The Book of Romans

Romans is one of the most towering books in all of Scripture. It has been called the Magna Carta of the Christian faith, the cathedral of Christian doctrine, and Paul’s theological masterpiece. It has changed the world—and it can change your life.

From Augustine to Luther to Wesley, countless lives have been transformed by this letter. Why? Because Romans confronts us with the glory of God, the depth of human sin, the wonder of salvation through Christ, and the power of the gospel to create a new humanity.

If you want to understand Christianity at its core, read Romans.

Author & Setting

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57 during his third missionary journey, likely from Corinth. It was sent to a church he had not yet visited—a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers in the capital city of the Roman Empire.

Paul longed to visit Rome and use it as a launching pad for further mission to Spain (Romans 15:24), but first, he wanted to lay a solid theological foundation. That’s what Romans is: a full exposition of the gospel for a global church.

Big Picture Theme

Romans proclaims the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which saves sinners, transforms lives, and unites the church. The good news is that sinners can be made right with God—not by works, but by grace through faith.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...” — Romans 1:16

Key Verses

• Romans 1:16-17

“The gospel... is the power of God for salvation... For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith.”

• Romans 3:23-24

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift... through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

• Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Major Themes

1. The Righteousness of God
   The central theme of Romans is not man’s need but God’s righteousness—His perfect justice, holiness, faithfulness, and saving grace.
2. Justification by Faith
   Paul shows that we are made right with God not by law-keeping, not by ethnicity, and not by good works, but solely by trusting in Jesus.
3. Universal Sin and Grace
   All have sinned—Jew and Gentile alike. But God justifies the ungodly by His grace, setting forth Christ as a propitiation by His blood.
4. Union with Christ
   Romans 6–8 teaches that believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, set free from sin’s dominion and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
5. God’s Sovereignty in Salvation
   Romans 9–11 deals with God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles, affirming that salvation is by God's mercy, not human effort.
6. Transformed Living
   Romans 12–15 shifts from doctrine to practice, urging believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices and walk in love, humility, and holiness.

Romans’ Structure

Romans follows a clear and brilliant structure:

1. Ch. 1–3: The universal guilt of humanity—no one is righteous.
2. Ch. 3–5: Justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Ch. 6–8: Union with Christ and life in the Spirit.
4. Ch. 9–11: God’s sovereign plan for Israel and the nations.
5. Ch. 12–15: Practical exhortations for Christian living.
6. Ch. 16: Greetings and final doxology.

This structure moves from sin → salvation → sanctification → sovereignty → service. It teaches not only what the gospel is, but what the gospel does.

Why Romans Matters Today

We live in a world starved for meaning, desperate for identity, and fractured by division. Romans speaks directly to our age:

• It diagnoses the human condition with stunning clarity.
• It unveils the unmatched beauty of grace.
• It offers true freedom—not from guilt only, but from sin’s power.
• It unites diverse people under the banner of Christ.

In an era that prizes self-justification, Paul announces: you are justified by another—Jesus Christ. In a world confused about identity, Romans proclaims: you are united with Christ. And in a culture of outrage, Romans calls us to gospel-centered humility, patience, and love.

How Romans Points Us to Jesus

Jesus is at the heart of every chapter:

• In His righteousness, He fulfilled the law.
• In His death, He bore our condemnation.
• In His resurrection, He secured new life.
• In His Spirit, He empowers our transformation.
• In His mercy, He gathers Jew and Gentile into one family.
• In His return, He will judge and renew the world.

Romans doesn’t just explain Jesus—it exalts Him.

“From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” — Romans 11:36

Reflection Question

Are you trusting in your own righteousness—or resting in Christ’s?
Romans confronts all forms of self-reliance and invites you into the freedom of grace. Where do you need to stop striving and start believing?

Up Next in the Bible Series

Next, we’ll explore 1 Corinthians, a letter to a troubled church in a messy city—and God’s powerful grace at work within it.