Romans is the longest of Paul’s letters. It has been described as the Himalayas of Paul’s writings, presenting us with the gospel, the effect of the gospel, and the application of the gospel.
In fact, the gospel is the key that runs through the whole book. For example:
- Paul is set apart for the gospel (Romans 1:1)
- Paul is not ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16).
- It’s Paul’s ambition to preach the gospel where Christ is now known (Romans 15:20).
- Paul’s benediction in Romans 16:25 is about the gospel.
Although in the bulk of the letter, Paul rarely uses the word gospel, the letter is an explanation of it. So:
- Chapter 1:18-3:20 – the need for the gospel because we are all under God’s wrath and no-one is righteous.
- The glorious news is that righteousness is given through faith in Christ alone and not according to works (Chapter 3:21-4:23).
- The result of that righteousness is life in those who believe, no longer under law but under grace (Chapters 5-7). There is no condemnation and no separation because of Christ (Chapter 8).
- Chapters 9-11 anticipate the questions of those who wonder whether the gospel is undermined by the rejection of the gospel by many Israelites in Paul’s day.
- The final section, from Romans 12:1, shows how the gospel is outworked in our lives as believers in local church and in society.
What a gospel! What a God! As Paul concludes: “to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:27).