Insights into Romans 13-16 We learned from the introduction to Romans that this book is considered Paul’s greatest work and is placed first in the sequence of thirteen epistles in the New Testament. Paul explains in a question-and-answer format the significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death. Romans shows the significance of Christ’s death and the presentation of the plan of Salvation for all those who follow Jesus Christ. Paul describes the basic and practical application of how we must live in Christ and His leading through the Holy Spirit. Romans can be viewed as having three sections: - Doctrine and how it applies to life: Chapters 1-8
- God’s view of history which centers on salvation: Chapters 9-11
- Practical behavior and how to live your life: Chapters 12-16
As we finish up the book of Romans, please reference those Chapters in your Bible covered as this email will not repeat the text but add the context and historical setting and other significant meanings of the passages. It is highly recommended that you follow along with the most accurate Greek to English extraction today, The Pure Word, but please feel free to use your preferred version of the Scriptures as well. For those that have missed the first few chapters, you can find them here: Chapters 1-2, Chapters 3-7, Chapters 8-12, Chapters 13-16 Romans Chapter 13 v. 1-7: Paul explains that all powers on Earth that are established are setup because God has ordained them or is permitting them. Therefore, the very government you are under, whether just or corrupt, is provided under the authority of God. As a result, if you resist the authority of the government, you are also resisting the ordinance of God, and this will bring judgement on yourself. If the government taxes you, then pay your taxes. The Bible does not allow civil disobedience regardless of who is in authority. If there is a situation where the government is telling you to do something that is sinful or against God, then you must follow God. If you are a law-abiding citizen, you don’t have to worry about the authorities. v. 8-10: The Lord has told us that the second greatest commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The first of course is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all the soul and with all thy might.” Love is the fulfillment of the law. v. 11-14: We must walk in the light and cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Today many people are held captive through their own lusts and the only power that can help to free them is intercessory prayer. It is a spiritual warfare, and we all need spiritual help. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We must put on our Lord Jesus Christ and make no prevision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans Chapter 14 v. 1-13: Do not argue with those who are weak in the faith and do not dispute with them over points of doctrine what are not clearly defined in the scriptures (such as what you are allowed to eat). It is not up to us to judge another man’s servant; and all brothers and sisters in Christ are Christs’ servants and not ours. Our convictions are to be personal things where the scriptures do not define clearly what we should do. We are not to judge anyone for their actions and not to put a stumbling block or cause them to fall because of our convictions. v. 14-23: We are also not to flaunt our Christian liberty before the weaker brother. Do not argue with your brother or try to convince them that their conviction is incorrect and yours is correct. Pursue the things which make for peach and the things by which may edify another. You are happy when your conscience does not condemn you when you do something; therefore, if you cannot do it in faith, you will be condemned by your conscience and then, to you, it is a sin. Romans Chapter 15 v. 1-6: Paul continues his discussion about how Christians in different levels of maturity need to respect and treat each other in the Church. He starts by letting us know that if a brother believes something to be wrong (such as eating meat) then don’t offend him for the sake of pleasing yourself but instead abstain from eating meat (in this example) in front of him. We need to please our neighbors for his good to encourage him in his walk in the Lord. Christ did this as an example as he didn’t do things to please himself. Live to please God and not yourself. The scriptures were given to us to teach us about God and to provide us hope. There is no hope apart from God. We need patience (long-suffering) to wait for God to do His work in us and to be have patience with one another. Do to others as you would have them do to you. v. 7-21: We are to accept each other with all their imperfections just as Christ has forgiven and accepted us. Paul tells the Romans that he wishes that the God of hope fill them with all joy and peace in believing that they may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. He further tells them that his goal is to preach to those that have not heard the gospel so that he does not build on another man’s foundation. He wanted to go where there was a true need. v. 22-33: Paul tells those in Rome that he has desired to come to them but was hindered because there were so many places that he needed to teach first and now that there are no more places to teach in the areas where he was, he is now planning on coming to them. He first tells them he is going to Jerusalem to take them a contribution that was collected and then his plans were to visit them in Rome through Spain. Paul is requesting that they pray for him. Romans Chapter 16 v. 1-16: Chapter 16 lists personal greetings to many in Rome. Paul is sending Pheobe, their sister in the Lord, who served in the church in Corinth, and to them in Rome he asks that they receive her and provide her with whatever she needs. Paul tells the Romans about Priscilla and Aquila, who originally left Rome during the persecution and met Paul in Corinth (fellow tent makers) have since moved back to Rome. v. 17-20: We are warned that the church is to be weary of those that would cause divisions among you through doctrines that they may introduce, and they are to avoid them. If we are provided with a deeper understanding of some portion of scripture by the Holy Spirit (all interpretation is provided through the Holy Spirit) that would bring us into a deeper relationship with the Lord which should be seen by others through the fruit in their life. Those that serve the Lord should live a very simple life and not an extravagant one least we be accused that we are serving ourselves instead of the Lord Jesus Christ. v. 21-27: Paul gives his final salutations to Timothy, and Gaius, his host, Erastus, the treasure of Corinth, and the Corinth church. Tertius (who scribed the book for Paul) greets the Romans in the Lord as well. Do you Want to Know God More? We Must Read His Word. I would strongly suggest that every Christian obtain a copy of The Pure Word and use it alongside your favorite Bible version to see the original meanings and open your eyes like never before. It is not a translation but a Pure extraction or substitution from Greek into English using the original meaning of each root word as closely as possible as it existed at the time of Jesus Christ and the Apostles Watch the official intro video now and see exactly how The Pure Word is an invaluable resource that should be used by every Christian, pastor, and Bible study group. Experience the gospel as they did in the first century, during the time of Christ, the Apostles, and the birth of the Church! Click Here for just a few of the thousands of reviews of The Pure Word. Revealing the Original Depth of Meaning as
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