romansan introduction

goal

To provide the historical context surrounding the book of Romans

To define key recurring terminologies

overview

Who When Where Why What Recurrence

who

Authorship The apostle Paul is the author of Romans▪ Rm. 1:1

Dictated by Paul, recorded by Tertius▪ A friend of Paul and a Christian secretary

Audience Both the Jews and Gentiles of the church

of Rome

when

Written in the early days of ~57 AD by Paul Jesus was born between ~6-4 BC Jesus made His final appearance in ~30

AD

where

Written in Corinth during Paul’s third missions trip (53 – 58 AD)

where

why

Paul’s plans From 47 to 57 AD, Paul had been

evangelizing around the Aegean Sea Currently finishing third journey and was

staying in Corinth for the winter at the home of Gaius

Next stop: Jerusalem

why

Paul’s plans Paul was a pioneer and focused on

places where the gospel had yet been heard ▪ Rm. 15:20

Next mission: Spain, with a pit stop in Rome

why

Purpose of the letter To prepare the Romans for his visit To provide a full statement of the gospel To involve the Romans in his ministry

what

Romans is a Christian manifesto Manifesto – a public declaration of

intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, sovereign, or organization

Main message Mankind is born as a slave to sin, but

through Jesus Christ, is set free

recurrence

Important words Law Flesh Spirit

recurrence

Law The Pentateuch▪ Rm. 3:21

Principle▪ Rm. 7:21

Law of God▪ Rm. 2:14-15

recurrence

Purpose of Law of God To be a revelation of God’s will▪ Ps. 19:9

Ensure health and preservation of the human race▪ Rm. 13:1-7

Bring sin to light and to lead sinners to seek grace▪ Rm. 3:20

Provide guidance for believers▪ Rm. 8:3-4

recurrence

Flesh under the OT understanding: Bodily flesh▪ Dn. 2:11

Human nature in its weakness and mortality▪ Ps. 78:39, Gn. 6:3

recurrence

Flesh as used by Paul Bodily flesh ▪ Rm. 2:25-29

Natural human descent and relationships▪ Rm. 1:3, 9:5

Mankind▪ Rm. 3:20

Human nature

recurrence

Flesh in terms of human nature Our weak human nature▪ Rm. 8:3a

The human nature of Christ▪ Rm. 8:3b

The ‘old nature’ in believers▪ Rm. 7:18

The unregenerate human nature▪ Rm. 8:8-9, 7:5-6

recurrence

Spirit Capitalization It is the polar opposite of flesh▪ Rm. 8:4, 9

The ‘spiritual’ part of the human constitution▪ Rm. 1:9, 8:16

The Spirit of God or the Holy Spirit

recurrence

What does the Holy Spirit do? The Spirit imparts life▪ Rm. 8:9

The Spirit bestows freedom▪ Rm. 8:2

The Spirit intercedes for us from within▪ Rm. 8:26-27▪ Christ on the other hand intercedes for us

from His place of glory at the right hand of God (Rm. 8:34)