Jul 21, 2023

The centrality of the gospel in the book of Romans – Dr. Sherif A. Fahim

Institution: St. Athanasius Provincial Seminary

Language: English

Post Format: Video

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"The title of this lecture is 'The Gospel: The Centrality of the Gospel in the Book of Romans.' Centrality of the Gospel in the Book of Romans, and read the first few verses from this book, Romans Chapter 1.
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his son, who is descended from David according to the flesh, and was declared to be the son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness, by his Resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received Grace and apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all Nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
To all those in Rome, who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we think of the book of Romans and what is the main theme of the book of Romans, many, many theologians debated: what's the main theme of the book of Romans? In fact, many people even debated if it was a single person or not. Some people claim that the Romans is constructed of different parts compounded together. But I don't think that this is true. It's one book, and we can trace the line of thought through it. But even if we think one piece as one episode, still, it may differ a little bit. What is the main goal? What is the main objective of this vessel? What's the main subject of that person? Most of the time, people would say, 'Well, it is the gospel,' which is great, but still, they may differ how they would divide different parts of the person. However, they would agree that the gospel is the center message, is the center piece of this person. And truly, if we read the book of Romans, we can read Paul's theology or the purest form of Paul's explanation of the gospel. And from the first verse, we see that the gospel is the main subject of the message. Paul himself calls himself, 'I am the one who is separated for the Gospel.' Not only which means good news, but also the verb to evangelize, the same big word, the same root. This verb comes frequently in that person. And as we begin the first few verses, or the first 16 verses of this episode, we see the words gospel and evangelize, that same Greek word, the same root, repeated many times. It comes in Romans 1:15, Romans 1:16. And what is more, as we go back to the end of the letter, we find that the conclusion of the letter repeats these two words, 'the gospel' and 'evangelize.' In fact, as we look to the two parts of the very beginning and the very end, we see them forming two brackets. We call this an inclusive, where Paul talks about a certain theme in the beginning, and he is repeating that the same, so that when you see them, you understand that this is the goal of the letter. This is the main subject of the letter. And what does in between these two brackets is illustration and more deliberation of what is this letter is all about.
Let's have a look at this reality, but I've read in the beginning, the beginning of the person, Romans 1:1-7. Let's go now to the end of that person in Romans 16, and we will notice lots of similarities. You will see the other bracket close, glowing the whole thing, Romans 16, Verse 20-25.
'Now to him who was able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed, and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all Nations, according to the command of the Eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ. Amen.'
If we compare this to reverses with what we have seen in the very beginning of the episode, we'll see lots of common themes. The gospel is very central. And this gospel, in both parts, it's the fulfillment of the prophecies that was hidden but now it has appeared. It has been promised but now it's clear. So, first thing about the gospel is the fulfillment of the promises. Secondly, the main subject of this gospel, whether in the beginning of the episode or the end of the episode, it's Jesus Christ. The gospel is about Jesus Christ. Thirdly, it strives for certain goals. And what is this goal? Important to bring the obedience of faith among all Nations. The same principles, the same ideas, and the glory of God is the ultimate goal in both parts. In the beginning of the episode and the end of that person.
So, it is as if the gospel is the two brackets that surround the whole message that explains this gospel and its relationship to us, that our heavenly father, we praise your name for the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel which we were saved. The gospel by which we can stand. The gospel by which we continue our pilgrimage till we see you face to face. We thank you for this great news, Jesus Christ, in which we rest. We pray these things in Christ’s name, Amen!"

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The centrality of the gospel in the book of Romans – Dr. Sherif A. Fahim

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