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[[File:The Conversion of St Paul by Nicolas-Bernard Lepicie, 1767.JPG|thumb|right|The Conversion of [[Saint Paul|St Paul]] by Nicolas-Bernard Lepicie, 1767.]]

[[File:The Conversion of St Paul by Nicolas-Bernard Lepicie, 1767.JPG|thumb|right|The Conversion of [[Saint Paul|St Paul]] by Nicolas-Bernard Lepicie, 1767.]]

The [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]]'s '''Epistle to the Romans''' (often referred to as simply "Romans") is the sixth book in the [[New Testament]],<ref>It is the 53rd book of the [[Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] [[Bible]], the 52nd of the [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] Bible, and 45th of the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Bible. See [[Biblical Canon]].</ref>  the first and longest (16 chapters) of what are commonly called the "Pauline [[Epistle]]s" (books of the Bible, originally letters, written by [[Paul]]).  This Epistle's discussion of [[faith]] appears based on the [[Epistle to the Hebrews]], of which Paul likely had a copy. Often-cited verses include {{bibleref|Romans|8|28}}, 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9, and 12:1-2.

The [[Saint Paul|Apostle Paul]]'s '''Epistle to the Romans''' (often referred to as simply "Romans") is the sixth book in the [[New Testament]],<ref>It is the 53rd book of the [[Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] [[Bible]], the 52nd of the [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] Bible, and 45th of the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Bible. See [[Biblical Canon]].</ref>  the first and longest (16 chapters) of what are commonly called the "Pauline [[Epistle]]s" (books of the Bible, originally letters, written by Paul).  This Epistle's discussion of [[faith]] appears to be based on the [[Epistle to the Hebrews]], of which Paul likely had a copy. Often-cited verses include {{bibleref|Romans|8|28}}, [[Romans, Chapter 3|3:23]], [[Romans, Chapter 5|5:8]], [[Romans, Chapter 6|6:23]], [[Romans, Chapter 10|10:9]], and [[Romans, Chapter 12|12:1-2]]. This Epistle is sometimes praised as the "[[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] of the [[New Testament]]," and many Christians would pick this letter "'''''if they could only have one book of the Bible on a deserted island'''''," observes ''The New Student Bible''.  

This powerful epistle is widely considered the most important letter in all of [[Christianity]]. '''''Many Christians would pick this letter "if they could only have one book of the Bible on a deserted island'''''," observes ''The New Student Bible''. The purpose of this Epistle is to preach to [[Roman]] Christians.  Much of its focus is on doctrine, and some scholars believe that Paul was writing because the Romans did not understand the [[faith]].  

The Epistle to the Romans possesses several key [[theology|theological]] themes, including the [[righteousness]] and [[holiness]] of God as revealed in the gospel. It also has an emphasis on mankind's universal need for [[salvation]] due to [[sin]] and the effects of sin (See: [[Fall of man]]). The book also focuses on [[justification]] by [[faith]], the work of the [[Holy Spirit]] in [[sanctification]], and [[Sovereignty of God|God's sovereignty]] in fulfilling his promises. In addition, it explores themes of salvation history, such as the role of [[Israel]] in [[God]]'s divine plan, and the practical outworking of the [[Christianity|Christian]] [[faith]] and [[gospel]] in Christian life.<ref>

*[https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-romans/ The Book of Romans], The Bible Project

*[https://www.gracebibleva.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-30/romans:-the-life-changing-power-of-the-gospel Romans: The Life Changing Power of the Gospel]

*[https://www.google.com/search?q=what+are+the+theological+themes+of+romans&oq=what+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgAEEUYJxg7MggIABBFGCcYOzIGCAEQRRg7MgYIAhBFGDsyBggDEEUYOTIGCAQQRRhBMgYIBRBFGD0yBggGEEUYPTIGCAcQLhhA0gEIMTU2N2owajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 What are the theological themes of Romans?]</ref>

 

Perhaps the most important letter in all of [[Christianity]], this Epistle preaches to [[Roman]] Christians.  Much of its focus is on doctrine, and some scholars believe that Paul was writing because the Romans did not understand the [[faith]].  

