Theological Study Questions on the Book of Romans
The following is a list of theological questions from the book of Romans for motivated students. The idea for such a list comes from the time of Jonathan Edwards and Asahel Nettleton, when it was common for theological students to study and answer a prescribed set of questions. A student who can thoughtfully address each of these questions will be well prepared to understand and teach the book of Romans.
- Explain the overall structure of Romans, why it was written by Paul, and how that structure accomplishes Paul’s goals for writing it.
- Explain and respond to the New Perspective on Romans.
- Explain the two primary meanings of the phrase “righteousness of God” in Romans, and identify where each meaning occurs.
- What is the meaning of του ορισθεντος υιου θεου in Romans 1:4?
- What is the meaning of the “law…written on their hearts” in Romans 2:15?
- Explain Paul’s use of the Spirit/letter contrast, and what is referred to by each.
- Explain Romans 3:1-8.
- Define justification, propitiation, and redemption.
- What is meant by προεθετο ο θεος ιλαστηριον in Romans 3:25?
- What is meant by God being δικαιον και δικαιουντα in Romans 3:26?
- Define negative versus positive justification, and defend which one Paul is arguing for in Romans 4.
- Define the relationship between Adam and “all men” in Romans 5, and explain how this compares to Christ’s relationship with “all men” (as mentioned in Romans 5:18).
- Explain the effects of Adam’s sin on “all men” in Romans 5, including the definitions of and arguments for or against federal headship and seminalism.
- Define and describe Union with Christ, and explain how it serves as the centerpiece of Paul’s argument in Romans 6:1-14.
- Define ο παλαιος ανθρωπος in Romans 6:6.
- What does Paul mean by νομος? In what ways does he use the word, and to what extent is he referring to the Mosaic Law?
- From which law has the Christian been set free, and what does this mean practically for Christian experience?
- What is the role of the law in Paul’s theology – how does it function historically and theologically?
- Whose experiences does Romans 7:13-25 describe? How does this passage fit into Paul’s argument, and what does it mean practically for the Christian life?
- Explain whether or not Romans 8:26-27 refers to speaking in tongues.
- Define the meaning of προγινωσκω in Romans 8:29.
- Explain how Paul’s argument in chapter 9 answers the question he raises in 9:1-5.
- In what sense does God “elect” people? Describe the biblical doctrine of election—whether it is an election to salvation, and whether it concerns individuals or nations.
- In what sense did God “hate” Esau (Romans 9:13)? What is meant by God hardening Pharaoh’s heart, and was it Pharaoh or God who initiated that hardening?
- Explain Paul’s defense of God’s election in Romans 9:19-24.
- What is meant by saying that Christ is “the end of the law for righteousness” in Romans 10:4?
- Explain Paul’s use of Moses in Romans 10:5-10.
- Explain the flow of thought and Paul’s argument in Romans 10:14-21.
- What is meant by “all Israel will be saved” in Romans 11:26? Describe Replacement Theology and the Dispensational view, and indicate whether you hold to one of these or a different approach.
- To what extent is the instruction in Romans 13 applicable to all governments? Are there any governments to which it does not apply? Comment on this passage’s relationship to Calvin’s Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate and what it says to that viewpoint.
- In what way does love fulfill the Law (Romans 13:8)?
- What is a “matter of conscience,” and what is not? When do the provisions of Romans 14 apply, and when does a matter take on the significance of antinomianism or legalism?
- Describe the “holy kiss” and what is known about it from the ancient church.
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