This was posted earlier in the year during the run-up to the season, but we'll be posting this "Getting Ready" series for James again to refresh your memory.
Romans and James are such different books, why are we studying them together?
It would be hard to imagine how the books of Romans and James could be much more different. Different authors, different audiences, different emphases. Some even argue they have different theologies! (Martin Luther even once called James "a false gospel", in one of his grumpier moments.) The only thing they have in common, it seems, is that they're both in the Bible!
But, really, Romans and James highlight the two inseparable sides of Christianity.
Romans has a focus on the grace of God. Paul talks over and over about the fact that our salvation is a free gift, and that there was nothing in ourselves that made us worthy of Christ. He highlights the fact that the Old Testament Law can't save anyone, which is why Jesus had to come and die and rise. Romans takes our eyes off of ourselves and our own good deeds, and puts them onto God.
James, on the other hand, has a focus on what we do. James agrees wholeheartedly that our works don't save us, but points out that such an amazing gift should spur us onto good works that will please our savior. He challenges lazy or sinful Christians to examine themselves and start doing all the things Jesus commanded us to do. James reminds us to remember while our eyes are on heaven, we're on mission on the Earth!
If you have Romans without James, you have happy Christians who are of no use to anyone. If you James without Romans, you have busy Christians without any joy. You need them both to be the men and women God called us to be.
Showing posts with label letter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letter. Show all posts
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
GETTING READY: To whom was the Epistle of James written?
This was posted earlier in the year during the run-up to the season, but we'll be posting this "Getting Ready" series for James again to refresh your memory.
To whom was the epistle to the James written?
Like Romans, James is quite up-front about who he is writing to:
First, the "twelve tribes". This is a common way for Jews of Jesus's time to talk about the descendants of Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons whose descendants became 12 tribes who eventually conquered the whole land of Israel. Genesis 49 does a good job of listing the 12 sons (although for complicated reasons, the 12 sons and 12 tribes don't always exactly match up). The "twelve tribes" is shorthand for "all of the Jewish people."
Second, "the Dispersion". In other translations, it says "the Diaspora" which you may have heard in history class. Both words mean "the scattering". Originally, all of the Jews on Earth were located in Israel. Then came God's judgement in the form of Assyrian, Babylonian, and eventually Roman Empires. Babylon, especially, had a policy of splitting up conquered peoples to different places to keep them from organizing into resistance. So, by the time of Rome, the Jewish people were scattered - or dispersed - throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe.
So, "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" roughly means "all of the Jewish people in all of the world." And, from the context of the letter, we know he was talking to Jewish Christians, in the hope that one day all Jews would embrace Christ.
To whom was the epistle to the James written?
Like Romans, James is quite up-front about who he is writing to:
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,Of course, "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" is not exactly a phrase you hear every-day in 21st Century America. So, let's take each piece by itself.
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
James 1:1
First, the "twelve tribes". This is a common way for Jews of Jesus's time to talk about the descendants of Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons whose descendants became 12 tribes who eventually conquered the whole land of Israel. Genesis 49 does a good job of listing the 12 sons (although for complicated reasons, the 12 sons and 12 tribes don't always exactly match up). The "twelve tribes" is shorthand for "all of the Jewish people."
Second, "the Dispersion". In other translations, it says "the Diaspora" which you may have heard in history class. Both words mean "the scattering". Originally, all of the Jews on Earth were located in Israel. Then came God's judgement in the form of Assyrian, Babylonian, and eventually Roman Empires. Babylon, especially, had a policy of splitting up conquered peoples to different places to keep them from organizing into resistance. So, by the time of Rome, the Jewish people were scattered - or dispersed - throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe.
So, "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" roughly means "all of the Jewish people in all of the world." And, from the context of the letter, we know he was talking to Jewish Christians, in the hope that one day all Jews would embrace Christ.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
GETTING READY: How do Romans & James relate?
This is our last week of the "Getting Ready" series, where we consider the high-level questions about these books. If you have additional questions, don't be shy about e-mailing the coaches!
Romans and James are such different books, why are we studying them together?
It would be hard to imagine how the books of Romans and James could be much more different. Different authors, different audiences, different emphases. Some even argue they have different theologies! (Martin Luther even once called James "a false gospel", in one of his grumpier moments.) The only thing they have in common, it seems, is that they're both in the Bible!
But, really, Romans and James highlight the two inseparable sides of Christianity.
