Biblical Backgrounds:
Examining the Book of Romans
Romans was Paul’s sixth letter to be written, even though it is the first recorded in our modern day Bibles. Scholars say that he most likely was in Corinth, preparing to go to Jerusalem. Romans was written in approximately 57 A.D. which would have been about 20 years after his Damascus Road experience. (Acts 9). In order to understand the gravity of Paul’s writing about holy and righteous living, you have to remember that Paul used to be Saul, prior to the conversion, and his job was to persecute those who were followers of Jesus (Acts 9:13).
The church (people, not a place, because they would have met in homes not a central location) most likely was started by converted Jews who were in Jerusalem possibly even during Pentecost, (Acts 2). The church in Rome was made up of rich, poor, free, slave, men, women, Jews, Gentiles, Roman citizens and even travelers. During this time the Roman government didn’t mess with religious groups that were polythiesitc; the worship of more than one god. This was a problem for the Jews and Gentile Christians because they were monothesitc: the belief there is only one God. During Emperor Claudius’s reign (AD 10-54) he made the Jewish expulsion decree, (49 AD). Under this decree the Jews were banished from Rome (Acts 18:1-2). This is when it is said that the church exploded under Gentile leadership, but you have to understand that no other apostle nor Paul (Romans 1:10) had been there to start a church or to bring leadership.
It wasn’t until Emperor Nero took over that he reversed the Jewish decree and those who had fled were able to return, such as Priscilla and Aquila, who returned to Rome in 55 AD and had a church in their home (Romans 16). Paul’s letter to the church in Rome also came as the Jewish Christians were returning. As you read Romans you will see he is getting those he was writing to, to come together in the unity of Christ, verses looking at their differences. He asks many questions to get the recipient of the letter to understand that God loves both the Jew and the Gentile (Romans 3:9 and Romans 3:29) and that they all have fallen short (Romans 3:23) and are in need of a Savior (Romans 6:23).
One thing you have to remember is that this was a letter. It didn’t have chapters and verses. When the Bible was translated, titles, chapters, and verses were added. To get the fullness of any book that Paul wrote, you need to read it in one sitting as a whole. Sometimes I like to cut and paste onto a word document and take out all the extras so I can study without the distraction.
Why read Romans?
Theologians say that Romans is a very clear and the most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine. They have also said it reads more like a theological essay. Unlike Paul’s other books, where he was writing to address a problem or issue, some say Paul wrote Romans as a prelude to his visit, to prepare them for what he had to say. In Romans 1 verse 7 Paul immediately tells you who he is writing this letter for: I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. Romans 1:7 (NLT)
One of the things that keeps me on my toes in Romans is the word “therefore.” When you study hermeneutics you are taught to discover the truths and values expressed in the Bible. Well in the King James Version, Paul used the word “therefore” twenty seven times in the book of Romans? This is significant because when you see the word “therefore,” you are taught to go back and search why the therefore is there and for what reason. So as you are reading Romans keep a watchful eye for Paul’s language and what he wants you to learn.
After Paul has written his formalities, he doesn’t waste any more ink on flowery language but starts preaching to the church in Rome that there are those who even though they knew God they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him. The verse goes on to say that their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21-23)
He then writes about how God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired (Romans 1:24). Paul continues to write about the sinfulness of all people, and how we have all been condemned due to our rebellion against God but he then explains how forgiveness was available through faith in Christ and showed what believers can experience in life through their new faith. Eternal Life. The Free Gift (Romans 3:10, 3:24, 5:8, 6:23)
Then you get to Chapter 12 and Paul says “Therefore in view of God’s mercy…” He doesn’t want the Roman people to just get saved and then live a life like the world. No, he tells them to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
As Paul ends his letter with all his “greets and salutes”, he makes one more appeal to the church. He wants them to watch out for those who cause divisions or teach contrary to what they have been taught. He wants the church to stay away from them. Paul even goes on to say that those people are not serving Christ our Lord but are self-serving. He warns of their smooth talk, and glowing words that deceive innocent people. Even though Romans was written over 1900 years ago, we can learn so much from not only reading it often but living it out, especially Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
