Romans General Introduction

The book of Romans has been considered Paul’s most excellent work, his masterpiece. It is the opened door to all the treasures in Scripture, the cathedral to the Christian faith. This book contains the perfect gospel.

The occasion for the Roman epistle was Paul’s knowledge that the end of his earthly sojourn was at hand. God’s purpose and Paul’s desire was that he preach to the Romans (Acts 19:21; 23:11; 28:14, 16-31). Knowing that his earthly journey was nearing completion, he desired to close his earthly ministry by presenting one comprehensive survey of God’s redeeming purpose in Jesus Christ. That is recorded in the epistle to the Romans.

Paul’s foreword is recorded in Romans 1:1-17. His final word begins with Romans 15:14 and extends through 16:27. Between his foreword and final word, every major doctrine in the Bible was discussed by the apostle.

A workable knowledge of Romans gives a Christian a workable knowledge of the Bible from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. Furthermore, to properly understand the book, one must have a workable knowledge of the entire Bible.

The book was written in the home of Gaius (Rom. 16:23). Gaius was a Corinthian Christian (I Cor. 1:14). History states that the epistle was written about 58 A.D. The completed letter was sent by Phoebe to the Christians at Rome (Rom. 16:1-2). Her name means “radiant.” Hence, she was a radiant Christian. Phoebe was a servant of the church.

Paul’s secretary was Tertius (Rom. 16:22). According to Galatians 6:11, Paul had bad eyes; therefore, he used Tertius as his secretary. Tertius means “third.” The significance of his name is important. In giving the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit was first. The person used to give them was second. The secretary through whom He gave them was third.

The chief subject of the epistle is the righteousness of God. The key phrase is “of God.” It is found many times. In the first chapter alone, it is used in the following ways: the gospel of God (v. 1), the Son of God (v. 4), the beloved of God (v. 7), the will of God (v. 10), the power of God (v. 16), the righteousness of God (v. 17), the wrath of God (v. 18), that which is known of [about] God (v. 19), the truth of God (v. 25), and the ordinance of God (v. 32).

The righteousness of God may be illustrated with a mountain range. Upon the entire plateau may be inscribed the righteousness of God. Three mountain peaks rise above the plateau. The first may be labeled the righteousness of God communicated. That is the chief subject of Chapters 1:18-8:39. The inscription on the second peak may be the righteousness of God vindicated. That is the subject of Chapters 9-11. Romans 9:14 is the outstanding verse in that section, proving the subject is the righteousness of God vindicated. The third peak may be designated the righteousness of God demonstrated. Conclusively, between Paul’s foreword and his final word, he taught the righteousness of God communicated, vindicated, and demonstrated.

Paul, the wise masterbuilder, after leaving his foreword, began with the foundation of the Christian message. He commenced with the subject of condemnation: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18). Man is a depraved creature, a stranger and enemy to God. There is no hope for him separate from the righteousness of God. Paul cataloged sins (plural) in Romans 1. The subject of condemnation was discussed through Romans 3:20.

The apostle concluded that there is none righteous, all are under sin, none seek after God, none understand, etc. The whole world is guilty before God. He closed the section on condemnation with Romans 3:20—“Because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” Man is depraved, doomed, and damned. His only hope is God’s provision.

Justification was discussed in Romans 3:21-5:21. How can a man be just with God? He must be justified by the righteousness provided by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Provision is made for a justified person in sanctification (Rom. 6:1-8:17). Thus, he may live a holy life.

The apostle carried the Romans further to glorification (Rom. 8:17-30) and then to the triumphant song (vv. 31-39). Any child of God can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. He has been justified from condemnation and sanctified. His glorification is assured; therefore, he can sing triumphantly.

In the next division of the book (Rom. 9-11), Paul discussed the righteousness of God vindicated. He anticipated a question that would be raised concerning vindicated righteousness: “What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be!” (Rom. 9:14). God is not unrighteous to choose (elect) some to salvation and pass by (reprobate) others.