Romans has a focus on the grace of God. Paul talks over and over about the fact that our salvation is a free gift, and that there was nothing in ourselves that made us worthy of Christ. He highlights the fact that the Old Testament Law can't save anyone, which is why Jesus had to come and die and rise. Romans takes our eyes off of ourselves and our own good deeds, and puts them onto God.
James, on the other hand, has a focus on what we do. James agrees wholeheartedly that our works don't save us, but points out that such an amazing gift should spur us onto good works that will please our savior. He challenges lazy or sinful Christians to examine themselves and start doing all the things Jesus commanded us to do. James reminds us to remember while our eyes are on heaven, we're on mission on the Earth!
If you have Romans without James, you have happy Christians who are of no use to anyone. If you James without Romans, you have busy Christians without any joy. You need them both to be the men and women God called us to be.
Romans and James are such different books, why are we studying them together?
It would be hard to imagine how the books of Romans and James could be much more different. Different authors, different audiences, different emphases. Some even argue they have different theologies! (Martin Luther even once called James "a false gospel", in one of his grumpier moments.) The only thing they have in common, it seems, is that they're both in the Bible!
But, really, Romans and James highlight the two inseparable sides of Christianity.
Romans has a focus on the grace of God. Paul talks over and over about the fact that our salvation is a free gift, and that there was nothing in ourselves that made us worthy of Christ. He highlights the fact that the Old Testament Law can't save anyone, which is why Jesus had to come and die and rise. Romans takes our eyes off of ourselves and our own good deeds, and puts them onto God.
James, on the other hand, has a focus on what we do. James agrees wholeheartedly that our works don't save us, but points out that such an amazing gift should spur us onto good works that will please our savior. He challenges lazy or sinful Christians to examine themselves and start doing all the things Jesus commanded us to do. James reminds us to remember while our eyes are on heaven, we're on mission on the Earth!
If you have Romans without James, you have happy Christians who are of no use to anyone. If you James without Romans, you have busy Christians without any joy. You need them both to be the men and women God called us to be.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
GETTING READY: What is the layout to James?
The second book we'll be studying for the 2013-2014 season will be the epistle of James. The next few weeks of the "Getting Ready" series, we will be considering the high-level questions about this book. If you have additional questions, don't be shy about e-mailing the coaches!
How is the epistle of James laid out?
Last year, we studied the Gospel of Matthew so the structure of the book wasn't a big deal. It was a story where event followed event. Essentially, it was a biography of Jesus (though it had a point of view and an intended message).
This year, we are studying an epistle. It's a letter that James wrote to Jewish people in the Roman Empire (and he probably had no idea it would one day be included into the Bible as scripture). We study chapter by chapter, but Paul intended it as one whole lesson and argument.
Here is an excellent outline from Bible.Org:
How is the epistle of James laid out?
Last year, we studied the Gospel of Matthew so the structure of the book wasn't a big deal. It was a story where event followed event. Essentially, it was a biography of Jesus (though it had a point of view and an intended message).
This year, we are studying an epistle. It's a letter that James wrote to Jewish people in the Roman Empire (and he probably had no idea it would one day be included into the Bible as scripture). We study chapter by chapter, but Paul intended it as one whole lesson and argument.
