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In chapters 5-16 of Romans, Paul develops the ideas from chapters 1-4 and draws out their implications for the Jews and Gentiles who were trying to live under one roof in the early church.
[Related: Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapters 1-4]
New Kinds of Humans
Paul teaches that when we trust Jesus, we are both forgiven and transformed into new kinds of people (Romans 5). When we accept our new identity as whole-hearted humans who love God and people (baptism is a symbol of this new identity), then we are liberated to become what we were made to be (Romans 6). God gave the law to show us how sinful we are, not to provide a checklist that can save us (Romans 7). Jesus released his Spirit into the hearts of his people so they can truly live out the core commands of the Torah (Romans 8).
Romans 8:1-2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
What About Ethnic Israel?
Paul summarizes the history of Israel to show that God can bring good out of people’s rejection of God (Romans 9). Many Israelites were too focused on their laws and traditions to see Jesus, so they rejected him (Romans 10). But God is not done with them, and their rejection of Jesus has opened up the invitation to even more Gentiles (Romans 11). And God will not ultimately give up on Israel, his original covenant people.
Romans 11:5-6 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.
Unified in Peace and Love
In light of God’s redemptive plan for Jews and Gentiles, Paul gives some practical directives to the church in Rome. He tells them to serve, love, and forgive one another – which fulfills Jesus’ greatest commandment to love God and people (Romans 12-13). He instructs Jews and Gentiles to show grace for each other on non-essential issues (Romans 14-15). Then he greets some old friends before closing his letter (Romans 16).
Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
What do these chapters have to do with us today? They teach us that faith is not purely intellectual, but deeply practical. We start by God’s grace and we continue by that same grace. The Christian life is a gift from God that changes individuals and communities.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Romans 6:19. Make two lists: (1) things we do in our “old” way of living and (2) things we do as “new humans” in Christ.
- What does water baptism symbolize?
- Was the Old Testament Law good or bad? Explain. What was God’s point for giving us the Law?
- Read Romans 8:1-2. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
- Browse Romans 12. What should our new lives in Christ practically look like in community?
- Read Matthew 22:37-39. What does this verse mean to you in the light of Paul’s letter to the Romans?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
