Paul's Letter To Rome

2299 Words5 Pages

Introduction In a world of cell phones, instant messages, and constantly growing communications, letters such as Paul’s can seem outdated or misunderstood. Styles and approaches used thousands of years ago become unmatched to the mold of current generations. For many modern day individuals, a piece of paper that takes days to arrive, is a waste of time. However, during the time of Paul, a piece of paper that took weeks, months, or even years to receive, meant the world to an individual. Throughout his ministry, Paul wrote many of these letters to various locations. However, his letter to the people of Rome is said to be one of his most strategic. It was through this letter that Paul explained his beliefs and his position in Christ as a gateway …show more content…

The letter to the people of Rome is believed to be written while Paul was in Corinth on his third missionary journey. Due to evidences written throughout the letter, it is specified that Paul possibly wrote the letter in the winter months of A.D. 57-58. Paul specifically addressed this letter to the community of Christians in Rome. However, it is understood that he knew that Jewish Christians attended these communities. Another key historical aspect of this passage is Paul’s reference to horticultural practices. The normal practice of grafting trees meant for the healthy and stable tree to be grafted into the wild olive tree to help produce a strong and fruitful plant. However, Paul reverses the process and states that the wild branch should be grafted into the older stable tree. It is with this understanding that the true interpretation of Paul’s imagery can be …show more content…

Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.” Romans 11:13-16. It is in these verses that Paul explains his ultimate purpose in his ministry to the Gentiles. It is perceived that for Paul “…to convert the Gentile world [would act] as a catalyst for Israel’s restoration…” Thus, he uses the example of dough and of roots. By stating that the original (the Jews) are dedicated to God, then the rest of the batch or tree is holy as well. This further emphasizes the importance of the reconciliation of the Jews through the Gentiles. “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” Romans

Open Document