Intro
If you look at an architects’ plans, they can be very difficult to decipher and even harder to follow. However, the plans are often perfect, even down to the centimeter. Carefully, and painstakingly, design so that everything fits perfectly in the end. However, the plan can be difficult to see for much of the early stages. Oftentimes, confusing to the point that we don’t know how or even want to follow.

But in the end, we step back and are in awe of how it all came together to create and craft a magnificent structure that is beyond anything we could have ever imagined.

This is what the book of Romans is attempting to communicate about the great plans of the greatest architect in history, the creation, design and story of God.

Summary + Overview
The book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, serves as a profound theological letter that conveys the essence of the Christian faith. At its core, the theme is the righteousness of God revealed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul explains the universal nature of sin, and that both all people [Jews and Gentiles alike] are in need of salvation; and that justification comes through faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the law.

Throughout the letter, Paul addresses key themes of grace, redemption, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Romans is a powerful letter of God’s plan for humanity, revealing His mercy, grace, and the hope found only in the Gospel, compelling people to respond with faith and obedience.

Romans extensively discusses grace, highlighting how it is through grace that believers are justified and reconciled to God (Romans 3:24).

The term architect implies intentionality and design, resonating with how Paul articulates God's overarching plan for humanity. Romans reveals how God's grace is intricately woven into His plan for redemption.

Romans speaks to the transformative power of grace in the lives of believers, as we are called to live out our faith in a way that reflects God's design for our lives.

Written during his third missionary journey, probably written around 57AD, from the city of Corinth, which was one of the most important cities in Greece. The city of Rome was comprised of a few Jews, but particularly a greater number of Gentile converts, which provides an interesting backdrop.

Before the coming of Christ, it was the Jew who was the insider, and the Gentile considered as the unwelcomed outsider. But in Rome, the opposite seemed to be true. There probably existed a good deal of tension surrounding specific issues and the differing backgrounds of the people and their religious upbringing.

Paul’s main goal is to provide correct teaching, encourage unity in the gospel, and call all believers to live out their new life in Christ.

Paul identifies himself as a servant, which in the Greek is doulos, meaning a bondservant or slave; emphasizing that his life and mission are dedicated to serving the Lord (Galatians 1:10).

Paul identifies himself as the author of the letter, establishing his authority and role as an apostle. His background as a former Pharisee and his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus give weight to his teachings. Paul’s authority is rooted in his calling by God.

Being set apart indicates a specific purpose in God's plan. Paul’s life is dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel, which is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul reflects on this calling in his letter to another church.

He is also setting the stage to remind all believers that they are called and set apart according to God’s purpose and grace as well.

The Gospel is central to Paul’s message. It is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16) and reveals God’s righteousness. Paul elaborates on the Gospel throughout Romans, explaining its implications for both Jews and Gentiles, as not merely a message to be preached, but the means by which God transforms lives.

This phrase connects the Gospel to God's redemptive plan throughout history; that the message of Christ was foretold in the Scriptures, fulfilling God's promises.

Here, Paul introduces Jesus Christ as the focal point of the Gospel. It highlights the importance of Christ's identity and role in God's plan for salvation. To which, Jesus echoes.

Christ’s humanity (born of the seed of David) and divinity (declared to be the Son of God with power). This statement connects Jesus to the line of David, revealing God's faithfulness to His promises, as the Messiah was prophesied to come from David's line (II Samuel 7:12-13).

Indicates a public affirmation of Jesus' divine identity through His resurrection. This speaks to the authority and power of Christ, setting the stage for understanding His role in salvation and the significance of His resurrection. The dual nature of Christ is crucial for understanding the fullness of the Gospel (John 1:14 & Colossians 2:9).

This phrase emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in affirming Jesus' identity and work. The Holy Spirit not only empowers Jesus' ministry but also works in the lives of believers, as seen later in the letter.

Paul mentions grace as a gift from God that empowers him for his mission. His call to apostleship is a response to grace, urging believers to share the Gospel with others.

This phrase encapsulates the response that God desires from believers. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves obedience and action. Paul emphasizes that true faith manifests in a life transformed by the Gospel, leading to obedience.

For the sake of his name

This highlights the centrality of Christ's name in the mission of the church and the identity of believers. It reflects the purpose of spreading the Gospel: to glorify and honor Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11).

Paul’s vision for the Gospel is universal, intended for all people, regardless of their background. This reflects God’s heart for the nations and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Paul’s ministry would help break down barriers (dividing wall of hostility) between Jews and Gentiles, promoting unity in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16).

This phrase captures the essence of Christian identity. It emphasizes that believers are not just followers but are called into a personal relationship with Jesus (John 15:15). This relationship is foundational to the Christian faith.

The term saints refers to all believers, emphasizing their identity in Christ. This calling to holiness is foundational to Christian living, as believers are called to reflect God’s character in their lives (1 Peter 1:15-16). Paul’s encouragement to live as saints is founded on the transformative power of the Gospel.

Paul addresses the specific audience of the letter, acknowledging the diverse community of believers in Rome. He highlights the challenges and tensions within the church, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul’s teachings are meant to foster unity and understanding among them (Romans 10:12).

This greeting encapsulates the core message of Romans: grace as the means of salvation and peace as the result of being reconciled with God.

Uniquely Positioned
Paul was uniquely poised to bring this message of hope to the Gentile and bring his people, the Jews, to faith in the person of Jesus, the Messiah.

Conclusion
These serve as foundational elements for understanding the Paul's to the church in Rome. They introduce critical themes of identity, calling, the nature of the Gospel, and the unifying power of grace, setting the tone for the theological depth that follows in the letter. Each term contributes to a deeper understanding of God's divine design and His magnificent plan for humanity through Jesus Christ.