Commentary on "Paul and Rome"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, June 26, 2010 - Introduction

 

Overview

This quarter is devoted to a study of the book of Romans. Since a comprehensive study would take far longer than available in one quarter it is the intent of the lesson authors to only cover what they consider certain key passages. They also contend that we must first review the book’s historical background if we are to understand its meaning and application. This is coded language meaning we must turn to the “lesser light” (Ellen White) before we can understand the “greater light” (the bible).

The lesson memory verse for today is:

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. (Rom. 1:8 ESV)

 

Observations

In the lesson the statement is made that it is vital to have the historical context to understand what Paul is teaching in the epistle of Romans. While this background information can be helpful, this is not what makes possible for us to understand this study. Jesus himself teaches us (John 16:7-15) that one of the roles of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is to teach Christians, those born again of the Holy Spirit, all truth. Paul was addressing the church in Rome, the called saints (Romans 1:5-7), people who could understand his letter because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Today’s Christians have the same indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is still key to understanding the meaning of God’s word. Therefore it is an unbiblical assumption that we must know the historical background before we can study and understand Romans or any other part of the bible.

In Paul’s introduction he clearly outlines all of the great themes that will be developed as we study the full content of this book. His introduction culminates with verses 16 and 17 of chapter one and would make a more appropriate theme text for this week.

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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." (Rom. 1:16-17 ESV)

We find these themes of Paul’s in the first seven verses:

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 1:1-7 ESV)

These themes, in order of significance, are:

• The personage of our Savior Jesus Christ.
• The gospel message of Jesus Christ.
• The apostleship of Paul, called by Jesus Christ.
• The redeemed Body of Christ, Christians, in Rome and the entire world.
• The outreach of the gospel to the entire world, Jews and Gentiles alike.

Take particular notice of what Paul has to say about the saints in Rome:

• They are ‘called’ saints by God, verse 7. This is an adjective, not a verb. It is a declaration of God, a work of God. This means that the Roman Christians are saints because God CALLED them out and set them apart from the world.
• Of the Roman Christian’s, Paul declares; “your faith is proclaimed in all the world”, verse 8. Does your own faith reveal the work of Jesus Christ in your life?
• Then Paul adds; “that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers”, verses 9-10.

 

Summary

1. In the very first verse Paul immediately draws attention to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the ‘gospel of God’.
2. Paul was called by God to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. As such, he had authority to speak and record the very words of God.
3. The key to understanding the epistle of Romans is to be a ‘called’ saint and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who will reveal to you all God’s truth. Note in verse 7 that Paul is addressing those ‘who are loved by God and called saints’.
4. The first half of Chapter One is Paul’s introduction to this epistle and where our study should begin.
5. The righteous shall live by faith. This is a work of God and not of ourselves, Eph. 2:8.

 

GO TO DAY 2

 

Copyright 2010 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised June 24, 2010. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.

 

Official Adventist Resources

Standard Edition Study Guide Week 1

Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 1

Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Wk 1

Search the Complete Published Ellen G. White Writings