Paul’s Letter To The Romans

by Chris Simmons

When the church in Rome began and who began it is simply not known. We do know that at the time of Paul’s writing that the church in Rome was not a new work as Paul expressed that “for many years” he had longed to come to them (Romans 14:23). The church had been there long enough for their faith to be “proclaimed throughout the whole world,” which news had prompted Paul’s “unceasing” prayers on their behalf (Romans 1:8-10). Perhaps it was Aquila and Priscilla whom Paul had met in Corinth (from where this letter was written) that had brought news to Paul about the church in Rome as they had recently been caused to flee from there (Acts 18:1). It is mentioned in the book of Acts (Acts 2:10) that there were citizens of Rome present on the day of Pentecost, when Peter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ for the very first time. It’s certainly possible they were among the 3000 who responded to the gospel and then were responsible for returning to Rome and beginning the church there. Perhaps some of the Christians who were dispersed from Jerusalem due to the persecution that followed after the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1-4) carried the gospel to Rome for the first time. Ultimately, we just don’t know who or when the church in Rome began, but there were saints in Rome.

Paul had never been to Rome nor had he ever personally met the brethren to whom he wrote this letter. This is evidenced by his comments within the letter. Romans 1:11-15, “For I long to see you … I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented thus far)… I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” Paul further described his plans “by the will of God” to come to them after he completed his work of delivering the contribution for the needy saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:22-33).

Having made his way to Corinth on his 3rd missionary journey, Paul was eager to return to Jerusalem to bring the gift which the brethren in Macedonia and Achaia had sent (Acts 20:1-4). It is evident that this is the situation in which Paul wrote the letter to the Romans because he references this gift for the brethren in the letter. His plans were to come to see them and then go on to Spain, but he first had to deliver this gift for the needy saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:23-29). This is the same contribution that Paul discussed in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.

Further evidence that it was written from Corinth includes the fact that four of the men who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem from the city of Corinth (Acts 20:3-4) were also listed as being with Paul when he wrote the letter (Romans 16:21-23). Of those four, we know that Gaius lived in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14) and Erastus was the city treasurer there (Romans 16:23). Thus, the time of the writing of this letter can be established to have been approximately 58 AD.

Rome, at the time of the writing of this letter and during Paul’s later imprisonments, was ruled by the emperor Nero (AD 54-68). Perhaps the greatest city of the world at that time, renowned for its awesome architecture and inspiring monuments of human achievement, Rome had no lack of licentious, immoral and shameless conduct within its boundaries. Prostitution was sanctioned by the government and it was the social norm for members of both sex to bathe together in the public bath houses. Although, Paul had not personally visited Rome, he was well aware of the pervasive immoral climate that the members of the church lived in as he began his letter by describing the end state of a culture devoid of reverence and respect for the one true God (Romans 1:24-32). He urged them to “awaken” from their indifference and tolerance of the godless standards around them and “behave properly” by laying aside the sins of the flesh and to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:11-14). Just 3 years later, Paul would get his wish and visit Rome as he longed to do: not as a freeman, but as a prisoner in bondage for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 27:16-31).

It is clear that the church in Rome was comprised of both Gentiles and Jews. The exact ratio is impossible to determine but evidence does suggest that perhaps its membership was dominated by Gentile Christians. In the letter, Paul first referenced his desire to come and preach there “in order that I might obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.” He also stated in Romans 11:13, “But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry.” Paul again made reference to his role as minster to the Gentiles and purpose in writing to them “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:16). Romans chapter 2 clearly indicates that Paul had some things to say to the Jewish brethren there in Rome. He rebuked those who wore “the name ‘Jew’” (verse 17) and would “boast in the Law” (verse 23) and yet do the things the Law condemns (verses 21-23). He also pointed out that in the church, it mattered not what one was in the flesh – “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God” (verses 28-29).

The mixture of Jews and Gentiles within the church in Rome is evident by the nature of the admonitions he sent and the overall theme of the book. That theme being summarized in Romans 1:16-17, “For 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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Salvation through Christ was the same whether Jew or Gentile just as both were facing condemnation apart from faith in Christ and the power of the gospel. Paul wrote in Romans 2:9-11, “There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.” Both Gentile (Romans 1:18-32) and Jew (Romans 2:1-10) stood condemned before God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). It’s perhaps difficult for us to appreciate the challenges in breaking down “the barrier of the dividing wall” between Jew and Gentile and reconciling “them both in one body to God through the cross” (Ephesians 2:14-16). The power of the gospel though is available to all who believe and call upon the Lord by “heed(ing) the glad tidings” (Romans 10:11-16). Paul dealt with the issues that caused conflicts between Jews and Gentiles in the 14th chapter, which included the eating of meat and the observance of days – matters that are considered “clean” in the Lord (verse 14). The principles that were to govern these conflicts included the commitment to never “put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way” (verse 13) and the pursuit of “the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (verse 19). Brethren will always be able to overcome any personal problems through those two provisions. Where so many fall short in understanding the theme of the book of Romans is in failing to recognize Paul’s emphasis on “the obedience of faith.” This was his purpose in preaching the gospel (Romans 1:5; 16:26).

The letter is basically divided into two sections. The first 11 chapters dealing with man’s justification by faith and power of the gospel to save man. The last 5 chapters then dealing with God’s exhortation to lead a transformed life along with Paul’s personal remarks, instructions and greetings.

May we never lose faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ to have the power to save man from his sins through his obedience of faith.