This epistle lays the foundation of Christianity. Certain brethren from different parts had taken up their abode in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire. Several of these had been companions and fellow-workers with the Apostle Paul, and had received the truth from him. (See Rom. 16:3-53Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:3‑5), and more). Others had received the truth amongst the Jews who had been “in Christ” before the apostle himself (Rom. 16:77Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:7)). But neither Peter nor Paul had been in Rome, when the epistle was written. It was written likely from Corinth, some little time before the apostle’s last journey to Jerusalem (see Rom. 15:25-2625But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. (Romans 15:25‑26)) in which city as we know he was imprisoned, and finally sent as a prisoner to Rome; but the Church of God had already been founded in the city before his arrival, and the saints met together as the Assembly in that place. The apostle wrote them this letter to the end they might be established in the foundations of the faith (see Rom. 1:1111For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (Romans 1:11)). Blessed it is to have such a letter; it reveals to us what was the ancient doctrine of the Church of Rome. To this we adhere, rejecting the modem doctrines that have come into the Church, and comparing its modem pretensions to the truth, and its claim of infallibility, with the ancient inspired letter of the apostle Paul to it when it was first founded.
The epistle does not rise to the height of the Epistle to the Ephesians, where the eternal counsels of God in regard to Christ and the Assembly are set before us, and our union with Christ in glory by the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; but treats of God’s righteousness revealed in the gospel, justification by faith, and the Christian’s place in Christ, dead, risen, and glorified. It might be divided into four distinct parts.
Part I goes down to Romans 3:2020Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20). It treats of man’s responsibility as a sinner, whether Gentile or Jew, proving both to be under sin, and awaiting God’s judgment against them; ending up with the whole world being shown to be under sentence before God. It brings out the necessity for the gospel of God to be preached, and His righteousness to be revealed, for man had none.
Part II goes down to the end of Romans 8. It treats of God’s nature, His remedy for sin, and His salvation, which again might be divided into four parts.
1st: God’s righteousness, justifying us from our sins is seen, this takes in forgiveness.
2nd: God’s love reconciling us from our enmity. (Rom. 5:1-121Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:1‑12)).
4th: The believer’s full standing in Christ, and his new state by the Holy Spirit, ending up with his salvation from the presence of sin and the redemption of his body when the Lord comes. God’s righteousness is, manifested in Christ, dead, risen, and glorified.
1st: Justifying the believer from all his sins;
2nd: Holding him righteous in Christ, free from all condemnation, and in a position from whence there is no separation up to Romans 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12), we have what God is for the believer through Christ, in righteousness and love; on to the end of Romans 8 what the believer’s place is “in Christ.”
Part III goes down to Romans 11:3636For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36). It is the dispensational part of the epistle. God’s dealings with Jew and Gentile are traced to the end of the age, and are shown to be on the principle of sovereign grace; and God’s promises made to the Jewish nation are reconciled with His present dealings in grace with both Jew and Gentile alike.
Part IV takes us to the end of the epistle, beginning with Romans 12. It applies the preceding mercies of God to the believer’s walk, and is composed of exhortations and rules which enter into the minutest circumstances of daily life.
The whole instruction of the epistle is addressed to those who were the called of Jesus Christ, called saints (see Rom. 6). They had heard the voice of the Son of God and lived.