Romans 1–16

Romans 1–164 matched frames1 pivot

Read down to the center, where the pattern turns; then rise back out through its mirror.

A 1:1-17 Introduction and Theme: The Gospel of God
- Paul's apostleship and the gospel revealed
- "The righteous shall live by faith" (1:17)
- B 1:18-3:20 Universal Sinfulness
  - Gentiles under sin (1:18-32)
  - Jews under sin (2:1-3:20)
  - "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
  - C 3:21-5:21 Justification by Faith
    - Righteousness through faith apart from works
    - Abraham's example of faith
    - Peace with God through Christ
    - Adam and Christ contrasted
    - D 6:1-8:39 Sanctification and Life in the Spirit
      - Dead to sin, alive to God (6:1-23)
      - Freed from the law (7:1-25)
      - Life in the Spirit (8:1-39)
      - "No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus"
      - E 9:1-11:36 Israel's Rejection and Future Restoration
        God's sovereignty and Israel's unbelief
        Gentiles grafted in
        Israel's future salvation
        "God's gifts and call are irrevocable"
    - D' 12:1-13:14 Practical Sanctification and Christian Living
      - Present bodies as living sacrifices
      - Transformed minds
      - Love in action
      - Submission to authorities
      - "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ"
  - C' 14:1-15:13 Unity in Faith
    - Accepting the weak and strong
    - Living for the Lord
    - Christ received both Jews and Gentiles
    - Harmony among believers
- B' 15:14-33 Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
  - Apostle to the Gentiles
  - Gospel preached from Jerusalem to Illyricum
  - Travel plans to visit Rome and Spain
A' 16:1-27 Conclusion and Doxology: The Gospel Mystery Revealed
- Personal greetings
- Warning against divisive people
- Final doxology: "To God be the glory through Jesus Christ forever"

Parallel Themes:

A/A': Gospel introduction and conclusion
B/B': Universal scope (all sinners / Paul's universal ministry)
C/C': Faith and unity (justification / practical unity)
D/D': Sanctification (theological / practical)
E: Central section - God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles