Romans

The law vs. faith in Christ. That's pretty much it.

I decided that I want to finish the New Testament by the end of next week. That means I'll be reading more often and that my journaling will be simpler. It doesn't help that I'm a little preoccupied - Karen's should be arriving in Lviv, Ukraine any minute now, and she's away until next Friday. We're half a world apart.

But back to Romans. The law vs. faith in Christ. Acts ended with Paul in Rome. Romans begins with Paul saying how much he wanted to visit, which suggests he wrote it early on in his work. Most of the letter is Paul explaining to the Jewish readers that they should not be boastful or think they're all that because they have the law. The law wasn't enough. He then explains that the law was necessary, but sums it all up by saying that they were sinners who Christ died for and they needed to accept him by faith.

Then, Paul starts speaking to the Gentiles (10:13), and tells them that they shouldn't think they're all that either, because the Jews were God's chosen people - they were welcomed in and made part of the family, but the Jews were first.

He essentially takes away any reason for anyone to boast. That must have been a problem. Sort of like denominations nowadays.

Then it looks like he switches and talk to everyone (12:1) and gives some basic instructions for living for Christ - all very practical. He then sums up the Jew / Gentile conversation (15:7) then shares some information about himself (15:14) then some closing remarks.

All in all, it seems Romans' emphasis is for one group not to think they are better than another group, that only faith in Christ is what matters, and God used the law to lay a foundation for people to be able to accept Christ.

Now I can get back to missing Karen.