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There are stories throughout church history of Christians who have been persecuted by their families for their faith. Rev. Khalid Mansoor Soomro is a former Muslim from Pakistan who committed to Christianity in 1985. When he shared his conversion story with his parents, he was turned out of his home and no longer accepted as a family member. Khalid had to choose between Jesus and his family. And he chose Jesus. Khalid reflects, "Even though it is not easy and we face many hardships, we feel like Paul, who went through hardships and suffering for the glory of his Savior, who himself suffered during his walk on earth and his time on the cross." Would you be willing to identify with Jesus if it meant being rejected by your family? Who really is your first love?
The chapter you were reading (chap 19), is just a small section of Ezekiel's prophecies against Judah & Jerusalem (actually from chapter 4 to chapter 24), & it is understood that Ezekiel gave these prophetical warnings (in these chapters) prior to the fall of Jerusalem, reminding his fellow captives (even as Ezekiel was one of them) that God's Judgement on the city & Temple was certain.
When you get to chapters 25 to 32, Ezekiel prophesies against the Gentile nations, that God's Judgement was also coming upon them; but there was still hope for Israel (chapters 33 to 38) & of course this newly revived Israel's role in the coming Millennial Kingdom of their Messiah (chapters 40 to 48). This is just a very brief outline to help you divide the Book & see to whom God is speaking to and of God's Promise that God will "save my flock...will set up one shepherd over them...even my servant David...And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it" ( Ezekiel 34:22-24; referring to their coming Messiah Jesus, son of David (a term that some Jews knew of the Messiah referred to in the Old Testament, Matthew 21:15 & others).
So, when you write, "...it says that we are looking at it is happening today", I'm unsure what you are supposed to be reading in that chapter or the book that indicates this - maybe the problem lies here in that message.
Part 5.
Millennium Paradoxes
As an example of some of the ostensible paradoxes of the Millennium is the strange question of death. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, a dear friend and highly respected Messianic scholar, suggests that death in the Millennium will be for unbelievers only. Nowhere in the Bible does it speak of a resurrection of Millennial saints. This may be why the resurrection of the tribulation saints is said to complete the "first resurrection" ( Rev 20:4-6).
From the New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34, it would seem that there will be no Jewish unbelievers in the kingdom; all Jews born during the Millennium will accept the Messiah before their 100th year.6 Unbelief would thus be among the Gentiles only, and therefore, death would exist only among the Gentiles.7 [ Jer 31:35-37 refutes "Reconstructionism" and similar heresies.] Another strange issue is the prominence of sacrifices in the Millennium. It would seem that they are memorials after the fact, just as the sacrifices in the Old Testament were memorials in advance.8
A Time to Study
As recent events have so dramatically emphasized to all of us, it is, indeed, a time to reexamine our perspectives, and to acknowledge in our personal priorities that history includes some shocking "non-linearities": even our most cherished presumptions are subject to cataclysmic challenges! It is time to refresh our understanding from the bedrock of Scripture and to recognize the urgency of the times. I believe we are rapidly being plunged into a period of time about which the Bible says more than it does about any other period of time in history - including the time that Jesus walked the shores of Galilee and climbed the mountains of Judea!
Interesting study by the late Chuck Missler.
God bless.
Part 4.
Reality of the Millennium
For anyone who takes the Bible seriously, the numerous explicit commitments of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that the Messiah would literally rule from Zion cannot be ignored or explained away. God's explicit and unconditional commitment of the land of Israel to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the very issue that is being challenged by the world today! And, the resurgence of amillennialism, and its attendant doctrines, are again setting the stage for the next holocaust.1
In the New Testament, these commitments are reconfirmed. Every Christmas we are reminded that Gabriel promised Mary that her son was destined to sit on the Throne of David (which did not exist during the days of His ministry).2 It is yet to be fulfilled. In fact, He taught us to pray specifically for it: "Thy Kingdom come...." What does that mean? The thousand-year reign, from which the Millennium takes its label, is detailed in numerous passages including Revelation 20, Isaiah 65, and Ezekiel 40-48, among others. Ezekiel's detailed tour of the Millennial Temple virtually defies any skeptic's attempt to treat it allegorically (see diagram). Encompassing a Temple area 50 miles on a side, substantially to the north of Jerusalem, as a source of a river that flows toward both the Mediterranean to the west and the Dead Sea to the east, Ezekiel's description implies a total change of topography, which is explicit in the Scripture.
