Romans the Gospel of God

Theological Questions Answered in Romans

Read each question and pause to let various members answer. The group should not spend much time on any question and should not try to come to conclusions. The purpose of the list is to show that there are many opinions about these questions.

1. What must a person believe in order to be saved by faith?
2. What does it mean that a Christian does not work for his salvation?
3. Did God decide to save some people and not to save others?
4. How does God choose who is saved and who is not?
5. What will happen to people who have never heard the gospel?
6. How can God be just if he forgives some sinners and punishes others?
7. Is a believer still a sinner?
8. What kind of spiritual victory is possible for real life?
9. Is it possible for a believer to lose his salvation?
10. Does God still have a plan for Israel?

THE PURPOSE OF THE LETTER TO ROME

• Read Romans 1:11-15 and 15:24. What reasons did Paul give for wanting to go to Rome?

The purpose of this letter was to introduce Paul and his theology of salvation to the Roman believers, so that

1. He could visit them to encourage the believers (1:11-12) and to preach the gospel in Rome (1:15).
2. He could start a new mission work with their support (15:24).

Paul had spent the years A.D. 47-57 evangelizing territories around the Aegean Sea. He wrote the letter to the Romans in about A.D. 57.  He planned to make a trip to Jerusalem, then to Rome. Paul wanted to use the church in Rome as a base for launching a missionary effort into Spain (15:24), which was the oldest Roman colony in the west and the center of Roman civilization in that part of the world.

Since Paul had never been to Rome, the letter served as a personal introduction and preparation for his visit. That is probably the reason for the extensive greetings in Romans 16.

Paul's visit to Rome did not happen the way he planned. He was arrested in Jerusalem. When it seemed to him that he would not get justice, he appealed to Caesar. After a dangerous journey, which included a shipwreck, he arrived in Rome as a prisoner in about A.D. 60. Though he was confined, he was free to receive visitors and minister to them and through them (Acts 28:30-31). Paul said that the events were working out for the advancement of the gospel (Philippians 1:12). There were converts even in Caesar's household.

Some historians believe that Paul was released after two years. Whether or not he made his trip to Spain is unknown. We know that he was eventually executed in Rome, but that may have been his second visit to the city.

By explaining the theology of salvation to show the basis of his missionary work, Paul showed the basis of missionary work in all places and times.

Several questions would naturally arise in response to Paul's request that they help launch his missionary trip. Someone might ask, “Why should you be the one to go?” So, Paul began the letter by mentioning his dedication to the work of evangelism (1:1). He later explained his special calling and success as an apostle to the Gentiles (15:15-20).