BY
KEN MISIAK
MARCH, 1ST, 2011
Although football stadiums are probably the closest representation of ancient coliseums, the sports held in each are vastly different from each other. In a similar way, the Roman church interpreted the letter of Romans in a much different way than how modern readers approach the same letter. In order to grasp the original intent of what is now the book of Romans in the Bible, readers must place themselves into the ancient world. The book of Romans is a theologically rich book which is often very difficult to understand. Scholars throughout the years have written volumes upon volumes of books exploring the possible meanings for what was written. Although the journey is very difficult, if not fully impossible to completely understand, it is very rewarding and much can still be learned about God.
Authorship of Romans:
The author to the book of Romans self identifies himself as Paul in Romans 1:1. Throughout history, Paul’s authorship was never strongly questioned by the early church. In addition, the writing style of Romans matches the style of other letters written by Paul. In fact, the majority of the New Testament is attributed to Paul, including: 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and finally Philemon. Scholars believe Romans was most likely written while Paul was in Corinth during the spring of A.D. 58. The apostle Paul plays a vital role in the development of the early church by all of the letters he has written, including Romans. About the Apostle Paul:
Paul is probably most notably known for his strong persecution of Christians before he was converted. During this time, Paul was known as Saul and was an active leader in the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin acted as a supreme council for the Jewish people. God completely changed Saul’s life by a miraculous conversion that happened when Saul was on the road to Damascus. The book of Acts outlines this story, along with a great deal of Paul’s life and his travels. After his conversion, Paul spent three years in Arabia restudying the Torah, particularly Isaiah. After this time, Paul launches into several great missionary journeys all throughout the country. Paul’s life is a great testimony of God’s saving power to transform lives at work. Rome and Paul’s Goal:
Paul’s mission was to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations and strengthen communities of believers. Paul wrote letters to different churches when he could not physically be present to address specific problems which were occurring. As such, Paul wrote the book of Romans to the church in Rome. During the time Paul wrote, Rome was one of the most well known cities in the entire nation, was the capital of the Roman Empire, and was ruled over by Emperor Nero. Rome was located on the Tiber River, eighteen miles from the Mediterranean Sea, and thrived off of commerce, trade, and agriculture. Rome’s population is estimated at 1,200,000 people, of which the majority of people were pauper citizens. Paul’s letter to the established Roman church may very well be the first interaction that he had with that community of believers. Paul heard about the Roman church and some of the issues they were facing. As a result, Paul wanted to preach the gospel, visit, and enlist their help for the continuation of his missionary journey.
Situation in Rome:
The situation that Paul is addressing in Romans most likely stemmed from Emperor Claudius’ edict in A.D. 49. This edict forced approximately 40,000 to 60,000 Jews to leave Rome due to disputes on whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. As a result of this mass exodus, Gentile Christians took control of the leadership of the Roman church. Jews were not allowed to return to Rome until A.D. 54 when Emperor Claudius died. When Jews returned, they were not allowed to meet in the synagogues. As one can imagine, this caused great strife between Jewish and Gentile Christians. The Roman worldview believed that honor and shame should dominate how a person lives. Both Jews and Gentiles got wrapped up with this worldly notion. Gentiles did not want to give up the honorable position of leading the church. On the other hand, Jews believed their honor came from following the Law and could not understand why the Gentiles were not following the Law. This conflict between Jews and Gentiles sets the background for why Paul wrote Romans. Literary Context:
Before looking specifically at what Paul says in Romans 5:1-11, we need to understand his argument leading up to these verses. The first four chapters of Paul’s letter can be broken up into five main sections. In the first section, Romans 1:1-15, Paul writes an introduction to the Roman church and explains his credentials for why they should listen to him. The second section, Romans 1:16-17, is the heart of Paul’s message. God’s faithfulness, through Christ, is revealed through the gospel for both Jews and Gentiles. In the third section, Romans 1:18-3:20, Paul’s main point is that God does not show favoritism. Humanity is under the power of sin and idolatry. Both Jews and Gentiles require God’s saving covenant faithfulness and neither are better off than the other; there is no room for boasting. The fourth section is Romans 3:21-31. Paul’s point is that it is not through the law, but through faith in Christ that people are justified before God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the means for atonement that brings grace and freedom from a guilty verdict before a wrathful God who hates sin. The fifth and final section is Romans 4:1-25. Paul explains that Abraham’s justification came by faith and not by the law or by works and happened before he was circumcised. The main argument that summarizes the first four chapters is that Jesus is the Messiah and God has been faithful to the covenant, impartial in judging sins, and is redefining humanity to make a universal family that follows Him.