However, the more we learn about the Millennium, the more questions it raises. It is not heaven: it is clearly distinctive in contrast to the eternal state which follows ( Revelation 21). It will be characterized by a limited amount of evil, which Christ will judge perfectly and immediately. 4 Neither is it the "new earth" that God will yet create;5 for therein righteousness dwells, which is something not true of the Millennium.
See Part 5.
Part 3.
Can you imagine telling theses evil Romans, Christ was coming to rid them of their power?
This is where the compromise began! "Christ was only coming to rule in their hearts."
Continuing with Chuck Missler;
The Reformation Shortfall
A thousand years later, under the influences of Martin Luther and others, the Reformation brought an intensive return to the authority of the Scriptures which, in turn, resulted in the subsequent reform in soteriology (the study of salvation) with its emphasis on salvation by faith alone. Many were willingly burned at the stake for their commitment to a Biblical perspective. However, one of the unfortunate shortcomings of the Reformation was that it failed to also reexamine the eschatology of the Medieval Church in the light of Scripture. Thus, the allegorizing alchemy of Origen, institutionalized by Augustine, left a denial of the Millennium that still continues to pervade the doctrines of most Protestant denominations today.
From Augustine to Auschwitz
One of the derivative aspects of an amillennial perspective is that it denies Israel's future role in God's plans. This also leads to a "replacement theology" in which the Church is viewed as replacing Israel in God's program for mankind. In addition to forcing an allegorization of many key passages of Scripture, this also led to the tragedy of the Holocaust in Europe. The responsibility for the six million Jews who were systematically murdered in the concentration camps has to include the silent pulpits who had embraced this heretical eschatology and its attendant anti-Semitism.
See Part 4.
Part 2.
Origen; continued.
His numerous sermons and commentaries, however, tragically also established an extreme pattern of allegorizing Scripture, which was to strongly influence Augustine in subsequent years.
Augustine
Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo (A.D. 354-430), was one of the most influential leaders of the Western church, living during the turbulent days of the disintegration of the Roman Empire.
He lived a sensuous, dissolute life, but following a dramatic conversion he experienced a total change of character. In 391 he was ordained as a priest in North Africa and four years later was elevated to the Bishop of Hippo. He embarked on a writing career and his extensive doctrinal writings deeply affected the Medieval Roman Catholic Church. Augustine's most elaborate writing, The City of God , was written as the Empire lay crumbling under a siege by half-civilized tribes. It portrayed the Church as a new civic order in the midst of the ruins of the Roman Empire. Augustine died while the Vandals were besieging the very gates of Hippo in A.D. 430.
Although his writings effectively defeated a number of heresies emerging in those turbulent times, the allegorizing influences of Origen left an amillennial eschatology in their wake. As the Church had increasingly become an instrument of the state, it wasn't politically expedient to look toward a literal return of Christ to rid the world of its evil rulers! The allegorical reposturing of those passages was more "politically correct." (This reminds me of the saying among the data processing profession: "If you torture the data long enough, it will confess to anything!")
See Part 3.
by Chuck Missler
Part 1
It is tragic that most of the major denominations - Roman Catholic and Protestant - embrace an eschatology ("study of last things") that is amillennial : a view that does not envision a literal rule of Christ on the Throne of David on the Planet Earth.
While there are many different, yet defendable, views regarding many aspects of end-time prophecies, this basic divergence - denying a literal Millennium - is particularly dangerous in that it would appear to be an attack on the very character of God! It does violence to His numerous and explicit promises and commitments that pervade both the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament is replete with commitments for a literal Messiah ultimately ruling the world through Israel from His throne in Jerusalem. There are at least 1,845 references in the Old Testament and 17 books give prominence to the event. The ancient rabbinical aspirations were dominated by it. In fact, this obsession obscured their recognizing the Messiah when He made His initial appearance.
