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Introduction to Romans
As usual, here's some introductory material for Romans. I do want to say though, that this kind of thing is perhaps more helpful to know when reading the NT letters than it is with historical books. Because this is a letter, we don't get a lot of context: it's written to certain people in a certain place at a certain time, and realizing some of the circumstances behind the writing can be very important to properly understanding it. Pay special attention to the bolded purposes, as they are the more important ones. Without further ado, here it is:
AUTHOR
Paul was definitely the author. His typical greeting is found in 1:1. It is generally agreed that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was bad eyesight,* therefore, he did not physically write this letter himself, but he used a scribe, Tertius (cf. 16:22).
*Many scholars DO think this, but I'm not sure it's enough for a general consensus. Paul DEFINITELY had bad eyes, but the connection with the "thorn in the flesh" might not be accurate.
DATE
The probable date for the authorship of Romans is A.D. 56–58. This is one of the few New Testament books which can be dated fairly accurately. This is done by comparing Acts 20:2ff with Romans 15:17ff. Romans was probably written at Corinth toward the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, just before he left for Jerusalem.
PURPOSE
A. An appeal for help for his missionary trip to Spain. Paul saw his apostolic work in the eastern Mediterranean finished (cf. 16:20–23).
B. To address the problem in the Roman church between believing Jews and believing Gentiles. This was probably a result of the expulsion of all Jews from Rome and their later return. By then the Jewish Christian leaders had been replaced by Gentile Christian leaders.
C. To introduce himself to the Roman church. There was much opposition to Paul from sincere converted Jews in Jerusalem (Jerusalem Council of Acts 15), from insincere Jews (Judaizers in Galatians and II Cor. 3, 10–13), and from Gentiles (Colossians, Ephesians) who tried to merge the gospel with their pet theories or philosophies.
D. Paul was accused of being a dangerous innovator, adding recklessly to Jesus’ teaching. The book of Romans was his way of systematically defending himself by showing how his gospel was true, using the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus (the Gospels).
Introduction to Romans
As usual, here's some introductory material for Romans. I do want to say though, that this kind of thing is perhaps more helpful to know when reading the NT letters than it is with historical books. Because this is a letter, we don't get a lot of context: it's written to certain people in a certain place at a certain time, and realizing some of the circumstances behind the writing can be very important to properly understanding it. Pay special attention to the bolded purposes, as they are the more important ones. Without further ado, here it is:
AUTHOR
Paul was definitely the author. His typical greeting is found in 1:1. It is generally agreed that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was bad eyesight,* therefore, he did not physically write this letter himself, but he used a scribe, Tertius (cf. 16:22).
*Many scholars DO think this, but I'm not sure it's enough for a general consensus. Paul DEFINITELY had bad eyes, but the connection with the "thorn in the flesh" might not be accurate.
DATE
The probable date for the authorship of Romans is A.D. 56–58. This is one of the few New Testament books which can be dated fairly accurately. This is done by comparing Acts 20:2ff with Romans 15:17ff. Romans was probably written at Corinth toward the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, just before he left for Jerusalem.
PURPOSE
A. An appeal for help for his missionary trip to Spain. Paul saw his apostolic work in the eastern Mediterranean finished (cf. 16:20–23).
B. To address the problem in the Roman church between believing Jews and believing Gentiles. This was probably a result of the expulsion of all Jews from Rome and their later return. By then the Jewish Christian leaders had been replaced by Gentile Christian leaders.
C. To introduce himself to the Roman church. There was much opposition to Paul from sincere converted Jews in Jerusalem (Jerusalem Council of Acts 15), from insincere Jews (Judaizers in Galatians and II Cor. 3, 10–13), and from Gentiles (Colossians, Ephesians) who tried to merge the gospel with their pet theories or philosophies.
D. Paul was accused of being a dangerous innovator, adding recklessly to Jesus’ teaching. The book of Romans was his way of systematically defending himself by showing how his gospel was true, using the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus (the Gospels).
[1] Robert James Utley, vol. Volume 5, The Gospel According to Paul: Romans, Study Guide Commentary Series (Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International, 1998). Emphasis and comment (*) mine.
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