Lesson 2 of 6
In Progress

Outline of Romans

Revised by Jennifer Vija Pietz, 6/23

1. Greeting, Thanksgiving, and Theme of the Letter (Romans 1:1-17)

Paul sends greetings to “God’s beloved in Rome.” He gives thanks for them and their faith, known throughout the world, and introduces the main theme of the letter: the gospel, which is God’s power of salvation.

2. The Revelation of the Wrath of God (Romans 1:18-3:20)

In the style of a diatribe, Paul declares that the wrath of God is being revealed against gentiles and Jews alike, so no one can boast before God. God’s judgment is universal and impartial.

3. The Revelation of the Righteousness of God (Romans 3:21-4:25)

Since God has sent God’s Son into the world, crucified and risen, the righteousness of God (that is to say, God’s saving power) has been revealed, by which human beings are justified (or set in right relationship with God) purely by accepting the good news by faith. Abraham is an example of how a person is justified by faith, that is, by believing God’s promises.

4. The New Life in Christ (Romans 5:1-8:39)

Although there is peace with God for all who are justified by faith, and although they are free from the power of sin and its consequences, life continues to be a struggle against sin. Christians walk by the Spirit, live in hope of the redemption of the entire cosmos, and know that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ.

5. Israel in God’s Plan (Romans 9:1-11:36)

Israel’s continuing unbelief is a cause of deep sorrow for Paul. That unbelief is due neither to a failure of God’s word nor to Israel’s ability to hear the gospel, but to a temporary “hardening” in Israel so that the gospel can overflow to the gentiles. In the end “all Israel will be saved” by the grace and mercy of God.

6. Serving God and Loving Others (Romans 12:1-21)

Turning to ethical exhortations, Paul calls his readers to new thinking, using their gifts within the body of Christ and living in harmony with one another.

7. On Governing Authorities, Love, and Conduct (Romans 13:1-14)

Believers are to be submissive to governing authorities, for they exist by divine design, and to practice love as the fulfillment of the law of God.

8. The Weak and the Strong (Romans 14:1-15:13)

Some individuals keep certain dietary and calendrical observances in honor of the Lord, and others do not. Believers should not carry on disputes concerning these matters. Moreover, the “strong” who do not keep such observances should put up with the ways of the “weak” who do, and all should seek to please and build up one another.

9. Paul’s Plans (Romans 15:14-33)

Paul explains that his intention is to travel to Rome and then on to Spain. First, however, he must go to Jerusalem with a collection he has gathered from his churches for the church in Jerusalem, thereby fulfilling a promise he made earlier (see Galatians 2:10).

10. Greetings and Closure (Romans 16:1-27)

Paul asks that the Christians in Rome welcome Phoebe, the probable carrier of the letter. Paul sends greetings to 26 named individuals, of whom 19 are men and seven are women, including Junia, who is called an apostle. He warns against contentious people, sends greetings from coworkers and friends, and closes with a doxology.