God’s sovereignty of relationship and His right over the nation of Israel was discussed in Romans 9. That deals with Israel’s past. Romans 10 concerns Israel’s present. Paul’s desire was that Israel be saved. God’s righteousness was set forth as it is revealed in the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Romans 11 relates to Israel’s future. God’s faithfulness and Israel’s unfaithfulness are contrasted. Israel has been, is, and will be unfaithful; nevertheless, her unfaithfulness cannot thwart God’s eternal purpose. God’s faithfulness in these chapters concerns His purpose to make good every promise He has made to national Israel. Notice the way Paul closed the section on God’s sovereignty: “For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience” (Rom. 30).

Beginning with Romans 12:1, Paul discussed the demonstration of God’s righteousness. One cannot possess the righteousness of God without demonstrating it in his life. Paul’s personal address is recorded in Romans 12:1-3. The apostle began stressing Christian duties (v. 4). Service is not self-effort. It is out-living the in-living Savior. The inward urge by the Holy Spirit is the fountain of service.

A Christian is motivated to service by his knowledge of condemnation, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There are three spheres of demonstration for God’s righteousness: (1) in the assembly (12:4-13), (2) in the social sphere (12:14-21), and (3) in the civil sphere (13:1-7). Individuals upon whom grace has been bestowed first manifest it in the assembly. They will then make it known to persons with whom they contact socially. The will also reveals it in their civil responsibility.

God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel (Rom. 1:16-17). Paul always distinguished God’s righteousness from man’s. Human righteousness is nothing more than filthy rags. Contrarily, one saved by God’s grace is clothed with God’s garment of righteousness. Paul was not describing God’s inherent righteous character in Romans 1:17. God’s inherent righteousness is required to provide a righteousness for men. However, Paul spoke of the righteousness wrought by Jesus Christ when He died on the cross of Calvary. The inherent righteousness of God is the source, but Paul spoke of the accomplishment provided by Jesus Christ.

Throughout his foreword, Paul discussed the gospel of God—its source and his separation unto it—the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also related his desire to go to Rome that he might impart to the Romans some spiritual gift for their establishment. He stated that he was indebted to the Greeks and Barbarians, the wise and unwise, and he was ready to preach the gospel to the Romans also.

God’s provision must be contemplated at five periods: (1) It was purposed in eternity. Jesus Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (2) It was promised after the fall (Gen. 3:15). (3) It was provided in the death of Jesus Christ.

Since the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel, Paul was not ashamed of it. God’s righteous character is understood; therefore, Paul spoke of God’s purposed, promised, and provided righteousness which is revealed in the gospel and applied to individuals in regeneration.

The righteousness of God is seen in relation to sin and sins (Rom. 1-8), in relation to the calling of Israel (Rom. 9-11), and relation to everyday life (Rom. 12-15). Jesus Christ is the One in whom that righteousness is embodied. He is the One by whom it is vindicated. He is the One through whom it is communicated: “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption” (I Cor. 1:30).

There are three parts to the salvation of the elect of God: justification, sanctification, and glorification. A person cannot possess one without the other. Justification frees one from the condemnation of sin—past. Sanctification releases him from the power of sin—present. Glorification will deliver him from the presence of sin—future. Everyone who has been justified is being sanctified and shall be glorified.

Justification makes one a son. The word “son” denotes his relationship with Jesus Christ. Sanctification makes him a saint. Glorification will enable him to be a sharer with Christ in His kingdom. Then, he shall reign with Him in glory. In justification, Jesus Christ is seen on the cross. In sanctification, self is on the cross. In glorification, saints are on the throne.

Some ministers expound without applying and some endeavor to apply what has never been expounded. Every man of God should seek to emulate the apostle Paul. He expounded and applied. Doctrine and practice, knowledge and action are inseparable. Doctrine and practice may be compared with common table salt. Salt is composed of sodium and chlorine. Either alone is poison. Doctrine without practice is poisonous; and practice without doctrine is poisonous. Sodium and chlorine combined make food savory. Likewise, doctrine and practice combined cause a Christian’s life to be a sweet savor to the Lord.

The Christian message is doctrine. It is the origin, and the Christian life issues from it. The message tells of Jesus Christ for us, and the life relates Jesus Christ in us. The message unfolds the need of salvation, and the life unveils the way of salvation. Panoramically, the book of Romans contains Paul’s foreword, a discussion of the righteousness of God communicated, vindicated, and demonstrated, and Paul’s final word.

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The NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE—UPDATED EDITION is the source of all Scripture quotations in this message, unless otherwise noted.