Summary

The importance of righteousness

Romans 1

Paul introduces himself as an apostle called to preach the gospel. He expresses his desire to visit Rome and preach there.

He then presents the main theme of the letter: the righteousness of God revealed through faith.

Paul argues that God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. He states that although God's existence and attributes are evident in creation, people have suppressed this truth and turned to idolatry. As a result, God has given them over to their sinful desires, leading to various forms of sexual immorality and other vices.

Universal sinfulness

Romans 2

Paul addresses those who judge others, warning that in judging others, they condemn themselves because they practice the same things. He emphasizes that God's judgment is based on truth and that He will judge everyone according to their deeds.

Paul then discusses the relationship between the law and the Jews. He argues that merely possessing the law doesn't make one righteous; rather, it's the keeping of the law that matters.

He introduces the concept of the "law written on their hearts" for Gentiles who don't have the Mosaic Law.

Romans 3

Paul anticipates objections to his argument, addressing the question of Jewish advantage. He affirms that the Jews were entrusted with God's oracles but emphasizes that this does not exempt them from judgment.

Paul then presents a series of Old Testament quotations to demonstrate universal human sinfulness. He concludes that no one is righteous and that all have fallen short of God's glory.

The chapter then introduces the concept of justification by faith. Paul argues that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. This righteousness is available to all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles.

Justification by faith

Romans 4

Paul uses Abraham as an example to illustrate justification by faith. He argues that Abraham was justified by faith before he was circumcised, making him the father of all who believe, both circumcised and uncircumcised. Paul emphasizes that the promise to Abraham and his offspring came through faith, not through the law. He describes Abraham's faith in God's promise despite seemingly impossible circumstances (given his and Sarah's advanced age).

The chapter concludes by linking Abraham's faith to Christian faith, stating that righteousness will be credited to those who believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead.

Romans 5

Paul begins by describing the benefits of justification by faith, including peace with God, access to grace, and hope in God's glory. He emphasizes that this hope does not disappoint because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Paul then compares Adam and Christ, presenting them as representatives of humanity. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world, affecting all humanity. In contrast, through Christ, grace and righteousness are made available to all. Paul argues that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.

Romans 6

Paul addresses the question of whether Christians should continue in sin so that grace may abound. He emphatically denies this, introducing the concept of dying to sin and being alive to God in Christ.

He uses the metaphor of baptism to illustrate this spiritual reality: believers have died with Christ and are raised to new life with Him. Paul urges Christians to consider themselves dead to sin but alive to God, presenting their bodies as instruments of righteousness rather than instruments of sin.

The chapter concludes by contrasting the outcomes of serving sin (death) versus serving God (eternal life), emphasizing that believers are no longer under law but under grace.

The transformation

Romans 7

Paul uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate the believer's relationship to the law. Just as death frees a person from the marriage covenant, so too has the believer died to the law through Christ and is now bound to Him.

Paul then describes the internal struggle with sin. He portrays a conflict between the desire to do good and the inability to carry it out due to the power of indwelling sin. This leads to a cry of desperation: "Who will deliver me from this body of death?"

Romans 8

This chapter begins with the triumphant declaration that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Paul explains that the law of the Spirit of life has set believers free from the law of sin and death.

He contrasts life according to the flesh with life according to the Spirit, emphasizing that those led by the Spirit are children of God. Paul describes the future glory awaiting believers, stating that the whole creation eagerly awaits the revelation of God's children.

The chapter includes a powerful section on God's help in weakness, particularly through the Spirit's intercession in prayer.

Paul then presents a series of rhetorical questions underlining the security of the believer in God's love, culminating in the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles

Chapter 9

Paul state that God made His covenants originally made to the Israelites and that they are the ancestors of Jesus. However, not all "Israelites" are of Israel, because believers are included as children of the promise of Abraham. Paul then provide examples from Israel's history how God accepted Isaac, but not Ishmael and loved Jacob but hated Esau. All of them were physical descendants but not considered part of the promise. Those who were rejected were not mistakes, God made Israel's enemies for His own glory to demonstrate his power.

Although Israel was considered destroyed, a remnant shall be saved. Jesus was a seed that survived.

Gentiles who attain righteousness by faith will be accepted. In the contrary, Israelites who try to obtain righteousness by law, will fail, because God gave Zion (Jerusalem) a "stumblingstone" (rock of offence) whom they were supposed to believe, but rejected.

