Romans Introduction Study

The Epistle to the Romans
Introduction

1. What is an epistle?

A note on the chapters and verses. The chapters and verses are not original to the Biblical text. The current chapter divisions were introduced 1205 by Stephen Langton and the verse divisions in 1565 by Robert Estienne.

Author: Paul the Apostle (Formerly Saul of Tarsus). Of Jewish ethnicity, studied under the famous rabbi Gamaliel and become a Pharisee. He was radically converted and spread the gospel until his martyrdom in Rome in ad 65-67. Read Acts 9:1-19

1. What was Paul’s life like before his conversion? How do you think this would shape his view of the gospel?

2. What brought about his conversion? How would this shape his ministry?

3. What is Paul called to do with his life after his conversion? Is this unique to Paul, or does it apply to all of us?

Date: AD 56-57

1. About how many years have passed from Christ’s death to the writing of Romans? How far away?


Recipient: The church in Rome. Roman Christians, some Jewish but mostly Gentiles, residents of the capitol of the Empire.

1. What would be a modern equivalent to the church in Rome today?

2. What are the benefits of being a church in a major city like Rome?

Purpose for Writing: Travel plans through Rome (Jerusalem, Rome, and then Spain). Paul has never been to Rome, wants to introduce himself, be helped on the way to Spain, and to minister to the needs of the Roman church.

1. Why do you think Paul is eager to reach Spain? Why do you think he has not visited Rome up to this point?


Theme: “The Gospel” Romans 1:16-17
What is the gospel? What is so important about this gospel?