Romans

Epistle · New Testament · The apostle Paul · circa 57 CE

The Epistle to the Romans is a theological letter written to the early Christian community in Rome, outlining the core of the Christian gospel. It details how humanity is justified by faith apart from the works of the Mosaic Law, bridging the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers. The latter chapters offer practical instructions on Christian living, community harmony, and submission to governing authorities.

16 chapters

• 1Romans 1Paul introduces his gospel to the Romans and explains how humanity's rejection of God led to idolatry and moral corruption.
• 2Romans 2Paul addresses those who judge others, declaring that God judges Jews and Gentiles impartially based on their deeds and hearts.
• 3Romans 3Paul explains that all people have sinned, but are justified freely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
• 4Romans 4Paul uses the example of Abraham to demonstrate that righteousness is credited through faith, not works or circumcision.
• 5Romans 5Paul explains how justification brings peace with God, contrasting the condemnation brought by Adam with the grace brought by Christ.
• 6Romans 6Paul explains that baptism unites believers with Christ's death and resurrection, freeing them from sin to live righteously for God.
• 7Romans 7Paul describes the believer’s release from the law and illustrates the internal struggle between intellectual desire for good and sinful flesh.
• 8Romans 8Paul describes life in the Holy Spirit, the hope of future glory, and the inseparable nature of God's love in Christ.
• 9Romans 9Paul expresses grief over Israel's unbelief, explaining God's sovereign election and mercy toward both Jews and Gentiles.
• 10Romans 10Paul emphasizes that salvation is available to everyone who confesses and believes, while addressing Israel's rejection of the gospel.
• 11Romans 11Paul explains how Israel's partial hardening allows for Gentile inclusion, illustrating this with an olive tree metaphor and praising God's wisdom.
• 12Romans 12Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, use their diverse spiritual gifts, and practice sincere love and non-retaliation.
• 13Romans 13Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, fulfill the law through love, and live expectantly in light of salvation's approach.
• 14Romans 14Paul counsels the strong and weak in faith not to judge one another over disputable matters like food and sacred days.
• 15Romans 15Paul encourages unity between Jews and Gentiles, outlines his missionary work to the Gentiles, and shares his travel plans to Spain.
• 16Romans 16Paul commends Phoebe, sends greetings to numerous believers in Rome, warns against divisive people, and concludes with a doxology.