Jonathan Williams with Word of God, Speak Truth Network

Paul wants everyone to know that though most of God’s covenant people have not believed, that though most of God’s people have been unfaithful, God has not been unfaithful. God has been true to his word. God’s word has not failed.

Israel was a unique nation. They had been entrusted with the most noble task in the world – to be a light to the nations and to restore all that mankind had lost because of sin. And Paul encapsulated these privileges with six words and phrases. 

In Romans 9:1-5, Paul refuted the charges of apathy, defended his apostolic authority, and exemplified the attitude gentile Christians should exhibit toward unbelieving Jews. He was gaining a foothold in the minds and hearts of readers who might have doubted his love for Israel. After all, remember, Paul was slandered. Evil reports circulated about him, and he must set the record straight about how he felt about his people.

Paul was slandered by many. In 2 Corinthians 6:8 he talked about evil reports that circulated in the world about him. He talked about being dishonored and being accused as a deceiver. Many viewed him as a traitor to the ancestral traditions of his people and more gentile-like than kosher in his behavior. Paul had to set the record straight – theologically and personally. Romans 9 is not just expressing his theological views. It is expressing his passion for his people. He must let others know how he felt about his people. “I am telling the truth! I am not lying!"

As we continue to learn why Paul wrote Romans, we will also discover the importance of God's people updating their story to show how God was at work in their day. 

For centuries, many thought Romans to be primarily, a theological treatise. But that wasn’t the case. Paul had three reasons for writing Romans, and in this broadcast we will begin examining them. His purposes were:
·        Missionary – his forthcoming trip to Spain
·        Apologetic – setting forth the true gospel
·        Pastoral – uniting Jew and gentile in one body