Outline of Paul's Epistle to Romans

The purpose of the Apostle Paul in writing this epistle was to make known to the saints in Rome the gospel that he preached among the Gentiles. At the time of its writing, he had not been to Rome, and therefore, did not know all of the believers there—though, in chapter 16, he mentions some by name whom he did know. Since this was the case, Paul had reason to believe that the saints in Rome may not have been apprised of the full gospel that he preached—which he calls, “my gospel” (chapters 2:16; 16:25). Therefore, he undertakes to systematically set forth the length and breadth of the gospel, with the aim of grounding the Roman saints in the foundations of the Christian faith.



Since the gospel that Paul preached is generally poorly understood by Christians today, there is a real need for this epistle. Many believers do not have real peace, having not understood their acceptance and security in Christ; nor do they know God’s way of holiness (practical sanctification) through their identification with the death of Christ. Consequently, many believers lack stability in their souls. Absorbing the truth of the gospel delineated in this epistle will give the believer the solid foundation that he needs on which to rest his faith.



Topics in this epistle, such as redemption, the forgiveness of sins, justification, reconciliation, deliverance from sin, our coming glorification, and much more, are explained in detail.