EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

Chapter Summary by Vasanth Yathavaraj

Romans 1

1-7 Paul’s greeting

Notes:Paul introduces himself as servant (doulos) and apostle set apart
for the gospel. Briefly introduces the nature of the gospel and makes connection
with the OT and grounds it in Christ. The audience is clear (in rome, love and
called). Greeting has two great blessings: Grace and Peace.

8-15 Paul’s desire to minister in Rome

Notes: Paul is grateful to God for their faith but wants to minister to them
in person. The reason being to impart some spiritual gift and to reap some
harvest among the romans. Paul’s conviction of obligation to preach to both
Greeks and barbarians the gospel.

16-17 The gospel is the power of God for salvation

Notes: Paul is not ashamed of this gospel because he is convinced that it
holds the power to save all peoples. And this salvation comes from faith.

18-32 The unrighteousness of man and its consequences

Notes: In unrighteousness man has suppressed the plain knowledge of
God (his power and nature) in creation. Therefore man is without excuse. The
consequence of such suppression of knowledge and ungratefulness is hearts
being darkened, foolishness and idolatry and stores up wrath from God. What
followed was God gave them up to what they pursued - lust, idolatry and a
debased mind. Ultimately filling themselves with all kinds of unrighteousness.

Romans 2

1-11 No excuse can be justified

Notes: None has an excuse before God for their unrighteousness and
their storing up for themselves wrath in judgement. Even those who judge others
as they do the very same things. The kindness that is presumed should have led
people to repentance. God gives to each according to works.

12 all have sinned with and without the law

Those under the law are judged by the law and those without the law are
judged by their conscience. The problem of the jews having and teaching the law

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 without themselves following it. Circumcision not being a matter of the body by
the heart. Jews cannot hold to circumcision as righteousness while being
disobedient to the law.

Romans 3

1-8 God is justified

Notes: The benefits of being a jew - entrusted with the whole revelation of
God. God remains faithful though those who were his people failed. The
argument that people's failure highlights the righteousness and glory of God and
therefore God can’t be just in judging the people is flawed and deserving of
condemnation for slander of God’s character.

9-20 All are under the power of sin

Notes: Using a quotation from OT (Pss 14:1-3; 53:1-3 Pss 5:9 Ps 10:7 Isa
59:7-8 Ps 36:1) Paul presses the truth of man’s sin and having no fear of God.
The purpose of the law therefore: not to be made right through it but to expose
the sinfulness of man.

21-26 God’s provision to be right with Him: Christ

Notes: Now a righteousness apart from the law is given in Christ through
faith as promised in the OT. Every man has fallen short of God’s glory but grace
is given in Christ through the sacrifice of Christ freeing man from the penalty of
sin. The cross justifies God’s inaction in the OT in relation to punishment as it
was all paid for in Christ.

27-31 None can boast

Notes: Since this righteousness is not from keeping the law but by faith in
Christ none can boast, even more all peoples (jews and gentiles) can be made
right with God through faith. This faith is what enables one to truly fulfill the law

Romans 4

1-8 Abraham made righteous through faith

Notes: Abraham the father of the jewish nation is shown as an example of
how one is counted righteous before God - faith. Therefore there is no space for
boasting since it's not out of works but through grace by faith. Paul uses David’s
testimony of joy in being made right without working for it (Ps 32:1-2)

9 Promise fulfilled through faith not law

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 Notes: Abraham made right with God because of faith not because of his
circumcision. Circumcision therefore is a sign of faith not the way to be made
right with God. True children of Abraham therefore are those who believe as
Abraham did. God’s promise (whole earth for Abraham and descendants) rested
therefore not in Abraham's past performance but faith. Therefore the promise is
received in faith not by obeying the law, for none can keep the law without
breaking it. What counts therefore to be made right with God is faith not law.
Abraham’s faith and the object of Abraham’s faith lead to him being counted by
God as righteous. This example is for the benefit and the assurance of those
who would believe in God, who raised Christ from the dead.

