Friday, September 08, 2006

Introduction to Romans

“Romans” was written by Paul from the city of Corinth around 57 A.D. to the church in Rome. Paul writes this powerful exposition of the gospel to the church at Rome which was also likely intended to be used by the other churches as well.

Rome was the capitol and most important city in the Roman Empire, having a population of over 1 million in Paul’s time. It became one of the earliest centers in Christianity. It is possible that the gospel was brought there when certain Jews returned to Rome from attending a festival in Jerusalem and, following the preaching of Peter, came to believe in Christ.

This church became a very powerful church. By the 7th decade the number of believers in the metropolis had attracted the attention of the Emperor Nero, and Tacitus (Annals 15:44) refers to them as a “huge multitude” who had suffered persecution.

When Paul writes this epistle, he has no personal acquaintance with the Roman church (1:8-15, 15:14-33). By the time he writes, the church has become very strong; their faith is being reported throughout the world (1:8).

Click on the 'Post and comments' link just below this text to read comments from H2O members and to post your own comments.

posted by John Hever at 8:59 AM

4 Comments:

  • The first to comment? This post has already been up for 10 minutes! Where are the rest of you blog types?

    Just wanted to say that I look forward to working through this book as a church family. Something about looking through the Word and meditating and digesting it together is very unifying. Thanks John & Co!

    By Blogger Annie, at 8:35 AM  

  • The Romans were very practical people and they approached situations in a systamatic way. Paul, being the brilliant mind he was, knew just how to present the Gospel to them. Thanks John for doing the same for us.

    By Blogger Christian Marks, at 8:01 PM  

  • Thinking about the state of ancient Rome in the time Paul was writing actually gives me great hope for our churches. Think about it... in his day, Rome:

    1) was the rich, bloated, prosperous, prideful center of world commerce
    2) was ruled by pagans and secularists
    3) opposed the growth of Christianity
    4) was a melting pot of peoples, cultures and faiths

    ... and the place where Christianity flourished throughout the known world in a couple short generations.

    That gives me a ton of hope that the Bible totally applies in our day and age, and that God can do that kind of amazing work in our world in our day!

    By Blogger Scott Davis, at 9:11 PM  

  • After reading a trilogy by Francine Rivers, I began to understand much more of Rome in the time of the Early church. Her "Mark of the Lion" series focuses in on Rome as the Jews had fled Israel and were dispersed among the empire. The secret meetings of believers who found one another, and who were encouraged by the letters from the apostles like John and Paul - how wonderful to know that their bright light in an ever darkening empire was found by enough brave souls who carried it on to the generations beyond them. I agree that I am filled with awe, thanks, and hope for the future of the gospel in today's time; and know the relevance and need for this hope in my life; in my neighbors' lives, etc.

    By Blogger Caryn, at 10:04 AM  

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