Context of the Book of Romans in Early Christianity
The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans during his third missionary journey, specifically during a three-month stay in Greece, most likely Corinth, around A.D. 58 [1, 2]. This timing places the letter at the close of his second visit to Greece, just before his final journey to Jerusalem [2]. Phoebe of Cenchrea is believed to have conveyed the letter to Rome, and Gaius of Corinth hosted Paul at the time of its writing [2].
Paul had long intended to visit Rome and even hoped to extend his missionary travels to Spain [1]. The letter to the Romans served as a means to prepare the Roman Christians for his anticipated arrival [1]. At this time, Rome was the most celebrated city in the world, founded in 753 B.C., and had a population estimated at 1.2 million, with half being slaves and representatives from nearly every known nation [3]. The Roman Empire was at its peak prosperity [3].
The Christian community in Rome was composed of several "house churches," as early Christians did not possess large dedicated buildings for worship [5]. These house churches were small groups of believers who gathered for instruction and worship [5]. The presence of Christians in Rome dated back to the Day of Pentecost, when "strangers from Rome" were among those who heard Peter's sermon in Jerusalem [3].
The Book of Romans is one of the letters of Paul, which are foundational texts in the New Testament [4]. It is considered a crucial theological work, addressing themes such as justification by faith, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's plan, and practical Christian living. Paul's authority as an apostle, a title he gloried in, is emphasized from the outset of the letter [6]. He saw himself as "called to be an apostle," distinguishing his mission from those who might "run without sending" [6].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Romans, Epistle To The — + The date of this epistle is fixed at the time of the visit recorded in Acts 20:3 during the winter and spring following the apostle's long residence at Ephesus A.D. 58. On this visit he remained in Greece three months. + The place of writing was Corinth. + The occasion which prompted it, and the circumstances attending its writing, were as follows:--St. Paul had long purposed visiting Rome, and still retained this purpose, wishing also to extend his journey to Spain. Etom. 1:9-13; 15:22-29. For the time, however, he was prevented from carryi”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Romans, Epistle to the — This epistle was probably written at Corinth. Phoebe (Rom. 16:1) of Cenchrea conveyed it to Rome, and Gaius of Corinth entertained the apostle at the time of his writing it (16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14), and Erastus was chamberlain of the city, i.e., of Corinth (2 Tim. 4:20). The precise time at which it was written is not mentioned in the epistle, but it was obviously written when the apostle was about to "go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints", i.e., at the close of his second visit to Greece, during the winter preceding his last visit to th”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Rome — The most celebrated city in the world at the time of Christ. It is said to have been founded B.C. 753. When the New Testament was written, Rome was enriched and adorned with the spoils of the world, and contained a population estimated at 1,200,000, of which the half were slaves, and including representatives of nearly every nation then known. It was distinguished for its wealth and luxury and profligacy. The empire of which it was the capital had then reached its greatest prosperity. On the day of Pentecost there were in Jerusalem "strangers from Rome," who d”
- Introduction “Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, Introduction, section 71: MLA Style Kirby, Peter. "Historical Jesus Theories." Early Christian Writings . http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-hoole.html . Gospels Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Letters of Paul Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Letter to the Hebrews General Letters James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation Gospels Gospel of Thomas Egerton Gospel Gospel of Peter Oxyrhychus 840 Gospel of Mary Epistula Apos”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 16:5: 16:5 the church that meets in their home: Early Christians did not have large buildings for their meetings—they met in private homes. The church in Rome was composed of a number of house churches where small groups of believers gathered for worship and instruction.”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 1:1: In this paragraph we have, I. The person who writes the epistle described (Rom 1:1): Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ; this is his title of honour, which he glories in, not as the Jewish teachers, Rabbi, Rabbi; but a servant, a more immediate attendant, a steward in the house. Called to be an apostle. Some think he alludes to his old name Saul, which signifies one called for, or enquired after: Christ sought him to make an apostle of him, Act 9:15. He here builds his authority upon his call; he did not run without sending, as the false apostles did; klētos apostolo”