What would you write to a group of Christians you've never met in a city you've never visited? Even more, these are Christians at the very center of the world--at least, that's what most Romans believed about themselves. After all, Rome was the capital of a vast empire and, according to a common saying, all roads led to Rome.
The apostle Paul did not shy away from this task. The church in Rome, most likely, had begun through some who had become Christians after visiting Jerusalem and hearing Peter's speech at Pentecost - Acts 2:10. They returned home and, with the knowledge they had and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, began what became a vibrant church. Writing from Corinth, near the end of his third missionary, Paul wrote to this church in order to help them "be established" solidly in the truth - Romans 1:11.
The Book of Romans is a masterful letter explaining what the Christian life is all about and exploring the significance of Christ's death and resurrection. Written in the format of a logical argument--asking his own questions and then answering them (much as the Roman teachers would do)--the book explains how Jesus' death and resurrection could save sinners. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness...." - Romans 3:23-25.
Paul presents Jesus as the One who offered His righteousness as a gracious gift to sinful people. Paul clarifies the core concept of the Christian faith: sin and righteousness, faith and works, justification and election. After a theological discussion, Paul explains how the Christian faith should make a difference in people's lives.
Paul wrote to help the Roman church build on a solid foundation of the truth--the gospel truth. Do you want to know the truth? Then look no further. Truth is found in Jesus Christ and what He had done for you.
God Bless,
Dan
The apostle Paul did not shy away from this task. The church in Rome, most likely, had begun through some who had become Christians after visiting Jerusalem and hearing Peter's speech at Pentecost - Acts 2:10. They returned home and, with the knowledge they had and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, began what became a vibrant church. Writing from Corinth, near the end of his third missionary, Paul wrote to this church in order to help them "be established" solidly in the truth - Romans 1:11.
The Book of Romans is a masterful letter explaining what the Christian life is all about and exploring the significance of Christ's death and resurrection. Written in the format of a logical argument--asking his own questions and then answering them (much as the Roman teachers would do)--the book explains how Jesus' death and resurrection could save sinners. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness...." - Romans 3:23-25.
Paul presents Jesus as the One who offered His righteousness as a gracious gift to sinful people. Paul clarifies the core concept of the Christian faith: sin and righteousness, faith and works, justification and election. After a theological discussion, Paul explains how the Christian faith should make a difference in people's lives.
Paul wrote to help the Roman church build on a solid foundation of the truth--the gospel truth. Do you want to know the truth? Then look no further. Truth is found in Jesus Christ and what He had done for you.
God Bless,
Dan
