A summary of the book of Romans as recorded in ‘The Bible Brief’ Bible summary book
A brief introduction and overview of the book to the Romans – Justification by Faith alone
When was Romans Written:
Around A.D. 55-58
Who wrote it: The Apostle Paul
People & PLaces:
Christ. Paul (Tertius), Israel, Rome
Sound Bites:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (ch. 1:16)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (ch. 3:23)
“And we know that God causes all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (ch 8:28)
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (ch 10:9)
The Messianic Link:
He is the Stumbling Stone (Romans 9:33)
The Deliverer from Zion (Romans 11:26)
The Lord of the dead and the living (Romans 14:9)
The Root of Jesse who rules over the Gentiles (Romans 15:12)
Romans Summary:
Romans is a book of Doctrine, Christian living and Justification by Faith alone (Chaps.3, 4). Paul begins by warning of the consequences of unbelief in chapter 1; warning that all men are guilty under the Law (Ch.3:23), and so needing redemption through faith in Christ.
From chapter 4 onwards he warns that the Old Testament law has failed, in that it was only ever intended to lead people to the perfect law, which is through faith in Christ (Ch.10:17).
Chapter 12 onward instructs on Christian living, service and conscience (Ch.14), with regard to eating habits and condemning others for what they do, or do not, eat.
Notes & Quotes:
There is perhaps no other book in the New Testament, with the exception of the four Gospels, that has had such an impact on Church history, and in particular during the period of the reformation.
Augustine’s conversion is largely due to Romans, as is the ‘Justification by Faith alone’ movement of Martin Luther that started the great Reformation and the Protestant movement.
Many issues are covered from Diet and Conscience Ch.14) to homosexuality (Ch.1:24-28); very much a ‘hot topic’ in our own day.
In Romans 7:14-25, Paul exercises his mighty brain and writes down what is arguably the most confusing chapter ever written throughout the New Testament—and a great topic for discussion in any house group!
Romans In A Nutshell:
- Written by the apostle Paul whilst in Corinth between 50 – 58 AD to the Roman Christian community.
- Paul re-iterates his message that the Gospel is “power of God unto salvation for those who believe”.
- He warns of dire consequences for those who depart from his teaching of Faith and Grace through the Gospel message, and resort once more to living under the Jewish ‘Law’ to try and please God.