Romans: More Resources |
Romans
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Dates for when the books of the New Testament written. When was Romans written and how does it fit into the chronology of New Testament books?
A chronology of Paul’s life from the book of Acts. Here is a chart showing the major events of Paul’s life from the book of Acts, along with the dates they happened and the letters he wrote.
Who founded the church in Rome? At the time he wrote his letter to the church at Rome, Paul had never been there. So who founded the church?
Passages in Romans that show the Roman church was predominantly Gentile. Even though the church in Rome was founded by converted Jews, it ended up being a Gentile church.
The theological tension between law and freedom. One of the major issues Paul deals with in Romans concerns the tension between law and freedom, which was a big point of disagreement between Jews and Gentiles.
What Paul means by “worship” or “spiritual service” in Romans 12:1. Does Paul encourage us to worship or serve God in a certain way, or is there more to it than that?
Paul and government. Why did Paul speak so highly of governments in Romans 13:1-7, even though the Roman authorities eventually put him to death?
The final years of Paul’s life. What happened to Paul during the last few years of his life?
Dates for When the Books of the New Testament Were Written
Even though the book of James appears near the end of the New Testament, it was one of the earliest written. Here is a chart showing when the books of the New Testament were probably written.
Written around the year 50
James
Mark
50/51 – 53/54
Galatians
1 and 2 Thessalonians
53/54 – 57/58
1 and 2 Corinthians
Romans
60/61 – 63
Colossians
Philemon
Ephesians
Philippians
63-67
1 and 1 Peter
Matthew
Luke
Acts
1 Timothy
Titus
2 Timothy
Jude
67-96
Hebrews
Gospel of John
1, 2, and 3 John
Revelation
Who Founded the Church in Rome?
We know that Paul did not found the church in Rome, and neither did the apostle Peter. So how did the church get started? The book of Acts gives us a clue. Fifty days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the day of Pentecost was celebrated in Jerusalem. This annual feast routinely attracted Jews from throughout the Mediterranean world, including “visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism).” We know that on this particular day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon all believers in power (Acts 2:1-4). Peter then preached a powerful sermon, resulting in the conversion of more than 3,000 (Acts 2:14-42). It’s likely that some of the Roman visitors were converted, and they were the ones who went back home and started the church.
Passages in Romans That Show the Church Was Predominantly Gentile
The Theological Tension between Law and Freedom
Among the church in Rome were the Jewish Christians who believed that all converts to Christianity should observe the Jewish law (including circumcision). The Gentile Christians favored “law-free” Gospel. John R.W. Stott speculates that this conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christians could been at the root of the “disturbances” made by the Jews in Rome that led to their expulsion by Emperor Claudius in A.D. 49. Whether or not this was the reason, the Jews—including Jewish Christians—had to leave Rome and were not able to return until after Claudius’ death in 54.
They were no in the minority, but the conflict continued. The Jewish Christians saw themselves as privileged and the law as necessary, while the Gentile Christians were strong advocates of a law-free Gospel. Stott sums it up this way: “This the Jewish Christians were proud of their favored status, and the Gentile Christians of their freedom, so that Paul saw the need to humble them both.”
What Paul Means by “Worship” in Romans 12:1
The NIV translates Romans 12:2 like this: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship.” In the NIV, the word “spiritual” could also be translated “reasonable” or “rational.” The worship God wants from us goes beyond what we do on the weekend in church. He wants us to worship in every day of our lives with a complete understanding of what God has done for us and what He wants us to do. This attitude won’t come simply by flicking on a “worship” switch at church. We need to allow God to transform us into new people by changing the way we think. “Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is (Romans 12:2).
We should consider every part of our lives—whether it’s at home or on the job—as opportunities to serve and worship God. The idea that you divide your life into two compartments—sacred and secular—goes against God’s plan. We need to live our entire lives before God every day.
In Romans 13 Paul urges believers to obey the government. Was he naïve about the potential for governments to oppress people, or did he have something else in mind?
Even though the Roman government was at times cruel and oppressive, Paul’s experience with the authorities was very positive. He used his own Roman citizenship to prevent a severe beating (Acts 22:24-30), and later when the authorities uncovered a plot hatched by the Jewish leaders to kill Paul, a Roman commander gave Paul full protection (Acts 23:12-35).
At the same time, Paul was well aware of the potential for governments to be corrupt and unjust. What Paul is doing in Romans 13 is describing how governments are supposed to function. God has ordained governments to protect and serve its citizens, and we as citizens are required to submit to those in authority over us.
The Final Years of Paul’s Life
Paul was imprisoned in Rome the first time from A.D. 61 to 63. During this time he wrote the “prison” Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Paul was released just before Rome was burned, probably at the instigation of Nero, who subsequently blamed the Christians and unleashed a time of intense persecution.
By God’s sovereign grace, Paul was free during this time. He traveled to Ephesus and Macedonia, and may have gone as far as Spain. He also wrote his first letter to Timothy and his letter to Titus.
Paul was arrested once again in 67. During this time he wrote his second letter to Timothy, a poignant “last will and testament” that includes this classic passage:
Not long after he wrote these words, Paul was judged guilty of crimes against the Emperor and condemned to death. Paul was beheaded on the order of Nero in 67.