Friday, November 25, 2005

Introduction to Romans (Part 2)

What else can we learn about Paul's letter to the Romans? It seems that Paul was in Greece when he wrote the letter, most likely in Corinth. This can be seen from two comments: (1) Phoebe of neighboring Cenchrea was apparently the letter-bearer (16:1-2) and (2) Gaius, who is Paul’s host (16:23), was a prominent Christian leader at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:14).

"Ga'ius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Eras'tus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. " (Romans 16:23, RSV)

"I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Ga'ius; (1 Corinthians 1:14, RSV)"

Robertson puts it like this: "Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth before his conversion (Acts 18:8), a Roman cognomen, and Gaius a Roman praenomen, probably the host of Paul and of the whole church in Corinth (Ro 16:23), possibly though not clearly the hospitable Gaius of 3Jo 1:5,6. The prominence and importance of these two may explain why Paul baptized them."

From Romans 15:26, it appears Paul had already received contributions from the churches of Macedonia and Achaia (where Corinth was located). Which ties in with Acts 19:21 "Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedo'nia and Acha'ia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

In summary, Paul wrote the letter to the Romans to 1) To announce Paul’s plans to visit Rome after his trip to Jerusalem. 2) To present a complete and detailed statement of the gospel message. Paul wanted "to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome" (1:15). 3) To answer the questions that naturally arose among the Jewish and the Gentile Christians at Rome like what does the gospel do to the Law and such Old Testament rites like circumcision? And what about the Jew? Has God set the Jew aside? And so on.

Gary.

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