Paul is the author of the book of Romans v1:1) which is actually an epistle/letter that Paul wrote to the followers of Christ (churches) in the city of Rome (v1:7).
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Rom 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul not only wrote Romans, but is credited as being the author of 13 books (Epistles) of the New Testament starting with Romans through Philemon, plus many believe he wrote Hebrews.
In verse 1 Paul calls himself an apostle, that title usually means one of the 12 disciples called by the living Christ. However, Paul claims that title because the “risen Christ” calls Paul while on the road to Damascus. Paul’s call will be covered in detail in a later post.
One thing that makes Paul different than all other New Testament human authors was that Paul was a Pharisee prior to his call to be a disciple. Most Bible Scholars say Paul’s Old Testament knowledge contribute not only in the content but to the structure of book of Romans and the other books/epistles of Paul. For example most of Paul’s epistles, after introduction, start by presenting facts “to believe” then moves to a section on how those facts should effect “behavior.”
Paul as a Pharisee would be consider a lawyer today, one who studied and practiced the law. The legal system of Israel was based on the Old Testament Law, therefor Paul was an expert in the knowledge of the Old Testament.
The epistle to the Romans was written toward the end of Paul’s third missionary journey. Paul had never been to visit the Roman church, therefor Romans is different from his other epistles. In Romans, Paul lays out systematically the Gospel that he preaches instead of dealing with a particular problem.
The book of Romans is much like a trial with Paul an attorney presenting a case to a judge and/or jury. He starts with his open statement being the first 18 verses (v1:1-18) on what he was going to prove. Then after the opening statements he will build the case (step by step) (fact upon fact) supporting why his open statements are true.
The theme of Romans, the Gospel of God is introduced in verse 1 and between v1 and v16 Paul shows how the Gospel (good news) of God is actually the Gospel (good news) of Christ which is stated in the theme verse of Rom 1:16:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
This verse is in full agreement with Jesus’ statement in John 3:16:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
All of creation (the world) are “beloved of God”. God desires all (the world) to be redeemed, yet only those who believe in Christ will be!
Question: Do you see that Jesus death, burial and resurrection is the Gospel and our faith in Jesus is our basis of salvation?
Prayer: Lord, help us understand that our faith in Christ is the power unto salvation!
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