City Life Starter

Why did Paul write this letter to Romans?  

Scholars and experts are not clear of the purpose of Paul’s letter to Christians in Rome.  Leon Morris, expert and scholar, in his commentary on Romans asks, “Why did the man who did not build on other people’ foundations want to preach in the flourishing church in Rome?” (The Epistle to the Romans, 2012)  Unlike his other letters that address many local issues, anyone who read Paul’s letters would recognize that there is something quite different and special about this letter.  Morris continues, “Romans contains the apostle’s mature reflection on what Christianity is all about, we must still ask, why did Paul set this mature reflection down in writing?  And if he did, why send it to Rome?”

In my time of reflection, I have found that to discover Paul’s purpose of the letter lies with his address to the Roman church (Content) and the people who were part of this community (history).  A community which would be tested greatly by the emperor Nero, in whose reign many were persecuted and martyred, including Paul himself (67AD).  In Caesaria, Israel, where Paul was imprisoned for two years before going to Rome, I get to reenact the trial of Paul through scripture as we visit the historical site.  When you hear the story over and over, you get to see a side of the story that you never previously thought.  This is what I have noticed. Here is a man who understood his mission, his mission to go to Rome to stand before Caesar, and ultimately paying the price of his faith for Jesus Christ.  Could it be that Paul, who knew his call to fulfill the commission that was given to him at Damascus Road, also knew that Rome would be his final destination?  This reveals a side of Paul that we rarely see in Scripture, not only as man of conviction as we see in plain sight, but a man who hears from God.  If Paul knew his final destination would be Rome, it would make perfect sense that his purpose of writing to Rome would be introducing himself to the Roman church, but most importantly, laying down the foundation of Christianity to a community who will not only suffer, but spread the gospel to the world.

And they did.  They did not waver in their faith, but stood boldly even when they faced death.  Why?  Because they loved the One who saved them, and would not betray Him who gave all for them.  JY

Leon Morris, The Epistle to the Romans. Eerdman:Grand Rapids, 2012.

(Feature Image credited to Eugene Thirion, Bonhams, London, UK/Bridgeman Art Library).