Romans

Romans 1:1-17
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What to look for...

‍Like a grand entryway into a huge edifice, Paul’s longer than usual comments to begin his letter provide a striking introduction, preparing hearers for the rest of the book. He will address fundamentally important matters, especially clarifying what the gospel entails. It’s about Jesus, both human and divine, who was enthroned in power as the Son of God as a result of his resurrection. It’s also about true faith, which results in obedience.

Whatever people had heard about Paul previously—especially with Jews and Gentiles having mixed opinions about him—he wanted to clarify who he was, what he believed, and what he felt called to do. He was committed to both Jews and Gentiles, and he wasn’t going to take sides with one over the other. Also, wanting to endear himself to his hearers, he commended them in various ways, hoping they would be receptive to what he had to say.

Paul concludes his introduction with stunning yet puzzling declarations. The meaning of the “righteousness of God” is widely debated; it may refer to the righteous character of God; the saving activity of God; or the righteous status given by God. The “righteous will live by faith” is equally debated. At the very least it means that righteousness and faith are interdependent. Moo suggests that it should be translated, “The one who is righteous by faith will live” (Encountering Romans, 47). 

Romans 1:18-32
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What to look for...
Reading this passage can be like visiting an ancient Roman city. In Pompeii, for example, archaeologists have found X-rated paintings and objects so sexually perverse that they are now hidden away in closets, rather than on display in museums. The debauchery was despicable.

Paul, speaking like an Old Testament prophet, points sharp fingers at the depth of wickedness common among the Gentiles (next in his crosshairs will be the Jews). Sin isa relentless power, a wicked tyrant, that seeks to trap all of us in its grasp. We are without excuse.Everyone should already know about the true God, his power, his glory, especially based on his acts of creation.

One means of God’s judging reprobates is letting themself-destruct even more. Three times Paul said, “God gave them over” to their impurities, lusts, depravities. Shockingly, though sinners know their actions are deserving of death, they dive deeper into their senseless ways and even cheer on others to do the same. Is there any doubt the world needs someone to rescue them?

Romans 2:1-3:8
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What to look for...
If the shoe fits, wear it. After what Paul said in the previous passage about sinful Gentiles, the Jews might have been thinking that they were okay, even to the point of bragging about being God’s Chosen People(Rom 2:17). After all, they considered the Law that God gave Moses a special treasure.

But Paul does not let the Jews off easy. He basically repeated what Jesus had said: “Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye” (Matt 7:5 NLT). It should have been obvious to Jews that the law was only beneficial if it was obeyed . . .and that’s a big “if.” The Jews were guilty of saying one thing and doing another, and believe it or not, God’s wrath on them would also be severe: “God will judge everyone according to what they have done!” (Rom 2:6; see also Jesus’ statement in Matt 16:27).

Paul even asks, What advantage is there in being a Jew? (Rom3:1). His point was that genealogy doesn’t determine a person’s relationship with God. A Jew is only a “Jew” if he or she is one inwardly (Rom 2:29). In other words, a “Christian” in name only is meaningless; true Christians are transformed into Christ’s likeness, both inwardly and outwardly.  

Romans 3:9-20
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What to look for...
‍Welcome to the court of law. On the bench is the Judge of all judges ("Yes, your Honor"). And in the dock, indicted as the criminal of all criminals, were the Jews and Gentiles. But Jews?! They would never have expected to be tried the same as Gentiles. In their minds, "we're holier than thou."
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But Paul, summing up his opening argument (in 1:18-3:8), and citing verses from the Jews' own Scriptures (the Old Testament), made clear that the Jews were sinners just as much as anyone else. "You're guilty! Now, be silent! You have no defense!"
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All this was setting the stage for the most important announcement of all, which is where Paul turned next. Stand by for news!

Romans 3:21-31
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What to look for...
It's always great to receive good news. Well, it can't get any better than these verses, which are some of the most important in the Bible. Unfortunately, with all the sin in the world, there was a lot of bad news. Even for the Chosen People, they were unexpectedly as guilty as anyone else, and God's intent to bless them was on hold.

BUT!  God had a shocking and amazing solution. Instead of all humans being judged and doomed to death because of their sin, God, in the person of his Son, did the unthinkable and took on himself the very judgment sinners deserve! Jesus as the sacrifice of atonement was the most incredible act of grace and mercy since the creation of the universe. And there's more: now the righteousness of God is available to all who believe! How is that possible?

The Jews thought that obedience to the Law was all they needed to receive God's special blessing. But Paul makes clear that the law is not the issue; something is more important.
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