Studies In Romans

This is a reproduction of a series of 38 weekly articles in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES from October 17, 1895 through September 10, 1896-unabridged, unedited, large print. This presentation is as the author published it-as weekly studies, and not as a read through dissertation or story. INTRODUCTION: UNDER this heading it is proposed to conduct, as nearly as can be done in writing, a class study of the Epistle to the Romans. It is designed to be literally a study, and it is hoped that the "study" will not be all on the part of the writer, but that the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will be encouraged to acquire for themselves an acquaintance with an epistle that is doubtless the greatest treatise ever written. In each number the text for the week will be quoted, in order to facilitate the study. The reader, however, should use his Bible freely. Read the verses to be studied very frequently, and form the habit of questioning each verse, after the manner indicated below, only more closely. In this way the force of the words, used by the apostle will stand out clearly, and the thought will be fixed in the mind, in the exact words of the Scripture. Inspiration assures us that in all of the epistles of Paul there are "some things hard to be understood." 2 Peter 3:16. Perhaps this is the case with the Epistle to the Romans in a greater degree than with any other epistle. But they are not impossible to be understood, and it is only the "unlearned and unstable" who wrest them unto their own destruction who thus miss the point of Paul's writings. They who have a desire to understand and who read the simple promises of the Bible with profit, will not be among that number. In beginning this study it will be an encouragement to the reader if he will remember that it is simply a letter written to the church in Rome. We cannot suppose that the congregation in Rome differed from the great body of Christians in general, and of them we read that "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." 1 Cor. 1:26. The truest followers of Jesus have always been among "the common people." So in the church in Rome there were doubtless shopkeepers, artisans, day laborers, carpenters, gardeners, etc., and many servants in the families of wealthy citizens, together with a few who might hold some position of rank. When we consider that it was confidently expected that people of this sort would understand the letter, we may be encouraged to believe that the same class of people can understand it now. Paul's exhortation and assurance to Timothy form the best guide to the study of all the epistles, and the whole Bible as well. "Consider what I say, for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things." "God is his own interpreter." The words of the Bible explain the Bible. This is why you should closely question the text so as to get at exactly what is said, in connection with what precedes and follows. Nothing can take the place of prayerful meditation upon the exact words of the Bible. By this means the most unlearned in this world's wisdom may become mighty in the Scriptures. The Lord has said just what he means, and the only way to find out just what he means is to become thoroughly familiar with just what he says, just as he says it. The notes that accompany the text in this study are designed to fix the student's attention more closely upon the word, and for the benefit of the casual reader. That the study of this epistle may be greatly blessed in those who pursue it, and that the word may become more highly esteemed by all, because of the increased light that the Holy Spirit may cause to flash from it, is the earnest prayer of the writer. E. J. W