ROMANS PT2 – Introduction part2 and Romans 1:1
“Romans comes first in order of the three great doctrinal epistles (Rom, Eph, 1&2Thess). And rightly so, for it contains the ABC’s of the believer’s education. Until it’s lesson is learned, we know and can know nothing. The Holy Spirit has placed it first in Canonical order because it lies at the threshold of all “church” teaching, and if we are wrong here we shall be wrong altogether.” ~E.W. Bullinger~
“It is impossible to read or meditate on this letter too much or too well” ~Martin Luther~
1. – INTRODUCTION PT2
a. Paul had never been to Rome (15:22-24) so his purpose for writing the letter is to establish them (1:11)
b. Romans is Paul’s introductory material, we find this written to the Romans because he had never been there. In a lot of his epistles he is writing after already being there and establishing the church or had already written to them – 1Cor 2:1,5:9, Gal 1:6, 4:11, 1Thess 3:4.
c. Romans is Paul’s longest introduction (vs 1-7)
Verse 1 – Paul gives his hearts motive, his authority, and his mission.
• “Paul” – Each of his epistles start with his name.
• “a servant of Christ” - Acts 16:16-17, Gal 1:10, Phil 1:1. Servant here means Bond-servant – 6:16.
I. Paul was not always a servant - Acts 7:57-59, 8:1-3, 9:1-2,13-14, Gal 1:13 but then – Acts 9:4-8,15-16, 1Tim 1:11-16, Paul can only say he was a servant by Gods grace.
II. The deity of Christ - Titus 1:1 cf Matt 6:24
• “Called to be an apostle” – 1&2Cor, Gal, Eph, Col, 1Thess 2:6, 1&2Tim, Titus.
I. Apostle ~One who had seen the Lord and was given a message to lay a foundation~ - 1Cor 9:1, 1Cor 3:10, 1Tim 2:7, Matt 10:1-12.
• “Separated” – Acts 13:2, Gal 1:15.
I. Paul was not part of the 12 apostles, he received his message from Christ not Peter – Act 9:15, Rom 11:13, 2Cor 11:5, 12:11-12, Gal 1:1,11-12, 2:6-9.
II. Contrary to some beliefs, Paul was not qualified to be the 12th apostle – Acts 1:21-23, 1Cor 15:8-10.
III. Jesus lived 3 years with the 12, He appeared to Paul for 3 years – Gal 1:11-18
• “Unto the gospel of God” – Don’t get caught up in the words – 1:1 or 9 or 16? 15:16 or 19? 16:25.
Mark 1:1, 1Peter 4:17.
I. Gospel means good tidings – Rom 10:15 cf Isa 52:7, Nah 1:15
II. You have to look at the content of the gospel – Mark 1:14-15, Gal 3:8, Rev 14:6, 1Cor 15:1-4
Paul teaches one gospel, the gospel of the grace of God (Acst 20:24, Eph 1:13) which is different than the gospel of the kingdom, the gospel of circumcision (Gal 2:7) but the good news of God starts with Jesus Christ according to the scriptures – Rom 1:2, 1Cor 15:3-4. Paul often makes this point that he is preaching the same Christ the prophets foretold because he otherwise would’ve been a heretic. No doubt he does this here in his introduction to the Romans having never been there before.
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