ROMANS: AN INTRODUCTION TO PAUL'S LETTER
Any study of the Biblical doctrine of soteriology (salvation) will in due course lead to Paul’s epistle to the church at Rome. There are few other books in the Bible as rich in the doctrines essential to understanding what is a the core of the Christian faith coupled with a practical application of that faith. We are familiar with nuanced differences in the synoptic gospels and the theological and narrative differences of the Johannine account, but it is the Pauline theme of justification by faith alone that distills the theology of sola fide. Paul refers to this letter as his gospel; indeed, it is not inappropriate to think of it as the 5th gospel. It has been noted that to have a through knowledge of Romans is to have a solid foundation for the Christian faith. The epistle is in large measure a thorough exposition of Habakkuk’s comment … but the righteous by his faith shall live (Habakkuk 2.4). Paul’s introduction and his summation to his exposition tell us the purpose of his writing: namely, to bring about the obedience of faith (1.5; cp. 16.26) and this he accomplishes by expanding on Habakkuk’s cry of faith it is the righteous who by his faith will live; pay attention to how Habakkuk closes his brief treatise: Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he make my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places (Habakkuk 3.17-19). This eternal truth is the focal point of Paul’s life and teaching and it is the overriding theme of Romans.
Hopefully, the following three essays briefly examining verses 1.1-17 will shed some light on Paul's own introduction to the three main points of his letter. Namely, establishing his credentials as an apostle to the Gentiles; the priority of the gospel of God grounded on the work and person of the eternal Son of God; finally, his practical instruction on living a life of obedience to the gospel that is the natural byproduct of faith.
Hopefully, the following three essays briefly examining verses 1.1-17 will shed some light on Paul's own introduction to the three main points of his letter. Namely, establishing his credentials as an apostle to the Gentiles; the priority of the gospel of God grounded on the work and person of the eternal Son of God; finally, his practical instruction on living a life of obedience to the gospel that is the natural byproduct of faith.