Summary of the Theology of Romans

 Dr. Cranford

Justin Murphy

11/05/02

Ÿ         Author- Paul

Ÿ         Audience- The Christians of Rome

Ÿ         Occasion, purpose and theme-Near Corinth, probably about AD 57

Ÿ         The major theme of this letter is found in chapter one, verses sixteen and seventeen. These verses state “For I am not ashamed of this good news about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-first Jews and also gentiles. This good news tells us how God makes us right in his sight.  This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the scriptures say it is through faith that a righteous person has life.

             The Anchor titles  section A “Through the Gospel the uprightness of God  is revealed as Justifying people of Faith”. Thus, the theme is announced:  “The Gospel is the powerful source of salvation for all, Disclosing God’s uprightness(1:16-17) .  This section of the theme places emphasis on the

Ÿ         Sinfulness of Men

Ÿ         Jewish Lostness

Ÿ         The Grace of God

 

            Section B is title “THE LOVE OF GOD FURTHER ASSURES  SALVATION TO THOSE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH” which is verses (5:1-8:39) . Thus the theme is announced: “Justified Christians are Reconciled to the God of Love; They will be saved through Hope of a share in the risen life of Christ”.  This section places it’s emphasis on

Ÿ         Being made right with God

Ÿ         Living in the spirit

            Section C is titled “This justification and salvation through faith do not contradict God’s promises of old (9:1-11:36).  This section places emphasis on

Ÿ         The destiny of Israel

Ÿ         The responsibility of Israel

                Some other themes mention toward the end of the letter are patterns of discipleship.  These are emphasized with verses like “call to commitment(12:1-2)” and “Charismatic gifts (12”3-8).

Also listed are

Ÿ         End of the age (13:11-14)

Ÿ         Unity amidst Differences (14:1 to 15:13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography

 

 The Anchor Bible-Romans, Commentary by Joseph A. Fitzmeyer copyright © 1993 DoubleDay, a division of Bantam DoubleDay Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

 

 Layman’s Bible Book Commentary, Romans, 1 Corintians volume 20; J.W. MacGorman: Broadman Press Nashville, Tennessee, 1980

 

New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Commentary by D.G. Peterson; Intervarsity Press PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, USA: 2000.

 

Cambridge Bible for schools and Colleges, Commentary by H.C.G. Moule D.D.; Cambridge University Press. Edinburgh 100 Princes Street, 1918.