• Lesson 1: Introduction and Preview (Rom 1:17; 15:14-16:27)
• * Topic 1: Background Information
•   Value of the Epistle
•   Paul's Reasons for Writing (Rom 15:14-33)
•   The Church at Rome (Rom 16:1-16)
•   Message of the Epistle
•   Preview of the Epistle
• * Topic 2: Paul's Introduction to the Epistle (Rom 1:1-17)
•   Greetings (Rom 1:1-7)
•   Paul's Proposed Visit (Rom 1:8-15)
•   Theme of the Epistle (Rom 1:16-17)

Lesson 1: Introduction and Preview to Romans
Topic 1: Background Information (Continued)

Preview of the Epistle

Objective 5 - At the end of this topic, you will have an overall understanding of the development of Paul's thought in Romans by reading it straight through with the help of an outline.

In the Galatians course you were assigned preliminary readings with an outline. Now you are ready to follow the same steps with Romans. Doing this will help you see the epistle better as a whole and understand more clearly the development of Paul's thought, then you will be prepared for a detailed study of Romans.

First, read the outline of Romans.

Next, imagine that you are a Roman soldier converted under Paul's ministry while you were stationed in Corinth, but you had to return to Rome before you could learn very much Christian doctrine. Now you are trying to tell your friends about God and salvation. They worship many gods. One philosopher friend is very interested, but you cannot answer his questions. Then one day Priscilla and Aquila tell you that they have received a letter from Paul and that he sends his greetings to the church in Rome. Priscilla and Aquila say that Paul wants them to share the letter with you and the others who meet in their home (Rom 16:3-5).

You are now ready to read the entire epistle, Romans 1-16. Refer to the outline of Romans as you read.