Paul is deeply familiar with Jewish tradition and thought, and he has had a radical encounter with the ascended Christ. Paul knows the Scriptures, but he has also intimately acquainted Himself with the ways of God through the Spirit of Christ.

Chapter One presents a cosmic problem. This problem is the wickedness and depravity of man, who has fallen far from his standing as God’s divine image-bearer. This sin issue has affected all of humanity. Both Jews and non-Jews are equally disadvantaged by sin’s power over the human mind and heart. Luckily for us, this is not the end of the story, as we will go on to find out.

In Chapter Two, Paul expands on the idea that all of humanity, both Jew and non-Jew, are equally disadvantaged by sin’s power to stimulate evil behavior. Paul critiques the “man of the Law” in this chapter – he who thinks that his privileged knowledge about God is enough to save him from the “wrath” that Paul writes about in Chapter One. Paul says, on the contrary, that those who critique the behavior of others because of their religious code are subject to the same judgment from God.

In light of the realities discussed in Chapter Two, is there any advantage in being a Jew? Absolutely! The Jews are God’s chosen people, who had been trusted throughout history with revelations of God’s character and nature. This revelation has culminated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the New Covenant, it has been revealed that we, those who live through faith in the Messiah, are these descendants of Abraham. With Abraham, we are fellow heirs of God’s promises, through trust in Christ. This blessing does not come through the written Law or belong to the Jews alone, but to those who trust in God in the same way that Abraham did.

The arrival of this new trust brings not only righteousness (right-standing) and justification (alignment with the divine design), but peace with God. This peace with God brings us into His spiritual rest, where we may freely enjoy the favor of his presence and blessings. Having been reconciled to God through Christ, we have a new hope of total restoration into the glory of the divine image! Even human suffering now has meaning and purpose – it helps us grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ.

Jesus did not simply die for us on the cross, He died as us. The old creation order, full of sin, death, and decay went with the Creator into grave. When He rose from the dead, the new humanity rose with Him. This means a new type of existence has dawned, not just for the individual, but for humanity as a whole.

In this chapter, Paul explains the problems with spiritual life under the Law ("what a wretched man I am!"). Our new righteousness brings God’s favor and empowering presence to those who will believe. It frees us from the burdensome obligations of written religious rules and regulations, which keep humanity in bondage to the power of sin. The old humanity died with Christ on the cross. The new humanity shares in the hope, glory, and power of His resurrection life.

Christ’s death and resurrection have radically transformed the pattern of existence as we know it. The old creation age – full of sin, decay, and death is passing away. The new age, the age of the Holy Spirit, is already dawning. It is the new humanity, the Body of Christ, who have been chosen by God to radiate the wonders and glories of this new age into a dark and unbelieving world.

In light of the glorious new realities presented in Christ, what of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people? What is their role in the age of the Spirit? After all, they have stewarded the revelations and presence of God for hundreds and hundreds of years through the Law, temple worship, and the covenants. They have prepared humanity for the arrival of God Himself! Are God’s promises to Israel null and void in light of Christ?

Paul goes on to share his deep concern for his own people, the nation of Israel! He desires them so much to be restored and renewed into the divine image, but their zeal for God is energized by pride and religious traditions, not the Spirit of Christ. Jesus Christ is the culmination of the Law. He is the new way to God.

Israel may reject God’s new reality, but God will never reject His beloved people, whom He chose before time began. God’s call on Israel to be the light of the world has not come to an end! God has prepared a “remnant” from the Jews who will believe in and radiate the reality of Christ. Paul, as an Israelite, is an example of this remnant, a chosen one of God who freely lives in the favor and presence of God.

In light of God's incredible mercy and blessings, how is Christ's new humanity expected to act and behave? What is the new creation social ethic?

Paul admonishes the Romans to “awake from their slumber,” for their “salvation is earlier than when they first believed.” Christ’s kingdom is the sun, which has already begun to rise over time’s horizon. The darkness is disappearing, the true light is already shining! The rescue and restoration of all of humanity is close at hand – a new spiritual age of glory is coming! As such, there are no grounds for behaving as if the spiritual night is still upon us.

First-century Christianity presented some interesting cultural challenges. We need to remember that long before Christianity ever became classified as a religion, it was a sect of Judaism. In this developing Jewish sect, there were of course going to be questions and concerns about religious traditions. Paul addresses some here.

In Chapter 15, Paul continues mutual encouragement while outlining his future ministry plans. Paul reminds believers of the glorious reality of the kingdom and the inheritance of blessing we have in Jesus Christ. The promises of Scripture are actively coming into manifestation.

As Paul brings his grand letter to a close, he summarizes the Good News: The old reality is gone, the new is here! So, everyone should live according to the Spirit. Soon, darkness will be vanquished forever and the full splendor of the kingdom will be made manifest.