Page 37 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Mediterranean ministry, and (ii) as he seals this phase of his ministry and shifts his focus to a new
venue.

3. Apologetic purpose: to prepare for his trip to Jerusalem by clarifying his understanding of the relation
of Jew and Gentile in the redemptive program of God, aware that he is entering into a dangerously
tense situation there.

4. Pastoral purpose: to instruct the church in Rome on the relationship of Jew and Gentile in the plan of
God because of relational tensions and attitudinal problems in the mixed Christian community there.

Structure

As an ancient letter, Romans begins with an opening (1:1–17), a body (1:18–15:13), and a closing (15:14–
16:27). Romans has two main parts with focus on what God has done in Christ (1:18–11:36) and instructing
Christians how to live the truths set forth in the first part (12:1–15:13).
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The first section is about Paul’s discussion focusing on four major points. First, everyone—including Jews
and Gentiles—is under God’s judgment (1:18–3:20). Second, Christ has become the living revelation of
God’s righteousness, so that everyone who believes—both Jews and Gentiles—can be made right and
brought into God’s family (3:21–5:21). Third, God’s righteousness gives us hope in our battle against sin
(6:1–8:39). Finally, despite many Jews’ rejection of Christ, the people of Israel nevertheless have a role to
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play in God’s redemption of the world (9:1–11:36).
In the instructions’ section, Paul aims to help the Roman believers to live according to the faith they claim,
particularly when it comes to living together as the diverse yet unified Church (12:1–15:13). For Paul,
Christians ought to have their entire lives—in terms of both belief and action—centered first and foremost
on Christ. The good news of Jesus’ saving act is meant to be transformative, and this good news should
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be unapologetically proclaimed.

Brief Outline
• The gospel and God’s righteous judgment (1:1–3:20)
• The gift of God’s righteousness (3:21–5:21)
• The power of God’s righteousness (6:1–8:39)
• God’s righteousness toward Israel (9:1–11:36)
• Righteousness in relationships (12:1–15:13)
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• Paul’s ministry and personal greetings (15:14–16:27)

Some Important features in Romans

What may be the meaning of the “The righteousness of God” in Romans?

Let’s probe the meaning of the phrase “the righteousness of God” (1:17). We will summarize the
proposals for understanding this expression, and indicate, in light of the context, our preference. Let’s
begin…

71 Barry, J. D. et al
72 Ibid
73 Ibid
74 Ibid
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