Study 17. Romans - The Gospel of God

The sudden change in tone from the end of Romans 8 to the beginning of Romans 9 (from absolute assurance to deep anguish), together with the seeming shift in topic, cause some to suggest Chapters 9-11 don't fit with the rest of Paul's letter. Perhaps even, it was a 'spare sermon' Paul had in his back pocket and used to fill out the letter a little more (as if it needed filling out!). On the contrary though, these chapters are an intrinsic part of the Romans and fit perfectly with the theme of God's righteousness revealed in the gospel, particularly pertaining to his dealings with Israel and the nations. What's more, the beginning of Chapter 9 reveals a very personal side of the author in what is commonly considered a book of solid Christian gospel doctrine. Far from going on a tangent or slipping in an extra sermon, Paul continues to declare the righteousness of God in his unfailing word, his mercy and sovereign purpose of election, culminating in one of the great doxologies of the New Testament at the end of Romans 11.