Question

A.Romans 1:1-17
1.Hwo did paul identify himself,his message , his mission and readers?
2.what do verses 8-13 reveal about Paul’s attitude toward thed Romans believers
3.In verse 14-17 what was Paul’s 3 fold attitude toward the gospel? Why are these attitudes necessary if we are going to take evangelism seriously?
4.How does Paul explain the gospel in verse 17?

Answer 1

1. How Paul identifies himself, his message, his mission and his readers (Rom. 1:1–7)
- Paul’s identity: “a servant (or slave) of Christ Jesus” and “called to be an apostle” (humility plus apostolic authority). He also says he was “set apart” (sanctified) and “called” by God.
- His message: “the gospel of God concerning his Son, Jesus Christ” — the Son’s human descent from David and his divine vindication as Son of God by the resurrection (Jesus is Lord).
- His mission: to bring about obedience of faith among the Gentiles “for his name’s sake” (evangelize the nations, call people to faith and obedient life).
- His readers: “all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints” — believers in Rome, recipients of God’s calling and love.

2. What verses 8–13 reveal about Paul’s attitude toward the Roman believers
- Gratitude and praise: he constantly thanks God for their faith, which is being proclaimed everywhere (v. 8–9).
- Prayerful and respectful: he remembers them in prayer and longs to visit (v. 9–10).
- Affection and partnership: he desires to share spiritual gifts with them and to encourage one another’s faith (v. 11–12).
- Eagerness and pastoral concern: he has planned to come many times but has been prevented; he wishes not only to benefit them but to have his ministry bear fruit among them (v. 13).
Overall tone: affectionate, humble, eager, and mutually encouraging — he cares deeply for their spiritual wellbeing and partnership in the gospel.

3. Paul’s threefold attitude toward the gospel in verses 14–17, and why these attitudes matter for evangelism
- 1) Sense of obligation/debt: “I am debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians” — he feels morally and spiritually compelled to preach to everyone.
- 2) Readiness/eagerness: “I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome” — zealous willingness to go and serve.
- 3) Not ashamed/confident: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel” — boldness and refusal to hide the message despite possible shame or opposition.

Why these are necessary for serious evangelism:
- Obligation motivates action toward every person, overcoming selective or indifferent outreach.
- Readiness supplies the zeal and preparedness to go, speak, and serve even when it’s difficult.
- Boldness/unashamedness allows gospel witnesses to speak frankly and consistently despite social pressure, fear of rejection, or ridicule. Together they produce faithful, persistent, and effective evangelism grounded in conviction that the gospel saves.

4. How Paul explains the gospel in verse 17
- He says: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed, from faith for faith. As it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”
- Meaning: the gospel unveils God’s righteousness — both God’s faithful character and the gracious righteousness God gives to sinners. This righteousness is received by faith, not by works. The phrase “from faith for faith” (or “from faith to faith”) signals that salvation and right standing with God begin and continue by faith; faith is the means and the ongoing life of the believer. The quotation “the righteous shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4) underscores that true life with God is lived and sustained by trusting faith, which is the heart of justification by faith.