The New Testament does not introduce new doctrines; rather, its authors show how Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ) fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and explain how the law is to be lived out in the context of first‑century life. Their writings interpret and apply the already‑given commandments, not to create a new religion, but to demonstrate continuity between the faith in YHWH and the faith in the Messiah. Following Yeshua Messiah is the same faith as following YHWH from creation, for Old Testament believers trusted in Him by believing the prophecies that foretold His coming, just as New Testament believers trust in the One who has now been revealed.
The Book of Romans stands as one of the most profound—and most misunderstood—writings in the New Testament. Though Paul’s central theme is salvation through Yeshua Messiah, he weaves that message together with a strong affirmation of the ongoing place of YHWH God’s law (the Torah). He proclaims salvation by faith apart from works, yet he also insists that the Torah remains holy, just, and good. Paul concludes that believers are to uphold the law (Romans 3:31), and he explains that without the law, sin cannot be defined (3:20; 4:15), nor could grace be understood as YHWH’s remedy for lawbreaking. Far from being anti-law, Paul presents the Torah as the very framework that reveals humanity’s need for redemption.
Alongside his teaching on salvation, Paul devotes significant attention to the relationship between Jew and Gentile. In chapters 9–11 he describes the identity of a true Israelite, affirms the continuing place of Israel in YHWH’s plan, and explains that Gentile believers do not replace Israel but are grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel. Paul does not advocate replacement theology; instead, he shows the harmony between the Old and New Testament and the unified way YHWH brings salvation to all who believe.
Romans was written during Paul’s stay in Corinth, likely between 53 and 58 A.D., during a quiet winter on his third missionary journey. After twenty years of preaching, Paul used these months to write a comprehensive presentation of the gospel to the believers in Rome—a church he hoped to visit soon, but one he might never reach due to the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10–14). Because of this, Romans differs from his other letters: it is less concerned with local church issues and more focused on YHWH’s sweeping plan of redemption.
The early church treasured this letter deeply. Clement of Rome, writing in 96 A.D., shows intimate familiarity with it, and many scholars believe an abridged version circulated widely as a summary of apostolic doctrine. Romans has long served as a foundational guide for understanding salvation, the nature of sin, the unity of Jew and Gentile, and the faithfulness of YHWH to His promises.
Chapter 1
Romans Chapter One reveals the power of YHWH’s gospel against the backdrop of human need. This commentary invites readers to see how divine righteousness shines through the darkness, calling every heart to faith and grace.
Chapter 2
Romans Chapter Two exposes the hidden sins of the moralist and the religious person, revealing that YHWH’s judgment is impartial and based on truth rather than outward identity. Paul dismantles every refuge of self‑righteousness, showing that only a repentant, obedient, circumcised heart can stand before YHWH God.
Chapter 3
Romans Chapter Three reveals humanity’s universal need for salvation and YHWH’s gracious provision of righteousness through faith in Christ. In this commentary, we explore Paul’s sweeping argument—from the end of human boasting to the establishment of the Law through the obedience of faith.