Session one begins.
Rome was the most important city in the world at the time of Pauls writing of his letter. He had not visited Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. Paul wrote most of his letters to churches that he himself had established. But the church at Rome was different. There were already many Christians in Rome long before Paul wrote this epistle to the Roman Church
1. About 30 A.D.. The first Christian church began in Jerusalem, on the day called Pentecost. On that day, Peter preached to many visitors to Jerusalem. Among them were ‘visitors from Rome, both Jews and Gentiles who believed the Jewish religion. Some of these were probably among the 3000 that became Christians (Acts 2:9-11; 2:41). They carried the gospel to Rome.
2. 49 A.D.. The Emperor Claudius ordered Jews to leave Rome. There had been some trouble among the Jews. A Roman called Suetonius wrote that someone called ‘Chrestus’ had caused the trouble. Chrestus may have been a Jew who caused the trouble. But ‘Chrestus’ may be the same as ‘Christus’ (that is, Christ). Jews opposed those who preached the message about Christ. So the trouble might have begun at that time.
3. 57 A.D.. Paul probably wrote this letter about 57 A.D.. He had not yet visited Rome. But he knew many people in the church at Rome. Many Gentile as well as Jewish Christians were already members of the church there. In his letter, Paul says that Gentile Christians must not consider themselves more important than the Jewish Christian brothers (Romans 11:18-20).
4. Aquila and Priscilla from Rome were probably Christians before they met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). They probably returned to Rome, after they worked in Corinth and Ephesus. Christians used to gather in their home, (Romans 16:3-5).
Opening prayer: Session # 1 Pg.1
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Bless us now with understanding as we study Your Word as given to us in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Romans 1:1-17 Paul’s salutation and introduction
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God--
2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures
3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,
4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Discussion
When writing letters in our day and time, one immediately addresses the party to whom the letter is to be sent, then a salutation, then the subject matter. In those days, It was the practice when writing to someone to first tell them who it is writing to them. Paul then sets out the privilege of Christians; they are beloved of God, and are members of that body which is beloved. He states the duty of Christians; to be holy, hereunto are they called, called to be saints. These the apostle saluted, by wishing them grace to sanctify their souls, and peace to comfort their hearts, as springing from the free mercy of God. And reminding them that they too are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Q. 1 When meeting someone for the first time, or addressing them by letter for the first time what are some of the things that one hopes to accomplish?
Scripture continued
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--
12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
Discussion
Paul then touches briefly on their faith and how he is constantly remembering them in his prayers and how he hopes to be coming to them soon. And how he hopes to impart to them some spiritual gift, which will encourage them, and himself as well. This is Pauls way of saying to them that he already has heard good things and hopes to add to their spiritual growth.
Q. 2 What are some ways to build good relationships that Paul uses in his salutation?
Scripture continued Pg.2
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.
Discussion
Here Paul tells them he is obligated, (called and set apart by Jesus) to bring them his gospel message. We should readily impart to others that which God has entrusted to us, rejoicing to make others joyful, especially taking pleasure in communing with those who believe the same things with us. If redeemed by the blood, and converted by the grace of the Lord Jesus, we are altogether his; and for his sake we are debtors to all men, to do all the good we can. Such services are our duty. Paul was given this charge by Jesus and Jesus gave the same charge to all His disciples. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation". To the wise and to the foolish alike (what does that mean)? To the Greeks and non Greeks. (Non Greeks were called barbarians by the Greeks).
Q.3 I am not ashamed of the gospel, What did this mean to Paul, and what does it mean to us today?
Q.4 What messages do we derive from these verses 13-17 ?
Commentary:
When Paul wrote his letter to Christians at Rome, he was communicating with a firmly established collection of believers. It is generally agreed that non-apostolic Jewish Christians brought the faith of Christ to Rome in the early decades of the church.. Although there were many sects, cults, and beliefs in other gods of all types, and various types of religions in Rome at that time, the teachings of Jesus had begun to spread. The church that received Paul’s letter in the late 50’s met in small groups around the city but maintained communication and held onto a common identity and mission. And “Followers of The Way” began to grow in number and although being severely persecuted, they were steadily growing.
In vs 1:5 Paul tells us the goal of his apostleship: "We have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations Romans is about the people groups who don’t yet believe on Christ. Who are not justified and not yet sanctified and therefore will not be glorified if they are not reached with the gospel. This is crucial to see in our pluralistic time. Christianity calls for faith and allegiance from every people and every nation. Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings, and there is no other name under heaven by which all men must be saved. The message of Romans is not just one way of salvation among many. It is the only way of salvation, because Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God and the author of our salvation.