Romans 5

1-11 Faith brings peace and joy

Notes: Since it is by faith and not works (which is impossible) now
believers have peace with God and joy in their undeserved privilege of right-
standing with God and the hope of sharing God’s glory. The believer can rejoice
through trials as it leads to endurance, character and hope. The love of God is
filled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit through its trails and as the believer journeys
in hope. This love is revealed in Christ’s dying for the undeserving sinners. There
is now confidence for the believer knowing that since Christ died and restored
the relationship with God when one was utterly undeserving as a sinner, now the
believer can be assured of Jesus' life beginning complete salvation in the future.
All this leads the believer to rejoice.

12-21 Adam’s sin and Christ’s sacrifice

Notes: Adam and Christ contrasted. Adam’s sin brought death. This death
prevailed even before the law was introduced. Adam is a representation of
Christ who was to come. The difference however is that Adam’s one sin led to
death, Christ’s one act of righteousness (sacrifice of Himself) now leads to God’s
grace and gift of forgiveness. Adam's sin leads to condemnation, God’s gracious
gift leads to right standing with God and new life. Adam’s sin unleashed death to
rule over all, but God’s gift of righteousness through Christ leads to grace to live
in triumph over sin and death. The law exposed the sin of man. The more sin
abounds in man, grace abounds even more. Sin ruled and brough death, in
contrast grace rules now bringing right standing with God leading to eternal life
through Christ.

Adam’s sin Christ’s act of righteousness

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 Brought death Brought grace and forgiveness

Led to condemnation Leads to our being made right with

God

Caused death to rule over many Caused many to triumph over sin and
death

Brings condensation for everyone Brings a right relationship with God

and new life for everyone

Disobedience - many became sinners Obedience - many will be made

righteous

Romans 6

1-11 Death with Christ and raised to new life

Notes: The abounding grace is not a licence to sin. For the one who has
been saved by Christ has died with Christ. The baptism is an expression of what
has happened spiritually. And just as Christ was raised we have been given a
new life. Since the old life of sin was crucified with Christ, the sin has lost its
power over the believer and no longer masters over the believer enslaving him.
Just as Christ was raised to everlasting life, the believer is raised to a life to live
with him.

12-14 Exhortation to deny sin control and submit to God

Notes: Since sin’s power is broken and new life has begun, the believer is
called to deny the dominion of sin but instead submit himself completely to God
for the glory of God. Sin is no longer a master because the believer does not live
under the requirements or under law but freed by God’s grace.

15-23 From slavery to sin to slavery to God

Notes: Though freed from the law, the believer however is not free to sin.
Use of the illustration of slavery: For now the believer is slave to Christ and
rightous living that leads to holiness and eternal life. Not a slave to the
dominating power of sin that leads to eternal doom.

Romans 7

1-6 Death with Christ frees believer from the law

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 Notes: Using illustration of a husband and the freedom it brings for the
wife from the law that bound her, Paul shows the freedom death with Christ
brings to the believer from the law. The believer who died with Christ has died to
the power of law that aroused evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful
deeds ultimately leading to death. The believer also is raised to life as Christ was
raised with power to produce a harvest of good deeds for God. Now the believer
lives by the letter of the law but living in the spirit.

7-13 The purpose of the law and power of sin

Notes: The law of God is not sinful. The law of God exposes our sin. The
law that was designed to bring life, brought death because of the power of sin
that took advantage of the law by arousing sinful desires within. Therefore the
law is not sinful but holy, right and good. The law did not cause one to sin nor
lead to death, but the power of sin in man.

14-25 The struggle with sin

Notes: The human condition in sin is the problem and not the law. The
power of sin in man leads one to do what he ought not to do, and leave what
ought to be done. Though one loves the law in one's heart there is another
power at work within which prevails. Paul ends this section with a resounding
“who will free the sinner from sin?” And Paul follows it with the answer: Jesus
Christ!

Romans 8

1–17 Life by the Holy Spirit

Notes: In addition to forgiveness which cancels condemnation, the
believer has the Holy Spirit now at work, freeing the believer from the power of
sin and death. This the law of Moses could not do. God accomplished this
through Christ's body fulfilling what the law required. The mind that is dominated
by the sinful nature leads to sin and the mind that is controlled by the Spirit leads
to life and peace. There is hostility by the sinful nature against God. This is why
those who do not have the Spirit cannot please God. Paul affirms and presses
on the reality of the Holy Spirit’s presence, control and life-giving power that was
at work in Christ is in the life of the believer.

