"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth."
Romans 1:16 · King James Bible
What it is
Romans is Paul's longest letter and the most systematic explanation of the Christian faith in the New Testament. It was written from Corinth around AD 57, to a mixed congregation of Jewish and gentile believers in the city of Rome — a church Paul had not yet visited. He was preparing to come, and he wanted them to have the Gospel he preached, in writing, in full. It has been called the most influential letter in the history of the world.
How to think of the shape
Romans has four movements. Chapters 1–4: the problem — all have sinned (Jews and gentiles alike) and are justified only by faith in Christ. Chapters 5–8: the new life — union with Christ, freedom from sin, life in the Spirit, and the great sentence, 'nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God.' Chapters 9–11: Israel and the gentiles — God's mysterious plan for both peoples. Chapters 12–16: the shape of a Christian life — 'present your bodies a living sacrifice.'
Six passages every Christian household should know
Romans 3:23–24 — all have sinned, freely justified.
Romans 5:1 — 'therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God.'
Romans 6:23 — 'the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.'
Romans 8:1 — 'no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.'
Romans 8:28 — 'all things work together for good.'
Romans 8:38–39 — 'neither death, nor life… shall be able to separate us from the love of God.'
How to read it in a fortnight
One chapter an evening, sixteen evenings — with a rest day at chapter 8 (the pivot). Read Romans 8 twice.
Why it matters
Every serious renewal in Church history has been fed at some point by a fresh reading of Romans — Augustine, Luther, Wesley, and countless quieter households. Paul does not soften the diagnosis and he does not water down the cure. He tells the whole story: creation, sin, cross, resurrection, Spirit, hope. If you want to know what the Church believes, read John first. Then read Romans.