The Historical Background of the Book of Romans
Quick answer
Paul wrote Romans around AD 57, most likely from Corinth near the end of his third missionary journey. He wrote to a church he had not founded or visited, made up of Jewish and Gentile believers, to explain his gospel, encourage unity and seek support for a mission to Spain. Alabaster's Book of Romans presents the full letter.
When and where was Romans written?
Most scholars date Romans to about AD 56-58. Clues in the letter point to Corinth: Paul is about to take a collection to Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-26), he commends Phoebe of Cenchreae, Corinth's port (16:1), and he sends greetings from Gaius, his host (16:23), likely the Gaius of Corinth mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:14.
This matches Acts 20:2-3, which describes Paul spending three months in Greece before traveling to Jerusalem.
Who were the Christians in Rome?
No one knows exactly who first brought the gospel to Rome. Acts 2:10 mentions visitors from Rome present at Pentecost, and they may have carried the message home. By the time Paul wrote, the church was well established; he says its faith was "spoken of throughout the whole world" (Romans 1:8, KJV).
The believers likely met in several house churches. Romans 16 greets about two dozen people by name, including Priscilla and Aquila and the church in their house (16:3-5).
The Edict of Claudius and Jewish-Gentile tension
The Roman historian Suetonius reports that Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome because of disturbances, an event usually dated around AD 49. Acts 18:2 says Priscilla and Aquila had left Italy for this reason.
Many historians think Jewish Christians were expelled too, leaving Gentile believers to lead the churches. When Jews returned after Claudius died in AD 54, the two groups may have had different customs about food and holy days. This helps explain why Romans spends so much time on Jews and Gentiles as one people in Christ, and why chapters 14-15 urge believers to welcome one another. Scholars hold this reconstruction with varying confidence.
Why did Paul write Romans?
- To introduce his gospel to a church that did not know him personally (Romans 1:11-15).
- To seek support for Spain. Paul hoped Rome would help send him west (15:24, 28).
- To promote unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.
- To prepare for Jerusalem. He asked for prayer as he delivered the gift for the poor (15:30-31).
Paul did reach Rome, though not as he planned: he arrived as a prisoner, as Acts 28 records.
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The Book of Romans
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The Letters
Place Romans alongside all 21 New Testament letters in one hardcover to see how Paul's other churches faced similar questions.
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Frequently asked questions
Did Paul start the church in Rome?
No. The church existed before Paul visited. He wrote Romans in part to introduce himself because he had not yet been there.
Who delivered the letter to the Romans?
Most scholars believe Phoebe, a deacon or servant of the church at Cenchreae whom Paul commends in Romans 16:1-2, carried the letter.
What language was Romans written in?
Romans was written in Greek, the common language of the eastern Mediterranean, which was also widely spoken in Rome.
Did Paul ever get to Spain?
The New Testament does not say. Some early Christian writers suggest he did, but this is uncertain.
