INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS

  1. The writer: The Apostle Paul (Rom. 1:1).
  2. The date and place of writing: The letter to the Romans was written during Paul's three months' stay in Corinth on his third missionary journey in 56 A.D. (see Acts 20:3), shortly after the writing of II Corinthians. Paul was a house guest of a man named Gaius (Rom. 16:23), a wealthy citizen of the Grecian city of Corinth.
  3. The occasion for writing:
    1. Paul's interest in the church at Rome. It was the center of the Roman Empire. As the apostle to the Gentiles he wanted to preach the gospel there also (Rom. 15:15-16) and to use it as a base of operations for new missionary work (Rom. 15:24, 28).
    2. The opportunity presented by the going of Phoebe to Rome (Rom. 16:1).
  4. The purpose of writing:
    1. To prepare them for his proposed visit in the near future. (Rom. 1:10, 13; 15:22-23).
    2. To introduce them to his gospel.
    3. To ground them in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.
    4. To counteract the legalistic Judaizing teaching that might destroy the work of God in that place.
  5. The destination: Rome.
    1. The founding of the church at Rome. There are three theories:
      1. Peter founded the church and was bishop for 25 years. Contrary to Rom. 15:20.
      2. Those from Rome who were converted on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10).
      3. Christians who took up residence in Rome, maybe some of Paul's converts.
    2. The constituents of the church at Rome: Christian Jews and Gentiles.
  6. The character of the letter. The fact that the congregation was strange to him has set its mark on the whole letter and gives it a uniquely objective character. It deals with no special problems of the congregation and no personal references are made, except the greetings at the end of the letter. It is a true letter and not a theological treatise.
  7. The fundamental theme:
    1. The righteousness of God (Rom. 1:17; 3:21-22) and
    2. Justification through faith (Rom. 3:24, 26, 28).
  8. Basic presuppositions of Paul's thinking:
    1. Salvation by the grace of God through faith apart from the works of the law (Rom. 3:24, 28).
    2. The two Adams (Rom. 5:12-21).