Welcome back, dear readers! We are about to embark on a study of the New Testament book of Romans. 
WHO: Throughout the history of the church the apostle Paul has been recognized as the undisputed author of the book of Romans. Paul identifies himself as the author in the salutation of the letter (Romans 1:1). In addition, this book contains topical themes and terminology which are commonly used by Paul in his other epistles. As no significant contradictory information has arisen to dispute these facts, his authorship is uncontested.
WHEN: On his third missionary journey, Paul left the city of Ephesus, traveled to Macedonia, and then continued on to Corinth (located in Greece) where he spent the winter of 56-57 AD (Acts 20:1-3). During this time period, he dictated the book of Romans to his scribe, Tertius. The letter was delivered to the church in Rome by a woman named Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2).
At the time this letter was written, Paul was in a kind of transition period in his ministry. Having established (and revisited) a number of churches in Asia minor and Galatia, he was now moving westward into unevangelized territory. He planned to visit Jerusalem and then stop at Rome on his way to Spain.
WHERE: The church at Rome was not founded by Paul. It is believed to have been organized by a group of Jewish Christians who became believers in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). Some ancient sources say that Peter played a role in the establishment of the Roman church, but there is no direct source to corroborate that belief. Nevertheless, Holy Spirit laid it upon Paul’s heart to minister there.
WHY: Paul had many reasons to write to the believers in Rome.
First of all, he fully intended to visit the church of Rome and minister there, so one reason for this letter was to prepare them for his visit. The doctrines provided in this letter gave the Roman believers a lot to think about before Paul arrived.
It is also clear that Paul was, in part, rallying support for his planned ministry in Spain (Romans 15:24).
Here is something else to consider: The Roman empire was at its zenith during the days of the early church. It is estimated that one hundred million people lived within Roman territory. The empire’s footprint extended westward to modern day Great Britain, northward to modern day Germany, eastward to modern day Iran and southward hundreds of miles up the Nile River. 
The capital city of Rome was considered the epicenter of communication, wealth and influence, as well as the base of all civil and military power for the kingdom. Troops, goods, luxuries and anything else the emperor or senators desired could easily be moved to or from any part of the realm via the extensive, well-maintained road system which was characteristic of this empire.
Given this situation, the church in Rome had an exceptional and unique opportunity to disseminate the gospel. Any letter written to them would have been circulated with relative ease to churches far and wide throughout the known world. Paul was clearly aware of this fact, which may partially account for the systematic/academic feel of the letter. Romans is certainly less personal and more formal than Paul’s other epistles.
Furthermore, as with all of his letters, Paul was motivated by a desire to minister to the spiritual needs of the congregation. All of the early churches had common problems and they faced common dangers. For example, most of the early churches were made up of both Jews and Gentiles – two groups that didn’t get along so well!
The Jews tended to regard themselves as better/more special than others, because historically speaking they were the chosen people of God. In fact, they often referred to Gentiles as dogs.
They attached great significance to the rites and ceremonies of the law as well as their national traditions which had been handed down from generation to generation. First and foremost among these was the rite of circumcision.
Even though Christ ushered in the age of grace through his death and resurrection, the early Jewish Christians had great difficulty giving up the law. Their underlying thought process was that all Gentiles should become Jewish converts before they became Christians. This would place the Gentiles under all of the obligations of the Mosaic Law (including circumcision), before they could accept salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.
For their part, the Gentiles looked upon the Jews with contempt. They thought the beliefs of the Jews were bigoted, narrow minded and senseless because they resulted in slavery to ceremonies and traditions. Consequently, the Gentiles wanted nothing to do with the obligations of the Mosaic law, which were so dear to the Jews. It’s fair to say there was constant tension and jealousy among the believers in the early church.
This is just one example of the common problems that Paul addressed in his letters to the churches.
Finally, it should be noted that Paul was well aware that he faced profound opposition and danger in Jerusalem (Acts 21:11-14). For this reason, he may have been motivated to clearly and systematically record some doctrines for use by the future church, in the event of his death.
This belief is supported by the fact that the book of Romans is by far the fullest exposition of the doctrine of salvation in all of the New Testament. In addition, Paul discusses other important topics such as the righteousness of God and his just dealings with humanity throughout history, the ministry of Holy Spirit, the impacts of sin, and eschatology (the doctrine of final things such as death, judgement, the end of the age, etc). And, as in his other epistles, he explores the practical applications of these doctrines to our daily life.
OTHER: Now, I know what some, if not most of you, are thinking – Romans is a lot like a textbook – it’s really hard to understand and, quite frankly, it’s BORING!
I admit, it may seem that way on the surface. If you are just plowing through the material like a novel, you’ll soon be overwhelmed. But we aren’t going to do that in our study. We will take our time and present the truths of this book in a way that allows us to fully digest the important doctrines that Holy Spirit has preserved for us.
Let me assure you, the epistle to the Romans is a life changing book. It had an amazing effect on many of the men and women who shaped church history including Augustine, Martin Luther and John Wesley. I believe it will have a profound effect upon our lives as well, if we are willing to put in a little bit of effort.
Here is what I’d like to suggest: First of all, commit to taking the time to study with me each week. Be willing to read the material over more than once, if you need to, in order to get it fully planted in your mind. Meditate on it during the week.
Most importantly, I strongly recommend asking Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and ears to the message he has for you. It would be a good idea to pray this regularly throughout our study.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul prays that exact thing for all believers – that Holy Spirit will give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in a knowledge of him that we might understand the hope of our calling, the riches of his inheritance in the saints and the exceeding greatness of his power:
Ephesians 1:16-19 – I (Paul) do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power…
Why not pray for these verses over yourself during this study? If we do so with a sincere heart, God will hear and answer and our lives will be changed by the word and the Spirit. We will be equipped and empowered to share these truths with the lost and lead them to salvation in Christ.