Outline of Romans
Revised by Jennifer Vija Pietz, 6/23
1. Greeting, Thanksgiving, and Theme of the Letter (Romans 1:1-17)
PaulThe Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was the author of several New Testament letters and the founder of many Christian communities. 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 salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life..
2. The Revelation of the Wrath of God (Romans 1:18-3:20)
In the style of a diatribeA diatribe can be a rant or a bitter critique, often pointing out how bad things are and placing blame through an extended and one-sided complaint, something many prophets in the Old Testament delivered on God’s behalf. A diatribe was also a Greek rhetorical style…, 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. AbrahamGod promised that Abraham would become the father of a great nation, receive a land, and bring blessing to all nations. 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 graceGrace is the unmerited gift of God’s love and acceptance. In Martin Luther’s favorite expression from the Apostle Paul, we are saved by grace through faith, which means that God showers grace upon us even though we do not deserve it. and mercyMercy is a term used to describe leniency or compassion. God’s mercy is frequently referred to or invoked in both the Old and New Testaments. 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 apostleDerived from a Greek word meaning “one who is sent,” an apostle is a person who embraces and advocates another person’s idea or beliefs. At the beginning of his ministry Jesus called twelve apostles to follow and serve him. Paul became an apostle of Jesus…. He warns against contentious people, sends greetings from coworkers and friends, and closes with a doxology.