Romans
Work through Paul's fullest explanation of the gospel: sin and judgment, justification by faith, life in the Spirit, God's purposes for Israel, and life together in the church.
16 chapters · read each one, then take its quiz
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Sign in to start- 1Romans 1: The Gospel and God's Wrath Revealed
Paul greets the Roman church and declares he is not ashamed of the gospel, the power of God for salvation, in which God's righteousness is revealed. He then shows that God's wrath is revealed against humanity, which suppressed the truth and turned to idolatry and every kind of sin.
- 2Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment
Paul warns that those who judge others while doing the same things will not escape God's impartial judgment according to truth. Having the Law or circumcision is no protection, since what matters is a heart made new by the Spirit, not outward identity.
- 3Romans 3: All Have Sinned and Justification by Faith
Paul answers objections about God's faithfulness and concludes that Jews and Gentiles alike are under sin, with no one righteous. Now God's righteousness is revealed apart from the Law, through faith in Christ, whose sacrifice justifies sinners freely by grace.
- 4Romans 4: Abraham Justified by Faith
Paul shows that Abraham was counted righteous by faith before he was circumcised, and David likewise blessed the one whose sins are forgiven. The promise depends on faith, so that it is a gift of grace, and Abraham's hope in God's power is a pattern for all who believe.
- 5Romans 5: Peace with God and the Two Adams
Justified by faith, believers have peace with God and can rejoice even in suffering, because God showed his love when Christ died for sinners. Paul contrasts Adam, through whom sin and death came to all, with Christ, through whom grace and life abound.
- 6Romans 6: Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Paul rejects the idea that believers should keep sinning so grace may increase. United with Christ in his death and resurrection, they are dead to sin and alive to God, freed from sin's slavery to become slaves of righteousness, for sin's wage is death.
- 7Romans 7: The Law and the Struggle with Sin
Paul explains that believers have died to the Law through Christ, like a widow freed to remarry. The Law is holy but exposes and provokes sin. Paul then describes his anguished struggle with indwelling sin and thanks God for deliverance through Jesus Christ.
- 8Romans 8: Life in the Spirit
There is no condemnation for those in Christ, who walk by the Spirit and are adopted as God's children. Creation groans awaiting redemption, God works all things for good for those he foreknew, predestined, and called, and nothing can separate them from his love.
- 9Romans 9: God's Sovereign Choice
Paul grieves over Israel's unbelief and explains that God's word has not failed, since not all Israel is truly Israel. God chose Jacob over Esau apart from works and shows mercy as he wills, like a potter with clay, while Israel stumbled by pursuing righteousness by works.
- 10Romans 10: Righteousness by Faith for All
Paul longs for Israel's salvation, since they sought their own righteousness rather than God's. Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness, and everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and believes God raised him will be saved, so messengers must be sent to preach.
- 11Romans 11: The Remnant and the Olive Tree
God has not rejected his people, for a remnant is chosen by grace while the rest are hardened. Through Israel's stumbling salvation has reached the Gentiles, grafted into the olive tree, and Paul foresees all Israel saved, ending in praise of God's unsearchable wisdom.
- 12Romans 12: A Living Sacrifice
In light of God's mercies, Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices and be transformed by renewing their minds. He describes using spiritual gifts in the one body, genuine love, blessing persecutors, and overcoming evil with good.
- 13Romans 13: Authorities and Love Fulfilling the Law
Paul teaches that governing authorities are established by God, so believers should submit and pay taxes. Love fulfills the Law, since love does no wrong to a neighbor, and because the day is near, believers must cast off darkness and put on Christ.
- 14Romans 14: The Weak and the Strong
Paul addresses disputes over food and holy days, urging believers not to despise or judge one another, since each will give account to God. The strong should not let their freedom destroy a weaker brother, for the kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
- 15Romans 15: Christ's Example and Paul's Mission
The strong should bear with the weak, following Christ, who did not please himself and welcomed both Jews and Gentiles. Paul explains his calling as minister to the Gentiles and his plans to bring an offering to Jerusalem and then visit Rome on the way to Spain.
- 16Romans 16: Greetings and Final Warnings
Paul commends Phoebe and greets many coworkers in Rome, including Prisca and Aquila. He warns against those who cause divisions, promises that God will soon crush Satan, and closes with praise to the only wise God who strengthens believers through the gospel.