The first lesson in our Study of Romans. It includes a simple quiz to help us understand a principal of context, the necessity of context in any comprehensive study of the Bible, and an introduction to the author.

 

Romans can well be divided into large sections. (1:1-17), a doctrinal section on justification (1:18—5:11), a doctrinal section on sanctification (5:12—8:39), a parenthetical section on Israel (9:1—11:36), a practical application section (12:1—15:13); and then a conclusion (15:14—16:27). It can be further outlined like this:

1. Introduction: The Revelation of Righteousness (1:1-17)
2. The Salutation (1:1-7)
3. Personal Items (1:8-13)
4. The Theme (1:14-17)
5. Justification, or the Imputation of Righteousness (1:18—5:11)
6. Condemnation, or the Universal Need of Righteousness (1:18—3:20)
7. Manifestation, or the Universal Provision of Righteousness (3:21-26)
8. Harmonization, or Justification and the Purpose of the Law (3:27-31)
9. Illustration, or Justification and the Old Testament (4:1-25)
10. Exultation, or the Certainty of Salvation (5:1-11)

III. Life in Christ, or Union With and Ultimate Conformation to the Righteous One (5:12—8:39)

1. The Reign of Sin and the Reign of Grace (5:12-21)
2. The New Relationship in Life (6:1-14)
3. The New Principle in Life (6:15-23)
4. The New Freedom in Life (7:1-25)
5. The New Power in Life (8:1-17)
6. The New Hope in Life (8:18-39)
7. Vindication, or God’s Righteousness in His Relationship with Israel (9:l—11:36)
8. The Consideration of Israel’s Rejection (9:l-29)
9. The Explanation of Israel’s Rejection (9:30—10:21)
10. The Consolation of Israel’s Rejection (11:1-36)
11. Application, or God’s Righteousness at Work (12:1—15:13)
12. Application in the Assembly (12:1-21)
13. Application in the State (13:1-14)
14. Application in Doubtful Things (14:1—15:13)
15. Conclusion, or Purpose, Plans, and Praise in Connection with the Dissemination of Righteousness (15:14—16:27)