The first chapter of Romans ("Romans 1") contains the most stinging criticism of the [[liberal]] mindset of any writing, including:

The first chapter of Romans ("Romans 1") contains the most stinging criticism of the [[liberal]] mindset of any writing, including:

{{cquote|They are [[gossip]]s, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of [[evil]], disobedient to parents, [[fool]]ish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know [[God]]'s [[righteousness|righteous]] decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.<ref>{{bibleref|Romans|1|29-32}}</ref>}}

{{cquote|They are [[gossip]]s, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of [[evil]], disobedient to parents, [[fool]]ish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know [[God]]'s [[righteousness|righteous]] decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.<ref>{{bibleref|Romans|1|29-32}}</ref>}}

''Romans'' contains a logical and straightforward condemnation of [[wicked]]ness, including [[homosexuality]] (Romans 1:32 condemns even the approval of homosexuality by those who do not themselves practice it. See also: [[Homosexuality and biblical interpretation]]).  Often-quoted passages of Romans include 1:18-32 (with verse 28 and its phrase "reprobate mind" being among the most quoted) and several verses used in an evangelistic tool commonly referred to as the "Roman Road" to [[salvation]] (often quoted in the order 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9 and 10:13).

''Romans'' contains a logical and straightforward condemnation of [[wicked]]ness, including [[homosexuality]] (Romans 1:32 condemns even the approval of homosexuality by those who do not themselves practice it. See also: [[Romans 1]] and [[Homosexuality and biblical interpretation]]).  Often-quoted passages of Romans include 1:18-32 (with verse 28 and its phrase "reprobate mind" being among the most quoted) and several verses used in an evangelistic tool commonly referred to as the "Roman Road" to [[salvation]] (often quoted in the order 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9 and 10:13).

Remarkably, ''Romans'' contains more references to "[[faith]]" than any other book in the Bible, except the much longer [[Psalms]] (which is the longest book by word count in the entire Bible).

Remarkably, ''Romans'' contains more references to "[[faith]]" than any other book in the Bible, except the much longer [[Psalms]] (which is the longest book by word count in the entire Bible).

==Authorship and Audience==  

==Authorship and Audience==  

[[Image:St Paul Preaching.jpg|right|thumb|300px|St. Paul defends his preaching (Giovanni Ricco)]]

[[Image:St Paul Preaching.jpg|right|thumb|300px|St. Paul defends his preaching (Giovanni Ricco)]]

Written between A.D. 54 and 59 in Corinth by Paul (Rom. 16:1,23; 1 Cor. 1:14; 2 Tim. 4:20), before he departed to bring a collection to the poor [[saint]]s at [[Jerusalem]] (Rom. 15:25-26). Its Divine inspiration has been held with great uniformity. Barnes states, "In the church it has never been called into question as a genuine, inspired book, except by three of the ancient sects deemed [[heretic]]al - the Ebionites, the Encratites, and Cerinthians. However, even they did not deny that it was written by the apostle Paul. They rejected it because they could not make its doctrines harmonize with their views of other parts of the Scriptures."  Even "modern scholars" agree that Paul was the author.

Written between A.D. 54 and 59 in [[Corinth]] by Paul (Rom. 16:1,23; 1 Cor. 1:14; 2 Tim. 4:20), before he departed to bring a collection to the poor [[saint]]s at [[Jerusalem]] (Rom. 15:25-26). Its divine inspiration has been held with great uniformity. Barnes states, "In the church it has never been called into question as a genuine, inspired book, except by three of the ancient sects deemed [[heretic]]al - the Ebionites, the Encratites, and Cerinthians. However, even they did not deny that it was written by the apostle Paul. They rejected it because they could not make its doctrines harmonize with their views of other parts of the Scriptures."  Even "modern scholars" agree that Paul was the author.

The first chapter establishes Jews and Gentiles as Paul's object of ministry, (Rom. 1:13-16) though specifically its direct object is understood to be Jewish sojourners in Rome, and Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion.<ref>Adam Clarke,  LL.D., F.S.A., (1715-1832), Preface to the Epistle to the Romans</ref> It would have been written in Greek, which it is thought Paul was fluent in, and which Barnes notes "was then understood at Rome and extensively spoken. It was a part of polite education to learn it. The Roman youth were taught it; and it was the fashion of the times to study it, even so much so as to make it a matter of complaint that the Latin was neglected for it by the Roman youth. Thus, Cicero (Pro Arch. 10) says, “The Greek language is spoken in almost all nations; the Latin is confined to our comparatively narrow borders.”<ref>Albert Barnes, Introduction to Romans</ref>

The first chapter establishes Jews and [[Gentiles]] as Paul's object of ministry, (Rom. 1:13-16) though specifically its direct object is understood to be Jewish sojourners in Rome, and Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion.<ref>Adam Clarke,  LL.D., F.S.A., (1715-1832), Preface to the Epistle to the Romans</ref> It would have been written in Greek, which it is thought Paul was fluent in, and which Barnes notes "was then understood at Rome and extensively spoken. It was a part of polite education to learn it. The Roman youth were taught it; and it was the fashion of the times to study it, even so much so as to make it a matter of complaint that the Latin was neglected for it by the Roman youth. Thus, Cicero (Pro Arch. 10) says, “The Greek language is spoken in almost all nations; the Latin is confined to our comparatively narrow borders.”<ref>Albert Barnes, Introduction to Romans</ref>

==Presentation and Purpose==  

==Presentation and Purpose==  

*I. The Preface, Romans 1:1-17.