Outline of Romans 1:1-4:25:
I. Paul introduces himself and gives his credentials as an apostle (1:1-15).
II. Theme of Romans: God’s faithfulness through Christ is revealed through the gospel (1:16-17).
III. All of humanity is under the power of sin and God does not show favoritism (1:18-3:20).
IV. Not by the law, but by faith in Christ and His sacrifice, are people justified (3:21-31).
V. Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith the same way in that Abraham was justified by faith (4:1-25).
In the grand scheme of Romans, Paul will go on to show that the new family of God that is being created will fulfill the covenant and carry out God’s purposes with the help of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 9-11, Paul argues that this plan of unity is not new to God. God is in control and knows all that is going to happen. Chapters 12-16 urge believers to embrace this idea and to live as a family to carry out God’s purposes in the world.
Word Study:
1. “glory” (NIV, NKJV), “exult” (NASB), “rejoice” (ESV), “boast” (YLT)
a. Greek word: kauchaomai b. Range of meaning: (1) to glory (whether with reason or without) (2) to glory on account of a thing (3) to glory in a thing.
c. Meaning in Romans 5:1-11: This word is used three times in these 11 verses. Verse 2: boast in the hope, 3: glory in our sufferings (which later produces hope), 11: boast in God. The context seems to indicate the meaning is to glory on account of a thing. Verses 2 and 3 are closely related to hope which is based on account of God. Verse 11 clearly states boasting on account of what God did through Jesus.
d. Other occurrences in Romans: 2:17; 2:23; 5:2; 5:3; 5:11
e. Used in same way? In Romans 2:17 seems to indicate to glory on account of God as well. Romans 2:23 seems to indicate glory in a thing, the law, which ultimately dishonors God because the law is broken.
2. “justified” (NIV, NASB, ESV, NKJV), “righteous” (YLT)
b. Range of meaning: (1) to take up a legal cause, show justice, do justice, take up a cause (2) to render a favorable verdict, vindicate (3) to cause someone to be released from personal or institutional claims that are no longer to be considered pertinent or valid, make free/pure (4) to demonstrate to be morally right, prove to be right.
c. Meaning in Romans 5:1-11: The best meaning in Romans 5;1,9 is to render a favorable verdict, vindicate. Christians are vindicated by Christ’s blood through faith in Christ. The context of the verses seems to indicate having peace when we are judged by God, we will be free from God’s wrath.
d. Other occurrences in Romans: 2:13, 3:4, 3:20, 3:24, 3:26, 3:28, 3:30, 4:2, 4:5, 5:1, 5:9, 6:7, 8:30 (twice here), 8:33.
e. Used in same way? This word is used in slightly different ways throughout Romans. Most of the time it is referencing how the law does not vindicate us, only Christ does.
