45. Romans (Bible Summary)
Introduction (1:1–15)
- Paul’s Greeting: Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. He expresses his deep desire to visit the Roman believers to impart spiritual blessings and strengthen their faith.
Theme: Righteousness from God (1:16–17)
- The Gospel’s Power: Paul declares that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. He explains that in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.
The Unrighteousness of All People (1:18—3:20)
Gentiles (1:18–32)
- God’s Wrath Against Sin: Paul explains that God’s wrath is being revealed against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. He details the consequences of humanity’s rejection of God, leading to idolatry, immorality, and all sorts of sin.
Jews (2:1—3:8)
- The Jews and the Law: Paul shifts focus to the Jews, addressing their hypocrisy in judging others while failing to follow the law themselves. He emphasizes that being a Jew and possessing the law is of no value unless they obey it. He also addresses the question of how the unrighteousness of man highlights God’s righteousness.
Summary: All People (3:9–20)
- Universal Sinfulness: Paul concludes that all people, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin. He quotes various Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate that no one is righteous and that all have fallen short of God’s glory. Therefore, no one will be justified by the law.
Righteousness Imputed: Justification (3:21—5:21)
Through Christ (3:21–26)
- The Revelation of God’s Righteousness: Paul explains that righteousness from God comes apart from the law but is fully revealed in Christ Jesus, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement. Through faith in Him, believers are justified freely by God’s grace.
Received by Faith (3:27—4:25)
- The Principle Established (3:27–31): Paul emphasizes that justification is by faith and not by works, highlighting that boasting is excluded.
- The Principle Illustrated (ch. 4): Paul uses Abraham as an example, showing that he was justified by faith before the law, thus demonstrating that righteousness is based on faith, not on works.
The Fruits of Righteousness (5:1–11)
- Peace and Hope Through Justification: Paul explains that since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. He outlines the benefits of justification, including access to grace, hope of glory, and reconciliation with God through the death of His Son.
Summary: Humanity’s Unrighteousness Contrasted with God’s Gift of Righteousness (5:12–21)
- The Gift of Righteousness: Paul contrasts the entrance of sin through one man (Adam) with the entrance of righteousness through one man (Jesus Christ). He explains that while sin reigned through Adam, grace reigns through Christ, bringing eternal life.
Righteousness Imparted: Sanctification (chs. 6–8)
Freedom from Sin’s Tyranny (ch. 6)
- New Life in Christ: Paul exhorts believers to live according to their new nature, having died to sin and been raised to live with Christ. He stresses that believers should no longer let sin reign in their bodies but should offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
Freedom from the Law’s Condemnation (ch. 7)
- The Law and Sin: Paul explains that while the law is good, it cannot save, and it only reveals the sinfulness of human nature. He explains the internal struggle between the desire to obey God’s law and the power of sin that leads to death. However, he celebrates deliverance through Jesus Christ.
Life in the Power of the Holy Spirit (ch. 8)
- Living by the Spirit: Paul contrasts life in the flesh with life in the Spirit. He explains that believers are no longer condemned but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s will. The Spirit also assures believers of their adoption as children of God and their future glory.
God’s Righteousness Vindicated: The Justice of His Way with Israel (chs. 9–11)
The Justice of God’s Rejection of Israel (9:1–29)
- God’s Sovereign Choice: Paul expresses sorrow over Israel’s rejection of the gospel but affirms that God’s rejection of Israel is not a contradiction to His promises. He explains that God’s sovereign choice, like His choice of Isaac over Ishmael, has always been to fulfill His purposes.
The Cause of That Rejection (9:30—10:21)
- Israel’s Rejection of Righteousness: Paul explains that Israel failed to attain righteousness because they sought it by works rather than by faith. He calls them to accept Christ, the end of the law, as the means of salvation.
The Rejection Is Neither Complete nor Final (ch. 11)
- God’s Plan for Israel: Paul teaches that Israel’s rejection of the gospel is not final and that God has preserved a remnant of faithful Israel. He also explains that the Gentiles’ inclusion in the salvation plan is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy and bring them back to God.
God’s Ultimate Purpose Is Mercy (11:25–36)
- The Mystery of Israel’s Hardening: Paul reveals that Israel’s partial hardening is temporary, and in the end, all Israel will be saved. He emphasizes the depth of God’s wisdom and mercy, concluding with a doxology of praise to God for His unsearchable ways.
Righteousness Practiced (12:1—15:13)
In the Body—the Church (ch. 12)
- Living Sacrifices: Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. He emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts for the good of the body, the church, and encourages believers to live in harmony, showing love and humility.
In the World (ch. 13)
- Submission to Authorities: Paul urges believers to submit to governing authorities as they are established by God. He also teaches that love is the fulfillment of the law and that believers should live honorably and prepare for Christ’s return.
Among Weak and Strong Christians (14:1—15:13)
- The Strong and the Weak: Paul addresses disagreements in the church regarding dietary laws and observances of days. He calls on the stronger believers to show love and tolerance toward the weaker ones, avoiding actions that could lead them to stumble. He concludes by encouraging the church to accept one another just as Christ accepted them.
Conclusion (15:14–33)
- Paul’s Final Appeal: Paul speaks of his confidence in the believers’ ability to continue in faith, urging them to keep working for God’s glory. He makes plans to visit them and asks for their prayers in his ministry.
Commendation, Greetings, and Doxology (16)
- Final Instructions: Paul gives final greetings and commendations to various individuals in the church. He also asks the believers to watch out for divisive people and to stay faithful to the gospel. He ends with a doxology, praising God for His power to strengthen believers in the faith.
