ROMANS Study Guide

b. This church is “beloved” (precious) to God and are saints ( hagios: a thing or person set aside or dedicated for God’s use…thus made acceptable to God) vs.7 c. Paul extends his “impartational greeting” he is kn own for in his letters… this should be continued by the church in its correspondence and personal interactions. Vs.7b

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you Rom 1:10 always in my prayers, making request if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to you. Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to you for the establishing of you. Rom 1:12 And this is to be comforted together with you by our mutual faith, both yours and mine. Rom 1:13 But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that oftentimes I purposed to come to you, and was kept back until the present; that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other nations.

d. Paul acknowledges the wonderful reputation of this church…

they are known for their faith throughout the known world. Vs.8

1) Paul had come to recognize the unique grace and blessing of God on this church and had begun to pray fervently and intensely for it. Vss.9-10 2) It had been in his heart for years to come and offer his unique gifting and message to build up and strengthen this church. Vss.11-13

Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the foreigners, both to the wise and to the unwise. Rom 1:15 So, as much as is in me lies, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome also. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

e. Paul acknowledges that he has been made a “debtor” by God to all the Gentile peoples… he owes them the message of the gospel…to be presented in the unique way God has gifted him. He could not come to them before now but now he can and he is ready to do so. Vs.14-15 (Paul gives his reason for being detained in chapter 15:20-22)

3. Paul is not ashamed of his gospel! Vs.16