Paul’s call to the believers to not give in to the sinful nature for it has no
hold on the believer but to put to death the deeds of the sinful nature. For this is
the way to life as the children of God.

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 Finally Paul encourages the believers with the witness of the Holy Spirit
within them. The Spirit was given at the point of adoption and He affirms the
believer in the journey as children, co-heirs of the glory in the future with Christ
and suffering on earth with Christ.

18-30 The Journey to glory

Notes: Paul spoke about the suffering that the believer will need to endure
in the journey to glory with Christ. The creation groans till the day the children of
God are revealed that it may join in the freedom from death and decay. The
believers also groan to be freed from sin and suffering completely having new
bodies as promised. This is the hope to which the believer is called. But in the
groaning and weakness here, the believer is not alone. The Holy Spirit helps in
the weakness of the believer by praying when the believer doesn’t know how to.
The Holy spirit is able to do this effectively for the Spirit knows the hearts of all
and the will of God. And God’s will is to work all things for the ultimate good of
the believer whom God foreknew, predestined to be conformed to the image of
Christ. This journey began in God’s predestining, calling, justification of the
believer and future glorification.

31-39 The assurance of the believer in the love of Christ

Notes: Paul here declares the ultimate assurance the believer has in
Christ. Having God on their side demonstrated through the giving of His son, and
Christ as their substitute in death and resurrection and the present intercessor in
heaven, the believer is secure in the love of God in Christ Jesus through trials
here and now. This love causes the believer to live an overwhelmingly victorious
life.

Romans 9

1-30 Paul’s sorrow over the Israel and Israel’s unique call
Notes: Paul makes a statement of his truthfulness and having a clear
conscience in the Holy Spirit in all that he has spoken until this point. This makes
Paul turn in sorrow towards his own people - the Jews. Israel was chosen to be
God’s own, receiving the revelation of God’s glory, covenants, law, the privilege
of worship, promises and gofly examples.

Then Paul turns to the question why then with all this given to Israel, Israel
failed? However the argument here is that God did not fail Israel, for Israel is not
to be confused with an ethnic group but those who are born into the promise
received by faith. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Esau are used as the illustration
and shown that the ones chosen are so chosen according to God’s own purpose

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 and not by the will or work of man. Then another question is addressed by Paul,
that is if God chooses, is not God unfair? Using a quote from Exod 33:19 Paul
shows that God shows mercy and compassion on whom God chooses and
hardens the heart of others (eg: pharaoh).

The next question that Paul tackles is, if the people are doing what God
has made them do, then is it right for God to hold them responsible or blame
them? Here Paul argues that it is not so by using an illustration of the potter and
clay. That is the clay had no right or bearing on the potter’s decision. But it's the
potter that has the absolute right to do what he so pleases with the clay. So it is
with the creator and created. However, he has the fight to show his anger and
power on all, yet in patience, he reveals the riches of his glory in showing mercy
to those prepared in advance for his glory (Cf: Hos 2:23; Hos 1:10; Isa 10:22-23;
Isa 1:9).

30-33 Israel’s failure to trust

Notes: In all this, that is, in choosing the gentiles who put their faith in God
and the jews who did not succeed because they tried to have right standing
before God through their law observance, God shows that it is by faith one is
saved. The jews stumble upon this truth and Paul quotes Isaiah to prove it (Isa
8:14; 28:16).

Romans 10

1-4 Israel’s great misdirection

Notes: Paul shares his longing for the salvation of his people for they are
most zealous. However, Paul shows that this zeal is misdirected as they still hold
to their own way to get right with God and reject Christ’s work of accomplishing
what the law required. Those who believe in Christ’s work, everyone is made
right with God.

5-13 The laws way and faith’s way to salvation

Notes: Moses law demands that obedience to every law to be in right
standing with God. Faith’s way is to call upon the name of the Lord in trust and
declaring Christ is lord in faith (Isa 28:16; Joel 2:32). This is the message that we
(apostles) preach Paul asserts.

14-17 Salvation comes by hearing the word of Christ

Notes: The calling unto Christ is a result of faith and faith is a result of
hearing the word of Christ, and hearing the word of Christ is made possible by
mission (Isa 52:7). Not all welcome this Good News.

