This week, we started Bible studies on the book of Romans, which will probably keep us occupied for at least 4 months! Garry gave an introductory overview, so we will be looking at Romans 1 next Thursday.
Romans is probably the most ‘theological’ of the New Testament letters. Written by Paul whilst he was in Corinth, it tells us of his plans to visit the church in Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:24) and there is a lot of personal reference in it, despite his never having visited the church (see Romans 16). In the letter, Paul systematically sets out his understanding of the Gospel and teaches us so much about the state of the world, the salvation God offers us, touching on mnay subjects which are as relevant today as when he wrote the ltter. Condemnation, God’s will, what to do when you have sinned, why bad things happen… all these things are dealt with in the book of Romans.
In Acts 18:1-3, we read how Priscilla and Aquila had been expelled from Rome and met Paul in Corinth. The early Roman church, it appears, was made up of converted Jews and Gentiles were added to it. Paul, therefore, has much to say to both groups in the letter.
One of the key verses in Romans is found in the first chapter:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” ” (Romans 1:16-17)
As Jeremy Camp says in his song ‘Not Ashamed’,
“I’m not ashamed of the Gospel
I’m not ashamed of Jesus Christ
I will stand and boldly say
This is my life.”
May we all learn to do this through our study of Romans.