Outline of Romans 5:1-11:
I. Living As Justified Believers (5:1-2a),
A. Jews and Gentiles have peace through Jesus Christ (5:1).
B. Jews and Gentiles have access to grace through Jesus Christ (5:2a).
II. We Rejoice In The Confidence We Have From God (5:2b-5),
A. Our ultimate confidence is God’s salvation (5:2b).
B. We are confident in tribulations (5:3-4).
C. We are confident because of God’s love through the Holy Spirit (5:5).
III. (We Have This Confidence Because of Christ’s Death (5:6-8)
A. Jesus Christ died for the ungodly (5:6).
B. God loves us unconditionally (5:7).
C. God’s love for sinners is shown through Christ’s death. (5:8).
IV. And Resurrection Which Saves Us From God’s Wrath (5:9-10) )
A. We are justified by Christ’s blood (5:9).
B. We are saved by Christ’s life (5:10).
V. And Give God All The Glory (5:11).
A. We have reconciliation through Jesus Christ (5:11).
Theological Claim:
A great deal can be learned about God and His world by looking at Romans 5:1-11. In Romans 4, Paul just got done saying that Abraham was justified by faith apart from works, circumcision, or the law. Chapters 4 and 5 of Romans are closely related. In Romans 4:20-21, Paul says that Abraham “did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” These words set the stage for what Paul is about to say in Romans 5. In a nutshell, as said in my outline, Paul says that by living life as justified believers, we rejoice in the confidence we have from God (we have this confidence because of Christ’s death and resurrection which saves us from God’s wrath) and give God all the glory. Starting into chapter 5, Paul continues to parallel Abraham’s life with the life of a justified believer. In other words, Paul shows what it looks like for living a justified life. As justified believers in Christ, we have peace and access to grace through Jesus Christ. As we live, we have complete confidence in God to save us once we die. No suffering or tribulation that comes our way should discourage us from God’s salvation but rather encourage and strengthen us. Our confidence for this hope of salvation comes from God’s love through the Holy Spirit. God’s unconditional love for humanity is shown in Christ’s death. While humanity was powerless, helpless, weak, ailing, and ungodly, Christ died for all our sins. Not only did Christ die, but He was raised to life for our justification, which came by His blood. Justification cannot be earned, but is given by God to those who believe in Christ. Humanity is powerless to save itself and a sacrifice was needed to appease God’s wrath. Jesus was that perfect and righteous sacrifice who died because He loves us. Jesus’ payment, by His blood, is complete and needs nothing else. By believing in Jesus’ life we are reconciled to God. Because of Jesus’ faithfulness, even to death on the cross, both Jews and Gentiles should give God glory for what He has done to bring reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Romans 5 marks a shift in Paul’s writing style to stress the idea of unity. Instead of addressing Jews and Gentiles individually, as he did in Romans 1-4, he starts addressing both groups together. Because of Emperor Claudius’ edict, Jews and Gentiles had a great deal of hostility towards each other. Paul emphasizes the point that there should be no division by using the words “we” and “our” twenty-four times in just Romans 5:1-11. Paul is redefining the Jews and Gentile’s point of view on what it means to be a follower of God all throughout the rest of his letter. Canonical Claim:
Paul’s main points in Romans 5 can be found in many other passages of scriptures. In Paul’s other letters, we find many of his same ideas repeated. Even by avoiding what Paul wrote, we find external evidence by other authors that confirms Paul’s writing. In particular, the book of Isaiah has many sections which allude to what Jesus Christ will do for humanity. For example, Isaiah 53:5 says that Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him and by His wounds we are healed. Continuing in verse 10, it says the Lord makes His life an offering for sin. Verse 11 says the righteous servant will justify many and will bear their iniquities, and verse 12 says He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for transgressors. I believe this clearly points to Paul’s argument throughout Romans that God’s plan was to reconcile people through Jesus. By Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles are justified and saved from God’s wrath.
