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Ministry of Paul, Lesson 10
ROME: Capital of the Empire, Desired Mission Field of Paul & His Final
Residence
19 November 2012
Bob Kaylor, Saving Grace Lutheran Church
All quotations from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version c 2001 unless noted
History of the city: The city of Rome grew from settlements around a ford on the river Tiber, 18 miles from the
Mediterranean Sea, a crossroads of traffic and trade. According to archaeological evidence, the village of Rome was
probably occupied from the 8th century B.C. though it may go back as far as the 10th century, by members of the
Latin tribe of Italy, on the top of the Palatine Hill. According mythology, the city was founded on 21 April 753 B.C. by
twin brothers Romulus and Remus, who descended from the Trojan prince Aeneas and who were grandsons of the
Latin King, Numitor of Alba Longa. King Numitor was deposed from his throne by his brother, Amulius, while
Numitor's daughter, Rhea Silvia, gave birth to the twins. Because Rhea Silvia was raped and impregnated by Mars,
the Roman god of war, the twins were considered half-divine. The new king feared Romulus and Remus would take
back the throne, so he ordered them to be drowned. A she-wolf saved and raised them, and when they were old
enough, they returned the throne of Alba Longa to Numitor. The twins then founded their own city, but Romulus
killed Remus in a quarrel over the location of the Roman Kingdom. Romulus became the source of the city's name.
Between the 4th and 2nd centuries B.C. Rome transitioned from kingdom to republic to empire, becoming one of the
largest empires in the ancient world. Life in the empire revolved around the city of Rome, located on seven hills. The
city had a vast number of monumental structures like the Coliseum, the Forum of Trajan and the Pantheon. It had
theatres, gymnasiums, marketplaces, functional sewers, bath complexes complete with libraries and shops, and
fountains with fresh drinking water supplied by hundreds of miles of aqueducts.
Biblical connections: The city of Rome or its residents are not mentioned in our Old Testament, probably because the
nation of Rome did not become a world power until the time between the Old and New Testaments. The book of
Romans is Paul’s epistle to the congregation there, and the city or its residents are mentioned 8 other times in our
New Testament…7 times in Acts and once in 2 Timothy, all related to the missionary work of Paul and his various
coworkers.
Paul had wanted to visit Rome for years (Acts 19:21; Romans 1:9-11, 15:23-29) and the Lord had revealed to him in a
vision (Acts 23:11) that he would get to do so. But, he probably didn’t know until it happened, that he would be
traveling there because he had been placed on trial and exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to
Caesar (Acts 25:11-12, 26:30-32). A portion of the travel seems to have been pleasant and Paul was joined by two
long-time co-workers, Luke the physician (Colossians 4:14) and Aristarchus from Thessalonica (Acts 19:29, 20:4:
Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24). Another portion of the travel was treacherous and included shipwreck (Acts 27:2744). We catch up with Paul today in A.D. 60 during the last leg of his journey to Rome.
Ac 28:13 And
from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind
sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.
Puteoli was a major port city on the north shore of the Bay of Naples. One of the Roman “super highways” went to
Rome from Naples so Paul and his companions, as well as their military escort, get off the ship in Puteoli.
Ac 28:14 There
we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we
came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of
Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.
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Paul and his companions find Christians in Puteoli and they are received hospitably. These hosts send word to the
Christians in Rome that Paul is on his way there, and they send a welcoming committee about 33 miles out greet the
entourage. As we might expect, this welcome is a tremendous encouragement.
Ac 28:16 And
when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who
guarded him.
The Roman governor back in Palestine had determined that Paul was not a criminal under Roman law, and the
centurion that led the escort can certainly vouch that Paul is not a flight risk. So, there is no reason to put him in
prison and he’s allowed the dignity of living on his own, albeit under the supervision of a soldier, who may be almost
as much a body guard as anything else.
Ac 28:17 After
three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had
gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs
of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for
the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to
Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have
asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing
this chain.”
This is interesting in that we know Paul’s habit was to speak as soon as practicable with those gathered in the
synagogue whenever he arrived in a city such as Damascus, Syrian Antioch, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Derbe,
Thessalonica, Ephesus and Corinth. We also saw him gather first with the Jews in cities that didn’t have a synagogue
such as Lystra and Philippi. This time though, they have to come to him at his residence. Something else is a little
different this time. His introduction to them seems to go immediately into a defense of his ministry.
Ac 28:21 And
they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the
brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you
what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
It sounds like good news when we hear that they had received no bad reports about Paul from Jerusalem
or elsewhere, but is it all good news? Perhaps not, because they do know that “this sect” is talked about as
troublemakers. At least they’re still willing to listen to what Paul has to say.
Ac 28:23 When
they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers.
