Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

The length and theological depth of Romans make it virtually impossible to find any one singular theme for the entire letter. Since the days of the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther, many Protestant Bible commentators have emphasized Paul’s theme of justification by faith, which is one of the dominant themes but likely not the predominant theme.

After surveying the entire spectrum of theological interpretation on Romans, authors Derek R. Brown and E. Tod Twist have identified four themes that stand out among the many that can be identified:

1. The righteousness of God. The phrase “righteousness of God” occurs only eight times in Paul’s letter (see Romans 1:17; 3:5, 21, 22; and twice in 10:3). Theologians and Bible scholars have debated Paul’s meaning, but it is an important theme and central to his description of the gospel in Romans.
2. Unity of Jews and Gentiles. Paul advocates for Jews and Gentiles to be part of one family under God and makes both theological and practical arguments. He still sees Israel given priority in God’s plan for salvation: “to the Jew first and also the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Paul says salvation is available to any person who believes. Once they believe, God grafts them into the people of God along with Israel (see Romans 1:17; 11:11–24). Paul writes to the Roman churches to encourage both Jews and Gentiles to accept one another as part of God’s family (see Romans 14:1–15:13).
3. Christ as the “Second Adam.” Jesus is the head of the new humanity. As such, He is at the center of what God is doing to save humanity (see Romans 5:12–21; compare to 3:21–26).
4. The Holy Spirit dwells in believers. The Holy Spirit is at the center of Paul’s theological argument (chapters 1–11) and his exhortations (chapters 12–15). Paul sees the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers as the proof for two important theological truths:

-God has fulfilled His promises (see Ezekiel 11:19–20; 36:25–27; Joel 2:28–32; Jeremiah 31:31–33).

-God has adopted believers as His children (see Romans 5:5; 8:12–17).

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live moral lives by freeing them from the power of sin (Romans 8:2). He also enables them to obey God (Romans 8:4–16; 14:17; 15:13). The Spirit is always interceding for believers when they are weak (Romans 8:26–27).

Unless you live in a dome, your home probably has four walls or sides. They hold up the whole structure, but each side is unique. Some have doors, some windows, and some may just be walls. For the believer, Romans is to be a bit like a home. We should live in it, learn about God, and love others as we experience the blessings of that house. Each of these four major themes in Romans stands like the sides of a home. As they stay connected, we enjoy the best possible home. If one exterior wall of your home is missing, then the building isn’t complete, and the structure may fail. Like your home, each of these four sides or themes of Romans holds the entire letter together.

Today’s Reflection

What themes would make up a letter if it was written about your faith?