Introduction To A Verse By Verse Study Of Romans 6-8

The Introduction to Romans 1:1-17

Paul's opening words extend from verses 1 through 7, making it one of the most extensive salutations in all his writings. There is good reason for this length: Paul was unknown by face to the church at Rome. What they should know of him needed to be established at the outset of his letter.

Paul's introduction of himself comes in two parts. First, he establishes his official relationship to them as an apostle, uniquely set apart for the proclamation and exposition of the gospel (Romans 1:1-7). Second, he sets forth his personal relationship to them (Romans 1:8-15). In these verses Paul opens his heart, expressing thanksgiving for the saints at Rome along with a reminder of his longstanding plans to visit them, both to impart and to receive blessing.

Finally, the theme of his letter is introduced in verses 16-17. Salvation, Paul teaches, depends upon a righteousness obtained by faith as proclaimed in the gospel, which reveals God's power that saves men.

God's case against man extends from Romans 1:18 through 3:20 and divides into three parts: condemnation of the pagan man (1:18-32), condemnation of the moral man (2:1-16), and condemnation of the religious man (2:17-3:8). His argument for universal sin revolves about one point: All men possess some form of light from God and all have rejected it. Paul concludes the section with a summation of God's case against all men in Romans 3:9-20. Paul has addressed the heathen, the moralist, and the religious; now they are all brought together under one summary charge-all are "all under sin." Universal guilt is then emphatically stated. How many righteous men and women are there? Paul answers with a four-fold repetition of the word "none"! How many sinners are there in the world? Paul replies with the word "all," repeated three times.

Romans 3:21-31 is the heart of Romans. Truly, it would be no exaggeration to say it is the heart of the New Testament; yes, even the heart of the Bible. The Grand Canyon lies between Romans 3:20 and 21. Behind us lies the revelation of God's wrath (Romans 1:18-3:20), and now before us lies the revelation of God's salvation (Romans 3:21-8:39).

Paul begins by establishing the human need that demands justification (3:21-23). He then focuses on the accomplishment that brings us a full salvation. It justifies (3:24a); it redeems (3:24b); it propitiates (3:25a); and it vindicates (3:25-26). Paul now shifts to the results of a grace salvation. It humbles man (3:27-28); it glorifies God (3:29-30); and it confirms the law (3:31).

Paul teaches us that justification is by faith, not works (4:1-8); it is by faith, not rite (4:9-12); it is by faith, not law (4:13-25). In this section Paul introduces Abraham as the example of justification by faith. While David is also presented as an example, it must always be remembered that Abraham is the example of justification by faith in any and all generations!

Paul begins by giving us an inventory of God's grace in the first five verses. We have peace with God (5:1); we have an entree to God (5:2a); we have a standing with God (5:2b); we have hope (5:2c); we have joy (5:3a); we have knowledge (5:3b-5a); we have love (5:5b); and we have God's Spirit (5:5c).

Following the inventory of God's grace, we have the exhibition of God's grace (5:6-8) in Christ's death (5:6) and God's love (5:8).

Finally, Paul expounds the implications of God's grace (5:9-11). This is viewed from the standpoint of the Father (5:9) and of the Son (5:10-11) where there is found salvation by His life (5:10) and His reconciliation (5:11)

Chester McCalley has been the pastor-teacher of Beth Haven Church in Kansas City, MO since its inception. He also has been a guest Bible-teacher for conferences at the Duluth Bible Church.