Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

The early church father and legendary preacher John Chrysostom had Paul’s letter to the Romans read to him multiple times a week. In his sermons from Romans, Chrysostom says, "As I keep hearing the Epistles of the blessed Paul read, and that twice every week, and often three or four times, whenever we are celebrating the memorials of the holy martyrs, gladly do I enjoy the spiritual trumpet, and get roused and warmed with desire at recognizing the voice so dear to me, and seem to fancy him all but present to my sight, and behold him conversing with me. But I grieve and am pained, that all people do not know this man, as much as they ought to know him; but some are so far ignorant of him."

Others have recognized the deep effect of Romans:

·The famous English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge said Romans was “the profoundest book in existence.” ·The great reformer Philip Melanchthon copied Romans twice by hand just to get more thoroughly acquainted with it.

·Anglican cleric W. H. Griffith Thomas said that Romans is concerned with “the deepest problems of Christian thought,” “great theological principles,” and “the prime secrets of the spiritual life.” He then adds: “A Christian life nourished on the Epistle to the Romans will never lack the three great requisites of clear perception, strong conviction, and definite usefulness.”

Not only has Romans impacted the history of the Church, but it can also impact the history of your life. Warren Wiersbe says in the introduction to his commentary on Romans, "Imagine! You and I can read and study the same inspired letter that brought life and power to Luther and Wesley! And the same Holy Spirit who taught them can teach us! You and I can experience revival in our hearts, homes, and churches if the message of this letter grips us as it has gripped men of faith in centuries past."

Today’s Reflection

What effect has Paul’s writing had on your spiritual journey?