There are at least 318 references in 216 chapters of the New Testament and 23 of its 27 books give prominence to the event. The early church looked longingly for His promised return as their "Blessed Hope" to rid their desperate world of its evil rulers. How and where did this skepticism known as "Amillennialism" begin?
Origen
Pious, popular, and persuasive, Origen stands out as one of the great figures of the 3rd century church. Even at the age of 18, he stood out spectacularly well as a teacher in Alexandria. (In misguided obedience to Matthew 19:12, he emasculated himself, which he later regretted.) Later, as a prolific writer based in Caesarea, his De Principiis systematically laid out Christian doctrine in terms of Hellenic thinking and set the pattern for most subsequent theological thought for many years.
See Part 2.
I don't mean to offend you, I am not focusing on eschatology as it seems, I'm focusing on the hermeneutics and eschatology is the tool I'm using to examine.
It doesn't matter who is right or wrong, it is how we come to our conclusion on any matter.
We must use the same rule when interpreting all scripture.
We must also use scripture to reprove false doctrine or to prove ours.
2 Timothy 3:16.
I'm looking to perhaps learn from others and/or I might learn something about myself.
The only barrier to truth is to think we already have it.
Good night and God bless.
On you second reply.
Quoting you;
I must also add that I believe Israel ceased to be God's corporate representation of His Kingdom on earth at the Cross. And the New Testament Church ceases to be God's corporate representation of His Kingdom and custodian of the True Gospel at the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
And then you sate in the next paragraph;
And I believe that we are currently living in the Great Tribulation period which will end when Christ returns to complete His Salvation and Judgement Program with the Resurrection and Rapture and creation of New Heavens and New Earth.
David, how can we be "currently living in the Great Tribulation period which will end when Christ returns to complete His Salvation and Judgement Program with the Resurrection and Rapture and creation of New Heavens and New Earth.
And yet "the New Testament Church ceases to be God's corporate representation of His Kingdom and custodian of the True Gospel at the beginning of the Great Tribulation?
This is confusing David! If the Church ceases to be God's corporate representation of His Kingdom and custodian of the True Gospel (at the beginning of the Great Tribulation.) and we are currently living in the Great Tribulation period, then the New Testament Church has already ceased to be God's corporate representation of His Kingdom and custodian of the True Gospel.
Can you clear that up?
God bless.
Part 2.
For now I am setting aside the Salvation issue. I'm highlighting one's method of interpreting the bible. and what goes on After the rapture of the Church whether pre-trib or Post-trib or whatever.
Do one believe in a Millennium or not? If so, give your chronological chart!
David, I've been working on something before you entered the site.
Examining our Hermeneutics. Do we take scripture seriously or reasonably literal, figuratively, allegorically or what?
I'm using the time and location of the Millenium as the test.
Does your belief shape your theology or does your theology shape your belief on this topic?
I entered this discussion talking about the Millenium, God promises to Israel, better yet to Abraham.
You said those promises are parables. Well obviously, I would say they are not, then you would say they are, and we would go on and on and on.
David 5/6 of the bible is about Israel so when you declare that all that is said about them is a parable then we have no scripture to hinge a debate on.
Parables is given to us to know.
Can you please give your take on Zechariah chapters 12 thru 14.
If they are Parables, please explain them.
How does those scriptures apply to the Church since it has taken over the promises to Israel?
Part 1
David, I didn't give you my definition of Church. I gave you the Strongs definition of Church.
ekklsia
Pronunciation: ek-klay-see'-ah
Definition: From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out that is (concretely) a popular meeting especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly church.
Christ said upon this rock he will build "HIS" Church. It's His calling out or Gathering, It's not by Church membership. It's the Holyspirit the puts the true believers in the body of Christ, "By faith.
We will have to agree to disagree on the Church issue.
David, Concerning the rock.
You said.
The "rock" is Christ Himself. It is not what I describe.
