THE HISTORY OF THE HISTORY OF ROMANS

"The Apostle Paul Slept Here"

• Romans has such a grand history that a history of that history could be written
• Signposts on the path
• Attempts to understand Paul

Romans on Romans

• Paul has never met the Roman churches:
• “One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you ... I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now.” - Romans 1:10-13

• There’s no real crisis in Rome:
• “I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.” - Romans 15:14

• Paul is at a turning point in his mission:
• “But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.” - Romans 15:23-24

Origen on Romans

• Origen of Alexandria, third century teacher
• Romans describes the Jew and Gentile struggle
• Age of Accountability

• Bishop of Hippo, fourth century
• Divine Grace conquers sinful nature
• Original sin

Luther on Romans

• Martin Luther, 16th century
• Justification by Faith Alone
• Most important piece of the New Testament!

Moser on Romans

• K.C. Moser, 20th century
• The Gist of Romans
• The gospel of the cross
• The importance of grace

The Gist of Romans

1. The gospel has not been preached when the cross has been ignored.
2. Let us not have faith in men, but in God.

Chris Benjamin

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Evening Sermon, 14 September 2008

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