As the title of the book indicates—“The Epistle of Paul to the Romans”—the author is the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote this letter while he was in Corinth, specifically in a port city called Cenchrea (Romans 16:1). Unlike other letters that Paul wrote to churches he had already visited or helped plant, Paul had never been to Rome when he wrote this epistle. However, he had heard of the faith of the Roman believers, and it became his deep desire to visit and strengthen them spiritually—not to build on another person’s foundation, but to edify them in the faith (Romans 15:20–24). Indeed, that desire was fulfilled later, as we read in the Book of Acts. On his final journey—as a prisoner—Paul eventually made it to Rome, where he boldly preached the Gospel just as he had longed to do (Acts 27–28). Theological Importance of Romans Romans is one of the most systematic and foundational books in the New Testament. It presents the core doctrines of Christian faith, including the origin of salvation, the righteousness of God, and the practical walk of the believer. Every Christian should deeply understand this epistle. Main Divisions in the Book of Romans 1) The Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:1–17) After expressing his longing to visit Rome, Paul immediately emphasizes the reason for his zeal: the Gospel itself. “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.”—Romans 1:16 (NIV) The Gospel is not just good advice—it is the dynamic power of God that leads to salvation. Paul boldly states that he is unashamed of it, and this sets the tone for the entire epistle. 2) All Humanity Is Guilty Before God (Romans 1:18–3:20) Paul explains that both Gentiles and Jews are under sin: The Gentiles rejected the truth of God revealed through creation (Romans 1:19–20). The Jews, though having the Law, still failed to keep it perfectly. “There is no one righteous, not even one.”—Romans 3:10 (cf. Psalm 14:3) Thus, no one can be justified by works of the law, and all are accountable to God. 3) Righteousness Through Faith (Romans 3:21–5:21) Paul reveals God’s solution to humanity’s sin problem: Justification by faith. “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known… This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”—Romans 3:21–22 (NIV) He then uses Abraham as an example—how he was declared righteous not by works, but by faith: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”—Romans 4:3 (cf. Genesis 15:6) This same principle applies to all who believe in Jesus today. 4) New Life in Christ (Romans 6:1–8:39) Paul now explains what follows after justification—sanctification. Believers must no longer live under the power of sin, but should now walk in the Spirit: “…count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”—Romans 6:11 (NIV) Although a struggle exists between the flesh and the Spirit, the believer is called to live a Spirit-led life (cf. Galatians 5:16). Paul climaxes this section with the glorious assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:38–39 (NIV) 5) God’s Sovereignty and His Plan for Israel (Romans 9:1–11:36) Paul reflects on God’s freedom to choose and explains the mystery behind Israel’s rejection of the Gospel. Their rejection opened the door for the Gentiles: “Because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.”—Romans 11:11 (NIV) Yet, Paul warns that Gentile believers must not be arrogant, because they too could be cut off if they fail to remain in faith (Romans 11:20–22). 6) Practical Christian Living (Romans 12:1–15:3) Having laid the theological foundation, Paul now moves to practical application. He urges believers: “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”—Romans 12:1 (NIV) Paul covers Christian ethics—how to love one another, serve with our spiritual gifts, honor authorities, forgive enemies, and maintain unity despite different levels of faith (Romans 14:1–15:3). 7) Conclusion and Final Greetings (Romans 15:14–16:27) Paul discusses his travel plans to Spain, his intention to visit Rome, and requests prayer for protection from hostile individuals. He also extends greetings to many believers in Rome and warns against divisive people who distort the Gospel: “Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… Keep away from them.”—Romans 16:17 (NIV) Summary The Book of Romans explains: The righteousness of God—not through law or works, but through Jesus Christ. Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). The transformed life a believer must live in response to God’s mercy. Though we are justified freely, we are not free to live carelessly. A saved life must be a transformed life (Romans 12:2), or else, as Paul warns in Romans 8:13, “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” Blessings and Next Steps If you’ve been blessed by this teaching, share it with others! Do you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Contact us at the numbers below.To receive daily Bible teachings via WhatsApp, join our channel here:👉 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10 📞 +255 693 036 618📞 +255 789 001 312 The Lord bless you!