A few weeks ago I announced, in lieu of our Wednesday evening Bible study taking a break for the summer, that I was going to post a study here in my blog section of our website. You would thing that because it is summer and most people are making plans for vacations, family reunions, backyard barbecues, and just plain taking it easy, that I would pick a rather easy book of the Bible for our online study (as if any book of the Bible were easy). Nope. I prayed about it and felt that God was directing me to Paul's letter to the Romans.
I don't think I will have any troubles having enough material to work with until the fall.
So, let's get started.
The following is an introduction to the Book of Romans written by Dr. Grant R. Osborne, professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical divinity School:
"Have you ever thought about writing the perfect letter, a letter so profound that the reader could only sigh with awe at its incredible truths? Paul has written just that letter, one that is so deep that Calvin said, 'I fear, lest through my recommendations falling far short of what they ought to be, I should do nothing but obscure its merits,' and then added, 'when any one gains a knowledge of this Epistle, he has an entrance opened to him to all the most hidden treasures of Scripture.'"
"It is generally agreed that this is the most important book in the New Testament from the standpoint of the meaning of salvation and the Christian life. It was Martin Luther's study of Romans that led to his discovery of justification by faith alone and thus to the Reformation...It is difficult to overstate the importance of this epistle for the church. The issues discussed in it are at the core of what it means to be a Christian."
Paul is the writer of the Book of Romans. From the Book of Acts and statements in Romans, we find that Paul wrote this letter while he was in Corinth and on his way to Jerusalem in the spring of AD 57, to deliver an offering from the Gentile churches to the poor Jewish Christians.
Paul used this letter as an opportunity to present and explain the good news (the gospel). He would also take the opportunity to discuss the essence of sin, salvation, the union of the believer with Christ, the workings of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, the place of the Jewish people in God's bigger plan, future things, and Christian living and ethics.
There is a lot more I could write concerning the background, message, and purpose of this letter, but I will leave that up to you to delve into on your own time. So, let's begin at the beginning, shall we?
1:1 "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."
Paul opens his letter with the emphasis on his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He is placing Jesus at the front and center of his letter. This letter to the Christians is Rome is centered completely on Jesus Christ.
Paul then calls himself "a slave of Christ Jesus." This should not be watered down as some translations use the term "servant" in place of slave. Paul is alluding to the fact of slavery in the Roman Empire (it is estimated that 85 to 90 percent of the population of Rome and Italy were slaves or of slave origin). After God's people were set free from bondage and slavery in Egypt, it became common for them to call themselves "slaves of God," as a title of honor designating their new allegiance.
Since Jesus has become both Lord and God, now Paul is the slave or bond-servant of Jesus Christ. Paul is saying not only that he belongs to Christ but also that this is a privileged position. Paul considers this a badge of honor, as should all who call themselves Christian.
Apostle is Paul's typical self-designation and has two basic meanings-a church representative or missionary, and one of those called or chosen by God as founding leaders of the first churches. The criteria for this office included walking with the Lord as well as seeing the risen Lord (Acts 1:21-22). Paul was included on the basis of his having "seen" the Lord in the Damascus Road vision (1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8). Paul was especially chosen to be God's envoy to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 22:21), giving him authority that gave this letter special weight as an official communication from God through Paul His chosen instrument.
Look up the word slave (Preceptaustin.org is a good online resource to look up words). How does this relate to you as a Christian today?
Are there apostles today? Why or why not?
What does it mean to be "set apart for the gospel"? Are we called to do the same?
Assignment: Read chapter 1 of the Book of Romans straight through. Then go back and read it again, this time writing down things that stand out to you, such as certain words or phrases. Write down your thoughts as you read the second time.
Comments