(a) Rom 1:1-17: Introduction (b) Rom 1:18 — 3:20: The unrighteousness of all mankind

  • Rom 1:18-32: Gentiles
  • Rom 2:1 — 3:8: Jews
  • Rom 3:9-20: Summary: all people

(c) Rom 3:21 — 5:21: Righteousness imputed: justification:

  • Rom 3:21-26: Through Christ
  • Rom 3:27 — 4:25: Received by faith
  • Rom 5:1-11: The fruits of righteousness
  • Rom 5:12-21: Summary: man's righteousness contrasted with God's gift

(d) Rom 6-8: Righteousness imparted: sanctification:

  • Rom 6: Freedom from sin's tyranny
  • Rom 7: Freedom from the law's condemnation
  • Rom 8: Life in the power of the Holy Spirit

(e) Rom 9-11: The problem of the rejection of Israel:

  • Rom 9; 10: The justice and cause of the rejection
  • Rom 11: The restoration of Israel

(f) Rom 12:1 — 15:13: The gospel in practice:

  • Rom 12: In the body, the church
  • Rom 13: In the world
  • Rom 14:1 — 15:13: Among weak and strong believers

(g) Rom 15:14 — 16:27: Conclusion and greetings

Note: The three doxologies in Romans serve to conclude each major section of the Letter, while at the same time dividing those sections:

  • Romans 8:31-39 concludes the major theological portion of the Letter (Rom 1-8), in which the fundamentals of the gospel are outlined.
  • Romans 11:31-36 concludes the section (Rom 9-11) which explains how, in the light of His revealed principles of salvation, God will yet show mercy to His people Israel.
  • Romans 16:25-27 concludes the final, exhortational section of the Letter (Rom 12-16), as well as the whole Letter.