As he often does, Paul turns practical towards the end of his letter.
Call for dedication
Romans 12:1-2
Faithful use of spiritual gifts
Romans 12:3-8
The transformed life
Romans 12:9-21
Obedience to authorities
Romans 13:1-7
Love as the fulfilment of the law
Romans 13:8-14
Warning against judging
Romans 14:1-13
Do not offend a brother
Romans 14:14-23
Maintaining unity
Romans 15:1-14
Paul’s future plans
Romans 15:15-29
His request for prayer
Romans 15:30-33
In a similar way as the way he spoke to the Corinthians, Paul reminds the Romans that they are all part of one body. He urges them to use their individual gifts for the common good. He tells them to obey the government (no easy ask, given the excesses of the Roman Empire, and its anti-Christian stance). He tells them to love each other, to not waste their time getting drunk and messing around, because the day of Christ’s return is surely near.
He has advice on how not to offend each other, how to respect other people’s scruples, how to priorities their unity as a fellowship.
Then he talks about what’s next for him. He has his sights on the furthest reaches of the Roman Empire. He wants to come to Rome, but sees it as just a staging post on a journey to Spain. His desire to travel and tell people everywhere about Jesus is insatiable. If he’d been spared, he probably would have wanted to come to Britain!
Call for dedication
Romans 12:1-2
Faithful use of spiritual gifts
Romans 12:3-8
The transformed life
Romans 12:9-21
Obedience to authorities
Romans 13:1-7
Love as the fulfilment of the law
Romans 13:8-14
Warning against judging
Romans 14:1-13
Do not offend a brother
Romans 14:14-23
Maintaining unity
Romans 15:1-14
Paul’s future plans
Romans 15:15-29
His request for prayer
Romans 15:30-33
In a similar way as the way he spoke to the Corinthians, Paul reminds the Romans that they are all part of one body. He urges them to use their individual gifts for the common good. He tells them to obey the government (no easy ask, given the excesses of the Roman Empire, and its anti-Christian stance). He tells them to love each other, to not waste their time getting drunk and messing around, because the day of Christ’s return is surely near.
He has advice on how not to offend each other, how to respect other people’s scruples, how to priorities their unity as a fellowship.
Then he talks about what’s next for him. He has his sights on the furthest reaches of the Roman Empire. He wants to come to Rome, but sees it as just a staging post on a journey to Spain. His desire to travel and tell people everywhere about Jesus is insatiable. If he’d been spared, he probably would have wanted to come to Britain!
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