Introduction to Romans

ROMANS

_{[aka, Paul’s Letter to the Roman Christians]}

 

_INTRODUCTION

 

         After travelling with Paul on his 3 missionary journeys, he ended up in Rome at the end of the Book of Acts. As I stated in the final posting from that study, it is church tradition that tells us of Paul’s eventual release, and he plan to begin a 4^thmissionary journey. Since Paul spent 2 years in a home prison of sorts, he had the opportunity to fellowship with the Roman church in his dwelling for he was allowed to have guests, albeit, with a Roman guard present.

      I decided Saturday night that I would take us into Rome to examine Paul’s letter (aka, an epistle) chapter by chapter to glean whatever truth is being offered by the author to the church body.

      I will begin with some introductory posts to set the stage for the text. Even though we are all just humans, even Paul and the like, emulating Christ should be our top priority in life since our conversion.

      Here we go ...

 

      Paul was a very intelligent and articulate Jew who once converted was totally committed to the spreading of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The letter we’ll be looking at is the vehicle God chose Paul to use to make a case for the gospel clearly and directly. 

      Since Paul hadn’t visited Rome prior to his incarceration, it would seem quite possible that the Church there was started by Jews who were present on the day of Pentecost. Although Paul hadn’t met these folks, he still felt a kindred spirit with them, for he saw them all as his brothers and sisters in the faith. This letter was sent to introduce himself and make clear what his beliefs were.

      As an introduction the apostle presented the facts regarding the gospel. Paul then made his allegiance to the gospel plainly known. It was then that he built an airtight case regarding the lostness of man and his need for God. He then presents the Good News ... that salvation is available to ALL with no limitations. It didn’t matter who he or she was, what sin(s) he or she had committed or what their background was ... for all had sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Those converted had been ‘saved’ by the grace of God. God’s grace is unearned, undeserved favor from God. It is through grace by faith in Christ Jesus that we are saved from sin and our own propensity to do so. I will continue this intro in tomorrow’s posting. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^{Resource: The Life Application Study Bible}