Epistle to the Romans Facts for Kids

The Epistle to the Romans or Letter to the Romans is a very important letter written by Paul the Apostle. Paul was an important leader and teacher in early Christianity. He wrote this letter to the first Christians living in Rome, Italy.

Paul wrote the letter to help the Christians in Rome understand some big ideas about their faith. He wanted to explain that everyone has done wrong things, which the Bible calls sin. He taught that people can only be seen as good in God's eyes by trusting in God, not by their own actions.

The letter explains that believing in Jesus, who is the Christ, is the only way to be saved from sin. Jesus died for everyone's wrongdoings. When someone believes in Jesus, they receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps them live a new and good life. Paul also asked the Romans to live by Christian rules and respect the people in charge.

This letter is still very important today. It helps both new Christians and those who are not yet Christians understand what Christian belief is all about.

Who Was Paul the Apostle?
Why Did Paul Write This Letter?
Main Ideas in the Letter to the Romans
Why Is This Letter Still Important?
Images for kids
See also

Who Was Paul the Apostle?

Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, was a key figure in spreading Christianity. He was born in Tarsus, a city in modern-day Turkey. At first, Paul was against Christians. He even helped to persecute them.

However, Paul had a powerful experience where he met Jesus. After this, he became a Christian himself. He then dedicated his life to sharing the message of Jesus with people who were not Jewish. He traveled a lot and wrote many letters. These letters became part of the New Testament in the Bible.

Why Did Paul Write This Letter?

Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome for a few reasons. He had never visited Rome before, but he wanted to. He hoped to get their support for his future travels. He also wanted to teach them important truths about the Christian faith.

The church in Rome was made up of both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians. Paul wanted to make sure they understood that everyone is equal in God's eyes. He taught that both groups needed Jesus to be saved.

Main Ideas in the Letter to the Romans

The Letter to the Romans covers several big ideas. Paul wanted to make sure the Christians understood these points clearly.

Everyone Needs Saving

Paul explains that all people, no matter who they are, have done wrong things. This means everyone needs God's help. He shows this by quoting from the Old Testament. This part of the letter helps people see why they need Jesus.

Saved by Faith, Not Actions

A main point of the letter is that people are made right with God by faith. This means trusting in God and Jesus. It is not by trying to follow many rules or doing good deeds. Paul teaches that God freely gives this gift to those who believe.

New Life in the Holy Spirit

Once someone believes in Jesus, they receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like God's helper living inside them. The Holy Spirit helps believers live a new life. This new life means trying to do good things and follow God's ways. It helps them grow to be more like Jesus.

Living a Christian Life

Paul also gives advice on how Christians should live. He tells them to love each other and to be kind. He encourages them to use their gifts to help others in the church. He also tells them to respect the government and those in authority. This part of the letter shows how faith should change how people act every day.

Why Is This Letter Still Important?

The Letter to the Romans has been very important throughout history. Many famous leaders and thinkers have been influenced by it. It helps people understand the core ideas of Christianity.

It explains how God's love and fairness work together. It shows how people can have a relationship with God. For many, it is the clearest explanation of what it means to be a Christian.

Images for kids

Romans 4:23–5:3 on uncial 0220 (recto; c. AD 250).
A 17th-century depiction of Paul writing his epistles. Romans 16:22 indicates that Tertius acted as his amanuensis.
Saint Paul arrested by the Romans
Papyrus, Oxyrhynchus, Egypt: 6th century – Epistle to the Romans 1:1–16