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 17-21 Israel guilty of hearing the message but not receiving it
Notes: Using a series of quotations from the OT Paul’s argues that Israel
heard and understood that God was saving the nations but Israel continued in
rebellion and disbelief.

Romans 11

1-24 God’s kindness toward Israel

Notes: Paul uses the story of Elijah to show that God has not utterly
rejected the people of Israel (the people group rather than the true Israel) and he
has kept a remnant by His grace and kindness in choosing them. Again, none
can boast as it’s freely given to the undeserving. However, Paul shows that there
are those who are looking for God’s favor earnestly but not received. It is those
whom he has chosen that were given that favor, other’s hearts were hardened
(Isa 29:10; Deut 29:4; Ps 69:22-23)

One of God’s purposes for letting Israel stumble was to make salvation
available to the gentiles so that through their salvation, Israel in jealousy may
return to God. In their rejection if gentiles received such a blessing, Paul asks,
what greater blessing would be enjoyed by the world if Israel embraces Christ.
Using the illustration of a tree and branches, Paul speaks of gentiles as those
who have been grafted in. Therefore there is no room for bragging and the Israel
branches were broken off not because the gentiles were worthy, but believed
unlike them. Paul warns that if God could do it to his original people, he could do
the same for these gentiles. And do the reverse, that is graft branches of Israel
back when they believe and break off gentile branches if they disbelieve. In all
this God displays his severity and kindness.

25-36 God’s mercy to all: Mystery revealed

Paul shares the mystery how the hardness of the heart of Israel led to the
mercy to the gentiles till their number will be complete. And after there will be
once again mercy given to Israel (Isa 59:20-21; 27:9) for God loves the people of
Israel and this is clear because of His choosing the ancestors of Israel. In doing
both of the above, God has opened a way to be merciful to both peoples - the
disobedient jews and the disobedient gentiles. This Paul says is a revelation of
God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge which humans may not fully fathom
(Isa 40:13; Job 41:11). Paul ends this section with a declaration of God being the
source of all things, the power that sustains and all things exist for his glory.

Romans 12

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1-2 Call to true worship
Notes: Paul uses “therefore” to show that all the mercies now call the
believer to live a life renewed in mind and transformed in body, completely
surrendering to God as a sacrifice - this is true worship.

3-8 Call to humble service

Notes: Paul shows that the grace received by each should lead to
honoring one another and ministering to one another in humble service using
their spiritual gifts.

9-21 Call to sincere love

Notes: Paul instructs the church to take care of the horizontal
relationships with others. Paul gives a list of verbs
● Hate evil
● Cling to what is good
● Be devoted in love
● Honor one another
● Never be lacking in zeal
● Keep your spiritual fervor
● Serve the Lord
● Be joyful
● Be patient
● Be faithful
● Share with the Lord’s people
● Practice hospitality
● Bless
● Rejoice
● Mourn
● Live in harmony
● Do what is right
● Associate with the lowly
● Live in peace
● Leave room for God’s wrath (Prov. 25:21,22)
● Overcome evil with good

Some “do not”

● do not be proud
● do not be conceited
● do not repay evil
● do not take revenge

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 ● do not overcome by evil

Romans 13

1-5 Call to submit

Notes: Believers are called to submit to authority for God's governing
above all and uses governing authorities to establish right. Therefore the believer
is to honor and pay taxes to the authorities as God’s servant for the good of the
people.

8-14 Call to persevere Fulling the law by love and living in the light in the last
days
Notes: The believers only debt now is to love and in loving the law is
fulfilled as love does good and not harm to the neighbor. Paul presses the
urgency by showing that the last days have begun and that its the time for
believers to live in the light fleeing from the desires of the flesh as one clothes
himself with Christ.

Romans 14

1-9 Call to accept one another Accepting one another’s faith

Notes: Paul now deals with the different levels of faith and how each
person's conscience affects their conduct. The strong (whose conscience is clear
in accordance with their salvation in Christ) must not treat the weak with
contempt and the weak (whose conscience is still not free) must not judge the
strong. Since God has accepted both, both must live for one another and
ultimately live for God.

