Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

Trends and fads dominate culture and history. In everything from music to media to fashion, what is popular today is old news tomorrow. In comparison, Paul’s letter to the Romans has been a favorite in every generation for nearly two millennia.

Endless commentaries, essays, and books have been dedicated to studying Romans. One commentator notes that the trajectory of Christian theology can be traced to the interpretation of Romans. According to John Stott, every generation of the Church has recognized the letter’s importance, but that sentiment also applies to every major theologian throughout history.

The impact of Romans stretches far beyond Christianity, transforming entire cultures. Stanley K. Stowers writes that it has influenced the Western culture and psyche “[m]ore than any other book.” Gordon Fee says, “This letter is arguably the most influential book in Christian history, perhaps in the history of Western civilization.”

Within the history of Christian theology, Catholic and Protestant theologians have faced off over the battleground of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Catholic Bible commentator Brendan Byrne rightly said, “While widely acknowledged as the single most influential document in Christian history, it has also been the most controversial... At the time of the Reformation, the letter became a battleground within Christianity between Protestant and Catholic understandings of the faith.” Protestant Bible commentator Leon Morris notes, “The Reformation may be regarded as the unleashing of new spiritual life as a result of a renewed understanding of the teaching of Romans.” For Protestant Christians, Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians are perhaps the most significant sources of theological clarity for teaching what the gospel of Jesus Christ is and is not, respectively.

The early church father Chrysostom said of Paul’s writings, "Like a wall of adamant, his writings form a bulwark around all the churches of the world, while himself, as some mighty champion stands even now in the midst, casting down every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

Today’s Reflection

Do you believe Scripture is relevant in today’s world? Why or why not?