Chapter 10

Paul expresses his desire for Israel's salvation (Romans 10:1). He acknowledges their zeal for God but points out that it's not based on knowledge. They are trying to establish their own righteousness instead of submitting to God's righteousness which is obtained by believing Christ (Romans 10:2-4)

Paul contrasts righteousness based on the law (quoting Leviticus 18:5) with righteousness based on faith. He uses Deuteronomy 30:12-14 to illustrate that the word of faith is near, in one's mouth and heart. Paul outlines the essence of saving faith: confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. He states that with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:5-10)

Paul states that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, as the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call upon Him. He quotes Joel 2:32, "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." (Romans 10:11-13)

Paul presents a series of rhetorical questions highlighting the necessity of preaching for people to believe. He emphasizes the beauty of those who bring good news, quoting Isaiah 52:7. Paul acknowledges that not all have accepted the gospel, quoting Isaiah 53:1. He affirms that faith comes by hearing the message about Christ. He then addresses why Israel has not believed (Romans 10:14-21), despite hearing (quoting Psalm 19:4) and understanding but disobeyed (quoting Deuteronomy 32:21 and Isaiah 65:1-2):

Chapter 11

Paul begins by asserting that God has not completely rejected His people. He uses himself as an example of a believing Israelite. He then recalls the story of Elijah, who thought he was the only faithful one left, but God had preserved 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal. Paul concludes that there is still a remnant chosen by grace. (Romans 11:1-6)

Paul explains that while the elect obtained what Israel was seeking, the rest were hardened. He quotes from Isaiah 29:10 and Psalm 69:22-23 to support this point, describing their spiritual blindness and stubbornness. (Romans 11:7-10)

Paul argues that Israel's stumbling is not beyond recovery. Their transgression has brought salvation to the Gentiles, which in turn is meant to make Israel envious. He suggests that if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, their acceptance will bring even greater blessings. (Romans 11:11-15)

Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles in God's plan and warned the Gentiles against arrogance, reminding them that they stand by faith (Romans 11:16-24).

Paul reveals a "mystery": a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. He then declares that "all Israel will be saved," quoting Isaiah 59:20-21 and Isaiah 27:9. He emphasizes that: Just as the Gentiles were disobedient and received mercy, so Israel's disobedience will lead to mercy for them. (Romans 11:25-32)

Paul concludes with a powerful doxology, praising the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge. He emphasizes the inscrutability of God's judgments and the unsearchability of His ways. He quotes Isaiah 40:13 and Job 41:11, highlighting that no one can fully comprehend or counsel God. The chapter ends with the declaration that all things are from Him, through Him, and to Him, and to Him be the glory forever. (Romans 11:33-36)

Righteous living

Chapter 12

Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

He discusses the use of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ and provides a list of exhortations for Christian behavior, including love, humility, and overcoming evil with good.

Chapter 13

Paul teaches about submission to governing authorities, presenting them as God's servants for good. He emphasizes love as the fulfillment of the law and encourages believers to live in light of Christ's imminent return.

Chapter 14

Paul addresses conflicts over disputable matters, particularly dietary restrictions and observance of special days. He urges stronger believers not to judge or look down on weaker ones and emphasizes that each will give an account to God.

Chapter 15

Paul continues the theme of unity, encouraging believers to bear with the failings of the weak and to please their neighbors for their good.

He discusses his ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit Rome on his way to Spain.

Chapter 16

Paul concludes with personal greetings to various individuals in Rome (Romans 16:1-16).

He warns against those who cause divisions because they create obstacles contrary to the doctrine they have been taught (Romans 16:17-20).

He commends the faith of the Roman believers (Romans 16:21-23).

The letter ends with a doxology praising God for the revelation of the gospel (Romans 16:25-27).

Textual variation

Romans 8:1

Some manuscripts end the verse after "those who are in Christ Jesus".

Others add "who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit".

The difference that if you live "in" Christ Jesus, it won't be possible unless Christ Jesus is some sort of omnipresent spirit which contradict many other scriptures, but if "those who are with Christ, who walk... according to the Spirit" then it means that Christ Jesus is not the omnipresent Spirit.

Romans 16:7

The name "Junia" (feminine) or "Junias" (masculine) varies in different manuscripts, affecting interpretations about women in church leadership.

Romans 16:24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. -- Romans 16:24

Some translations include this verse and some exclude this verse, because it's not found in the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts of Romans. Many scholars believe it was added later as a copyist's note, possibly borrowed from other Pauline letters where similar phrases appear. This is possibly repetition of Romans 16:20.

Romans 16:25-27

The placement of this doxology varies. Some manuscripts have it at the end of chapter 14, some at the end of chapter 15, and some at the end of chapter 16.

A few manuscripts omit it entirely.