The New Testament has many passages which parallel what Paul wrote in Romans 5. The most well known of these passages is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This relates to Paul’s point that we can be confident in God’s love to bring salvation. John goes on to state that God sent Jesus to save the world and not condemn it. However, one must believe in Jesus or else they will be condemned. This relates to Paul’s point that we are justified through faith. In 1 John 3, John talks about God’s love for us and how we are children of God. This relates to Paul’s point that there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is making a new unified family. John goes on to say that Jesus takes away sin, and in 1 Peter 3:18, Peter says that Christ suffered once for sins to bring us to God. In verse 21, Peter goes on to say that we are saved by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Finally, what I found unique about Paul’s message was his confidence, hope, and peace for salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord! Perspectives from Commentaries:
In Kenneth Wuest’s book, Romans in the Greek New Testament, he points out several interpretive difficulties with this passage. I was particularly interested in his discussion over peace. Wuest says that scholars are unsure what Paul originally wrote in the Greek for the word “have.” If this word had an omicron, then the verse would read “we have peace.” If the verse had an omega, a long “O,” it would read “let us have peace.” Wuest says many scholars argue the second interpretation is best. The difference between these two interpretations is that peace comes with justification or a believer must work towards that peace. Wuest believes the word should be translated as “we have peace.” He comes to this conclusion by looking at the context surrounding the word. This argument ties directly back to Paul’s train of thought between work or faith centered justification. Paul makes his point clear that it is by faith believers are justified and declared righteous. This idea then discounts the fact that believers have to work towards earning peace. Despite the uncertainty of one Greek letter, it can be inferred from the rest of Paul’s message that he did not intend Romans 5:1 to be read as “let us have peace.”
In Wuest’s book, he pulls together opposing views from scholars, analyzes these views, and then gives his opinion on the correct interpretation. This process of presenting different views is very helpful in shedding light on Romans 5. I would never have even known about all the different views if Wuest had not mentioned them. I am also more aware of the pain staking process it takes to decipher the meaning behind certain Greek words. Wuest’s book leaves many questions unanswered for me. For example, Wuest left out many Greek words which play a critical role to understanding the passage. He brings up only a few Greek words which other scholars have already written on and summarizes their work without providing many new insights. All in all, Wuest offers a fascinating Greek interpretive lens to view Romans 5 through.
Another author, Joseph Shulam, helped me understand Romans 5 from a unique Jewish perspective. Shulam does not clearly state any interpretive difficulties with the Romans text. However, Shulam implies that the interpretive difficulty of Romans lies with the ability to understand different Jewish Intertestamental texts surrounding the time period. He strongly believes Romans should be interpreted through the lens of a Jewish world. Because of this, Shulam quotes many passages from sources such as the Qumran community in order to explain the Jewish connection behind Paul’s words. For example, Shulam compares the phrase “exult in hope of the glory of God” in Romans 5:2, to the view the Qumrans held of this in 1QH 11.9-14. Although these texts provide great insights surrounding the context of what Paul has written in Romans, we need to keep in mind that Romans was not written for purely a Jewish audience. What interested me most from Shulam’s work was how he connected Paul’s idea of justification by faith in Christ to the Jewish sacrificial system. Before Jesus, men who broke the laws in the Torah had to make an animal sacrifice as atonement for their sins. Jewish belief held to the idea that the coming of the Messiah would be a political militant leader. Jesus did not fulfill this expectation, but came as a Suffering Servant who ultimately died on the cross as a sacrifice. By God’s faithfulness through Jesus Christ, mankind is now justified by faith because of Jesus’ sacrifice of atonement on the cross. Although I can see many of the connections Shulam is trying to make, I am left with more questions unanswered than answered. I do not have enough knowledge of Intertestamental texts to fully understand and grasp all that Shulam is getting at. Shulam brings a very interesting Jewish perspective to interpreting Romans.
