert Prater