Dec
17
2009
The theme of Romans

“To the question ‘What is Romans all about?’ a variety of answers might be given. . . . An interesting point emerges if we approach the epistle statistically. . . . It comes as no surprise that the word Paul uses most frequently is some form or other of the definite article (1105x). Nor that this is followed in order by ["and"] (274x), ["in"] (172x) and ["he"] (156x). These are all common words and are bound to occur frequently. But not everybody would expect that Paul’s next most frequent word in this epistle is “God,” which is found no less than 153x. We may gauge something of the significance of this by noting that even some very common words do not occur as often. Thus ["but, however"] is found but 147x, the verb ["to be"] in its various forms 113x, and the preposition ["into"] 119x. . . . It is clear that in Romans Paul speaks of God so often that no other subject comes even remotely near it.”
Leon Morris, “The Theme of Romans,” in W. Ward Gasque and Ralph P. Martin, editors, Apostolic History and the Gospel, pages 249-250.





2 Comments
Thanks for this quote, Ray. Paul’s focus in Romans shows us that gospel’s greatest gift is God himself. The book of Romans has changed my life. I’ve been studying it for the past year with a small group of men, earnestly praying for gospel renewal in hearts and in our city. We’re only just now finishing Chapter 7! Your book in particular–”A Passion for God”-has helped me understand feel the truth of the gospel in ways that I didn’t think were possible. I’m deeply grateful for your ministry and your heart for stirring up the mind and the affections as we engage God’s Word.
Have you written anything else on Romans?
Blessings,
John
Thanks, John. So glad to know of this.
You might want to check out Supernatural Living for Natural People, on Romans 8.
God bless.