Yes, the rock is Christ! Thats exactly what I described!
David Israel stumbled at that rock, this was not Christ church in the wilderness.
Isaiah 8:14. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Acts 4:10-11. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Study these verses also.
Matthew 21:33-43
1 Peter 2:6-9.
Romans 9:31-33.
See Part 2
Davtid you have said over and over again
"There is one and only one Judgment and Salvation Program for Mankind throughout time. And that Program, the Gospel, is circumscribed by the Bible Alone and in its Entirety.
Who's debating that?
I agree and been saying that exclusively since I have been on this site!
However, I don't even recall THAT being a part of this conversation!
At least not from me.
And then we have the doxology. Even the doxology is a doctrine. The last few verses cover implication, the doctrine of God as Paul presents the doctrine of God like a summary statement in Paul's benediction.
XI. The Doxology ( Romans 16:25-27)
Implication - The Doctrine of God ( Romans 16:25-27)
Romans 16:25-27 - Paul's Benediction
I know this was a long introduction, but there is so much that we need to know and understand about Romans. It is quite a book and it covers a lot of information. It is my personal belief that if all we had as believers was the book of Romans, we would have everything we need to know about the Christian faith.
I will share my introduction to 1 Corinthians next. God Bless!!!
X. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ( Romans 12:1 - 16:24)
The first one is instruction, the doctrine of transformation in Romans 12. This is our participation in the body of Christ.
In Romans Chapter 13, we have institution, the doctrine of submission. This is our participation with the system of the world and submission.
Then we have influence, the doctrine of sacrifice. This would be Romans 14:1 through 15:13, as we learn about our participation in the responsibility toward other believers. Uh Oh! That is the doctrine of sacrifice. It is not taught as a suggestion!
Next is identification, the doctrine of the providence of God. This is Romans 15 Verses 14 through 33 which is the participation in the will of God in all of our situations.
And then the interaction, the doctrine of fellowship which is Romans 16 Verses 1 to 24. Romans 16:1 to 16 are personal greetings, Verses 17 to are proper discipline. In other words, once we get to Romans 16 Verses 17 to 20, he's going to say that if you are in association with anyone that is not obeying and teaching the proper doctrine of the book of Romans, don't have anything to do with them.
That's a pretty serious thing to say, especially in our day and our culture when love is supposed to rule over truth. You know? We don't hold anybody to the truth, we got to love them! Paul says, "Well, I got some discipline for you.
In Romans 16:21 to 24, we have the people that were with Paul. They identify themselves.
Interaction - The Doctrine of Fellowship ( Romans 16:1-24)
Romans 16:1-16 - Personal Greetings
Romans 16:17-20 - Proper Discipline
Romans 16:21-24 - People with Paul
In Romans Chapter 4, it's the principles of justification. And in Romans 5, we have the privileges of justification. When you read Chapter 4 and study about faith, it's like it hits you right between the eyes!
Impartation - The Doctrine of Sanctification ( Romans 6:1-8:39)
Then the impartation, that which is given, the doctrine of sanctification. That will be Romans 6:1 to the end of Chapter 8 and it will cover the power over sin, the problem of the flesh, and the provision of God's Spirit. Sanctification means to be set apart. When God gives us His Spirit, we are set apart and protected as His possession.
Romans 6 - The Power Over Sin
Romans 7 - The Problem of the Flesh
Romans 8 - The Provision of the Spirit
Then there's the inspiration, the doctrine of election in Romans 9 through 11. Chapter 9 talks about the Jews, the past history of Israel. Chapter 10 gives us the present condition of Israel. Chapter 11 is the promise of the future of Israel.
Inspiration - The Doctrine of Election ( Romans 9:1-11-11:36)
Romans 9 - The Past History of Israel
Romans 10 - The Present Condition of Israel
Romans 11 - The Promise of the Future of Israel
And then we get to the second part of the book of Romans which is Chapters 12 through 16 which gives us the description of the Christian life. This is all doctrine! I have heard people present it and say that Chapters 1 through 11 is all doctrine, and then Chapters 12 to 16 is practical application. It too is doctrine. But it is not about the Christian faith but about the Christian life, life after you are saved.
