Page 36 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Paul explains that all have sinned and face the consequence of death (3:23; 5:12; 6:23). But God has
provided the salvation we need through the death and resurrection of His Son (6:5–11; 8:1–4), and
nothing can separate us from His love (8:38–39). Despite our wrongdoings against God and other people,
Jesus saves each of us who believe. While our sin previously stood in the way, Jesus makes a way for us
to have a relationship with God again. Jesus makes a way for us to be unified in His name. We are
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empowered to collectively and boldly proclaim—and live—the good news of Jesus.

Purpose(s)
*See L. Morris, Romans, 7-18, for a list of twelve major proposals for the purpose of Romans. Paul’s
magnum opus is both expositional and occasional.

Paul’s own circumstances (Expositional) Situation of the church in Rome (Occasional)
Spain (15:23-24, 28-29): plans to launch a new Rome: his statements of determined purpose to visit
ministry in the Latin speaking west via Rome; thus Rome brackets the body of the letter (1:8-15; 15:20-
to enlist the support of the church at Rome for this 33) and indicate both a pastoral and evangelistic
venture. To gain their recognition and support he intent. He wants, then, to prepare them for his visit
feels the need to set forth his gospel. and more clearly introduce himself and his gospel to
a church he neither founded nor had visited.
Setting in Corinth: winter of 56-57, reflecting on his
ministry to that point with plans to complete the e. Chs 9-11 and 14:1-15:13 both seem to presuppose
Mediator. phase of work (15:20, 21, 23); reflects on relational tensions between the Jewish and Gentile
problems with Judaizers in Galatia and pseudo- sections of the church in Rome. Paul fights on two
apostles in Corinth. Thus, in part the exposition fronts: (i) to show the Jewish minority that they must
flows out of this decisive, critical juncture of the not insist on the law as a condition for covenantal
apostle’s life. Mature, reflective Paul. privilege; (ii) to admonish the Gentile majority against
indifference and even arrogance against things
Jerusalem: the coming delivery of the collection in Jewish by underscoring that Israel still has salvation
Jerusalem as a seal of his Gentile ministry to this historical primacy and is the “root” of the church
point is uppermost in Paul’s mind (15:16, 25-31). (esp. olive tree metaphor in 11:16-24).
The focus on Israel and the Gentiles in God’s plan
(esp. Chs 9-11) may be in part to defuse any
misunderstandings which could arise (or past
criticisms) in his coming visit to Jerusalem, a visit
and gift designed to solidify the unity of the one
church of Christ, Jew and Gentile.

*Summary of the purposes behind the writing of Romans:

1. Missionary purpose: as a “letter of introduction” Paul writes to enlist the support of the Roman church
as his new base and sponsor for the mission to Spain.

2. Doctrinal purpose: to capture and expound the heart and essence of his gospel (1:16-17)— (i) as he
reflects on past struggles and God-given triumphs in the twenty five year history of the eastern

70 Barry, J. D. et al

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