10-22 Call to Judging one another

Notes: Since God is the judge of all believers, one should not judge
another or mistreat (Isaiah 45:23). Paul calls instead to live in love, not placing a
stumbling block for the other. Paul clearly states nothing is unclean in itself but
for the sake of not stumbling a brother, one must abstain. However, Paul clarifies
that the kingdom is not based on external rituals (eating and drinking) but
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The believer is called to live in
the law of love and faith. .

Romans 15

1-13 Jesus the great example of living for others

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 Notes: Continuing the same theme from last chapter, Paul shows that the
best example for how to live for others is Christ himself (Psalm 69:9). And
everything written for the believers teaches endurance and provides
encouragement that the believer can continue in hope. Paul culminates by
showing show Christ shows the way in how he himself became a servant of the
Jews according to God’s truth to fulfill what was promised and also lead to the
gentiles glorifying God for the mercy they find in Christ (2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm
18:49; Deut. 32:43; Isaiah 11:10. This is the catalyst for hope, joy and peace for
the believer through the power of the Holy Spirit.

14-22 Paul’s ministry to the gentiles

Notes: Paul speaks good of the faith of the Romans but asserts that he
has been especially equipped to proclaim the gospel of God by the grace of God.
The goal is to bring the gentiles before God as an offering - this is what Paul
calls his “priestly duty”. Paul continues to glorify God for the ministry to the
gentiles that has been attested by God and power of the Holy Spirit through
powerful signs and wonders as Oaul proclaimed the gospel from Jerusalem all
the way around to illyricum. Now Paul shares his continuing ambition to preach
Christ where Christ has not been preached (Isaiah 52:15) so that he may not lay
foundations on top of foundations already laid by others. Paul notes that this is
the reason why it's taken him so long to visit the Romans.

23-29 Paul’s plan to visit Rome

Notes: Since Paul’s work in these areas mentioned above is complete and
also plans to go to Spain, he hopes to spend time with Romans while passing
through receiving assistance from the romans. Paul shares his immediate plan to
reach Jerusalem to serve the church there. He is taking the contribution for the
poor in Jerusalem made by the church in Macedonia and Achaia. Paul here
notes a principle of obligation - gentiles owe it to the jews (materially) for the
gentiles have shared in the jews blessings (spiritually).

30-32 Paul requests prayer

Notes: Paul requests from the church in Rome earnest prayers (struggle
by praying) for protection and for the reception of the contribution he is taking to
Jerusalem, so that he can come in joy to be refreshed by the company of the
church in Rome. Ends this section with praying peace upon the church.

Romans 16

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 1-2 Commendation of Phoebe
Notes: Paul commends Phoebe to the church in Rome. She is called a
“deacon” also translated as “servant”. Paul asks the church to receive her with
honor and assist her. Paul and the church have benefited from her.

3-16 Paul greets brothers and sisters by name

Notes: In this section Paul lists people he greets and adds a word of
appreciation.
● Priscilla and Aquila - co-workers in Christ Jesus; risked their lives for me
● Greet also the church that meets at their house
● Epenetus - friend; first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
● Mary - worked very hard for you.
● Andronicus and Junia - fellow Jews who have been in prison with me;
outstanding among the apostles, in Christ before I was
● Ampliatus - friend in the Lord
● Urbanus - co-worker in Christ
● Stachys - friend
● Apelles - fidelity to Christ has stood the test.
● Aristobulus’ household
● Herodion - fellow Jew.
● Narcissus’ household
● Tryphena and Tryphosa - women who work hard in the Lord
● Persis - Friend; another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord
● Rufus - chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too
● Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and
sisters with them.
● Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people
who are with them.

17-19 Warning against false teachers

Notes: Paul calls the church in Rome to be alert and watch out for those
who cause division through false teaching. Characteristics of these false
teachers include
● Cause divisions
● Put obstacles
● Serving their own appetites
● Smooth talk and flattery they deceive

20-27 Greetings & benediction

Notes: Paul declares that the final victory over satan is soon approaching
and prays God’s grace upon the church in Rome. Included into his greeting

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Timothy, Lucius, Sosipater (fellow jews). Tertius - he wrote down the letter.
Gaius is also included into the greeting and appreciated for his hospitality.
Erastus (city’s director of public works) and Quartus included.

Final benediction focuses on glorifying God through Jesus Christ through

whose gospel is able to establish the believers and bring Gentiles to obedience
in faith.

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