At the end of Romans Chapter 1, it tells us that every Gentile is without excuse and how God ministers to Gentiles through creation. It is a fascinating study.
Also (secondly), we have the prosecution against the Jews. In Chapter 2 Verse 1 through Chapter 3 Verse 8, the Jews didn't think they were guilty of anything. They preached the law to the Gentiles. Boy, are they upset with Paul when Paul says that it doesn't make any difference whether you are Jew or Gentile because it applies to you too. The Jews didn't believe that.
And then thirdly in Chapter 3 Verse 9 to 20, we have the prosecution against all mankind or humankind. This is the universal judgment against the world.
You see, before Paul could tell us about salvation and righteousness, and justification and forgiveness of sins, he has to present the case from God's courtroom as to how and why we are guilty, how we are sinners, and we have sinned against God.
That's not a religious standard. That's a judicial presentation from God's courtroom as to what sin is to God, and how He views us and how we are guilty. By the time you get through with that, you are going to say "Okay, I got the point!"
But then after the indictment, we study about the imputation, the doctrine of justification. Justification means to be lined up with the law correctly, to fulfill the requirements of the law. I'm guilty! How do I pay the penalty? Imputation means to credit your account. It's not given to you. It is credited to your account.
Imputation - The Doctrine of Justification ( Romans 3:21-5:21)
Romans 3:21-31 - The Presentation of Justification
Romans 4 - The Principles of Justification
Romans 5 - The Privileges of Justification
Romans 3:21 to 31 is the presentation of justification.
VIII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS:
INTRODUCTION: ( Romans 1:1-17)
The first part of the book is the doctrine of the Christian faith, which is Romans Chapter 1 Verse 18 through Chapter 11 Verse 36. The introduction is the first 17 verses.
And that introduction is divided into three parts:
Romans 1:1-7 - Paul's Position in Ministry
Romans 1:8-15 - Paul's Plan for Ministry
Romans 1:16-17 - Paul's Perception of Ministry.
Now believe it or not, embedded, and I emphasize the word embedded, but in these 17 verses are three important doctrines. They are the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the doctrine of ministry, and the doctrine of the gospel. These are all found in these first 17 verses. In fact, every verse, even the introduction can be considered doctrine.
IX. THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. ( Romans 1:18-11:36)
In Romans Chapter 1 Verse 18 through to the end of Chapter 11 (there are 16 Chapters in Romans), but Chapter 1 Verse 18 through the end of Chapter 11 is the doctrinal section, specifically to present the doctrine of the Christian faith.
Indictment - The Doctrine of Condemnation ( Romans 1:18 - 3:20). The first part is indictment. It is the doctrine of condemnation. I'm sure we all love to study about that! "Come and let me show you how condemned you are!" Isn't that nice!
And that's divided up into three sections:
Romans 1:18-32 - The Prosecution Against the Gentiles
Romans 2:1-3:8 - The Prosecution Against the Jews
Romans 3:9-20 - The Prosecution Against all Mankind
The prosecution against the Gentiles. It is a fascinating study. You and I are Gentiles. Most Gentiles have not had exposure to the Old Testament or Judaism or Jewish ministry or teaching at all. We're kind of like the "Heinz 57" variety. We all come from different religious system backgrounds, and we are the Gentiles.
VI. HOW WAS IT PREPARED:
Romans 16:22 tells us that it was written by Tertius. He was the amanuensis, the one taking dictation from Paul. It was delivered by Phoebe. In Romans 16:1-2, it gives us her history. She was a deaconess in the church in Cenchrea which is the seaport of Corinth. So, she's going that way and Paul commends the believers there to receive her and help her to deliver this letter up to Rome.
VII. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS:
Saint Augustine was converted while reading through the book of Romans. Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation based on Romans 1:17, "The just shall live by faith." It is just a simple sentence. I'll tell you now that we don't understand it! If we did, we wouldn't be conducting ourselves the way we do as far as our approach to the things of Christ. By faith means faith, trust, believe!
