Read the passage two times. The first time you read, go at your regular pace and don’t stop or pause as you read. Try to get a general idea of what Paul is communicating. On the second time through, read at a slower pace. You can underline key words or phrases that seem to stand out to you. It may also be helpful to jot down thoughts, insights or questions as you go. Be sure to linger and reread any phrase or verses that catch your attention.

1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the [d]Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, 10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am [under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

Was there anything, as you read through the Scripture, you felt like God was saying to you?

In your own words, write down what you think that was.

Is there anything that is confusing or doesn’t make sense to you in these verses? If so, ask God for insight or clarity on whatever it is. Do you need to ask someone you trust to help you with this?

In your opinion, what is the most important verse or statement in this passage?

What about that verse or statement seems important?

Could God be speaking to you personally about whatever that is? If so, how does that truth intersect with your life or circumstances right now?