THE APOSTLE OF THE RECONCILIATION

The epistle to the Romans differs in this respect from all that had been written before it. The apostle had never

been to Rome, neither had he founded the church there. By the time the epistle was written the controversy

concerning his apostleship had subsided. Rome also was a fitting place to which the apostle to the Gentiles might

direct a clear definite exposition of the gospel which he called `my gospel', and the ministry which was linked with

it, namely, that of the reconciliation. In this epistle justification by faith, which is treated in a personal fashion in

Galatians, is more carefully explained and elaborated. The nations and the nation are passed in orderly review, and

the whole position doctrinally, dispensationally and practically set out.

We shall attempt to demonstrate the teaching of the epistle to the Romans by pursuing the following lines of

1. Reconciliation, as viewed in relation to (a) doctrine, (b) dispensation, and (c) practice.

2. Reconciliation, as viewed from (a) the outer, and (b) the inner revelation of the epistle.

First a word or two regarding this subdivision, (a) the outer, and (b) the inner teaching of Romans. We believe

J.N. Darby was among the first of modern writers to point out that sin in Romans 5:12 to 8:39 is in the singular, and

means inherited depravity; but we are indebted to a note from Mr. George Parker of China for the clearer reference

to Babel. The outer portion of Romans occupies 1:1 to 5:11, and 9:1 to 16:27. The inner portion occupies 5:12 to

8:39, and may be viewed as a parenthesis connected with the epistle as a whole, but preserving its distinctions

throughout. The outer portion is connected with Babel and its rebellion. The inner portion is connected with Adam

and his fall. In the former case the Babylonian rebellion brought in idolatry, uncleanness and reprobation, `God

gave them up'. In the latter case the fall of Adam brought in sin and death and their dominion. In the former portion

Abraham figures as the type of the believer who is drawn out of the existing confusion `not for his sake alone'

(4:23). In the latter case Christ stands as the last Adam, `the figure of Him who was to come' (5:14). In both

spheres it is written `all sinned', but the contexts of the two references vary considerably. The effect of Adam's sin

upon his descendants is summed up in the word `condemnation'; the effect of Babel's rebellion will be seen in `the

day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God'.

Romans 1:1 to 5:11.

Romans 9:1 to 16:27.

(Romans 5:12 to 8:39).

This outer and inner line of teaching is witnessed by the opening and closing words of the epistle. Romans 1:1-6

speaks of the gospel as preached by Paul, which had been promised by the prophets in the Holy Scriptures, and

which concerned the Lord Jesus Christ, raised from the dead and preached among all nations for the obedience of

faith for His name. This represents the outer portion. In Romans 16:25-27 the preaching of the gospel is further

expanded to include the revelation of the secret which had been silenced since the age times, but now is made

manifest, and by prophetic writings, according to the commandment of the aionion God, made known to all nations

for the obedience of faith. This summarizes the inner portion.

A 1:1 to 5:11

B 5:12 to 8:39

A 9:1 to 16:24

B 16:25-27

We will now consider more closely that section of the outer portion of Romans which commences with chapter

1:18 and closes with chapter 3:20. This section, particularly chapter 2, has presented many difficulties to expositors,

and we believe the only solution of the problem of the chapter is found in seeing its connection with the defection of

the nations at Babel, the reconciliation effected by Christ and preached by Paul, and the judgment of the nations and

Babylon in the day of wrath yet to come, as foretold in the book of the Revelation.

We leave the subject of justification by faith for a time, with the observation that its mention ushers in the

passage which deals with the rebellion of the nations. The reason for this connection will be seen, we trust, later: