Jenna Erickson
BIBL 104-D13
05/8/2015
New Testament Bible Dictionary Project: Romans/Paul/Ephesus
Romans:
This Epistle to the Romans, although usually shortened to just Romans, was written by the Apostle Paul around the times of 55 to 57 A.D. This is the 6th book of New Testament and out of all the letters or epistles that Paul wrote in his time, his letter to the Romans is the longest, most detailed and most ambitious. The two major personalities in this book are: the writer, the Apostle Paul, and Phoebe who delivered the letter to the Roman Christian Church. Paul addressed such things in this letter as; the meaning of the gospel, the importance of the gospel, the nature of Gods salvation, how salvation can be achieved by all whom seek it, the people who are in need of it, the effects of salvation on an individual’s life, and the impact of salvation on the community as a whole. “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11-12). The most important and probably the central theme seen throughout this book is the faith in God’s righteousness and Christ’s sacrifice, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes... For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith" (Romans 1:16-17).
Paul:
Paul was personally responsible for writing quite a bit of the New Testament, of which some include, 13 letters or epistles to the growing churches across the Roman Empire. Paul, or previously known as Saul before his conversion to Christianity, was an enforcer for the Pharisees, and he was responsible for persecuting and killing Christians. He admits to this in Galatians 1:13 upon being blinded and speaking with Jesus briefly. Paul was