Paul’s fullest explanation of the gospel: why we need it, what God has done, and how it changes a life.

Section
New Testament, Letters
Book
45 of 66
Chapters
16
Written by
Paul
When
About AD 57
Written to
The church in Rome

The big picture

Paul shows that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, has sinned and needs God’s mercy. Then he explains the good news: God puts people right with Himself as a free gift, through faith in Jesus.

Chapter 8 describes life in the Holy Spirit and the assurance that nothing can separate us from God’s love. The letter ends with practical teaching on living as one church, full of people who are different from each other.

Why it was written

Paul was planning to visit Rome. He wanted the church there to understand the gospel clearly and to live together as one family of Jewish and Gentile believers.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Romans 1:16 – The gospel is God’s power to save
  • Romans 3:23-24 – All have sinned, and grace is a free gift
  • Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were still sinners
  • Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love
  • Romans 12:1-2 – A living sacrifice and a renewed mind

How it points to Jesus

Romans explains what Jesus’ death and resurrection achieved: forgiveness, peace with God, adoption into His family, the gift of the Spirit and the hope of resurrection.

Themes and people

Themes: Grace · Faith · The Holy Spirit · Assurance · One church

People: Paul · Phoebe · Priscilla and Aquila

Study it together

  1. What does Romans 5:8 tell you about God’s love?
  2. Romans 8 says nothing can separate us from God’s love. What makes that hard to believe sometimes?
  3. Romans 12 speaks of a renewed mind. What habit of thinking would you like God to change?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.