From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to
convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were
convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
Sound familiar? It’s the same “some believed and some didn’t” thing happening again like we’ve seen so many
places before. Paul is ready for it, and what he uses against his fellow Jews that reject the gospel, is their very own
scripture.
Ac 28:25 And
disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement:
“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “ ‘Go to this
people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never
perceive.” 27For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and
their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and
understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 28 Therefore let it be known to you that
this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
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Note: That quote was Isaiah 6:9-10, and Isaiah was then one of the favorite prophets, as he remains today. Anyway,
was Paul’s referencing the law and the prophets an original idea? No. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he did the same
thing.
Lk 24:44 Then
he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that
everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be
fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it
is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that
repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from
Jerusalem.
Jesus also says “to all nations” so he’s including the Gentiles that Paul tells the proud Jews he’ll go to after they reject
his message. The point is that Paul is not a renegade here, he is following exactly the same outline as the Savior had.
Ac 28:29 And
when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among
themselves. (KJV)
So, Paul’s audience continue their discussion/debate after they leave Paul’s apartment.
Ac 28:30 He
lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and
without hindrance.
31 proclaiming
So, here we are in about A.D. 62, and that ends Luke’s writings that have been handed down to us. His first volume
was the gospel that bears his name and his second volume is what we call “Acts” or “Acts of the Apostles.” From
here on out, we can only rely on sketchy information from Paul’s later epistles, supplemented by secular history, and
church tradition. We know that Paul continued preaching and writing.
Col 1:23 if
indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the
gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I,
Paul, became a minister. 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling
up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I
became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make
the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to
his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of
the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning
everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Ep 3:1-9 For
this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming
that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the
mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you
can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men
in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of
the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to
the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the
very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches
of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God
who created all things,
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Paul’s preaching is not curtailed, only his traveling is. (And, as he stays in one place, it may be just what’s
needed to give him the opportunity to write more. His epistles generated in captivity certainly have a high
value to us today.) Paul asks for encouragement, wisdom and boldness as he continues preaching.
Col 4:3 At
the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare
the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I
ought to speak.
Ep 6:18 …praying
at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with
all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given
to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an
ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul’s preaching from his apartment in Rome does get results.
Phm 8 Accordingly,
though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet
for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ
Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.
11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending
him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order
that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to
do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of
your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might
have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved
brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Onesimus, a runaway slave, is converted and as a Christian he is ready to return to his owner, Philemon. That is a
powerful testimony! But there are other converts in very different places in Roman society.
Php 1:12 I
want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance
the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest
that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the
Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed
preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love,
knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of
selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that
in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I
will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will
turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all
ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by
life or by death.
Php 4:22 All
the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
Wow! Through Paul’s continued preaching, the gospel is becoming known to all of Roman society, from those with
the lowest status such as a runaway slave, to the rank and file of the military, and even to the loftiest and most
privileged people in the world, the emperor’s own household. Also, throughout his unpleasant situation, Paul finds
joy.
Col 1:24 Now
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in
Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
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Php 2:16 …holding
fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run
in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial
offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and
rejoice with me.
Paul understands that things may not end well for him, but he can still find joy in his work. An awful lot of people
would do well to mimic Paul. Also, his situation gives him an opportunity to practice what he has been preaching.
Ro 5:3 Not
only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to
shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been
given to us.
4 and
Paul is also still looking ahead in his ministry, hoping to be released so he can resume his travels.
Phm 22 At
the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I
will be graciously given to you.
Php 1:23 I
am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far
better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know
that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me
you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let
your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am
absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by
side for the faith of the gospel,
After release from his first imprisonment in about A.D. 63, Paul did resume the role of missionary but we’re not sure
the extent of his movements. First let’s think about what we can refer to as his “conjectural travels.” We heard a
few minutes ago that he wanted to go to Philippi (Philippians 1:26, 2:24), and that he wanted to visit Philemon who
lived in Colosse (Philemon 22). If he went to Colosse he might have also gone to Laodicea and Hierapolis (Colossians
2:1, 4:12-13, 15-16). We should also recall that he desired to go to Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). You may hear people
say that he went some or all of those places, but there is no Biblical evidence to support those conjectures. Now let’s
think about what we can refer to as Paul’s “authentic travels.”
1Ti 1:3 As
I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge
certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,
1Ti 3:14 I
hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may
know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a
pillar and buttress of the truth.
So, Paul and Timothy visited Ephesus, then Timothy stayed there as Paul moved on. Also, Paul and Titus visited
Crete.
Tit 1:5 This
is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint
elders in every town as I directed you—
As Paul left Timothy in charge in Ephesus, he’s now left Titus in charge on Crete, and travels on to Miletus and
Corinth.
