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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}}, [[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]]."

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''.  

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>

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://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>

*[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>

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]].  

Perhaps the most important letter in all of [[Christianity]], 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 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: