The structure of the Letter to the Romans is a reversal of themes. Each topic is mentioned twice and examined from two different perspectives. Central to the letter is the statement that “God is for us.” For us, namely once individually and once nationally with regard to Israel.

The topics of “justification” and “reconciliation” are also considered once from an individual point of view and once from a national point of view for Israel. Therefore, the relationship between Israel and the church occupies an important place in the Epistle to the Romans (chapters 9-11). Here Paul tries to clarify the relationship between the people of Israel and the church in a groundbreaking way.

Another core theme concerns the two gospels that are mentioned. The “justification” by faith was promised before and concerns the gospel of God. The “reconciliation”, however, which is explained from chapter 5 on, is new. It is quite different from “atonement” as explained in the Tenach (Old Testament) or even still in Romans 3. This reconciliation was a secret until then. It belongs to what the apostle calls “my gospel” at the end of the letter.

This overview can serve as a guide when studying.

Photo credit: Andrei Lišakov

Additional schematics can be found here >.