20 Erastus
remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.
Again Paul has left coworkers in cities he visited. Paul also visited Troas and Nicopolis.
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2Ti 4:13 When
you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above
all the parchments.
Tit 3:12 When
I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have
decided to spend the winter there.
It is at about this point in A.D. 67 that scholars surmise that Paul was again arrested, perhaps in Nicopolis. When
taken to trial, he probably again exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. That takes him back to
Rome again. While we had a very brief description of the start of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome from Luke, we
have no such thing for this imprisonment. Virtually all of our information now comes from Paul’s last letter…his
second epistle to Timothy.
2Ti 2:8 Remember
gospel,
bound!
9 for
Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my
which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not
We don’t know details of Paul’s arrest, but Nero is the emperor at this time…the guy under which Christianity
became illegal in the Roman Empire. So, it may be as simple as Paul makes it sound. He had not been labeled as a
criminal by previous Roman governors because his preaching had not broken any laws, but now with Christianity
outlawed he could be charged as a criminal. Despite this Paul sticks to his task and encourages his protégé to do the
same.
2Ti 1:8 Therefore
do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but
share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
Paul did not sound lonely or in need of much comfort in letters from his first imprisonment. What about now?
2Ti 4:9 Do
your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted
me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is
with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I
have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the
books, and above all the parchments…20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who
was ill, at Miletus.
Life in the Mamertime Prison was far less comfortable than Paul’s previous residence. Also, access by visitors was
limited by the prison, not to mention that Christians in Rome were having to start hiding their beliefs. Paul had been
in court once before writing his last letter and was awaiting another hearing. While he may be disappointed in some
people who could’ve helped him, he still had the utmost confidence in God.
2Ti 4:14 Alexander
the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his
deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no
one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord
stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and
all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me
from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever
and ever. Amen.
That’s a fitting set of verses to close what we know of Paul from scripture. We must now go to church tradition and
secular history for Paul’s martyrdom, probably in the spring of A.D. 68, shortly before Nero died. Paul was spared
torture and death by crucifixion because he was a Roman citizen, and for the same reason his execution was
probably private rather than a public spectacle. In order to reduce sympathetic backlash, the officials had him taken
outside the city along the Ostian Road and beheaded by a military escort. His grieving friends are said to have carried
his body to the catacombs for burial.
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Religious roots of the city: Archaic Roman religion, at least concerning the gods, was made up not of written
narratives, but rather of complex interrelations between gods and humans. Unlike in Greek mythology, the gods
were not personified, but were vaguely defined sacred spirits called numina. Romans also believed that every
person, place or thing had its own genius, or divine soul. During the Roman Republic, Roman religion was organized
under a strict system of priestly offices, which were held by men of senatorial rank. The College of Pontifices was
uppermost body in this hierarchy, and its chief priest, the Pontifex Maximus, was the head of the state religion.
Flamens took care of the cults of various gods, while augurs were trusted with taking the auspices. The sacred king
took on the religious responsibilities of the deposed kings. In the Roman Empire, emperors were deified, and the
formalized imperial cult became increasingly prominent. As contact with the Greeks increased, the old Roman gods
became increasingly associated with Greek gods. Thus, Jupiter was perceived to be the same deity as Zeus, Mars
became associated with Ares, and Neptune with Poseidon. The Roman gods also assumed the attributes and
mythologies of these Greek gods. Under the Empire, the Romans absorbed the mythologies of their conquered
subjects, often leading to situations in which the temples and priests of traditional Italian deities existed side by side
with those of foreign gods. Beginning with Emperor Nero in the 1st century AD, Roman official policy towards
Christianity was negative, and at some points, simply being a Christian could be punishable by death.
Content of the epistle/Summary of Paul’s message: Paul’s primary theme in Romans is the basic gospel, God’s plan
of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and Gentile alike (see 1:16–17). Although justification by faith
has been suggested by some as the theme, it would seem that a broader theme states the message of the book more
adequately. “Righteousness from God” (1:17) includes justification by faith, but it also embraces such related ideas as
guilt, sanctification and security. Paul had several purposes for writing this letter:
1. He wrote to prepare the way for his visit to Rome and a proposed mission to Spain (1:10–15; 15:22–29).
2. He wrote to present basic salvation to a church that had not received the teaching of an apostle before.
3. He sought to explain the relationship between Jew and Gentile in God’s overall plan of redemption. The Jewish
Christians were being rejected by the larger Gentile group in the church (see 14:1) because the Jewish believers
still felt constrained to observe dietary laws and sacred days (14:2–6).
