EXCURSION THROUGH ROMANS

Romans is considered to be a foundational book in the Bible by biblical scholars and students and therefore it is crucial for all Christians to learn the fundamental doctrines of our Faith by mastering this epistle written by the Apostle Paul. It is not just an epistle to the Christians in Rome of Paul’s day but a keystone in the canon of the Holy Scriptures contained in our bible. Thus it is the Word of God to Christ’s Church for all ages until He returns. Christians must approach this book from that standpoint or they otherwise miss the divine intention and purpose for Romans delivered through the Apostle. This is to set aside all scholarly debate and speculation that might revolve around it and instead treat it as it is, the Word of God, with as much gravity as the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. Such a viewpoint and manner of treatment is considered too simplistic by some, but it is soundly scriptural and is in harmony with the promise of Christ to His apostles, that the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance all things that Jesus had done and taught and then teach them much more spiritual truth after He was gone, having ascended to heaven (John 14:26; 16:12-15). Paul was included among the apostles beginning with his Damascus Road experience (Acts 9:15) and was instructed personally by the ascended Christ Jesus (Galatians 1:1, 12). This should be the attitude and perspective held by the reader whose aim is to be a faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus. My study and series of articles will therefore primarily be expository with a biblical hermeneutic, that is, the passages of Romans will be interpreted line by line by the rest of the Scriptures. Here the Bible is seen as Christocentric throughout the Old as well as the New Testament, as Christ Himself demonstrated time and again (Matthew 23:35; Luke 24:26, 27, 44; John 1:45; 5:46). With this perspective on Romans it is fitting that it has been placed as the first epistle after the historical narratives of the Gospels and Acts in the New Testament. A basic theme throughout Romans is the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles, of whom the Roman believers are a part, and their inclusion in the promises to Abraham and ingrafting with the patriarchs.

Romans Chapter 1

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