Category Details
Author Apostle Paul
Date of Writing Around A.D. 57 in Corinth
Audience Christians in Rome, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers
Purpose of Writing
  • To prepare for Paul's visit to Rome and to solicit support for a future missionary journey to Spain
  • To provide a comprehensive exposition of the gospel of Jesus Christ
  • To address divisions between Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome
Main Themes
  • Justification by faith
  • The righteousness of God
  • Sin and human need for salvation
  • The work of Jesus Christ
  • Sanctification and ethical living for believers
  • The role of Israel in God's plan
Historical Context
  • Rome was the epicenter of the Roman Empire, culturally diverse and religiously pluralistic.
  • Significant Jewish population, who were expelled under Emperor Claudius around A.D. 49 and had returned to Rome by the time of this letter.
  • Paul's concern over Jewish and Gentile relations possibly heightened by the historical tension following the Jewish expulsion and return.
  • Written during a period of relative peace in the Roman Empire, facilitating travel and communication.
Key Sections of the Book
  • Introduction (Romans 1:1-15)
  • The Righteousness of God Revealed (Romans 1:16-17)
  • Condemnation: The Universal Need for Righteousness (Romans 1:18-3:20)
  • Justification: Righteousness Imputed (Romans 3:21-5:21)
  • Sanctification: Righteousness Imparted (Romans 6-8)
  • God's Righteousness Vindicated (Romans 9-11)
  • Application: Righteousness Practiced (Romans 12-15:13)
  • Conclusion and Greetings (Romans 15:14-16:27)


Chapter Summary
Chapter 1 Introduction and The Power of the Gospel: Paul introduces himself and expresses his desire to visit Rome. He then explains the power of the Gospel and the sinfulness of humanity.
Chapter 2 God’s Righteous Judgment: Paul discusses God’s impartial judgment and the need for true righteousness, not just outward adherence to the law.
Chapter 3 Righteousness Through Faith: Paul declares that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4 Faith of Abraham: Paul uses Abraham as an example to illustrate that righteousness is credited through faith, not works.
Chapter 5 Peace and Justification: Paul explains the results of justification, including peace with God, and contrasts Adam's act of disobedience with Christ’s act of obedience.
Chapter 6 Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ: Paul discusses how believers are dead to sin and alive in Christ, and he urges them to live accordingly.
Chapter 7 The Struggle With Sin: Paul reflects on the internal struggle with sin and the role of the law in revealing sin.
Chapter 8 Life in the Spirit: Paul describes the life led by the Spirit and the assurance of God's love and future glory.
Chapter 9 God’s Sovereign Choice: Paul discusses God's sovereignty in election and His mercy and compassion.
Chapter 10 The Message of Salvation: Paul emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the message of salvation through faith in Christ.
Chapter 11 The Remnant of Israel: Paul explains God’s plan for Israel and the Gentiles, emphasizing that God has not rejected His people.
Chapter 12 Living Sacrifices: Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, and to use their gifts to serve others.
Chapter 13 Submission to Authorities: Paul discusses the importance of submitting to governing authorities and the command to love others.
Chapter 14 The Weak and the Strong: Paul advises believers to avoid passing judgment on disputable matters and to act in love and consideration for one another.
Chapter 15 Paul’s Ministry and Plans: Paul speaks about his ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit Rome and Spain.
Chapter 16 Personal Greetings and Final Instructions: Paul sends personal greetings to various individuals in Rome and offers final instructions and a doxology.