Teaching of Paul - Bible Study 3

Readings: Romans 1:8-17

Note: Before you read ahead answer these 3 questions on Romans 1:8-17 giving references.

Questions and Comments

1. What 8 things does Paul write about himself (v 8-16)?

• I thank God (v 8)
• I serve God (v 9)
• I pray unceasingly (v 9)
• I long to see you (v 11)
• I often tried to come to you (v 13)
• I am debtor to all (v 14)
• I am ready to preach the good news (v 15)
• I am not ashamed of the good news (v 16)

2. What 3 things does Paul write about the gospel (v 15-17)?

• He is eager to preach the gospel or good news (v 15)
• The gospel is God's power to save those who believe (v 16)
• The gospel reveals the righteousness of God (v 17) – Paul has already mentioned the divine origin of the gospel (v 1-2) and its theme (v 3)

3. What 3 things does Paul write about the believers in Rome (v 8-12)?

• Their faith is proclaimed in all the world (v 8)
• He wanted to impart some spiritual gift to them to strengthen them (v 11)
• He strove for mutual encouragement arising from each other's faith (v 12)

Further Questions

4. Why did Paul call himself a debtor?

• Read 1 Corinthians 9:6. He was in debt to Jesus for salvation and so he considered himself in debt to everyone to share the good news of salvation in Jesus.
• Was Paul the apostle of the Jews only?
• Read Acts 9:15.

5. Why was Paul not ashamed of the good news?

• Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

6. God is righteous and can make man righteous through Jesus. God's attributes can be divided into his natural or incommunicable attributes which he cannot share with anyone e.g. his unchangeableness; and his moral or communicable attributes which he can impart to man e.g. his righteousness. Make a list of the incommunicable attributes of God and another list of communicable attributes. Give references.

7. Which prophet is quoted in v 17? Which attribute is mentioned here as common to God and man?

• Paul quotes from the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew. The New Testament was written in everyday Greek. The Old Testament and New Testament together comprise the Holy Bible.