The Book of Romans is one of the most important books in the New Testament. Written by the apostle Paul, it serves as a systematic explanation of the gospel message and doctrine. Here is a chapter-by-chapter summary:
Romans 1
Paul begins by declaring that he was called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. The gospel reveals the righteousness of God and salvation for all who believe. Both Jews and Gentiles are under sin, but the gospel reveals the righteousness of God apart from the law. God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness of men who suppress the truth. Although creation clearly reveals God’s existence and nature, mankind has chosen idolatry and immorality.
Romans 2
Paul warns that God’s judgment falls on all people according to their deeds. Jews have the advantage of possessing God’s law, but are still under judgment because mere knowledge or circumcision does not justify. True circumcision is of the heart, done by the Spirit. Gentiles can be righteous by instinctively following God’s law. But all people are guilty before God.
Romans 3
Paul asserts that Jews possess advantages, but all are under sin. Righteousness cannot come through the law, but is revealed apart from the law through faith in Christ. All are justified freely by God’s grace as a gift through Jesus’ redemption. God’s righteousness is demonstrated through Christ propitiating sin. Salvation is available to all by faith, not works. The law reveals knowledge of sin, while faith upholds the law.
Romans 4
As an example, Paul points to Abraham who was justified by faith, not circumcision or the law. The promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace alone. As heirs of the promise, righteousness is credited to those who believe, even ungodly ones, just as God brought life from Abraham’s dead body. Jesus was delivered up for our sins and raised for our justification.
Romans 5
Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God and hope in sharing His glory. God’s love has been demonstrated through Christ dying for sinners. Just as sin and death entered the world through Adam, now righteousness and life abound through Jesus. The law came to increase trespass, but grace and righteousness overflow beyond sin’s consequences.
Romans 6
Believers have spiritually died and risen with Christ in baptism, no longer enslaved to sin. We must consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to God, not using grace as a license to sin. Offer yourselves to righteousness leading to sanctification. Freed from sin, you are now slaves to God and righteousness. The wages of sin is death, but God’s gift is eternal life.
Romans 7
The law binds a person only during their life. Through dying with Christ, we have been released from the law and can belong to Him. The law stirs up sinful passions. Although the law is good, sin uses what is good for death. No deliverance comes through human effort because the flesh is enslaved to sin. Thanks be to God for deliverance through Jesus Christ!
Romans 8
There is no condemnation for those in Christ, who walk by the Spirit which brings life and peace. The law is powerless over the flesh, but God sent Jesus to die for sin and the Spirit enables us to fulfill the law. The Spirit confirms adoption as God’s children. Creation groans, but the Spirit intercedes for us according to God’s will as we await future glory. Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Romans 9
Paul agonizes over Israel’s unbelief, though they were given the covenants and law. God’s word has not failed. He chooses according to promise, not works. As Potter, He has mercy on some, but hardens others. Gentiles attained righteousness by faith while Israel pursued it by works. Christ is the stumbling stone, but the elect obtained righteousness by faith.
Romans 10
Paul desires Israel’s salvation. Righteousness by faith, not works, leads to salvation. Confess and believe Jesus is Lord. None who call on the Lord will be put to shame. But not all have obeyed the gospel, as faith comes by hearing Christ preached. Israel heard but did not understand. God has held out His hands all day to a disobedient people.
Romans 11
God has not rejected all Israel. A remnant by grace remains, chosen by God’s election. The rest were hardened. Gentiles were grafted in by faith. Do not boast or become proud, but fear. Israel can still be grafted back by not persisting in unbelief, for God loves and desires to show mercy to all. His gifts and call are irrevocable. Glory to Him!
Romans 12
Paul urges offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Use spiritual gifts properly and live in love, patience, prayer, and hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Do not repay evil for evil. Live peaceably with all. Leave vengeance to God. Overcome evil with good. Submit to governing authorities as God’s servants. Owe nothing but love.
Romans 13
Love fulfills the law. Put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh. Submit to authorities as God’s ministers for good. Owe nothing but love, for love fulfills the law. Understand the time–salvation is near! Put off deeds of darkness and put on Christ. Receive one another as Christ received you, for God’s glory.
Romans 14
Accept those weak in faith without quarreling over opinions. Let each be convinced in their own mind. Judgment belongs to God. Do not cause your brother to stumble over food. The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy. So pursue what brings peace, edification, and mutual upbuilding.
Romans 15
The strong must bear with the weak and not please themselves. Christ did not please himself. Scripture was written to teach us endurance, encouragement and hope. God of hope fills you with joy and peace in believing, abounding in hope. Paul speaks boldly because of the grace given him. His ambition has been to preach the gospel where others have not, by God’s power.
Romans 16
Paul commends Phoebe, his sister, asking for her to be welcomed. Greet Prisca, Aquila, Epenetus and others who have toiled in the ministry. Note those who cause dissensions contrary to the doctrine. The God of peace will soon crush Satan. Glory to God alone!
In summary, Romans richly explains the doctrine of salvation, justification by faith, and righteousness apart from the law. It addresses sin, condemnation, grace, sanctification, election, Israel’s unbelief, Christian living, love, and the culmination of God’s eternal plan. What a magnificent gift to the church!