Author: Paulus
Date: Approx. 58 AD
Content
The book of Romans is one of the most important, carefully composed, theological books of the New Testament. Paul has the city of Rome in mind. He wants to explain to the Romans the essence of the Christians in an appropriate way.
Theological themes
The Apostle Paul believes that God created the world and the first humans as an example for mankind.
Humans are descended from Adam and are not perfect. These are subject to sin and death. Man is a real child of our father (Adam). As a result, this world has become a place where life is difficult. Some people have sunk so low that they no longer worship God. These do worship animals, snakes or statues.
No doubt Paul is thinking back to what he saw during his travels. Some not only desecrate worship but also distort human relations by indulging in violent and unspeakable passions toward one another. The apostle sees this above all in ingratitude to the God who made us to live in glory and according to His standards.
They choose the dishonorable use of each other and creation over the glory of God. Not everyone has fallen so low, but no one is without sin. Despite this hopeless situation, God does not leave our human beings. He comes to meet us.
First, sinful people can still come to know Him. He still speaks to us. The presence of God can still be seen in creation. Also in His law, which is written in our hearts and speaks of higher things.
Second, God has done the impossible for us. He has given us redemption freely through Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus died for us, although we do not deserve it. He did that to open up the way to God again, and that without any conditions on the part of God.
In order to accept this offer from God, we accept this offer to be redeemed and to be. Paul says the gospel is the power of God, redeeming everyone who believes (1:16). Whoever believes that the sacrifice of Christ Jesus is enough is justified before God (4:5). If we confess that Christ Jesus is Lord and believe that he raised from the dead through Him, we are saved (10:9-10).
This conviction of Paul is based on personal experience. A great adherent of the Jewish faith, he had tried to earn his salvation, but had failed. He comes to one conclusion: Rules do not save, GOD only saves.
Paul takes this point of view and continues with an exposition of Christian life. The riches of such a life the apostle describes in chapter 8.
Main features are:
* The eternal love of GOD for us that nothing can disturb (8:37-39),
* The power of GOD causes all things to work in our favor (8:28).
He also discusses the practical side of Christian living (12-15).
Of great importance is Paul’s consideration of Israel and the church (9-11). He indicated that God worked throughout history, but especially in Israel. This apparently unfounded preference, however, does not signify God’s partiality, Paul argues. After all, only the believers form the true Israel and now they are those who believe in Jesus. That also did not mean that the state of Israel had now been pushed aside. Mysteriously, Israel will be saved after God has completed His work with the Gentiles (11:25-26).
Main features
1. Salute (1:1-7),
2. The general sinfulness of mankind (1:8-3:20),
3. Redemption through Christian Jesus (3:21-5:21),
4. Consequences of redemption (6:1-8:39),
5. Israel and the Church (9:1-11:36),
6. Guidelines for the Christian (12:1-15:33),
7. Closing and greeting (16:1-27)
