Romans

The book of Romans is one of the most important books of the New Testament. With its deep rooted content it is also one of the most important books of the entire Bible. It is, in essence, a summary of the entire Bible. Throughout its pages you will find capstone after capstone placed ever so strategically upon multiple foundational issues. Authored by Paul, it is easily considered his crowning literature achievement.

Written in A.D. 57 while Nero was in Roman power, Paul had to write blindly, in a sense, as he had not yet ever been to Rome. Often overlooked within its abundant topics of discussion is the fact that this is a very personal letter. Paul addressed 26 different people by name and even though he was in Corinth at the time of this writing, he made sure he had his audience in mind with every stroke of the pen.

The book of Romans plays out almost like a courtroom drama. There is presentation of the crime (mankind's sinful behavior). Evidence of multiple priors (mankind's sinful nature). There is an attempt by the defense to explain said behavior's (obedience to law). There are both prosecution and defense cases that are both built by Paul. There is pronouncement of guilt, punishment and pardon. All the while the entire case is littered with a court appointed behavioral therapist played by the Living God in the form of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Like a great movie that the whole world is talking about, there is only so much that can be described without falling victim to revealing spoilers. So friends, if you dare, treat your ears to a scintillating and challenging audio treat but I will leave you with this spoiler: One cannot, with intent on obedience, read this book and remain unchanged. It has changed to landscape of Christianity several times over in the course of the last 2,000 years from Augustine's conversion, to Constantine's inclusion, to Martin Luther's reformation, to John Wesley's revolution and Great Awakening. Truly a work of impactful systematic theology. Enjoy!

Romans Chapter 1:1-7
File Size:	95750 kb
File Type:	mp3