Paul’s letter to the Romans is a profound exploration of the gospel, emphasizing the righteousnessNone of God revealed through Jesus Christ. Paul addresses a divided Roman Church, aiming to unify Jewish and non-Jewish Christians by explaining that faith in Jesus, not adherence to the Torah, is the path to righteousness.
The letter outlines humanity’s entrapment in sin and presents Jesus’ death and resurrection as God’s solution, offering justification and a new covenant family that includes all who have faith. Paul uses Abraham’s story to illustrate that faith, not law, defines God’s people, creating a multi-ethnic family united under faith in Christ.
Paul’s Purpose in Writing to the Romans
Paul wrote the letter to the Romans to address the division within the Roman Church, which was caused by differing opinions on how to follow Jesus amidst a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish customs. He aimed to unify this divided church by presenting the gospelNone as the solution, highlighting God’s righteousness and the creation of a new humanity through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Additionally, Paul hoped the Roman Church would serve as a launching pad for his mission to spread the gospel further west to Spain.
The Concept of God’s Righteousness and Justification
Paul’s letter to the Romans reveals God’s righteousness, showcasing His justice and faithfulness in fulfilling promises through Jesus. This righteousness leads to justification, where believers are declared righteous, gaining a new status, family, and future through faith in Christ.
The Formation of a New Covenant Family
Paul’s letter to the Romans highlights how the gospelNone paves the way for the formation of a new covenant family. Through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, believers are justified and declared righteous, uniting Jews and Gentiles in a shared faith. This new family is rooted in the example of Abraham, who trusted God’s promises, and it now encompasses a diverse, multi-ethnic community based on faith.