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Inner and outer teaching.
The epistle to the Romans, while it must be read through as one would an ordinary
letter, must be studied along the lines of its divisions, and the first division of importance
is that which we call the outer and the inner. The outer occupies Rom. 1: 1 - 5: 11 and
9: 1 - 16: 24. The inner occupies Rom. 5: 12 - 8: 39 and 16: 25-27. The dominant
figure (speaking of men) in Rom. 1: - 5: 11 is Abraham, whereas the dominant figure in
Rom. 5: 12 - 8: 39 is Adam. The background of Rom. 1: is Babel; the background of
Rom. 5: 12 is Eden. Sins are the concern of the outer; sin the concern of the inner.
The reader will observe that the concluding verses of Rom. 16: are considered as a
part of the inner teaching of Romans. This we must study in its place, but we will here
say that we do not believe that "the mystery" of Ephesians is in view in Rom. 16: Let us
compare the opening and closing words of the epistle.
The Outer Section.
The Inner Section.
Introduction.
Conclusion.
(Rom. 1: 1-7).
(Rom. 16: 25-27).
The gospel of God.
My gospel.
Concerning His Son Jesus Christ.
The preaching of Jesus Christ.
Promised afore by His prophets in the holy
According to the revelation of the
Scriptures.
mystery, kept in silence in age
times, but now manifested, and
through prophetic writings made
known.
For obedience of faith unto all nations.
To all nations for the obedience of faith.
Grace from God our Father.
Praise to the aionian God and the only
wise God.
As a further unfolding of the different point of view of the inner and outer portions of
the epistle we observe the usage and occurrence of some important words.
Sin.--Occurs 47 times. Of these 6 occurrences are found in the outer portion
(chapters 1: - 5: 11, 9: - 16:) and 41 in the inner portion (5: 12 - 8:). It will be seen
that this word is particularly connected with the inner portion.
Wrath.--This word occurs 12 times, and is exclusively used in the outer section.
Contrary to popular exposition, the wrath of God is not mentioned in connection with
Adam's sin. As a parallel to this, we might mention that wrath is not spoken of at the
great white throne; wrath was completed in the vials poured out upon the earth before the
Millennium.
Justify.--
Dikaioo (to justify).
11 times in outer, 4 times in inner.
Dikaioses (justification).
One occurrence in each.
Dikaioma (judicial sentence).
Twice in outer. Three times in inner.
Dikaiosune (righteousness).
28 times in outer, 8 times in inner.
Dikaios (righteous).
5 in outer, 2 in inner.
Justification and righteousness are the theme of the outer portion, rather than the inner.