Bible: Paul's Epistles

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The Book of Romans was written around 57-58 A.D. Paul was writing to the Church in Rome from Corinth. It had long been his desire to go to Rome to preach the Gospel of Christ. Paul was a Roman citizen and felt a kinship with his fellow Romans.

The occasion of writing was the desire of the apostle to labor in the great city, a desire which had thus far been hindered, and the opportunity was furnished by the departure of Phoebe from Corinth to Rome. Still firm in his purpose to see and preach in Rome, a letter to the church would tend to prepare the way. (Johnson)

This letter is placed first in order of epistles though it was likely written 5th. It is placed correctly as it is the most extensive and complete exposition on the central truths of the New Testament.

It may perhaps be useful to some of my readers to give the chronological order of the Epistles: and first those that are certain: 1 and 2 Thessalonians; 1 and 2 Corinthians; Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon; the last four Paul wrote when a prisoner. (Darby)

Paul set forth his revelation of the great doctrines of grace that God had given him.

This epistle brings all of humanity under cover of one, all inclusive “saving grace.” We are all found guilty and find justification through faith alone. The atoning work of Jesus is covered and explained as the basis for this provision of grace. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is explained as well as the need for all Christians to live lives of consecrated service. Internal evidence is strong that the apostle Paul authored this epistle. We also have evidence from historians of the time this epistle was written. This epistle sets the doctrine of faith and grace. Jesus is the only way to salvation and...

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...John Nelson. Darby's Translation. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2007

WORDsearch Corp.

Dunn, James D. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Grand Rapids. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1998. Print

Hodge, Charles D.D., LL.D. Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2005 WORDsearch Corp.

Jamieson, Robert; Fausset, A.R.; Brown, David. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2007 WORDsearch Corp.

Johnson, B.W. The Peoples New Testament. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2008 WORDsearch Corp.

King James Version. The Holy Bible. The Nelson Company, 2004. Print

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Student Bible. Nashville. A. Thomas Nelson, 2000. Print

“Pauline Epistles I.” Wikipedia.org. 2011. Web. 28 March 2011.

Schaff, Philip. History of the Christian Church. WORDsearch Corp. Database © 2007 WORDsearch Corp.

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