All Scripture is
given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for
instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God
may be complete,
thoroughly equipped
for every good work.
2Timothoy 3:15–16
Having
completed a series of blogs on the Trinity and covering some of the various
understandings of each Person of the Trinity and comparing those understandings
with Scripture it is my hope and prayer that there were of some aid to you and
an answer to your possible questions. I now turn my attention, and yours, to
the Book of Romans. I will attempt to cover the entire book and how what the
Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans is an apologetic and his most doctrinal book
that applied then to the Christians and has application in our present age. I
welcome your thoughts, opinions, as a way to sharpen one another as iron
sharpens iron.
The Book of
Romans placed first, above all other epistles, not due its date, for it was
written about the winter 57–58 A.D. on his third journey and written from
Corinth, rather due to its superlative excellence in the areas of doctrine and
salvation. This Book is a long and full Book written to the Christians at Rome
a place of much dignity and the capital of the Roman Empire. Paul stayed in Corinth
a short time for he was on his way to Troas, an ancient Greek
city situated on the Aegean Sea, (Acts 29:5–6). A woman, Phoebe, a
citizen of Cenchrea, a suburb of Corinth, (Romans 16:1), was preparing to go to
Rome and Paul to this occasion to send this letter to the Roman Christians with
her. Paul was preparing to go to Jerusalem taking money for the poor saints
there (Romans 15:26), this being his third journey. Paul was not sure after
going to Jerusalem he would be able to go to Rome, a place that he so desired
to go and it is said that he even desired to go into what we now call Spain
(Romans 1:8–11). At the end of his letter to the Roman Christians that applies
very much to us today is: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause
divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid
them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the
simple” (Romans 16:17–18). This then sets the backdrop for our study of
this Book.
The Church
at Rome included many heathens who brought into the Church as also happened in
other Churches, especially the Corinthian Church, who carried with them into
the Church false understanding. Paul in this Book addresses not only that but
also those dispersed Jews who attended the Roman Church and held fast to many
of the old Jewish traditions and teachings. Therefore, many great mysteries are
treated in this Book, that have need for clear, and Scriptural, understanding.
Peter said: “…and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is
salvation––as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to
him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these
things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and
unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the
Scriptures” (2Peter 3:15–16). Things have not changed in regard to the
twisting of Scriptures by men and women who teach what seems to be Scriptural
and yet under the microscope of Scripture we will test what they teach and
determine whether or not they are twisting Scripture or are actually teaching
sound doctrine. Paul in this letter which is very doctrinal and addressing many
serious concerns does so with a methodology that we can observe: the first part
is doctrinal and found in the first eleven chapters; and then in the latter
part of the Book are found the practical; then the last five chapters addresses
the judgment and to reform to life. How is it best for our understanding and
study of this Book? First and foremost; abide in the practices written in the
latter part for this is the will of God: “If anyone wills to do His will, he
shall know concerning the doctrine, wither it is from God or whether I speak on
My own authority” (John 7:17).
This study
will aid is and instruct us in doctrine. Furthermore, this Book will aid us
concerning the way of Salvation. The foundation first laid out for us is
justification, not by works of nature (Chapter 1), no by works of the law
(Chapters 2,3). Only by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21; chapter 4), and
then Paul outlines the steps of our salvation; peace with God (Chapter 5),
Sanctification (Chapters 6,7), glorification (Chapter 8). The fact that a
person(s) who are saved, belongs to those elected by grace (Chapter 9). Paul
found need to write in this manner for many, especially the Jews, stumbled at
justification by faith, that is justification without works of the Law. They felt
a need for “works,” and, is this not the case with many today, those claiming
to be Christians? Yes! Paul wrote to clear and vindicate the truth. We can
learn and assimilate that truth(s) he wrote in our lives.
The
practical part of this by Paul, teaches us through several exhortations what is
proper for all Christians (Chapter 12). Paul gives direction for true godly
behavior, even in regards to civil authority (Chapter 13). Rules of conduct,
with our brothers, and sisters in Christ as all are members of the Christian
Church (Chapters 14, 15:1–14). In Paul’s conclusion he draws upon an apology
for writing to them (Chapters 15:14–16) and gives and account of himself and
his own affairs (vs. 17–21). He promises them a visit (vs. 22–29), and asks for
their prayers (vs. 30–32). Paul sends salutations (Romans 16: 1-16). Paul, as I
gave above, gives a warning and then ends with a benediction to them and a
doxology to God (vs. 24–27).
The
groundwork now laid for this study. Once again, it is my prayer that this study
will increase your faith and drives you to live according to Scripture and be
the ambassador all Christians are called, in personal witness, and in everyday
life. Read the first chapter of Romans.
Ask, and it will be given to you;
Seek, and
you will find,
Knock, and it will be opened to you.
For everyone
who asks receives,
And he who seeks finds, and to him who
Knocks it
will be opened.
Matthew 7:7–8
Study to show yourselves approved
Richard L. Crumb
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