Insights from Romans

Paul's letter to the Romans is the longest and most carefully reasoned letter in the New Testament. It has turned lives around for two thousand years. Augustine, Luther, and Wesley all found their footing in its pages, and the verses known as the Roman Road have led countless people to faith. Yet many believers know Romans only in fragments: a verse here, a chapter there, rarely the whole argument from beginning to end.

Insights from Romans walks the entire letter in fifty-two weekly readings, one for every week of the year. Each week centers on a passage and opens it with careful commentary, drawing out its meaning for everyday faith.

The first half of the year follows Paul's argument in order. It begins with the gospel sent to the nations and the power of God for salvation, then moves through wrath and judgment, circumcision of the heart, and the plain verdict that all have sinned. It traces Abraham justified by faith, peace with God, death through Adam and life through Christ, freedom from the imposed law, and life in the Spirit. It then follows Paul's grief over Israel, the remnant, the nations grafted into the olive tree, and the promise that all Israel will be saved.

The second half turns to the life that flows from that gospel: the living sacrifice, service in the body, love in action, submission to authority, peace between the weak and the strong, and Christ's example. Later weeks revisit Romans' great themes, including faith apart from works, the intercession of the Spirit, the olive tree, accepting one another, and the obedience of faith.

For personal devotion, families, or small groups, this is a year-long walk down the Roman Road, from the ruin of sin to the mercy of God and a life offered back to Him.