Theology for Everybody: RomansSample

Written in approximately AD 57, the book of Romans is Paul’s letter to the Christian churches in Rome. While many churches were planted by the apostles, including those planted under Paul’s leadership to the Gentiles, no one is exactly sure who planted the first church in Rome. Luke says, “visitors from Rome” (Acts 2:10) were among those saved when Peter preached about Jesus on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The general consensus is that, most likely, some of the people who were from the city of Rome and present at Pentecost in Jerusalem became Christians and brought the message of Jesus with them upon their return home.

The Christians in Rome likely gathered as house churches (Romans 16:4–5). The size of their gatherings would have ranged from small to large, depending upon the size of the home or other building each group could secure. This practice was common for the first Christians.

The mention of Jews and Gentiles throughout the book of Romans indicates that both groups worshipped together as Christians. Furthermore, "The leaders are people like Priscilla and Aquila, Aristobulus and Narcissus, whom Paul greets at the end of his letter (16:3–5, 10–11) ... Paul mentions 26 people by name. Some are men and women converted through his ministry; others are people with whom he has been in prison, and others are his friends or relatives. Some are well-placed in society, while others have slave names. Nine of them are women, and Paul especially values their care and hard work."

The introduction in Romans is longer than any of Paul’s other letters, largely because he had not yet been to Rome, though not for lack of trying, and he did not personally know the people. In this opening, he starts with the following:

1. Introducing himself in relation to Jesus Christ

2. Commitment to the Old Testament having been fulfilled in relation to Jesus Christ 3. The saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ

4. The obedience that Christians have to Jesus Christ

5. The mission to get the gospel of Jesus Christ out to the nations

6. How the love, grace, and peace of God the Father come to us through Jesus Christ

Paul connects everything and everyone to Jesus Christ so that people can belong to Him, receive grace and peace through Him, and experience transformed lives in obedience to Him—all made possible through faith in Him.

Today’s Reflection

How do you think the believers in Rome felt to receive a letter from Paul?