The Origin Of The Roman Church
...in Rome was founded. Scholars theorize the founders were part of the Diaspora (Acts 8). This church already had a worldwide reputation by the time of Paul's writing (1:8). Because Paul had been unable to visit the church, he writes a letter stating his intentions (1:13-15).
There is no doubt; the author of Romans is Paul. He clearly states this in the opening verse, and the style and content is identical to Paul's other letters. His primary theme is the gospel; God's plan of salvation; and righteousness for all mankind, Jew and Gentile alike (1:16-17). Scholars also agree upon the date and place of authorship, believing Paul wrote this letter while in Corrinth (Acts 20), between A.D. 55 and 58.
In Romans 2, Paul explains that both Jews and Gentiles need the gospeleveryone needs to be rescued from the condemnation that they rightly deserve. Although some Jews claimed to have an advantage in salvation, Paul explains that Jews are not immune to sin, and they are not immune to judgment. Everyone is saved in the same way. How do people become right with God? Paul explains it in chapter 3but first he has to answer some objections.
Paul had preached in many cities, and he knew how people responded to his message. Jewish people often responded with this objection: "We are God's chosen people. We must have some sort of advantage, but you are saying that we are condemned on the same basis as everyone else." So Paul asks, What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (3:1). What is the point of being a Jew? Paul answers in verse 2: Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. The Jews have the Scriptures. That is an advantage, but there is a downside to itthose who sin under the law will be judged by the law (2:12). The law that reveals God to the Jews, also sentences them to God's...
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