Prologue to the Pilgrimage of Romans II

History tells us that the Book of Romans is a letter that has for generations invigorated Christians and the Church.

One might wonder how a letter written by a mortal man named Paul has become such an integral part of the Bible. That is because the inspiration behind Romans was not of this world. As Paul testified, the words that we have accepted is not the word of men, but that of God, which is infallible and perfect. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13, NIV)

Paul himself made it clear that his words are “Spirit-taught” word of God; taught not by human wisdom but by the Holy Spirit. Apostles and the Early Church too accepted Paul’s letters as words from God, therefore they must not be distorted (2 Peter 3:15-16) but accepted as God’s divine truth.

God spoke to the Early Church through Paul’s letter two thousand years ago.  In the same way, God is eager to communicate His unchanging message to us today. Therefore we must accept Paul’s letters as God’s words for believers and the Church.

To average believers, Romans may be difficult to follow. It may come across as being overly analytical. Some people even call Romans “treaties”, especially 1:18-11:3, because it is marvelously systematic and logical.

After all, we must note the fact that Romans is actually a LETTER. And this letter was not penned by Paul himself, but he dictated it to a secretary who transcribed for him: “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.” (Romans 16:22, NIV)

Why does it worth to note? Because it tells us that Romans is not an academic document written in the seclusion of a scholar’s study. Paul did not sit quietly at a desk, carefully polishing each sentence as he wrote. We should picture of him, carried by the Holy Spirit, striding up and down, pouring out the torrents of Word of Spirit like a volcano through this letter. His words are living and vital, straight from his heart. Tertius must have raced down to record them.

Romans is a letter of the Holy Spirit in which Paul testified how much God loves the humankind, what love God poured out for us, and what we should do in order not to perish but live in joy and victory. It is Paul’s confession and fiery testimony of his faith in God’s love. At the same time, God speaks of His love to all of us who read this letter today.

Dear friends, as we embark on a new journey of Romans devotional series, let us read beyond the confines of words and follow the passionate, burning heart of Paul who testifies the heart-trembling love. Let Romans be the scripture that rekindles our hearts with the fire of agape love and grace from God.

By Christy TranBible Portal Contributor

Prologue to the Pilgrimage of Romans II

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