The Book of Romans is the sixth book of the New Testament and the first of Paul’s epistles.

Written by the apostle Paul to the believers in Rome, this letter presents the most systematic explanation of the gospel in the entire Bible.

Paul addresses both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that all people are under sin, but all can be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans explores deep theological truths while also offering practical guidance for Christian living and community.

Introduction and the Power of the Gospel (Romans 1:1–17)

Paul introduces himself and the central theme of the letter: the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Key Highlights:

• Paul identifies as a servant and apostle, set apart for the gospel
• Expresses desire to visit the believers in Rome
• Declares, “The righteous shall live by faith”
• Introduces the gospel as the key to righteousness

Lesson: The good news is for everyone, and it reveals the righteousness that comes through faith—not works.

Humanity’s Need for Salvation (Romans 1:18–3:20)

Paul shows that all people—Jew and Gentile alike—are guilty before God and in need of salvation.

Key Highlights:

• God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness
• Idolatry leads to moral corruption and judgment
• Jews, despite having the Law, are also guilty of sin
• “There is no one righteous, not even one”
• The whole world is held accountable to God

Lesson: No one can claim righteousness on their own—all are in need of grace.

Justification by Faith (Romans 3:21–5:21)

Paul explains how God justifies sinners through faith in Jesus, apart from the works of the Law.

Key Highlights:

• Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ
• All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory
• Abraham was justified by faith before the Law
• Believers are at peace with God through Jesus
• Through Adam came sin and death; through Christ comes life

Lesson: Salvation is a gift received by faith—not earned—and is rooted in God’s grace, not human effort.

Freedom from Sin and Life in the Spirit (Romans 6–8)

Paul teaches that believers are not only justified but also set free to live new lives empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Key Highlights:

• We have died to sin and now walk in the newness of life
• Sin no longer has dominion over us
• The struggle between flesh and spirit is real
• There is no condemnation for those in Christ
• Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Lesson: The gospel brings not just forgiveness but freedom, identity, and unshakable assurance in Christ.

God’s Sovereignty and Israel’s Place (Romans 9–11)

Paul addresses God’s plan for Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in salvation history.

Key Highlights:

• God’s promises to Israel have not failed
• Salvation is not based on ancestry but on mercy
• Gentiles are grafted into the people of God
• God has mercy on whom He chooses
• All Israel will be saved in God’s timing

Lesson: God’s purposes are unfolding in His wisdom—He is faithful to His promises and working out a plan of redemption for all nations.

Living as a Transformed People (Romans 12–15)

Paul shifts to practical application, urging believers to live out the gospel in humility, love, and service.

Key Highlights:

• Offer your bodies as living sacrifices
• Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
• Love sincerely and overcome evil with good
• Submit to governing authorities
• Avoid judging one another over disputable matters

Lesson: The gospel transforms not just our beliefs but our relationships, actions, and daily lives.

Final Greetings and Benediction (Romans 16)

Paul concludes the letter by greeting many believers by name and warning against division.

Key Highlights:

• Commends Phoebe and greets dozens of believers
• Warns against those who cause division
• Praises God for the mystery of salvation now revealed
• Ends with a doxology to the eternal God

Lesson: The church is a diverse, united family in Christ—and all glory belongs to God for His great salvation.

Themes of Romans

• Justification by Faith – We are made right with God by faith, not works
• The Universality of Sin – All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory
• Grace and Redemption – Salvation is a gift of grace through Jesus
• New Life in the Spirit – Believers are set free to live by the Spirit, not the flesh
• Unity in the Church – Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ
• God’s Sovereignty – God’s purposes and mercy are beyond human understanding

Final Thoughts

The Book of Romans stands as one of the most powerful and comprehensive letters in the Bible.

Paul takes us deep into the heart of the gospel, showing us our need for grace, the beauty of justification, and the freedom that comes from being united with Christ.

It is a call to believe, to be transformed, and to live as people who belong to a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.