Romans, Galatians: Exegetical study

In his “Introduction to the Epistle to the Romans” (1522), Martin Luther wrote, “This epistle is the proper heart of the New Testament in the clearest expression of the Gospel. It is truly worthy and valuable that a Christian not only memorizes this epistle word-for-word, but is also daily occupied with it as the daily bread for the soul.” Whoever understands the Epistle to the Romans, according to Luther’s conviction, has unlocked the meaning of nearly the entire Bible.

In fact, the Epistle to the Romans has always been of central importance for the Christian faith. Many of the greatest theologians throughout world history found in these texts the foundation and beginning of their greatest work, including Augustine, Martin Luther, and Karl Barth. In this letter, the Apostle Paul unfolds his fundamental thesis of justification by faith, which then became the foundation of reformed theology. There are also other foundational themes that find expression in Romans: the question of predestination, the role of Israel and God’s redemptive plan, the relationship between Christians and the State, and other themes.

The Epistle to the Galatians is compactor than Romans. It emphasizes the great theme of Christian liberty as well as a more concise expression of justification by faith. Galatians also gives insight into the ministry history of the Apostle Paul. The letter also expresses with great clarity how Christians can stumble, even following the reception of significant wisdom about God. This course gives expression to the great significance of these two epistles for the Christian church and its theology.