Romans

Why was this book written?

      Romans was written to help shed some light on what Christianity was. There were many struggles in doctrine, in shifting from Judaism to Christianity, and in the inclusion/exclusion of Gentiles (2:28-3:1). Paul writes this book to the Christians in Rome. He writes to them to tell them about salvation through faith and that it is not of their good deeds, but because of their faith that they can claim salvation (3:21-25). Paul makes clear that circumcision is not necessary anymore and that they cannot claim to be saved just because they are a son of Abraham (2:-25-29). He said that even Abraham was saved by faith and there was nothing else about Abraham that made him justified before God (4:1-3). Paul wrote this to continue to share that Christianity was for everyone and that the Jewish customs were not necessary, but it was faith alone that brought salvation. Paul writes this book to also give application to the things he was talking about (12-16).

What is the main idea of this book?

      The main idea of Romans is that grace is found by faith alone and that grace is for the Jew and the Gentile. There is no other way for salvation. Not through Abraham, not through circumcision, not through the law and not through their good works. Paul is clear to tell the Romans that grace comes by faith. Along with grace by faith is that grace is for all people, both Jew and Gentile. Paul identifies to both the Jews and the Romans in his greeting to the people of Rome (1:7). He is trying to unite the two and to continue to expand the church by bringing unity and love by casting out pride from the Jews who didn't want to except the Gentiles as they were.