Synopsis: The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 56-58 A.D. and is an epistle or letter written to Christian believers living in Rome. His purpose was to familiarize the church at Rome with his ministry, to glorify the LORD Jesus, to present sound doctrine, and to build up the faith of the believers living there. Some people have commented that if one can understand the book of Romans, one can understand the rest of Scripture. The reason for this comment is that this epistle is one of the more difficult ones to read and understand as it is so weighty with doctrine.
Key Verse: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew which is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 4:1-2
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Note: What is an epistle? Epistle is the English version of the Greek word, epistole, and it means a letter. All the Epistles in the New Testament are letters written to converted Christian believers. They were not written to unbelievers or the unsaved. As such, the Epistles are also written to converted Christian believers living today and to those living in the future. They are the Christians’ mail. Therefore, one cannot make a plan of salvation out of any statements written in these letters. The only plan of salvation provided in the New Testament is in Acts chapter 2 where the Apostle Peter answered the question, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” and Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” That is God’s method or plan of salvation. Any thing else written in the Epistles is to people who have already done what Peter commanded in Acts chapter 2 and is simply a confirmation of their faith.