Q.5 How should those of the Christian Faith view other faiths
Q.6 How are Christians received around the world?
Pg.3
So it is utterly crucial that we understand the universal claims of the mighty and merciful message of Romans. We are not dealing here with a human opinion, or a human philosophy, or a self-improvement program, or a tribal religion, or something parochial and limited. We are dealing here with the true news that the one and only God has acted uniquely in history to save the eternal souls of all people by sending his one and only Son to die for sinners and rise again. To reject this news is to perish.
Q.7 How do you feel about that last sentence? Q.8 What is the Christians response to those who do not believe Jesus is Lord?
So Paul states his point in Romans 1:16-17 and then explains and applies it in the rest of the letter. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’" First, Paul says that his message – his gospel – is mighty and merciful to save: it is the power of God unto salvation. And this salvation is through faith. The power of the gospel to save penetrates to our souls with faith in Jesus Christ.
Q.9 What do you feel best represents the power of the Gospel?
Then in verse 17 he explains why the gospel has this power: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed." The gospel has the power to save those who trust Christ because it reveals the righteousness of God.
Q.10 What does that mean?
Questions for discussion
1. Paul had not yet visited Rome and met the Christians he's writing to. Who do you feel led these people to Christ? Is there Biblical evidence?
2. Why do you think Paul is so specific about who Jesus is if he's writing to Christians?
3. What is the evidence Paul cites for Jesus to be the Son of God?
4. What do you feel Paul means by using the term "saints"? How does it differ from the modern idea that Christians have of saints, today?
5. In verse 12, Paul, though an Apostle seems to be placing himself, as an equal to the Roman believers. How does this compare to the behavior of Christian leaders, today?
6. What do you feel Paul means by the term Gentiles?
7. In verse 16, what does Paul say is required for someone to receive salvation?
8. What other phrases come to mind as to our salvation?
9. Why do you feel Paul said, "first for the Jew, then for the Gentile"?
10, What do you feel is meant by the phrase, "The righteous will live by faith"? Is Paul expanding the meaning in any way?
Meditation: Pg.4
All believers have been called by God to a specific task and given certain gifts for ministry. The question for us is whether we feel driven to fulfill this vocation and use the gifts that the Lord has given us. Unfortunately, we sometimes find well-meaning Christians in our day opposing the concepts of duty and delight. It is a mistake, many of these individuals tell us, to ever conceive of ourselves as having a duty to the Lord. In fact, if we do anything out of a sense of duty and not because we eagerly want to do it, our actions are completely worthless.
Of course, God finds our works more pleasing when our whole heart is in it. However, if we sharply oppose duty and delight, we run the risk of making people think that the Lord’s commands become optional. Scripture is quite clear that although delighting in one’s duty is the goal, our Creator still expects us to fulfill His demands even when we would rather do something else. The story of Jonah, who took no delight in his duty but whom God forced to go to Nineveh anyway, perfectly exemplifies this principle.
We do well to remember that the Bible never places duty and delight in opposition. By God’s grace and power, we can find our duties delightful and we can delight in the opportunity to do our duties. Paul certainly experienced his duty in this way. As he continues his opening message to the Romans in today’s passage, he notes that he is under the obligation to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and that it is a task he is eager to accomplish (Rom. 1:14–15). In fact, he was so committed to this mission that he could say, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16b). But this was not a burden that he found onerous. By the Lord’s grace, Paul found this mandate to be a delight, viewing his preaching as a means by which he could worship God and show his thankfulness for his salvation.
Paul explains that his obligation is to “Greeks and to barbarians … to the wise and to the foolish” (Rom. 1:14), indicating the comprehensive nature of his mission to the nations.. The Greeks were wise, having produced some of the most noteworthy philosophers and finest art, and the barbarians (gentiles) were foolish, not being known for their contributions to mankind. Though ancient peoples made such differentiations, Paul and the God he served do not. The gospel is for all people without distinction. And as Christians we are called, (duty bound) to respond to God's call as was Paul, to spread the word of salvation to all who will listen. It is God's will that not only that we become children of God by knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as our savior, but having been sanctified as such, we are to do good works (1 Peter 2:15).
Closing Prayer
Dear God We thank you for Your Son Jesus, We know we need Your guidance and direction for our lives, we need to understand that it is not what we worship that saves us, but it is who we worship and in whom our faith is built around that will bring us out of the chaos that we experience day by day in this world. Be with those of our group who are suffering illness or infirmity_______________Be with those whom we have spoken Lord, and with those remaining in our hearts concern, bring them your strength and give them peace as they battle for their health and well being. Now be with us as we leave this place and bring us again to study Your word next week. We pray this in Jesus name Amen
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