NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #2
Outline #2: Prologue – Rm 1:1-17
The opening section of the book of Romans introduces the theme and thesis statement for the letter with the gospel at the centre. In fact, Paul qualifies the gospel with three differently nuanced descriptors as ‘the gospel of God’ in Rm 1:1, ‘the gospel of His Son’ in Rm 1:9 and ‘the gospel of Christ’ in Rm 1:16. Paul also establishes his authority as an apostle and his separation unto the gospel by God. Paul also highlights the scope and purpose of the message that God has called him to preach. His expressed desire to visit the believers in Rome underscores the unifying power of the gospel. As mentioned in the first outline, we might consider verses Rm 1:16-17 of chapter one as Paul’s thesis statement for his treatise of the gospel: ..it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Outline of Romans 1:1-17
Rm 1:1-7 – Paul’s introduction of the promises of the Gospel
Rm 1:8-15 – Paul’s intention to preach the Gospel at Rome
Rm 1:16-17 – Paul’s insistence on the power of the Gospel
Themes to think about
● Paul’s mission and identity as an apostle
● The divine origin of the Gospel
● The continuity and harmony of the Scriptures
● Mutual encouragement in the work and fruit of the Gospel
● The scope and power of the Gospel
Questions for discussion
1. What can we learn from the 3 ways in which Paul describes the gospel in this passage: ‘the gospel of God’, ‘the gospel of His Son’ and ‘the gospel of Christ’?
2. How does Paul describe his own relationship to the gospel? What words stand out?
3. What is the link between obedience and faith (v.5) brought out in this passage?
4. In which situations might we feel tempted to be ‘ashamed of the gospel’? What can help or encourage us as believers to live unashamed of the gospel?