NEW TESTAMENT
ROMANS FIRST PART
What is the book of Romans about in the Bible? Watch as we explain its major themes and gain a deeper understanding of its place in the biblical story.
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Who Wrote the Book of Romans?
The Book of Romans in the New Testament was written by the apostle Paul.
Context:
Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, a diverse city with various religious practices and cultural influences. The early Christian community in Rome faced challenges of unity and doctrinal understanding, which Paul addresses in his letter. The Book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul around AD 57-58.
Curiosities of the Book of Romans:
Literary Styles:
The Book of Romans is primarily written in an epistolary style, meaning it is structured as a letter.
Key Themes:
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Righteousness: Paul explores God's righteousness and how it relates to human sin and salvation through faith in Christ.
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Unity: He stresses the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, despite their cultural and religious differences.
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God's Faithfulness: Paul discusses God's faithfulness to Israel and His plan to include Gentiles in His covenant through Christ.
Structure:
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Introduction and Thesis (Romans 1:1-17): Paul introduces himself, his desire to visit Rome, and his thesis—the gospel is the power of God for salvation.
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Sin and Salvation (Romans 1:18-8:39): Paul addresses human sinfulness and the need for justification through faith in Jesus Christ.
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God's Plan for Israel and Gentiles (Romans 9-11): He explains God's plan for Israel's salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant.
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Christian Living (Romans 12-16): Paul gives practical instructions for Christian living and concludes with personal remarks and greetings.
Reflect:
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What is one way this video expands your understanding of the word “righteousness”? (Video 2:45-3:12)
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What is one way this video expands your understanding of the word “justification”? (Video 4:28-6:01)
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How would you summarize the first four chapters of Romans in your own words? (Video 6:58-7:30)
Go Deeper:
Christians in ancient Rome clashed with one another. Some Christians argued that the non-Jewish Christians needed to keep Jewish laws and customs to be real, righteous Christians. Others thought the Jewish law had become irrelevant. Who was right? Paul argued that Jesus is the only righteous one. As we read his letter to the Romans, we learn that Jews and non-Jews alike have missed the point. The Law cannot make someone righteous, but it can point to the one who is, Jesus, who came to make all things right. He mends the rifts that separate us from one another. Jesus’ righteousness brings people together in a united, multi-ethnic family.
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Read: Romans: 3:21-27
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Review this passage in two or three other translations. What is one thing that you observe after reading the text a few times?
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How did the Law and Prophets talk about the righteousness of God?
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How did Jesus show what righteousness really is and what it is not?
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The gift of righteousness that Jesus offers cannot be earned, only received. So Paul asks, “Why would we boast?” Consider one way we boast about how “right” we are. How does this dishonor the gift and the giver? What is one way we can practically honor Jesus instead?
Jesus created a new covenant family:
Since the garden, humans have repeatedly chosen sin and rebellion over living by God’s wisdom. God’s covenants with his human partners were imperfect, and humans failed to be faithful to the agreement. But Jesus established a new covenant that is open to all people, Jew and Gentile, creating a multiethnic family of God where self-giving love and forgiveness are at the center of everything.
The Gospel Explained:
The book of Romans is a detailed explanation of the Gospel message written by Paul to the church in Rome. See how Paul lays out the surprising message of Jesus' new covenant in this carefully crafted letter.
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