The city state at the heart of the great world empire of NT times, pictured in the book of Revelation as the embodiment of corrupt earthly power. A large church had been established in Rome long before Paul arrived there, towards the end of his life and his mission. His letter to the believers in Rome includes a comprehensive explanation of the gospel.
Rome and the mission of Paul
Paul plans to visit Rome
Acts 19:21 See also Romans 1:13–15, Romans 15:23–29
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”
Jesus Christ confirms that Paul will preach the gospel in Rome
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”
Paul is sent for trial in Rome
Acts 25:10–12 See also Acts 27:1–2
Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”
Paul arrives in Rome
There we found some brothers who invited us to spend the week with them. And so we came to Rome. The brothers there had heard about us and traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God. When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
Paul preaches in Rome
Acts 28:30–31 See also Acts 28:23–24; Philippians 1:12–13
Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
The church in Rome existed long before Paul's arrival
Romans 15:23–24 See also Acts 28:15; Romans 1:8, Romans 16:3–16 Although Paul had never been to Rome, he seemed to be personally acquainted with 26 people associated with the church there, so its overall size was probably quite considerable.
But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you, I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.
Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents the whole gospel
Romans 1:16–17 The gospel is God's offer of salvation to all.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Sin and the universal need for salvation
Romans 3:23 See also Romans 3:10, Romans 6:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
God's ``rescue'' through Jesus Christ available to all
Romans 3:22 See also Romans 1:16
And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,
Peace with God through believing in Jesus Christ
Romans 5:1–2 See also Romans 4:23–25, Romans 5:8–10
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Gentiles obtain salavation
It is just as the Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Rome is pictured as the embodiment of corrupt earthly power
Revelation 17:1–18 Verse 9 clearly identifies the city as Rome, widely known then as the city built on seven hills. See also Revelation 14:8 Babylon was the great godless city of the OT and here is taken by most commentators to depict Rome, which in turn represents corrupt worldly power in general. However, some believe that only a general reference to the world system is in mind, and others that a literal reference to the actual city of Babylon is intended; Revelation 16:19, Revelation 18:1–24
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.