Romans
Paul’s fullest explanation of the gospel, written to the church in Rome.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
Paul writes as he is about to take a collection from Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem, and plans to visit Rome on the way to Spain. He sends greetings from Corinth, naming Gaius and Erastus.Rom 15:25–28; Rom 16:23
- Outside evidence
A paving inscription at Corinth names an Erastus who paid for the pavement as city official. Some scholars identify him with the Erastus in Romans 16:23, and others think the name is too common to be sure. Claudius’ expulsion of Jews from Rome, noted by Suetonius and in Acts 18:2, helps explain the situation of the Roman church.Erastus Inscription, Corinth; Suetonius, Claudius 25; Acts 18:2
- Debated
Traditions disagree on how to understand Paul’s teaching on justification, and on the “righteousness of God.” That debate runs through Catholic, Protestant, and recent “new perspective” readings.Rom 3:21–26
- Christian conclusion
Christians read Romans as teaching that God declares sinners righteous through faith in Jesus.Rom 1:16–17; Rom 5:1