Romans Overview

Author

Paul was a Hebrew by descent, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, and educated by Gamaliel, the great Pharisaic teacher. He was one of the most unmerciful persecutors of the early Christians, but was converted by the sudden appearance to him of the risen Lord. He began preaching at Damascus, but on account of persecution went into Arabia. Returning from Arabia he visited Jerusalem and Damascus, and then went to Cilicia, where he doubtless did evangelistic work until Barnabas sought him at Tarsus and brought him to Antioch, where he worked a year with Barnabas. After this they went up to Jerusalem with contributions for the brethren. Upon return to Antioch he was called by the Holy Ghost to mission work in which he continued till his death, making at least three great missionary journeys, during which and afterward he suffered "one long martyrdom" till his death.

Date

Paul's epistles are commonly categorized into four groups based on their themes and historical context.

(1) The Eschatological Group, or those dealing with the second coming of Christ, includes 1 and 2 Thessalonians. These letters emphasize the return of Christ and the resurrection of believers, providing encouragement to persecuted Christians and clarifying misunderstandings regarding the "Day of the Lord." They were likely written from Corinth during Paul’s second missionary journey around A.D. 50-51.

(2) The Anti-Judaic (Soteriological) Group, or those written in response to conflicts with Judaizing teachers, includes Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans. These letters defend justification by faith apart from the works of the Mosaic Law and address church divisions, immorality, and the role of Israel in God’s redemptive plan. They were written during Paul’s third missionary journey (A.D. 53-58) from various locations: Galatians from Ephesus or possibly Antioch (A.D. 48-55), 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (A.D. 54-55), 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (A.D. 55-56), and Romans from Corinth (A.D. 57-58).

(3) The Christological (Prison) Group, which centers on the character and work of Jesus Christ, consists of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. These letters emphasize Christ’s supremacy, the unity of Jew and Gentile in the Church, and encouragement in suffering. They were written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (A.D. 60-62) while under house arrest. Ephesians focuses on the believer’s position in Christ, Philippians highlights joy in suffering, Colossians defends the supremacy of Christ against false teachings, and Philemon is a personal plea for the reconciliation of a runaway slave.

(4) The Pastoral Group, written to young church leaders with instructions on church organization, governance, and pastoral responsibilities, includes 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. These letters provide guidelines for church leadership, warnings against false doctrine, and encouragement for perseverance in ministry. 1 Timothy and Titus were likely written after Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (A.D. 63-65), while 2 Timothy, written during his second Roman imprisonment (A.D. 66-67), serves as his final exhortation before his execution.

Romans, belonging to the Soteriological Group, was likely written from Corinth around A.D. 57-58. While this categorization is widely accepted, some scholars propose alternative classifications, such as grouping certain letters based on captivity, missionary focus, or legal themes. Regardless of classification, the content and theological significance of Romans remain largely unchanged because it is less context-dependent than many of his other letters.

Audience and Background

The Church at Rome was doubtless in a very prosperous condition at the time of Paul's writing. It was perhaps organized by some Jews who heard and believed while at Jerusalem, probably on the day of Pentecost. While its membership included both Jews and Gentiles (1:6- 13; 7:1), it was regarded by Paul as especially a Gentile church (1:3-7; 13-15).

He had never been there up to this time (1:11, 13, 15) and it is not likely that any other apostles had been there. For then Paul would have not have been planning to go since his rule was not to go where another had worked (15:20; 2 Cor. 10:14-16). This strikes a heavy blow at Catholicism, claiming that Peter was first bishop of Rome. If Paul would not have followed him, then Peter had not been there, and the most important test of papacy is overthrown. Paul had, however, many intimate friends and acquaintances at Rome, many of whom were mentioned in chapter 16. Among them were his old friends, Aquila and Priscilia.