FocusCalling, audience, and theme
Connection to the wholeThe introduction establishes Paul, his readers, and his desire to visit before stating the gospel theme that governs the argument.
interpretation Romans 1:9
KJVFor God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
Read it in context
Paul and the gospel
Start reading at Romans 1:1 (Romans 1:1 to Romans 1:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The introduction establishes Paul, his readers, and his desire to visit before stating the gospel theme that governs the argument.
- 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
- 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
- 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
- 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
- 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
- 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
- 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.
- 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
- 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
- 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
- 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
- 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
- 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
- 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
- 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
- 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.
- 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 1:1–3:31): Paul addresses the believers in Rome about the accountability of Jews and Gentiles before God. His challenges to a judging person or one called a Jew are rhetorical addresses within the letter. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Paul and the gospel. Read Romans 1:1 through Romans 1:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The introduction establishes Paul, his readers, and his desire to visit before stating the gospel theme that governs the argument. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul and the gospel (Romans 1:1 to Romans 1:17). Start reading at Romans 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 1:1, Romans 1:17, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- God Rom 9:1 Job 16:19 2 Cor 1:23 2 Cor 11:10-11,31 Gal 1:20 Phil 1:8 1 Thess 2:5-10 1 Tim 2:7
- whom Acts 27:23 Phil 2:22 Col 1:28-29 2 Tim 1:3
- with John 4:23-24 Acts 19:21 1 Cor 14:14-15 Phil 3:3
- the Mark 1:1 Acts 3:26 1 John 5:9-12
- that 1 Sam 12:23 Luke 18:1 Acts 12:5 Eph 6:18 1 Thess 3:10 1 Thess 5:17 2 Tim 1:3
- I make Eph 1:16-19 Eph 3:14-21 Phil 1:4,9-11 Col 1:9-13 1 Thess 1:2 Phlm 1:4
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 1
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
Humanity's refusal of God
Romans 1:18–32FocusTruth suppressed and conduct corrupted
Connection to the wholePaul begins the case for universal need by describing the refusal to honour God and the resulting corruption of worship and conduct.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.