Romans 1 opens Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, introducing himself, his longing to visit, the Good News of Christ, and the reality of God’s wrath and mercy before the whole world. These questions are for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each set moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily life.
Romans 1 at a Glance
Paul begins by greeting the believers in Rome and thanking God for their faith, which is already known across the world. He explains his desire to visit them and to share the Good News, which he says is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes. The heart of the chapter is the righteousness of God revealed through faith, followed by a sober description of how humanity has turned from the Creator.
From verse 18 onward Paul traces a pattern: people suppress what they know about God, exchange the truth for a lie, and find their desires and relationships disordered. The chapter ends with a long list of sins that reveal the depth of that disorder. Read it as a movement from greeting, to gospel, to a diagnosis of the human condition.
Observation Questions
Start here so the group agrees on what the text actually says before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask participants to find the answer in the passage and read it aloud. Keep the discussion close to the words on the page.
Romans 1:1-4
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, 2 which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was born of the offspring of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord…
(WEB)
Reading the opening greeting aloud sets the tone for the whole letter. It reminds the group that Paul’s authority and the gospel itself come from God, and that Jesus is both the promised descendant of David and the risen Son of God.
Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. 17 For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”
(WEB)
This passage is the thesis of the letter. Reading it together helps the group hear Paul’s confidence in the gospel and his summary of how righteousness is received through faith.
Romans 1:18-20
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
(WEB)
Reading these verses aloud gives the group the context for Paul’s argument about human responsibility. It also invites reflection on how God’s power and nature are visible in the created world.
Romans 1:21-23
21 Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
(WEB)
These verses describe the pattern of turning from God, from thankfulness to foolish reasoning. Reading them aloud helps the group notice how gratitude and clear thinking are connected to worship.
Romans 1:28-32
28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, 30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
(WEB)
Reading this closing list aloud can be sobering, so pause afterward for silence. It shows the breadth of human brokenness and prepares the group to consider how grace meets people in every condition.
Memory Verse for Romans 1
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
(WEB)
This verse captures the heart of the chapter in one sentence. Encourage the group to memorize it so that the confidence Paul expresses becomes a steady source of courage when they speak about their faith.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that the Good News is your power for salvation to everyone who believes. Help us to hold on to our confidence in the gospel and to speak of it without shame. Show us where we have held the truth in unrighteousness, and lead us to honest repentance and renewed trust in you. Teach us to give thanks, so that our hearts stay clear and our worship stays true. Shape us into people who show the same mercy we have received. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
