Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

In recent years, Christian theologians have continued mining Paul’s letter to the Romans for even more gold. R. C. Sproul said, “No book has had such a powerful impact on my life as the book of Romans.”

John Stott wrote, “Paul’s letter to the Romans is a kind of Christian manifesto.” In his commentary on Romans, Charles Swindoll says, "Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome can be called many things. Clearly, this became his magnum opus. It is the first systematic theology of the Christian faith. This letter may be considered the believer’s constitution—the Christian Magna Carta. We might even call it a manifesto of the new kingdom, for it not only declares our essential beliefs, it establishes our agenda as Christ’s disciples."

Leading contemporary Bible scholar N. T. Wright says, "Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome is his masterpiece. It covers many different topics from many different angles, bringing them all together into a fast-moving and compelling line of thought. Reading it sometimes feels like being swept along in a small boat on a swirling, bubbling river. We need to hold on tight if we’re going to stay on board. But if we do, the energy and excitement of it all is unbeatable."

In the introduction to his commentary on Romans, Grant Osborne writes, "Paul’s letter to the Romans is clearly the deepest theological treatise in the New Testament, indeed of Scripture as a whole. It was written by one of the great geniuses of the early church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Who am I to try to unpack such a work, perhaps the greatest of history?"

In his commentary on Romans, James Montgomery Boice says, "We cling to man-centered, need-oriented teaching. And our churches show it! They are successful in worldly terms—big buildings, big budgets, big everything—but they suffer from a poverty of soul. All this means, in my judgment at least, that it is time to get back to the basic, life-transforming doctrines of Christianity—which is to say that it is time to rediscover Romans."

I cannot stress enough the significance of Romans for its role in Church history, Western culture, and personal piety. As you study this book, remember you are reading words that have changed the world. They will likewise transform you even more into the image of God.

Today’s Reflection

When you reflect on your relationship with the Lord, what role does Scripture play?