The last authors that really have helped shed light to Romans are Douglas J. Moo and Michael J. Gorman. Moo states that it is difficult to figure out the central topic that Paul is getting at. By reading and rereading Romans 5, my own viewpoint of what Paul is getting at has changed several times. Gorman believes Paul’s main point is about God’s love in Christ’s death. Moo, on the other hand, mentions that although Paul brings up peace, the Spirit, the cross, and salvation, the central theme of all of these topics is hope. Both Gorman and Moo made me think of several other interpretive difficulties. For example, whose faith is mentioned in Romans 5:1? Is this Christ’s faithfulness or our faith in Christ? Another example that had me scratching my head was the difference between a righteous and a good man in Romans 5:7. Another puzzling factor is the past, current, and future tenses throughout the passage. Whatever the case may be for all these questions, it is important to keep in mind that this passage revolves around the redemptive work of Jesus. Moo’s book, The Epistle to the Romans, really helped me see Paul’s point of assurance of final salvation because of God’s love. Moo pointed out that Romans 5:1-11 is closely linked to Romans 8:18-39. Reading both of these passages in light of each other makes a lot more sense. The connection between Romans 5:5 and 8:39 really stuck out to me: hope does not disappoint us and nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The only section that I wish Moo had gone into more depth about, is the idea of a final salvation before God’s judgment seat. A lot of times Christians ask the question, “Are you saved?” In other words, why is it that we always bring up salvation and not justification or reconciliation when talking about if someone believes in Jesus? I suppose the underlining point, and what Paul stresses in Romans 5, is that we have confidence and hope that God will be faithful to complete the work which He has started in us.
Paul’s Main Point:
Upon first glance of Romans 5:1-11, I thought Paul’s main point was justification for believers. Although justification is a point Paul makes, he goes deeper to say that we have confidence and hope because of Christ’s death and resurrection which saves us from God’s wrath. Hope for a future salvation is a major factor to Paul’s point, but is still not the main point. I believe Paul’s main point is simply all that Jesus has done. Without Jesus, none of Paul’s sub points would be true. All of Paul’s points revolved around the person of Jesus Christ. Paul wants to get across the idea that the Gospel is all about Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection to life! Evidence that Jesus is the central point of Romans 5 can be seen from many different perspectives. Almost every action taking place in the verses is done: through Jesus (v1-2,9,11), by the Holy Spirit (v5), by Jesus’ blood (v9), through Jesus’ death (v10), or through Jesus’ life (v10). Another way of looking at the passage is to examine sub points: Jesus Christ justifies both Jews and Gentiles, Jesus is our hope in life and saves us from God’s wrath, peace and grace comes through Jesus, Jesus loves us unconditionally, Jesus died for sinners, Jesus’s blood is a payment for sin once and for all, and finally Jesus’ faithfulness brings reconciliation and salvation. As cliché as it seems, the answer is Jesus; it is all about Him! Praise God for all that He has done for us!
Application:
The truths of Romans 5:1-11 can be embodied by Christians in many ways. In one way, Christians should strive towards unity with all believers and church denominations. Paul clearly wanted Jews and Gentiles to understand their unique unity as a universal family of God that fulfills the purposes of God through the Holy Spirit. Paul also says that believers who are justified have peace with God. Often, Christians worry too much and lose sight of the big picture that God is in control. Even amidst trials and persecutions, believers can stand up knowing that in the end God is victorious whatever the outcome might be. Because of this, we should praise and give God all the glory; it is nothing we can do to save ourselves. Another point is that often believers trust in technology and other tangible idols. Instead, Christians should place their hope and trust in God. God is our only certainty in life and money or possessions will both pass away and will not be able to save us from God’s wrath. Another application that can be taken from this passage is that God loves us unconditionally and has given us the Holy Spirit. Nothing can come between God’s love for us. Often Christians forget the unconditional part of God’s love. Although God hates sin, in our sin, God still loves us and wants to set us free. Finally, Christians need to keep in mind that the gospel is all about Jesus! “All that God has for us is to be found in or through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Bibliography
Gorman, Michael J. Apostle of the Crucified Lord. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004.
Moo, Douglas J. Encountering the Book of Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
—. The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996. 300.
Shulam, Joseph. "Romans 5." Shulam, Joseph. A Commentary on the Jewish Roots of Romans. Baltimore: Lederer Books, 1998. 179-191.
Wuest, Kenneth S. "Chapter Five." Wuest, Kenneth S. Romans in the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1955. 75-84.
Moo, Douglas J. Encountering the Book of Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 101-102. Moo, Douglas J. The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996. 300.
