The writer of these notes would strongly recommend a close, prayerful study of this epistle, as the groundwork of all scriptural knowledge. Well does he remember the benefit he derived, for nearly two years, in laying aside all other reading, and studying this epistle, with a few others, when young, about forty years ago.
We cannot be surprised that it should contain such solid foundation-truth, when we bear in mind that it was written to the assembly in the then metropolis of the whole world.
It is important, and really helpful, in reading any of the precious epistles or books of holy scripture, to observe the character and design of each book, and also the order and divisions in the same. The object the Spirit had in this epistle, then, was evidently to reveal the relationship of God to man, and man to God—the way God could be righteous in justifying man. Thus it is the foundation of all truth. The careful reader will at once see the three divisions of the epistle. Chapters 1 to 8 reveal God, the Justifier; the gospel of God to Jews and Gentiles alike—the same grace to each. Chapters 9 to 11 show that God has not forgotten His promises to Israel, but that, at the appointed time, all shall be fulfilled to them as a nation. Chapters 12 to the end contain the perceptive part.
There is, however, a subdivision in the first eight chapters of great importance. Up to chapter 5:11 it is the question of justification from SINS; then, on to the end of chapter 8, it is more the question of justification and deliverance from SIN. We will now turn to chapter 1.