Recall from our introduction that Paul has been articulating for the Romans a systematic understanding of the great truths of the gospel he had acquired over the course of his ministry in the eastern part of the Roman empire. As the result of the continual opposition to the gospel by both Jews and Judaizers who…
In the previous chapters Paul has been setting forth a systematic presentation of the gospel in which the righteousness of God has been revealed “from faith to faith” (Rom 1:18). In particular he has shown the superiority of the gospel to the Law in its ability to effect our salvation. In these verses he now…
Rom 8:1-4 In Rom 8:1 Paul concludes from his entire argument up to this point that there is now not any condemnation whatsoever (the Greek construction emphasizes none at all) for those who are in Christ Jesus; how does that contrast with man’s state under the law? Why is there now no condemnation for those…
Rom 7:1-6 In Rom 6:14-15 Paul stated that as Christians sin no longer has power to lord over us because we are no longer under law but under grace; why are we no longer under law? See Rom 7:1,4. What illustration does Paul give to illustrate his point? See Rom 7:2-3. What does his illustration…
Rom 6:1-2 In the previous verses Paul argued that the purpose of the law was so that transgression might increase and sin be shown for what it really is. However, as awful as the power of sin is, God’s grace is even greater to overcome it. Hence man’s inability to keep the law actually magnifies…
Rom 5:1-5 What is the result of being justified by faith? Is it possible to have true peace while trying to be justified by the works of the Law? What three things does Paul say a Christian can exult in? See Rom 5:2,3,11. Note: Paul’s words in Rom 5:1-3 may also be translated as “let…
Rom 4:1-8 What was the importance of Abraham to the Jewish nation? See Rom 4:1, Gen 12:1-3, Mat 3:9, John 8:33. How is that important to Paul’s argument that the righteousness of God is from faith to faith and to the Jew first (Rom 1:16-17)? What does it mean “to reckon”? Note: this is the…
Rom 3:21-24 How is “the righteousness of God” that has been revealed in the gospel different from what Paul’s opponents supposed it to be? See also Rom 1:17. What is the significance to his Jewish opponents that this righteousness was “witnessed by the Law and the Prophets? Where is it witnessed in the Law and…
Rom 3:1-2 In these and the following verses Paul answers several objections to his understanding that the Jews were as guilty as the Gentiles in failing to live up to the light that they had, and therefore equally under condemnation and in need of the righteousness that is by faith. What is the first objection…
Rom 2:1-3 What sort of man would be considered qualified to pass judgment upon such as those whom Paul has just described in the previous chapter? See Rom 2:17-20. Why does he say that those who do so actually condemn themselves? See Rom 2:1, 2, 3. Is a person just in the eyes of God…