*I. The Preface, Romans 1:1-17.

*II. The Tractation, or setting forth of the main subject, including two sections:

*II. The Tractation, or setting forth of the main subject, including two sections:

*1. Dogmatic, or what relates to [[doctrine]].

*1. [[Dogma]]tic, or what relates to [[doctrine]].

*2. Paraenetic, or what relates to the necessity and importance of the virtues and duties of the Christian life.

*2. Paraenetic, or what relates to the necessity and importance of the virtues and duties of the Christian life.

[[File:Hans Speckaert - Conversion of St Paul on the Road to Damascus.jpg|thumbnail|400px|left|Conversion of St Paul on the Road to Damascus (Painting by Hans Speckaert). ]]

[[File:Hans Speckaert - Conversion of St Paul on the Road to Damascus.jpg|thumbnail|400px|left|Conversion of St Paul on the Road to Damascus (Painting by Hans Speckaert). ]]

The [[dogma]]tic part is included in the first eleven chapters, the grand object of which is to show that eternal salvation cannot be procured by any observance of the Jewish law, and can be hoped for only on the Christian scheme; for by the works of the law no man can be justified; but what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God has accomplished by sending his Son into the world, who, becoming an offering for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. The paraenetic part commences with Rom. 12:1 : I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, etc.; and extends to Rom. 15:14.

The dogmatic/doctrinal part is included in the first eleven chapters, the grand object of which is to show that eternal salvation cannot be procured by any observance of the Jewish law, and can be hoped for only on the Christian scheme; for by the works of the law no man can be justified; but what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God has accomplished by sending his Son into the world, who, becoming an offering for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. The paraenetic part commences with Rom. 12:1 : I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, etc.; and extends to Rom. 15:14.

Dr. Paley, with his usual perspicuity, has shown that the principal object of the argumentative part of the epistle is “to place the Gentile convert upon a parity of situation with the Jewish, in respect of his [[Religion|religious]] condition, and his rank in the Divine favor.”  

Dr. Paley, with his usual perspicuity, has shown that the principal object of the argumentative part of the epistle is “to place the Gentile convert upon a parity of situation with the Jewish, in respect of his [[Religion|religious]] condition, and his rank in the Divine favor.”  

==Controversy==

==Controversy==

[[Image:David Christ on the Cross.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Christ on the Cross by [[Jacques Louis David]].]]

[[Image:David Christ on the Cross.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Christ on the Cross by [[Jacques Louis David]].]]

As Paul is seen as specifically providing a formal treatise on the actual means of [[salvation]], not by the merit of our works but by "the gift of righteousness" (Rm. 5:17), it is often seen to be in tension (most particularly) with James 2, and has been abused by some as to mean that works are not necessary as an evidential outworking of saving faith, giving birth to ''[[antinomianism]]''.     

As Paul is seen as specifically providing a formal treatise on the actual means of [[salvation]], not by the merit of our works but by "the gift of righteousness" (Rm. 5:17), it is often seen to be in tension (most particularly) with James 2, and has been abused by some as to mean that works are not necessary as an evidential outworking of saving faith, giving birth to ''[[antinomianism]]''.     

== Commentary on the Law ==

== Commentary on the Law ==

{{bibleref|Romans|7|7-10}} contains an interesting explanation of why the law needed to be replaced by a new standard:

{{bibleref|Romans|7|7-10}} contains an interesting explanation of why the law needed to be replaced by a new standard:

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiQLDYFdT00 Book of Romans: New Revised Standard Version - Audio recording]

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiQLDYFdT00 Book of Romans: New Revised Standard Version - Audio recording]

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfuoJCo_OPM The Book Of Romans KJV Dramatized Audio Bible]

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfuoJCo_OPM The Book Of Romans KJV Dramatized Audio Bible]

*[https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-romans/ The Book of Romans], Bible Project

*[https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-romans/ The Book of Romans], Bible Project

*[http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/R/ROMANS%2C+EPISTLE+TO+THE International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, The Epistle to the Romans]

*[http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/R/ROMANS%2C+EPISTLE+TO+THE International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, The Epistle to the Romans]

Videos:  

Videos: