Everybody has certainly heard about the book of Romans. But, who wrote the book of Romans? To answer this question, let us first start with the discussion about the author himself.
Who wrote the book of Romans? This is a frequently asked question, and so we need to know the answer. Paul wrote the book of Romans. He had written quite a few epistles as this time. In this article you will find out from where and when was Romans written, who were the main characters of Romain, when was Romain written, how long was Romans, who were the main characters in Romans, about how many books does it consist and what is the name of the first book in Romans.
Who wrote the Book of Romans? That’s a great question. And did you know that there is actually no author named in the Book of Romans? So, who wrote the Book of Romans? Believe it or not, no one knows for sure.
The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, who lived from 5 AD to 67 AD. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote the book while he was in Corinth, which is now part of Greece. This letter was written between 50 AD and 60 AD and it talks about how God has saved us through grace alone and not by our own works or efforts.
Who Wrote Romans?
Rome was the political hub of the Roman Empire and one of the largest Mediterranean cities in the ancient world with a population around 1 million. When you consider the history of the Christian church in Rome, it’s possible that its first converts were actually visitors from Rome who came to Jerusalem during Pentecost. It is likely they got converted during this time and went back to the capital city of the Roman Empire to start churches.
The Roman church was filled with both Jews and Gentiles as the early church began spreading the gospel outside of Jerusalem. It is to this church the Apostle Paul, who wrote Romans, writes this letter.
Who is the Author of Romans?
In the opening line of this letter the authorship is clearly defined:
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).
Paul’s journey to apostleship was quite different than all the other apostles. Born as Saul and originating from Tarsus he was a devout Jew. He was a well-educated man who, prior to his conversion, prided himself on his devotion to the law. In his own words,
“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless” (Philippians 3:4-6).
What’s unique about Paul is that, prior to his conversion and in spite of his devotion to the Jewish religion, he was a ruthless persecutor of the church.
“But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:3).
This man was committed and devoted to destroying Christianity while it was in its infancy. Just the mention of his name struck fear in the hearts of the early believers. However, that all changed on the Damascus road. In Acts 9 we read the story of Saul’s transformation:
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’” (Acts 9:1-4).
It was this glorious encounter with Jesus himself that changed Saul’s life. After his conversion, God appointed him to be an apostle, not to the Jews but to the Gentiles. It was this same Paul who once persecuted and destroyed the church who wrote Romans for the benefit of the Jewish and Gentile believers living in Rome. He would eventually write 13, possibly 14 of the books in the New Testament. Though he was a great apostle, he suffered greatly for the kingdom of God and the cause of Christ.
Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock
What Is Paul’s Message of Romans?
Romans is one of the great doctrinal books of the New Testament. Tony Evans described it as “the constitution of the church.” Romans gives us a clear understanding of the power of the gospel. It also lets us know of the great chasm between the sinfulness of man and the righteousness of God.
Romans gives you a greater awareness of man’s condition outside of Christ, showing our sinful nature from the beginning, with each of us born under the sin of Adam. What we also see in the book however is God’s plan of reconciliation – contrasting the judgement brought on by the first Adam with the redemption brought on by the last Adam, who is Christ.
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17).
This book lays out the plan of God for the nation of Israel, but also shows how God has welcomed Gentiles into the family of God. Some of the other themes in the book include the struggle between the sinful, carnal nature and the Spirit of God. Paul also lays out later in the book how we should live. If you want to sum up the major themes I would put it like this:
- Salvation – The power of the gospel and the desperation of man who needs it.
- Justification – We were hopeless and lost in our sinful condition with no hope. But God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin. This freed us from the penalty of sin and restored our relationship with God, just as if we had never sinned.
- Sanctification – After being saved and justified, the process of transforming and conforming to the image of God begins.
I fully believe if you could only read one book to build your understanding of the Christian faith, if you could only have one book that lays out the doctrines of the faith – Romans would be that book.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Estradaanton
When Did Paul Write Romans?
This letter was written around AD 56 and it was delivered to the church by Phoebe. It is most likely that Paul dictated this letter to his secretary Tertius. This was common in that day and it was Tertius who wrote down what Paul dictated to him. Technically you could say it was Tertius who wrote Romans, because it was his hands that did the writing. He even acknowledges he wrote down what Paul was dictating.
“I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord” (Romans 16:22).
This letter was addressed to the church in Rome.
“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7).
What Happened to Paul?
After his letter to the Roman church, Paul went on to write seven more letters to other churches. As we stated earlier, he wrote a total of thirteen books of the Bible. Paul’s role as an apostle was to build churches which he did on his missionary journeys. The last book Paul wrote was most likely 2 Timothy.
We know he suffered much for the cause of the gospel facing trials, persecutions, beatings, imprisonment, even being shipwrecked. What is unclear is how Paul died. What we do know is that his life has had tremendous impact on the body of Christ since his conversion on that Damascus road.
I hope now you have a better understanding of who wrote Romans. If you really want to solidify your faith and what you believe, then you should spend some time reading this book. I truly believe it will take your understanding of your faith to a whole new level.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Aaron BurdenWhat Are Some Popular Verses from Romans?
Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:20 – “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” (KJV)
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:31 – “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:37-39 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Who Wrote The Book of Romans In The Bible
Who Wrote Romans?
Clarence L. Haynes Jr.
| Contributing Writer
2020
10 Jul
Who Wrote Romans?
Rome was the political hub of the Roman Empire and one of the largest Mediterranean cities in the ancient world with a population around 1 million. When you consider the history of the Christian church in Rome, it’s possible that its first converts were actually visitors from Rome who came to Jerusalem during Pentecost. It is likely they got converted during this time and went back to the capital city of the Roman Empire to start churches.
The Roman church was filled with both Jews and Gentiles as the early church began spreading the gospel outside of Jerusalem. It is to this church the Apostle Paul, who wrote Romans, writes this letter.
Who is the Author of Romans?
In the opening line of this letter the authorship is clearly defined:
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).
Paul’s journey to apostleship was quite different than all the other apostles. Born as Saul and originating from Tarsus he was a devout Jew. He was a well-educated man who, prior to his conversion, prided himself on his devotion to the law. In his own words,
“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless” (Philippians 3:4-6).
What’s unique about Paul is that, prior to his conversion and in spite of his devotion to the Jewish religion, he was a ruthless persecutor of the church.
“But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:3).
This man was committed and devoted to destroying Christianity while it was in its infancy. Just the mention of his name struck fear in the hearts of the early believers. However, that all changed on the Damascus road. In Acts 9 we read the story of Saul’s transformation:
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’” (Acts 9:1-4).
Studying the Bible is essential because of how important God is.
We should give our full attention to the Bible since it contains God’s message to humanity. We need to get in touch with him. Since we aim to take his words to heart, we will be giving them our full and undivided attention.
What a priceless piece of advice! A biblical passage describes them as “more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; also sweeter than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10). More than the biggest joys that our world wants—money and food—the Bible satisfies us.
Paul told young pastor Timothy that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). As you speak, God “breathes out” each individual word in the Bible. It is absolutely original in this respect. That statement is true of the Bible but not of any other literature.
Reading the Bible is not the same as studying it.
The Bible is just another document, therefore we read it as quickly as possible. In contrast, we don’t rush through Bible study. We search for answers to the world’s mysteries as we attempt to make sense of it. What they say is given serious consideration.
Ephesians 1:1-14 can be read in 30 seconds, yet the lessons it contains will last you a lifetime. The Gospel of John can be read in its entirety in roughly two hours. But its complexity ensures that you’ll never get bored exploring it.
The reward of maturing in God’s word will be ours for as long as we live.
It’s important to devote a lot of time to Bible study and have faith in what you’re reading.
We put in the time and effort necessary since we value education highly. However, relying on God also calls for us to ask for wisdom.
Paul urged Timothy to “think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7). God endows us with wit, but we have to put it to use.
The evangelist George Whitefield began devoting himself to reading the Bible on a regular basis once he became a Christian. Author says, “I began to read the Holy Scriptures upon my knees, laying aside all other books and praying over, if possible, every line and word… I daily received fresh life, light, and power from above.” Take note of how modest he is.1
Whether or not we choose to get on our knees to study, that’s where our focus ought to be.
It was this glorious encounter with Jesus himself that changed Saul’s life. After his conversion, God appointed him to be an apostle, not to the Jews but to the Gentiles. It was this same Paul who once persecuted and destroyed the church who wrote Romans for the benefit of the Jewish and Gentile believers living in Rome. He would eventually write 13, possibly 14 of the books in the New Testament. Though he was a great apostle, he suffered greatly for the kingdom of God and the cause of Christ.
Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock
Who Wrote Romans?
What Is Paul’s Message of Romans?
Romans is one of the great doctrinal books of the New Testament. Tony Evans described it as “the constitution of the church.” Romans gives us a clear understanding of the power of the gospel. It also lets us know of the great chasm between the sinfulness of man and the righteousness of God.
Romans gives you a greater awareness of man’s condition outside of Christ, showing our sinful nature from the beginning, with each of us born under the sin of Adam. What we also see in the book however is God’s plan of reconciliation – contrasting the judgement brought on by the first Adam with the redemption brought on by the last Adam, who is Christ.
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17).
This book lays out the plan of God for the nation of Israel, but also shows how God has welcomed Gentiles into the family of God. Some of the other themes in the book include the struggle between the sinful, carnal nature and the Spirit of God. Paul also lays out later in the book how we should live. If you want to sum up the major themes I would put it like this:
Salvation – The power of the gospel and the desperation of man who needs it.
Justification – We were hopeless and lost in our sinful condition with no hope. But God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin. This freed us from the penalty of sin and restored our relationship with God, just as if we had never sinned.
Sanctification – After being saved and justified, the process of transforming and conforming to the image of God begins.
I fully believe if you could only read one book to build your understanding of the Christian faith, if you could only have one book that lays out the doctrines of the faith – Romans would be that book.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Estradaanton
Who Wrote Romans?
When Did Paul Write Romans?
This letter was written around AD 56 and it was delivered to the church by Phoebe. It is most likely that Paul dictated this letter to his secretary Tertius. This was common in that day and it was Tertius who wrote down what Paul dictated to him. Technically you could say it was Tertius who wrote Romans, because it was his hands that did the writing. He even acknowledges he wrote down what Paul was dictating.
“I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord” (Romans 16:22).
This letter was addressed to the church in Rome.
“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7).
What Happened to Paul?
After his letter to the Roman church, Paul went on to write seven more letters to other churches. As we stated earlier, he wrote a total of thirteen books of the Bible. Paul’s role as an apostle was to build churches which he did on his missionary journeys. The last book Paul wrote was most likely 2 Timothy.
We know he suffered much for the cause of the gospel facing trials, persecutions, beatings, imprisonment, even being shipwrecked. What is unclear is how Paul died. What we do know is that his life has had tremendous impact on the body of Christ since his conversion on that Damascus road.
I hope now you have a better understanding of who wrote Romans. If you really want to solidify your faith and what you believe, then you should spend some time reading this book. I truly believe it will take your understanding of your faith to a whole new level.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Aaron Burden
Who Wrote Romans?
What Are Some Popular Verses from Romans?
Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:20 – “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” (KJV)
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:31 – “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:37-39 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Photo credit: SWN
Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but can’t seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.
Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies
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