Paul (Author & Example)
Category: Endurance in apostleship & suffering for the gospel
Could avoid: Stay silent, live as a respected Pharisee.
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.” (Romans 1:1)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 3:4–8; Galatians 1:15–16.
Chose: Preached boldly despite opposition.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)
Cross-Refs: Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 1:12.
Endured: Hatred from Jews, suspicion from Gentiles, persecution.
“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” (Romans 9:2)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 11:23–27; Acts 23:10–12.
Why: To bring salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike.
“I have made it my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.” (Romans 15:20)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 9:22–23; Colossians 1:28–29.
Result: Gospel spread to Rome itself, church strengthened.
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong.” (Romans 1:11)
Cross-Refs: Acts 28:30–31; 2 Timothy 4:7.
Believers in Rome
Category: Endurance in faith under persecution & cultural pressure
Could avoid: Conform to Roman culture, hide faith.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” (Romans 12:2)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 1:14; 1 John 2:15.
Chose: Live transformed lives of worship.
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21.
Endured: Persecution, social rejection, division.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:44; 1 Corinthians 4:12.
Why: Believed God’s Spirit was with them.
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13–14.
Result: Assured of victory and eternal glory.
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 4:17; Revelation 12:11.
Abraham (Example of Faith)
Category: Endurance in believing God’s promise
Could avoid: Doubt God’s promise of a son.
“Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead.” (Romans 4:19)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 17:17; Hebrews 11:11–12.
Chose: Believed God’s word.
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6.
Endured: Waiting decades for Isaac.
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed.” (Romans 4:18)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 6:15; James 2:23.
Why: Trusted in God’s power to do the impossible.
“Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:21)
Cross-Refs: Luke 1:37; Hebrews 11:19.
Result: Became father of many nations.
“Therefore, the promise comes by faith… to all Abraham’s offspring.” (Romans 4:16)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 3:29; Revelation 7:9.
Christian Endurance (Theological Theme)
Category: Endurance in suffering & hope
Could avoid: Lose hope under trials.
“We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3–4)
Cross-Refs: James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7.
Chose: Rejoice in God’s love even in trials.
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts.” (Romans 5:5)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
Endured: Present sufferings, persecution, weakness.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 12:11.
Why: Believed God’s love is unshakable.
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 118:6; Isaiah 41:10.
Result: Eternal life, glory with Christ.
“Those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:30)
Cross-Refs: Colossians 3:4; Revelation 21:7.