Romans 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Romans 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, identifies himself as an apostle set apart for the Good News (vv. 1-2). He greets those in Rome, calling them beloved of God and saints (vv.

Key verse

“For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.”
Romans 1:16 (WEB)

Outline

Romans 1:1–7 Paul's Introduction and Greeting
Romans 1:8–15 Desire to Visit Rome
Romans 1:16–17 The Power of the Gospel
Romans 1:18–23 God's Wrath Against Ungodliness
Romans 1:24–32 Consequences of Rebellion

Discussion questions

In v7, who does Paul address as 'beloved of God'?
What does Paul long to impart in v11 to the Roman believers?
Paul's statement in v16 about feeling 'not ashamed' of the Good News: what does this indicate about cultural pressures he faced?
In v25, why does Paul describe the exchange of truth for a lie with such strong language?
When have you noticed a time when society approved of actions contrary to what is described in v32?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Romans 1: 2 Timothy 1, 1 Corinthians 1, Habakkuk 2.

Before next time: read Romans 2.