The book of Romans has been known down through history as "The Constitution of the Christian Faith." It is quite a book! When people are first saved, I recommend that they read the gospel of John, and read the gospels about the things of Christ. But as soon as possible, get into the book of Romans because it has every doctrine of the Christian faith contained in it.
IV. HOW WAS IT WRITTEN:
The book of Romans was written to appeal to the Roman mindset. Now the frame of mind of the Romans, they thought according to the legal or justice system. That's why Mark's gospel that was written to the Romans is just a short presentation of what Matthew and Luke elaborate on. It's because the Roman mind just wants to know the facts.
That is the way God's word is. I am not talking about Pharisee legalism. It says what it says, and that's what it means. And the Roman mind, once you started elaborating and getting off into some other information, the Roman mind says "Hold it right there, just give me the facts!"
So, the gospel of Mark is written to the Roman mind and the book of Romans is written to the Roman mind. As a matter of fact, it is written just like a legal brief. The legal brief is that document that lawyers send to the court and send to the other opposing lawyers, laying out what their case is or their response to the case. The book of Romans is written like a legal document and it outlines the doctrine of the Christian faith. Very interesting! It is the same style as the gospel of Mark.
V. THEME:
The theme is Romans 1:17, "The just shall live by faith." The word just is the word righteous. Now Christians have heard this for years but the problems that we are experiencing in the body of Christ is strictly built on ignorance. Leadership as well as those coming to learn have not been founded and rooted in the book of Romans. The book of Romans is all of the doctrines of the Christian faith, factually stated and laid out. It is a fantastic book! Many of us have probably read through Romans several times but not really focus on it and make it the center point. We should be centered on it. We should all be educated in it.
Martin Luther said that every Christian ought to memorize it word for word. If you want to understand the rest of the bible, Martin Luther says you need to understand Romans.
In the book of Acts when Paul came into Rome, the first thing he did, and his custom was that every city he came into, he went to the Jews first. And when the Jews rejected the gospel, he went to the Gentiles in the same city. Well, when he comes into Rome, he goes to visit the Jews. And he says, "Have you heard anything about Christ?" And they said "Well, we've heard rumors and they are not very good rumors." And that's about all. Nobody had actually come and preached to them and shared with them the gospel of Jesus Christ.
There are other theories out there, but I can tell you right now that they can pretty well be shot down. But there are some interesting theories. One theory is that Peter actually went to Rome and that's how the people got saved in Rome and that he was leading the church in Rome. But there is no historical record of that.
When Paul writes to Rome, he doesn't address Peter at all. He would have if Peter were there. Some people have him there as long as 25 years. When Paul signs off his letter in Romans Chapter 16, he doesn't greet Peter. He doesn't mention Peter at all. Plus, in Romans Chapter 15, Paul actually stated that he would not minister in someone else's area.
If another apostle was around preaching the things of Christ, if Peter was in Rome, Paul would not have gone there because he says, "I will not go and build upon another man's foundation." He says that he will not do that!
And so, it is interesting that Rome at this time was just a very loose fellowship. It really wasn't known to be under any leadership and gathering together as a church at this time. The fellowship in Rome was established by pilgrims that had attended the Feast of Pentecost which is recorded in Acts 2:10.
Some proselytes had come in from Rome to attend Pentecost, and that's the time when the Holy Spirit was poured out. That's the time when Peter preached, and several thousand souls were saved. Some of these people went back to Rome and shared the news there and people were saved, as well as others that Paul had ministered to along the road.
In Paul's travels, they eventually went to Rome. We know that Pricilla and Aquila, by the time Paul writes this letter, they are back in Rome, but they were kicked out of Rome for a while. So, we know that Pricilla and Aquila were there, and they were ministering to the saints there, but there wasn't anything established as far as anything organized or much leadership there. The believers were mostly Gentiles with a minority of Jewish believers in with them.
NOW FOR THE BOOK OF ROMANS:
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The author is Paul. His inscription is on all 13 of his letters. He always identifies himself in his letters.
II. WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written around 56 to 57 A.D. It was written during the last three months of his third missionary journey as recorded in Acts 20:1-3. He wrote his letter from Corinth. He wrote Romans about three years before arriving there in Acts Chapter 28. So, three years prior to Paul arriving in Rome, he writes this letter to the Romans.
III. WHY IT WAS WRITTEN:
Paul had never been to Rome, and he desired to go there. We saw in Acts Chapter 19 where Paul expressed his need to see Rome. And remember, God actually told him when he was in Jerusalem that as you have given testimony for me here in Jerusalem, so you must witness for me in Rome.
Rome was the center of the Roman Empire. And so, they had already established in Ephesus and Philippi and some of the others over in Asia. They established mission points at that time. Paul wanted to come into Rome and there's a very good reason for it.
First of all, he had never been there. None of the apostles had ever been to Rome. Paul wanted to establish them in the doctrine of the Christian faith. We will notice as we begin this letter that he doesn't say "To the church in Rome." We know from Chapter 16 that there were a number of individuals. In fact, all of the names in Chapter 16 are Gentiles. They are Greek names.
Secondly, scripture is good for reproof. ELEGCHOS is the Greek word and it is used in the judicial system for bringing about a conviction. I and II Corinthians is the letter for reproof or conviction. Galatians is the third category. He says that the scripture is good for correction, and the book of Galatians is written to correct false teaching.
And by the way, Galatians is considered to be a shorter version of the book of Romans. Galatians is only 6 chapters long. Romans is 16 and very thorough. And the book of Galatians was written to counter false teaching. So, he's always comparing the false teaching with the correct teaching. But the book of Romans is just straight teaching, just the doctrine of the Christian faith.
So, the correction letter is Galatians, and then everything from Ephesians through Philemon is called "for instruction in righteousness." So, Paul himself seems to have, or the writers of the New Testament (the various councils), as they put the scriptures together, they put it together with doctrine, conviction or reproof, correction, and then from Ephesians to Philemon we have instruction in righteousness.
The last book of the historical section is the book of Acts. And as I mentioned before, both Luke and Acts used to travel together as one book. Luke the doctor, he wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. It used to be part 1 and part 2. But later on in history, the two books were separated and began to be circulated separately.
And it is put behind the gospel section in our bibles. The book of Acts is the history of the church from the ascension of Christ to the death of Paul. So, with the gospels, and with Acts, we have the presentation of the ministry and teachings and activities of Christ prior to His birth, all the way to the death of Paul in Acts Chapter 28.
Romans begins what is called the teaching or doctrinal section of the New Testament. All of Paul's writings are at the beginning of the teaching or doctrinal section. There are 13 letters that Paul wrote, beginning with Romans and going all the way through Philemon. These are Paul's 13 letters. They are not in chronological order. They are not in the order that Paul wrote them.
The book of Romans was written around 56 to 57 A.D. I and II Corinthians were written around 55 A.D. from Ephesus. Galatians, the earliest of Paul's letters, was written around 48 to 49 A.D. either from Antioch or Ephesus.
And then we have Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. These three, plus Philemon at the end, those four were a collection of letters called the prison epistles or prison letters because they were written by Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome between 60 and 62 A.D. I and II Thessalonians, written in 51 A.D. from Corinth.
And then the last three, and remember Philemon goes with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, as far as a collection goes, but I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus are called pastoral epistles or pastoral letters because they were written to two pastors. And this was Paul's second imprisonment in Rome between 63 and 65 A.D. He wrote I Timothy first. And then he wrote Titus. And Paul's last letter, right before he died, he wrote a second letter to Timothy, known as II Timothy.
So those are the dates. And as you can see, they are not listed in chronological order. Actually, they are listed in order according to II Timothy 3:16. Paul's the one that wrote this. He says to Timothy, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." Literally, all scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for doctrine." That's number one. There's one doctrinal book, one book that is centered on doctrine in the whole New Testament, and that's the book of Romans.
You may be correct on that. I read somewhere that in those days women were not treated with very much respect. Thank you for reading the introduction I shared.
God Bless!!!