Book of Romans — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 16 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 57 · Theme: Righteousness Through Faith

Summary of the Book of Romans

Romans is Paul's most thorough presentation of the good news — all humans fall short of Jehovah's standard, but righteousness and life are available through faith in Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice.

The book of Romans is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 16 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 57. The central theme running throughout Romans is righteousness through faith — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Romans

  • Rom 1:16–17
  • Rom 3:23–24
  • Rom 8:28
  • Rom 12:1–2

Notable Passages in Romans

Romans 1:16–17

Paul's declaration that the good news 'is the power of God for salvation' and reveals a righteousness 'by faith' establishes the foundational theme of the entire letter.

Romans 3:23–24

The teaching that 'all have sinned' but are 'declared righteous...as a free gift by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus' summarizes the need for and provision of salvation.

Romans 8:28

The assurance that 'Jehovah makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God' provides deep comfort for those navigating trials with faith.

Study Questions for Romans

As you read the book of Romans, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Paul's explanation of how all humans have 'fallen short of the glory of God' (3:23) and the remedy through faith in Jesus teach about why we need the ransom?
  2. How does Romans 5:12 — 'through one man sin entered the world and death through sin' — explain the connection between Adam's sin and humanity's condition?
  3. What does Paul's teaching in Romans 8:28 — 'all things work together for good for those who love God' — mean for Jehovah's Witnesses facing trials?
  4. How does Romans 12:1–2 — 'present your bodies as a living sacrifice' and 'stop being molded by this system of things' — define what whole-souled service to Jehovah looks like?
  5. What does Paul's teaching about subjection to governing authorities (Romans 13:1–7) and its limits (Acts 5:29) teach about our relationship to human governments?

How to Study Romans with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 16 chapters of Romans in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Romans as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Romans

The book of Romans is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into all 13 letters of the apostle Paul — from Romans to Philemon — in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
  • Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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