The Foundation of the Christian Faith

STUDIES THROUGH THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

By Ezekiel Kimosop

I just began a new series that is dedicated to an expository study of Paul's Letter to the Romans.

I will be sharing brief exhortations from my reflections through the passages of this book.

I wish to welcome you to walk with me through the Scriptures.

INTRODUCTION

Paul's letter to the Romans is arguably one of his earliest writings that falls into the same period with the two Letters to the Corinthians and possibly the Letter to the Galatians. Bible scholars agree that the dating of the Letter is consistent with Paul's early ministry period between 51-54 AD.

Scholars estimate that there were about one million people living in Rome at the time of the writing of the Letter to the Romans. Jewish population in Rome was placed at 40,000 - 50,000.

The Letter was most likely written from Corinth during Paul's third missionary journey. Some scholars say that Paul was not the founder of the church in Rome had possibly never met them. However, the greetings conveyed in Romans 16:3-16 strongly suggest that Paul was familiar with a number of Christian leaders in Rome and may have visited the Roman church in the past.

The Letter does not appear to address any particular issues raised by the Romans but was primarily intended for outlining the basis of salvation in Christ. The Romans were possibly not well instructed in the way of Christ though Paul later commends them for their exemplary  faith in 1:8. The letter was therefore largely a presentation of the Christian faith.

Paul had not been confined by the Roman authorities at the time of writing this Letter but it appears that some inundation of missionary schedules had possibly held him back from traveling to Rome. Paul possibly never traveled to Rome as a free man because he was finally arrested and taken to Rome for trial (implicit from Acts 26:32).

What can we learn from the salutation section of this Letter?

First, we learn that Paul was familiar with the spiritual condition of the Romans and often prayed for them just as he did for other believers in his Gentile communion. He was a caring Christian shepherd who sought to strengthen his flock in the word of God.

Secondly, we discover that God's calling lies in the hearts of those who serve God with a sincere motive. Faithful ministers respond to the calling of God and this stands out in their service and ministry.

The salutation section of this Letter introduces the Apostle and affirms his calling to the preaching of the Gospel (1:1).  He was separated for ministry. No one can truly serve God in ministry without Christ having called and sanctified them in the first place.

Paul also makes an apologetic defense of the authority of the Gospel, saying that it had been promised before through God's holy prophets and revealed in Christ Jesus through His finished works of the cross (1:3-4). He had a conviction of the truths that lie at the heart of the Gospel message.

The calling of God's people into faith and ministry stands on the foundation of the finished works of the cross and in nothing else (1:5-6). Paul elsewhere said that his desire was to preach Christ crucified   (1 Cor. 1:23, 2:1). Jesus is at the centre of God's engagement with humanity. He is the person of interest in the proclamation of the gospel message.

We can therefore conclude that a true Christian community stands on the foundation of Christ and His finished works. This is the fundamental biblical truth. Any teaching that violates this foundation does not originate from God. It should be rejected.

In our next study series, we shall examine the passage of Romans 1:8-15 which is dedicated to Paul's desire to visit Rome.


Shalom



© Ezekiel Kimosop 2019.