Part 1: The Context
Tap to reveal the background of the letter.
The Author: Who wrote Romans and why does it matter?
Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus).
What was his backstory?
He was a Jewish Rabbi who originally persecuted Christians. He had a radical encounter with the Risen Jesus and became an Apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people).
The Audience: Who was he writing to?
The Church in Rome.
What made this church unique?
It was a mixed community. It started with Jewish believers, but then Gentiles joined. It wasn't planted by Paul himself, but he hoped to visit them.
The Crisis: What caused the division in the church?
A Culture Clash. The Emperor expelled all Jews from Rome for 5 years.
What happened when they returned?
While the Jews were gone, the church became totally non-Jewish in culture. When the Jewish Christians returned, they fought over Torah customs (eating Kosher, Sabbath, circumcision). They judged one another.
The Goal: Why did Paul write the letter?
To Unify the Church.
He wanted Jews and Gentiles to treat each other as one family so Rome could become a "base of operations" for his mission to Spain.
Part 2: The Four Movements
Tap the question to reveal the Movement.
Chapters 1-4: What does the Gospel reveal about God?
1. It Reveals God's Righteousness
The Problem: Everyone is trapped. Gentiles are trapped in sin/idolatry, and Israel is trapped because the Law couldn't save them.
Key Term: What is "Justification"?
To be declared righteous.
God doesn't just punish sin; He solved it through Jesus. When we trust (have faith) in Jesus, we are given a new status: "Righteous."
Chapters 5-8: What does the Gospel create?
2. It Creates a New Humanity
The Solution: We escape the "trap" of sin by joining a new family. Paul compares Adam to Jesus.
Adam vs. Jesus: What is the difference?
- 🔴 Adam (Old Humanity): Sin, selfishness, and death.
- 🟢 Jesus (New Humanity): Obedience, love, and life.
Faith is how we leave the old humanity and enter the new one, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Chapters 9-11: What does the Gospel do for Israel?
3. It Fulfills God's Promise to Israel
The Tension: If Israel rejected Jesus, did God fail? No. God keeps His promises, but not always how we expect.
The Metaphor: The Olive Tree
God's family is like an Olive Tree.
- Some natural branches (unbelieving Jews) were broken off.
- Wild branches (Gentiles) were grafted in.
Chapters 12-16: What does the Gospel do for the Church?
4. It Unifies the Church
The Application: Because God loved us when we were enemies, we must love each other despite differences.
Practical Advice: "Weak" vs. "Strong"
Paul tells them to stop fighting over "non-essential" issues (like food or holy days).
Love means giving up your right to be "right" in order to serve your neighbor.
Part 3: Memorize the Road
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