From Galatia to RomeStudy Brunch Winter 2014

An Introduction to Paul’s Letter to the Romans

February 9, 2014

Book Recommendation

Final Account: Paul’s Letter to the Romans by Krister StendahlAvailable from booksellers and in fine libraries everywhere.

Two Comments

Number One: THERE IS NO ONE WAY TO READ PAUL!

Two Comments

Number One: THERE IS NO ONE WAY TO READ PAUL!

Number Two: THEOLOGY HAS MOVED ON SINCE PAUL

Introduction to Romans

The Community of Jesus Followers in RomeWhy Paul Wrote to a Community he did not KnowOutline of the Letter

The Roman Community of Jesus Followers

Jewish community in Rome for several centuriesPopulation ??????Many originally slavesLiving in poorer sections of RomeHonored for aniconic monotheism; ridiculed for circumcision, Sabbath, dietary restrictions

The Roman Community of Jesus Followers

Jewish community in Rome for several centuriesPopulation ??????Many originally slavesLiving in poorer sections of RomeHonored for monotheism; ridiculed for circumcision, Sabbath, dietary restrictions

Not known who first brought the Gospel to RomeNot Paul . . . Says he has never been thereActs has no recordActs 28: Jews greeting Paul just have rumors

The Roman Communityof Jesus Followers

Most Likely: Jews from Jerusalem bring Gospel from Jerusalem to Jewish community in Rome

Likely brought the Gospel of Peter and JamesRoman practices heavily influenced by Judaism

Why Paul Wrote to Rome

Why Paul Wrote to Rome

Paul looking for help with his missionary workTrip to Jerusalem with gift: Rom 16:23-24New missionary venture in Spain: Rom 16:25-30.

Phoebe, well placed woman from Corinth carries the letter and can make arrangements.

Why Paul Wrote to Rome

Paul looking for help with his missionary workTrip to Jerusalem with gift: Rom 16:23-24New missionary venture in Spain: Rom 16:25-30

Phoebe can make detailed arrangementBUT: Evidence that Romans not necessarily thrilled to be in line with Paul’s mission

Rom 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel . . .”Rom 3:8 -- . . . (as some people slander us as saying)

Paul writing to explain his Gospel

Brief Outline of RomansGreetings: 1:1-15Announcement of the theme: 1:16-17

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to all the faithful, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. 17For the righteousness of God has been revealed in it, from faithfulness to faithfulness, as it is written: “The righteous one will live out of faithfulness.”

Brief Outline of RomansGreetings: 1:1-15Announcement of the theme: 1:16-17Gentiles terrible (1:18-32) but Jews ain’t exactly perfect neither (2:1-16)How Gentiles get proper relationship with God (2:17-4:15)

Not necessarily through Law (2:17-3:20)Faithfulness of Jesus completes promises to Abraham (3:21-4:15)

Brief Outline of RomansGreetings: 1:1-15Announcement of the theme: 1:16-17Gentiles terrible (1:18-32) but Jews ain’t exactly perfect neither (2:1-16)How Gentiles get proper relationship with God (2:17-4:15)Consequence of justification (5:1-8:39)Status of Jews who do not follow Christ (9:1-11:35)Daily life in Christ (12:1-15:13)Concluding Comments (15:14-16:27)