1. Lesson One
    Romans as a Theological Treatise (Romans 1–6)
    22 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  2. Lesson Two
    Romans as an Occasional Letter (Romans 9–11)
    19 Activities
    |
    2 Assessments
  3. Lesson Three
    The Real Difference (Romans 7–8)
    19 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    Living out the Gospel in "Rome" (Romans 12–14)
    21 Activities
    |
    5 Assessments
  5. Lesson Five
    Author and Audience (Romans 15–16)
    22 Activities
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment
Lesson 1, Activity 21

In Front | Workbook: The Importance of Romans

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Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

Romans is Paul’s longest and most discussed surviving letter. Especially since the Reformation, it has been at the forefront of Christian theological discussion. Dr. N. T. Wright has compared it to a “towering Alpine peak” among Paul’s other writings:

[Romans] is by common consent [Paul’s] masterpiece. It dwarfs most of his other writings, an Alpine peak towering over hills and villages. Not all onlookers have viewed it in the same light or from the same angle, and their snapshots and paintings of it are sometimes remarkably unalike. Not all climbers have taken the same route up its sheer sides, and there is frequent disagreement on the best approach. What nobody doubts is that we are here dealing with a work of massive substance, presenting a formidable intellectual challenge while offering a breathtaking theological and spiritual vision.

Source: N. T. Wright, “The Letter to the Romans: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections.” In vol. 10 of The New Interpreter’s Bible, 2002, p. 395.

  1. What has your route up the “Alpine peak” of Romans consisted of? Where have you connected with this letter in an especially meaningful way? Which “facet” of Romans has meant the most to you personally?