For course syllabus and powerpoint download from the Romans Course Orientation video.
Overview
Lesson 2 begins unfolding the doctrinal content of Romans by introducing the gospel of God, Paul’s apostleship, and the gospel of Christ, while also establishing
humanity’s universal need for salvation. Paul presents the gospel as centered in Jesus Christ—promised in the Scriptures, manifested through His death and resurrection, and now proclaimed with clarity through his apostleship to all nations. The lesson emphasizes that the gospel reveals the righteousness of God as the solution to mankind’s unrighteousness and coming wrath. It then begins to trace humanity’s historical and ongoing departure from God, demonstrating that all people—regardless of background—are guilty before Him and in need of the salvation found in Christ.
Breakdown of the Lesson
1. Review and Transition from Lesson 1
Paul writes to believers but is hindered from visiting them.
The letter serves as a substitute to establish them doctrinally.
Romans provides foundational truth, with more fullness to come later.
2. The Gospel of God (Romans 1:1–4)
Paul is separated unto the gospel of God.
The gospel of God was promised beforehand in the Scriptures.
It is now fully manifested, not just hinted at.
It concerns Jesus Christ:
Seed of David (His humanity)
Declared Son of God by resurrection (His deity and power)
3. Paul’s Apostleship (Romans 1:5)
Received directly from the risen Christ.
Distinct from the 12 apostles and their ministry.
Commissioned to the Gentiles and all nations.
Purpose: to bring about “obedience of faith”.
His ministry includes:
Authority from God
A specific message (the gospel)
Signs and wonders confirming his apostleship
Central aim: to bear and magnify the name of Jesus Christ.
4. The Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16–17)
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Salvation centers on the righteousness of God.
This righteousness is received by faith.
It addresses humanity’s greatest need.
5. The Wrath of God and Man’s Condition (Romans 1:18ff)
God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.
Humanity suppresses truth and turns from God.
This establishes the necessity of salvation.
6. Man’s Historical and Universal Sinfulness
Paul traces sin from creation onward.
All humanity is without excuse due to general revelation.
He progressively addresses:
Man in general
Gentiles (without the law)
Jews (with the law)
Conclusion: all are under sin and guilty before God (Romans 3).
Key Takeaways
The gospel of God was promised in Scripture but is now fully revealed in Christ.
Jesus Christ—His incarnation and resurrection—is the central focus of the gospel.
Paul’s apostleship is unique, given by the risen Christ to reach all nations.
The “obedience of faith” means responding to the gospel by believing it.
The gospel of Christ is the power of God that brings salvation through His righteousness.
Humanity’s core problem is unrighteousness, making all deserving of God’s wrath.
God’s wrath is just and directed against all sin without partiality.
Every person—Jew and Gentile alike—is guilty before God.
Sin is not merely behavioral but rooted in humanity’s identity in Adam.
The early chapters of Romans build the case that all need the saving righteousness of God.