Paul begins by surveying the spiritual condition of all people. He finds Jews and Gentiles alike to be sinners and in
need of salvation. That salvation has been provided by God through Jesus Christ and his redemptive work on the
cross. It is a provision, however, that must be received by faith—a principle by which God has always dealt with
humankind, as the example of Abraham shows. Since salvation is only the beginning of Christian experience, Paul
moves on to show how believers are freed from sin, law and death—a provision made possible by their union with
Christ in both death and resurrection and by the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Paul then shows
that Israel too, though presently in a state of unbelief, has a place in God’s sovereign redemptive plan. Now she
consists of only a remnant, allowing for the conversion of the Gentiles, but the time will come when “all Israel will be
saved” (11:26). The letter concludes with an appeal to the readers to work out their Christian faith in practical ways,
both in the church and in the world. None of Paul’s other letters states so profoundly the content of the gospel and
its implications for both the present and the future.
Outline




Introduction (1:1–15)
Theme: Righteousness from God (1:16–17)
The Unrighteousness of All People (1:18—3:20)
o Gentiles (1:18–32)
o Jews (2:1—3:8)
o Summary: All People (3:9–20)
Righteousness Imputed: Justification (3:21—5:21)
o Through Christ (3:21–26)
o Received by Faith (3:27—4:25)
 The principle established (3:27–31)
 The principle illustrated (ch. 4)
o The Fruits of Righteousness (5:1–11)
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




o Summary: Humanity’s Unrighteousness Contrasted with God’s Gift of Righteousness (5:12–21)
Righteousness Imparted: Sanctification (chs. 6–8)
o Freedom from Sin’s Tyranny (ch. 6)
o Freedom from the Law’s Condemnation (ch. 7)
o Life in the Power of the Holy Spirit (ch. 8)
God’s Righteousness Vindicated: The Justice of His Way with Israel (chs. 9–11)
o The Justice of God’s Rejection of Israel (9:1–29)
o The Cause of That Rejection (9:30—10:21)
o The Rejection Is Neither Complete nor Final (ch. 11)
 There is even now a remnant (11:1–10)
 The rejection is only temporary (11:11–24)
 God’s ultimate purpose is mercy (11:25–36)
Righteousness Practiced (12:1—15:13)
o In the Body—the Church (ch. 12)
o In the World (ch. 13)
o Among Weak and Strong Christians (14:1—15:13)
Conclusion (15:14–33)
Commendation, Greetings and Doxology (ch. 16)
Modern day view of the ancient city: Under Emperor Diocletian, the persecution of Christians reached its peak.
However, it became an officially supported religion in the Roman state under Diocletian's successor, Constantine I,
with the signing of the Edict of Milan in 313, and quickly became dominant. All religions except Christianity were
prohibited in 391 A.D. by an edict of Emperor Theodosius I. It has been the home of the Papacy since the 1st century
A.D. with the exception of a relatively short period when it was relocated to Avignon. Ancient Rome is the progenitor
of Western civilization. The customs, religion, law, technology, architecture, political system, military, literature,
languages, alphabet, government and many factors and aspects of western civilization are all inherited from Roman
advancements. The rediscovery of Roman culture revitalized Western civilization, playing a role in the Renaissance
and the Age of Enlightenment. Rome is the capital of Italy and the capital of the region of Lazio. With 2.8 million
residents in 496.3 square miles, it is also the country's largest and most populated city and fourth-most populous city
in the European Union. In 2007, Rome was the 11th-most-visited city in the world, 3rd most visited in the European
Union, and the most popular tourist attraction in Italy.
Continuing significance of the epistle: Romans is a valuable book and many scholars will recommend it as a place to
start if you’ve never sat down and read the whole Bible before. Some of the book’s special characteristics are:
1. The most systematic of Paul’s letters. Its outline is more like an elaborate theological essay than a letter, but its
explanations are easy for us to follow.
2. Emphasis on Christian doctrine. The number and importance of the theological themes touched upon are
impressive: sin and death, salvation, grace, faith, righteousness, justification, sanctification, redemption,
resurrection and glorification.
3. Widespread use of OT quotations. Although Paul regularly quotes from the OT in his letters, in Romans the
argument is sometimes carried by such quotations (see especially chs. 9–11), reinforcing that the entire Bible has
value to us.
Let’s let Doctor Luther tell us about the book of Romans: “This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament,
and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but
also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread for the soul…we thus find most abundantly
the things that a Christian ought to know, namely, what is law, gospel, sin, punishment, grace, faith, righteousness,
Christ, God, good works, love , hope, and the cross; and also how we are to conduct ourselves toward everyone, be
he righteous or sinner, strong or weak, friend or foe—and even toward our own selves.”
NEXT WEEK: CAESAREA: The Beginning of Paul's End
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