Monday, May 29, 2023 – Romans 1
Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome—which we just call Romans—is one of the most significant things that has ever been written. I know that is a big statement, but I would defend it based on the historical significance of the book and in its theological depth; Romans is unparalleled on both accounts.
In its 16 chapters, Paul makes a profound theological argument for Jesus as the power of God at work to save the world through grace and faith. He starts with realities universal to all humanity in the first chapter and then zooms in on the history of the Jewish people in the chapters to come. He shows that we are unified with all creation in the pollution of sin, but we are also unified as one in Christ as our hope of salvation.
Romans addresses the hard things in life: suffering, division, and the struggles of temptation. One major theme is confusion that comes when it doesn’t seem like God’s will is being done. Romans is also deeply personal; Paul wants nothing more than for his two loves—his Savior, Jesus, and his Jewish kin—to be reconciled. He tells us that he would even give up his own salvation if it meant that they could be saved.
If it sounds like I’m nerding out, it is because I am, but I’m in good company… Martin Luther said, “This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 35).
As we start with chapter one, we find the greeting that we will usually find when we read a letter from Paul to one of the churches. This greeting is not just niceties, it makes profound statements about Jesus. Paul then encourages the church with prayer and thanksgiving. The thesis of the book, found in 1:16-17 is also the foundation of the Christian faith. Verse 18 starts an argument that continues through the 3rd chapter of Romans, and a lot of it will be hard to hear. You should think about it like getting a diagnosis. Paul doesn’t mince his words, but this is not an unkindness—Paul is being direct because it is critical that we take the sickness seriously. No one wants to get a bad diagnosis, but a diagnosis is the essential first step of healing. Paul wants the Roman church—as well as us—to know that the world is sick. This is not a cause for despair but alarm that spurs us into active faith in Christ.
God, we need you. We read the assessment you give of the world in Romans 1, and it is hard to read, but this honesty dictates from us a ‘yes, and amen.’ The world is spinning out of control, and sometimes I am too. We have, in small and big ways, exchanged the truth of God for a lie, but as we read Romans together, lead us to repentance and new life in Christ. Amen.
Questions for reflection:
- Part of the struggle for the Roman church was a division between Gentile Christians and Jewish ones, with both sects. What do you see in Chapter One that points to and addresses that division?
- Verse 18 talks about God’s anger toward sin. How does God’s anger fit with his love?
- What does it mean that God abandons people to foolishness? Can you think of examples from your reading in the Bible, or from life? (hint: think of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32)