Book Study: Romans

Book Overview

Romans is Paul’s most comprehensive explanation of the gospel, written to believers in Rome to strengthen their faith and unify Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul presents humanity’s universal need for salvation, showing that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. He explains that righteousness comes not through the Law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul describes the transforming work of the Spirit, the believer’s new life in Christ, and God’s sovereign plan for Israel and the nations. The letter concludes with practical instructions for Christian living, emphasizing love, humility, service, and unity. Romans stands as a foundational theological work, revealing the depth of God’s grace and calling believers to live as living sacrifices in response to His mercy.

Brief Chapter Summaries

Romans 1

Paul introduces his mission and expresses his desire to visit Rome. He declares the gospel as God’s power for salvation. He describes humanity’s rejection of God and the resulting moral corruption, showing the need for divine righteousness.

Romans 2

Paul warns that God’s judgment is impartial, applying to Jews and Gentiles alike. Possessing the Law does not guarantee righteousness; true obedience comes from the heart. God values inward transformation over outward religious identity.

Romans 3

Paul concludes that all people are under sin. The Law reveals guilt but cannot save. Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works. God justifies sinners through Christ’s sacrifice, demonstrating His justice and grace.

Romans 4

Paul uses Abraham and David to show that righteousness has always been by faith, not works. Abraham was justified before circumcision, making him the father of all who believe. Faith rests on God’s promises.

Romans 5

Paul explains the results of justification: peace with God, hope, and joy in suffering. Through Adam came sin and death; through Christ comes grace and life. Jesus’ obedience brings righteousness to many.

Romans 6

Believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. They are no longer slaves to sin but called to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness.

Romans 7

Paul describes the struggle between the desire to do good and the power of sin. The Law reveals sin but cannot free from it. Humanity needs deliverance through Christ.

Romans 8

Life in the Spirit brings freedom from condemnation. Believers are God’s children and heirs with Christ. God works all things for good and secures His people in His love. Nothing can separate believers from Christ.

Romans 9

Paul expresses sorrow for Israel’s unbelief and explains God’s sovereign choice in salvation. God’s mercy and purposes stand, even when human expectations fail.

Romans 10

Salvation comes through confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. The gospel is for all, and faith comes by hearing the word of Christ.

Romans 11

Paul explains that Israel’s rejection is not final. A remnant remains, and Gentile believers are grafted into God’s people. God’s plan will ultimately restore Israel.

Romans 12

Believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices. Paul urges humility, sincere love, service, and overcoming evil with good.

Romans 13

Christians are to submit to governing authorities, fulfill the law through love, and live in light of Christ’s coming.

Romans 14

Paul teaches believers to avoid judging one another over disputable matters. Each person should act in faith and pursue peace and mutual edification.

Romans 15

Paul encourages unity between Jews and Gentiles. He explains his ministry to the nations and expresses his desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain.

Romans 16

Paul greets many believers by name, commends Phoebe, warns against divisive people, and closes with praise to God for His revealed mystery.

Key Verses

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Romans 3:23

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:8

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 10:9

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Romans 12:1

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”