Romans is book 6 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the Paul's Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · Paul's Letters
- Genre
- Letter (epistle): theological exposition
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle Paul, who names himself in the opening verse and dictated the letter to a scribe named Tertius (16:22).
- Other views on authorship
- Paul's authorship is almost universally accepted; some debate only whether chapter 16 was originally part of the letter.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 57, written from Corinth near the end of Paul's third missionary journey.
- Other views on dating
- Generally dated AD 55–58, in agreement with the traditional setting.
- Chapters
- 16
- Verses
- 432
- Reading time
- About 47 minutes (9,399 words in the BSB)
What is Romans about?
Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter. He hoped to stop there on his way to Spain and wanted the Roman believers — a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians — to understand and support his message. The result is the fullest explanation of the gospel in the New Testament.
Chapters 1–8 move from problem to solution. All people, whether they know the law of Moses or not, have fallen short of God's glory. But God has shown his righteousness in Jesus, whose death deals with sin and whose resurrection brings new life. Abraham proves that faith, not ritual, has always been the way to God. Chapters 6–8 then describe life in Christ: freedom from sin's rule, honest struggle, and the Spirit's assurance that nothing can separate believers from God's love.
Chapters 9–11 face a painful question: if Jesus is Israel's Messiah, why have most Jews not believed? Paul insists God has not abandoned his people. Chapters 12–16 turn to daily life — offering yourself to God, using gifts, loving enemies, respecting authorities, and welcoming one another across differences in food and holy days.
Outline of Romans
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1:1–17 | Greeting and theme Paul introduces himself and the gospel as God's power to save. |
| 1:18–3:20 | Everyone needs grace Gentiles and Jews alike stand guilty before God. |
| 3:21–5:21 | Right with God by faith Justification through Christ; Abraham as the model; peace with God. |
| 6–8 | New life in the Spirit Dead to sin, freed from the law's condemnation, adopted as God's children. |
| 9–11 | God and Israel God's faithfulness to his promises and the hope of Israel's future. |
| 12:1–15:13 | Living the gospel Transformed minds, love in action, and welcome between the strong and the weak. |
| 15:14–16:27 | Plans and greetings Paul's travel plans and a long list of friends in Rome. |
Key themes
- Justification by faith. God declares sinners righteous as a gift, received by trusting Christ. Paul grounds this in the story of Abraham in Genesis.
- The universality of sin. No one has an advantage before God. Religious insiders and outsiders share the same need and are offered the same mercy.
- Life in the Spirit. Chapter 8 describes the Spirit as the one who gives life, leads, prays for believers and guarantees future glory.
- God's faithfulness to Israel. Chapters 9–11 show Paul wrestling, with grief and hope, over his own people and God's long purposes.
- Love that builds community. The gospel shapes how believers treat each other, especially when they disagree over secondary matters.
Key people and places
- Paul — Author, writing ahead of a planned visit.
- Abraham — Paul's example of faith credited as righteousness.
- Phoebe — Servant of the church at Cenchreae who likely carried the letter.
- Priscilla and Aquila — Paul's co-workers who hosted a church in their home.
- Adam — Contrasted with Christ as the head of a new humanity in chapter 5.
Places: Rome, Corinth, Cenchreae, Jerusalem, Spain.
Key verses in Romans
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.”
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
“But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
How Romans fits the big story
Romans gathers up the whole Old Testament story and shows how it reaches its goal in Jesus. Adam's failure brought sin and death; Christ, the new Adam, brings righteousness and life. God's promise to Abraham of a worldwide family is fulfilled as Gentiles join believing Israel. The letter draws heavily on Genesis, Psalms and Isaiah. It also explains in depth what Acts shows in action and prepares for the practical letters that follow, beginning with 1 Corinthians. Its well-loved promise in Romans 8:28 has comforted readers for centuries.
How to read Romans
At 2 chapters a day you can read Romans in 8 days. Read chapters 1–8 in one or two sittings to follow the argument, then slow down. Many readers find chapter 8 the high point and chapter 12 the best summary of how the gospel changes ordinary life.