New Testament · Epistle

The Book of Romans

The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Paul unfolds the gospel — sin, justification, sanctification, glorification, God's plan for Israel, and life in the body of Christ.

Author and background of Romans

Author

Paul

Date written

c. AD 57

Original audience

The church in Rome.

Written from Corinth before Paul's trip to Jerusalem.

Major themes of Romans

The theology of Romans centers on god's character and glory and sin, grace, and redemption. Trace these threads as you read.

God's character and glory

Every page reveals more of who God is — His holiness, mercy, and steadfast love.

Sin, grace, and redemption

Scripture diagnoses our brokenness honestly and points us to the rescue God provides.

Covenant and promise

God binds Himself to His people in faithful, unbreakable promises fulfilled in Christ.

Worship and obedience

Faith expresses itself in a life of worship, repentance, and joyful obedience.

Key characters in Romans

Paul

Apostle and author.

Phoebe

Servant of the church who carried the letter.

Every chapter of Romans explained

Verse-by-verse explanations and reflections for every chapter of Romans — ideal for personal study, devotionals, and small group discussion.

Key verses from Romans

"I am not ashamed of the gospel."
Romans 1:16-17
Read Romans 1:16-17 in context
"There is therefore now no condemnation."
Romans 8:1
Read Romans 8:1 in context
"Present your bodies as a living sacrifice."
Romans 12:1
Read Romans 12:1 in context

How to apply Romans today

Romans is not just history — it is God's Word for your life this week. Try these practical steps:

  • Read prayerfully, asking the Spirit to teach and convict you.
  • Identify one truth about God and one truth about yourself in every chapter.
  • Look for Christ — every book testifies of Him (Luke 24:27).
  • Turn what you read into prayer and obedience this week.

Pray Romans back to God

  • Father, open my eyes to behold wondrous things in Your Word (Ps. 119:18).
  • Lord, give me a soft heart that trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2).
  • Spirit of God, conform me to Christ as I read.
  • Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22).

Study Romans more deeply

Explore themes, characters, historical context, application guides, and devotionals built for Romans.

Keep going · Amazon picks

Go deeper into Romans on Amazon

Hand-picked search shortcuts to trusted commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals on Romans. Purchases through these links support this ministry at no extra cost to you.

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  • Romans — Douglas Moo (NICNT)

    The premier evangelical commentary on Romans.

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  • The Message of Romans — John Stott

    Accessible, sermon-shaped commentary.

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Romans — frequently asked questions

+Who wrote the book of Romans?

Paul — written around c. AD 57.

+What is the main message of Romans?

The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

+How many chapters are in Romans?

Romans has 16 chapters.

+Who was Romans written to?

The church in Rome.

+What are the key themes of Romans?

God's character and glory; Sin, grace, and redemption; Covenant and promise; Worship and obedience.