The Epistle of Paul The Book of Romans series: Learning to be rooted and established in The Cross of Christ
Introduction: Paul's letter to The Church at Rome
The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul from the city of Corinth shortly after he wrote 2 Corinthians, since it is known that the date of his arrival in Jerusalem on his third missionary journey was A.D. 58 or 59, and that he was preparing to leave for Jerusalem (Romans 15:25, cf. Acts 20:16), Romans is believed to have been written in the spring of A.D. 56.
Although it is commonly believed that Peter founded the church at Rome, there is very little evidence for this.
In fact, the evidence does not even give us enough information to suggest who was responsible for leading the believers in Rome.
It is true, however, that the dispersion of the Jews led to a multitude of synagogues being established in the midst of gentile populations throughout the Roman Empire.
The apostles and many other converts to Christianity had ready access to these synagogues.
During that period, the polytheistic religion of the Roman Empire was becoming increasingly unpopular, and there is a great deal of evidence that may become proselytes to Judaism or began to worship the one true God.
These were the most repetitive to the message of the gospel since they did not have the hostel predisposition of the Jews, yet we're also convinced by Polytheism was false.
Paul was writing to the predominantly Gentile audience (Romans 1:13).
His main concerns in writing the Book of Romans were to educate the believers in the basic doctrines related to Salvation (chapters 1-8) and to help them understand the unbelief of the Jews and how they benefited from it (chapters 9-11).
He also explained general principles of the Christian life that he wanted them to comprehend and put into practice (Romans 12:1-15:13).
Now what is polytheism you may ask?
Polytheism was wide spread in the ancient world.
The Egyptians had a highly developed belief system that was based on multiple gods.
These gods were the cornerstone of Egyptian culture and still fascinates many today.
The ancient Greeks also had an intricate system of myths based on multiple deities.
What is the The Will of God?
Paul was close enough to the Lord that he knew the mind of God; therefore, he did not make foolish requests of the Lord.
In other words, he didn't use God's Word against Himself.
This simply means that irrespective of the content of the promises God will not allow His Word to used against Him, thereby bringing things to use pass that are not His will (Mark 11:24).
The great promises of God are always predicted on His will and not our will.
Paul had enough burden for souls that he sought the face of the Lord earnestly for the Romans, even though he had never seen them.
Paul had enough burden for souls that he sought the face of the Lord earnestly for the Romans, even though he had never seen them.
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