Here is an excellent outline from Bible.Org:
I. Salutation (1:1)
II. Enduring Trials (1:2-18)
- A. Summary/Main Theme: The Testing of Faith (1:2-6)
- 1. Faith in God’s Sovereignty (1:2)
2. Faith and Perseverance (1:3-4)
3. Faith and God’s Gifts (1:5)
4. Faith Vs. Doubt (1:6) - B. Specifics (1:9-18)
- 1. Faith Vs. Doubt (1:7-8)
2. Faith and Finances (1:9-11)
3. Faith and Perseverance (1:12)
4. Faith and Fatalism (1:13-18)
III. Applying the Word: Faith Within the Church (1:19–3:18)
- A. Summary/Main Theme: The Obedience of Faith (1:19-27)
- 1. Anger Vs. Obedience (1:19-21)
2. Passivity Vs. Obedience (1:22-25)
3. Speech and Obedience (1:26)
4. The Impartiality of Obedience (1:27) - B. Specifics (2:1–3:18)
- 1. Partiality Vs. Obedience (2:1-13)
- a. Summary (2:1)
b. Hypothetical Situation: Rich and Poor Enter the Assembly (2:2-4)
c. Rebuke for Showing Partiality (2:5-7)
d. Conditions of Obedience (2:8-11)
e. Principle (2:12-13) - 2. Passivity Vs. Obedience (2:14-26)
- a. Summary (2:14)
b. Hypothetical Situation: Impoverished Believer in your Midst (2:15-17)
c. Rational Argument: Demons’ Faith is Passive (2:18-20)
d. Biblical Argument: Abraham’s and Rahab’s Faith is Active (2:21-25)
e. Principle (2:26) - 3. Speech and Obedience (3:1-12)
- a. Summary: The Tongue as a Measure of Maturity (3:1-2)
b. Argument by Analogy (3:3-12) - 1) Analogy One: The Tiny Tongue (3:3-6)
- a) Bits in Horses’ Mouths (3:3)
b) Rudders on Ships (3:4)
c) Sparks and Forest Fires (3:5-6) - 2) Analogy Two: The Tamed Tongue (3:7-8)
3) Analogy Three: The Forked Tongue (3:9-12) - a) Praising and Cursing (3:9-10)
b) Fresh and Salt Water (3:11)
c) Schizophrenic Produce (3:12) - 4. The Wisdom of Obedience (3:13-18)
IV. Witnessing to Divine Providence (4:1–5:20)
- A. Summary/Main Theme: The Reward of Faith (4:1-10)
- 1. The Prayer of Faith (4:1-3)
2. Friendship with the World (4:4-6)
3. The Humility of Faith (4:7-10) - B. Specifics (4:11–5:20)
- 1. Avoiding Worldly Influences (4:11–5:6)
- a. Slander in the Community (4:11-12)
b. Boasting about Tomorrow (4:13-17)
c. Warning to Wealthy Oppressors (5:1-6) - 2. The Patience of Faith (5:7-12)
3. The Prayer of Faith (5:13-20)
Thursday, August 15, 2013
GETTING READY: To whom was James written?
The second book we'll be studying for the 2013-2014 season will be the epistle of James. The next few weeks of the "Getting Ready" series, we will be considering the high-level questions about this book. If you have additional questions, don't be shy about e-mailing the coaches!
To whom was the epistle to the James written?
Like Romans, James is quite up-front about who he is writing to:
First, the "twelve tribes". This is a common way for Jews of Jesus's time to talk about the descendants of Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons whose descendants became 12 tribes who eventually conquered the whole land of Israel. Genesis 49 does a good job of listing the 12 sons (although for complicated reasons, the 12 sons and 12 tribes don't always exactly match up). The "twelve tribes" is shorthand for "all of the Jewish people."
Second, "the Dispersion". In other translations, it says "the Diaspora" which you may have heard in history class. Both words mean "the scattering". Originally, all of the Jews on Earth were located in Israel. Then came God's judgement in the form of Assyrian, Babylonian, and eventually Roman Empires. Babylon, especially, had a policy of splitting up conquered peoples to different places to keep them from organizing into resistance. So, by the time of Rome, the Jewish people were scattered - or dispersed - throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe.
So, "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" roughly means "all of the Jewish people in all of the world." And, from the context of the letter, we know he was talking to Jewish Christians, in the hope that one day all Jews would embrace Christ.
To whom was the epistle to the James written?
Like Romans, James is quite up-front about who he is writing to:
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,Of course, "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" is not exactly a phrase you hear every-day in 21st Century America. So, let's take each piece by itself.
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
James 1:1
First, the "twelve tribes". This is a common way for Jews of Jesus's time to talk about the descendants of Jacob. Jacob had twelve sons whose descendants became 12 tribes who eventually conquered the whole land of Israel. Genesis 49 does a good job of listing the 12 sons (although for complicated reasons, the 12 sons and 12 tribes don't always exactly match up). The "twelve tribes" is shorthand for "all of the Jewish people."
Second, "the Dispersion". In other translations, it says "the Diaspora" which you may have heard in history class. Both words mean "the scattering". Originally, all of the Jews on Earth were located in Israel. Then came God's judgement in the form of Assyrian, Babylonian, and eventually Roman Empires. Babylon, especially, had a policy of splitting up conquered peoples to different places to keep them from organizing into resistance. So, by the time of Rome, the Jewish people were scattered - or dispersed - throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe.
So, "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" roughly means "all of the Jewish people in all of the world." And, from the context of the letter, we know he was talking to Jewish Christians, in the hope that one day all Jews would embrace Christ.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
GETTING READY: What is the layout to Romans?
The first book we'll be studying for the 2013-2014 season will be the epistle to the Romans. The next few weeks of the "Getting Ready" series, we will be considering the high-level questions about this book. If you have additional questions, don't be shy about e-mailing the coaches!
How is the epistle to the Romans laid out?
Last year, we studied the Gospel of Matthew so the structure of the book wasn't a big deal. It was a story where event followed event. Essentially, it was a biography of Jesus (though it had a point of view and an intended message).
This year, we are studying an epistle. It's a letter that Paul wrote to real people in Rome (and he probably had no idea it would one day be included into the Bible as scripture). He is trying to teach the Romans about Christianity, and address specific questions and problems that they had. We study chapter by chapter, but Paul intended it to one whole lesson and argument.
Here is an excellent outline from Bible.Org:
How is the epistle to the Romans laid out?
Last year, we studied the Gospel of Matthew so the structure of the book wasn't a big deal. It was a story where event followed event. Essentially, it was a biography of Jesus (though it had a point of view and an intended message).
This year, we are studying an epistle. It's a letter that Paul wrote to real people in Rome (and he probably had no idea it would one day be included into the Bible as scripture). He is trying to teach the Romans about Christianity, and address specific questions and problems that they had. We study chapter by chapter, but Paul intended it to one whole lesson and argument.
Here is an excellent outline from Bible.Org:
III. Outline
I. Introduction: The Revelation of Righteousness (1:1-17)
- A. Salutation (1:1-7)
B. Thanksgiving and Longing (1:8-15) - 1. Paul’s Prayer of Thanks for the Romans (1:8-10)
2. Paul’s Desire to Visit the Romans (1:11-15) - C. The Theme of the Epistle (1:16-17)
II. Justification: The Imputation of Righteousness (1:18–5:11)
- A. Condemnation: The Universal Need of Righteousness (1:18–3:20)
- 1. The Guilt of the Gentiles (1:18-32)
- a. The Basis of Gentile Guilt (1:18-23)
b. The Results of Gentile Guilt (1:24-32) - 2. The Guilt of the Jews (2:1–3:8)
- a. The Stubbornness of the Jews (2:1-16)
b. The Hypocrisy of the Jews (2:17-29)
c. The Privilege of the Jews (3:1-8) - 3. The Proof of Universal Guilt (3:9-20)
- B. Salvation: The Universal Provision of Righteousness (3:21–5:11)
- 1. Manifestation of the Universal Provision of Righteousness (3:21-26)
2. Unification: The Universal God of Righteousness (3:27-31)
3. Justification of Universal Justification: Proof from the Life of Abraham (4:1-25) - a. Abraham Justified by Faith, not Works (4:1-8)
b. Abraham Justified by Faith, not Circumcision (4:9-12)
c. Abraham’s Seed Justified by Faith, not Law (4:13-17)
d. Abraham Justified by Faith in the Promise (4:18-25) - 1) Explanation of the Hope of Abraham (4:18-22)
2) Application: Faith in Christ (4:23-25) - 4. Exultation because of the Certainty of Justification (5:1-11)
- a. Present: Peace with God (5:1-5)
b. Past: Powerlessness of Sinners (5:6-8)
c. Future: Escape from God’s Wrath (5:9-11)
III. Sanctification: The Impartation of Righteousness (5:12–8:39)
- A. The Reign of Grace Vs. the Reign of Sin (5:12-21)
B. The Rationale for Sanctification (6:1-23) - 1. Union with Christ (6:1-14)
- a. The Divine Reckoning (6:1-10)
b. The Believer’s Reckoning (6:11)
c. The Believer’s Responsibility (6:12-14) - 2. Enslavement to Righteousness (6:15-23)
- C. The Inability of the Flesh and the Law to Sanctify (7:1-25)
- 1. The Believer’s Relationship to the Law (7:1-6)
2. The Law is Good but Sterile (7:7-13)
3. The Flesh is Bad and Powerless (7:14-25) - D. The Power of the Spirit to Sanctify (8:1-17)
- 1. Over Sin (8:1-8)
2. Over Death (8:9-11)
3. Over Slavery (8:12-17) - E. The Goal of Sanctification (8:18-39)
- 1. Present Sufferings (8:18-27)
2. Future Glory (8:28-30)
3. Hymn of Assurance (8:31-39)
IV. Vindication of God’s Righteousness in His Relationship to Israel (9:1–11:36)
- A. God’s Past Dealings with Israel (9:1-33)
- 1. Preface: Paul’s Deep Sorrow because of Israel’s Great Privileges (9:1-5)
2. The Grace of God’s Election (9:6-29) - a. Seen in Israel’s History (9:6-13)
b. Seen in Principle (9:14-29) - 3. The Nation’s Rejection of the Messiah via Legalism (9:30-33)
- B. God’s Present Dealings with Israel (10:1-21)
- 1. Equality with the Gentiles (10:1-13)
2. Obstinance of the Jews (10:14-21) - C. God’s Future Dealings with Israel (11:1-33)
- 1. The Rejection is not Complete (11:1-10)
2. The Rejection is not Final (11:11-32) - a. The Present “Grafting” of Gentiles (11:11-24)
b. The Future Salvation of Israel (11:25-32) - 3. Doxology: In Praise of God’s Wisdom (11:33-36)
V. Application: God’s Righteousness at Work (12:1–15:13)
- A. In the Assembly (12:1-21)
- 1. The Consecrated Life (12:1-2)
2. The Use of Spiritual Gifts (12:3-8)
3. The Sincerity of Love (12:9-21) - B. In the State (13:1-14)
- 1. In Relation to Authorities (13:1-7)
2. In Relation to Neighbors (13:8-10)
3. Because of our Eschatological Hope (13:11-14) - C. In Relation to Weak Believers (14:1–15:13)
- 1. Judging and the Principle of Liberty (14:1-12)
2. Stumbling Blocks and the Principle of Love (14:13-23)
3. Selfishness and the Imitation of Christ (15:1-13)
VI. Conclusion: Paul’s Purpose, Plans and Praise in Connection with the Dissemination of Righteousness (15:14–16:27)
- A. Paul’s Mission Explained (15:14-33)
- 1. His Reason for Writing (15:14-16)
2. His Work among the Gentiles (15:17-21)
3. His Plan to Visit Rome (15:22-33) - B. Final Greetings (16:1-27)
- 1. Greetings to Believers in Rome (16:1-16)
2. Warnings about Divisive Brothers (16:17-20)
3. Greetings from Believers with Paul (16:21-24)
4. Final Benediction (16:25-27)
Thursday, July 18, 2013
GETTING READY: To whom was Romans written?
The first book we'll be studying for the 2013-2014 season will be the epistle to the Romans. The next few weeks of the "Getting Ready" series, we will be considering the high-level questions about this book. If you have additional questions, don't be shy about e-mailing the coaches!
To whom was the epistle to the Romans written?
This again may seem like an obvious answer, given the title of the book, and the introduction from Paul in Romans 1:7:
First, we know that Rome was a church that had started and thrived without having been planted by an apostle. Paul, after his arrest in Acts 21, will eventually be sent to Rome as a prisoner and will bring the gospel to many people in the capital city. But up until this time, they have had to make due with second-level teachers and leaders. This explains why Romans sometimes reads like "Intro to Christianity", laying out the basics of the faith. The Romans had never heard real doctrine before!
Second, we know that the Roman church contained both Jews and Gentiles (Gentiles - for those who may have forgotten - means "any non-Jew"). This created a good deal of tension in the church, because Jews observed the whole Mosaic law in addition to Christianity while Gentiles just wanted to follow the teachings of Jesus. This pattern will be played out again and again in the early church, as Jewish Christians want to make Gentiles more Jewish, while Gentile Christians want to make Jews act more like Gentiles. But this explains why Paul will spend a good deal of this book laying out the differences and similarities between Jew and Gentile.
Third, we know that Paul had high hopes for Rome. If the capital of the Roman Empire were to become Christian, it greatly increased the possibility the gospel would eventually reach the whole Roman world. At this time in history, the Empire reached from Spain in the East to India in the West, from Britain in the North to Africa in the South. It was the greatest empire that had ever existed, and offered a chance to communicate the gospel in a common language to the whole known world.
To whom was the epistle to the Romans written?
This again may seem like an obvious answer, given the title of the book, and the introduction from Paul in Romans 1:7:
To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:But what do we really know about the Roman church? The book's content tells us a lot about them.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7
First, we know that Rome was a church that had started and thrived without having been planted by an apostle. Paul, after his arrest in Acts 21, will eventually be sent to Rome as a prisoner and will bring the gospel to many people in the capital city. But up until this time, they have had to make due with second-level teachers and leaders. This explains why Romans sometimes reads like "Intro to Christianity", laying out the basics of the faith. The Romans had never heard real doctrine before!
Second, we know that the Roman church contained both Jews and Gentiles (Gentiles - for those who may have forgotten - means "any non-Jew"). This created a good deal of tension in the church, because Jews observed the whole Mosaic law in addition to Christianity while Gentiles just wanted to follow the teachings of Jesus. This pattern will be played out again and again in the early church, as Jewish Christians want to make Gentiles more Jewish, while Gentile Christians want to make Jews act more like Gentiles. But this explains why Paul will spend a good deal of this book laying out the differences and similarities between Jew and Gentile.
Third, we know that Paul had high hopes for Rome. If the capital of the Roman Empire were to become Christian, it greatly increased the possibility the gospel would eventually reach the whole Roman world. At this time in history, the Empire reached from Spain in the East to India in the West, from Britain in the North to Africa in the South. It was the greatest empire that had ever existed, and offered a chance to communicate the gospel in a common language to the whole known world.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
GETTING READY: When was Romans written?
The first book we'll be studying for the 2013-2014 season will be the epistle to the Romans. The next few weeks of the "Getting Ready" series, we will be considering the high-level questions about this book. If you have additional questions, don't be shy about e-mailing the coaches!
When was the epistle to the Romans written?
Knowing for sure that the apostle Paul wrote this letter is very helpful to figuring out when (and where!) it was written. In Acts 20, we read about Paul's third missionary journey. During this journey, he collected funds for the church in Jerusalem (which you may remember was undergoing severe persecution). He mentions in Romans 15 that he has collected the money and the reason he can not go to Rome himself, is that he needs to deliver it. This pinpoints the timeframe for the letter in 57 A.D. (A.D. - if you forgot - means anno domini or "the year of our Lord", i.e. after Jesus was born).
He mentions in Romans 16 that the letter will be delivered by a woman named Phoebe from Cenchrea. Cenhrea was a town near Corinth, so it is likely that Paul wrote this letter while ministering in Corinth (the same place that both 1 Cornithians and 2 Corinthians are written to).
When was the epistle to the Romans written?
Knowing for sure that the apostle Paul wrote this letter is very helpful to figuring out when (and where!) it was written. In Acts 20, we read about Paul's third missionary journey. During this journey, he collected funds for the church in Jerusalem (which you may remember was undergoing severe persecution). He mentions in Romans 15 that he has collected the money and the reason he can not go to Rome himself, is that he needs to deliver it. This pinpoints the timeframe for the letter in 57 A.D. (A.D. - if you forgot - means anno domini or "the year of our Lord", i.e. after Jesus was born).
He mentions in Romans 16 that the letter will be delivered by a woman named Phoebe from Cenchrea. Cenhrea was a town near Corinth, so it is likely that Paul wrote this letter while ministering in Corinth (the same place that both 1 Cornithians and 2 Corinthians are written to).
Monday, July 1, 2013
GETTING READY: Who wrote Romans?
The first book we'll be studying for the 2013-2014 season will be the epistle to the Romans. The next few weeks of the "Getting Ready" series, we will be considering the high-level questions about this book. If you have additional questions, don't be shy about e-mailing the coaches!
Who wrote the epistle to the Romans?
(By the way, "epistle" means "letter". It sounds fancy, but it's not.)
While there are doubts about who wrote many of the books of the Bible, Romans is not one of them. As was common for letters in the day, the author puts his name in the very first line:
Paul was the most prolific writer (in terms of numbers of books) in the New Testament. He wrote 13 epistles/letters (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon).
Who wrote the epistle to the Romans?
(By the way, "epistle" means "letter". It sounds fancy, but it's not.)
While there are doubts about who wrote many of the books of the Bible, Romans is not one of them. As was common for letters in the day, the author puts his name in the very first line:
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,All of the early church fathers (and mothers) were agreed on the authorship, as well. It is the same Paul (also know as Saul) first mentioned in Acts 8:1 and converted to Christianity in Acts 9. Paul is unique among the apostles, because he was the only one who didn't know Jesus before the Resurrection. So, why was he approved as an apostle? Because Jesus appeared to him directly on the road to Damascus!
Romans 1:1
Paul was the most prolific writer (in terms of numbers of books) in the New Testament. He wrote 13 epistles/letters (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon).
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