ROMANS

1.    Strengths and weaknesses in the church
Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire. The church here consisted of a mix Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. There was a conflict between these two groups about which of them was God's true people. Paul wants to solve the problem by showing that all people, regardless of background, relies on faith to God.

In the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he says that he longs to visit
the church in Rom (1:10-13). Also in 15:22-29 we hear about his plans for visiting Rome. But he did not came there before he came there as a prisoner (Acts 28:16-31).

 

2.    Main idea of this epistle
A main theme of the letter is the relationship between Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles (referred to as Greeks).

A starting point for Paul’s teaching is that all have sinned not extend to the cause of God's high standard (3:9-18). To reach up to this standard it is no use to follow the laws in the Old Testament, as the Jews have tried. I think 9:31-32 express this in a good way : " But Israel , which chased by the law to win justice , did not succeed . Why not ? Because they stuck to deeds, not beliefs. There is neither other ways to approach to God - He is just giving the label “righteous" to those who believe in Jesus.

It is also important that this belief is reflected in the way we live.

3. Character and Nature of God

1:17:   This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.
1:20:   God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature.
1:23    And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols
1:25    They worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself
2:7:     .., seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.
2:11:   For God does not show favoritism
3:30    There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith,..
5:20    But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more    abundant.
6:4:     Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father,….
9:22:   …, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient…