Study Guides

The Apostle Paul’s writings have profoundly shaped Christian theology, with his letter to the Romans standing as one of the most pivotal and influential texts. In a new series, “Repaving the Romans Road,” Rabbi Damian delves into the book of Romans from a Messianic Jewish perspective. This week, we will explore the impact this book has had on Western theology and some of the perspectives that have informed its interpretation. Join us in the weeks ahead as we reexamine this foundational epistle, uncovering its true meaning and relevance for both Jews and Gentiles today.

To truly grasp the profound teachings in the book of Romans, one must first understand the audience Paul addresses. Without recognizing the specific group Paul is speaking to, the depth and purpose of his message can be easily misunderstood. This week's message, "The Audience of Romans," aims to shed light on the recipients of Paul's letter, highlighting how this context is crucial for interpreting his development and intentions throughout the epistle.

2nd Peter tells it plainly — Paul’s writings are not always easy to understand and can be easily misapplied. This certainly has proven true regarding the interpretation of Romans. However, understanding Paul’s mission and intention can help us put the pieces of Romans properly in place and truly see the depth and purpose of the apostle’s passionate work.

In these first few foundational messages of the Roman series, we’ve identified what the traditional perspective has taught for thousands of years, reevaluated those teachings, and suggested new interpretations. This this weeks teaching continues along that trajectory, this time, revealing the truth about Paul’s perspective on the law—the Torah of Moses—and his Jewish heritage.tion goes here

This week, we dive headfirst into Chapter 1, where Paul is often seen as presenting the universal condemnation of humanity and explaining our “original sin” nature. But what if there's more to the story? We'll unravel a different perspective that not only challenges this traditional view but also reveals the true foundation Paul is laying for the powerful messages that follow.

The traditional interpretation of Romans suggests that in Chapter 2, Paul shifts his focus to the sinfulness of the Jewish people. However, when we consider the rhetorical structure and flow of the letter, a very different and significant intention emerges behind Paul's words. In this teaching, we’ll uncover the true identity of the so-called Jew and what Paul is really addressing.

What are these "Works of the Law" that Paul condemns in Romans 3? Is it the Torah, as everyone claims, or have we completely misunderstood what he is saying? In Romans chapter 3, Paul continues his dialogue with a critical conversational partner, introducing the term ‘works of the law.’ But can we trust the traditional interpretation that Paul is condemning the Torah as legalistic works for salvation? Or is Paul addressing his Roman audience, teaching them what they need to understand about the law? Find out in this week’s message.

In Part 8 of "Repaving Romans Road," we dive into Romans 4 and explore Paul’s continued focus on his audience in Rome, particularly how they can find entry into the family. There is still much talk of circumcision/conversion. But here Paul traces the story back to Abraham, the father of many, whose faith before circumcision opens a door for Gentile inclusion, and the opportunity to see themselves connected to the family of God through the promises made to Abraham. In this chapter, we see Paul continue to brilliantly illustrate to the nations how faith—not the flesh—unites Jews and Gentiles into God’s eternal family.

In Part 9 of the "Repaving Romans Road" series, we dive into Romans 5-6 to clarify one of Paul's most well-known (and equally misunderstood) statements, "not under the law but under grace.” This teaching again explains the importance of understanding who Paul is talking to, why he’s saying what he says, and most importantly, what the practical application of that idea should like for his Roman audience. We’ll continue to see Paul emphasizing the importance of understanding the Law’s role in revealing sin, not offering salvation, and show that Paul never abandons the Torah’s value for all humanity.

Romans 7 has played a pivotal role in shaping Christian theology throughout the centuries. Traditionally, it has been understood not only as an account of humanity's futile struggle to live according to God's law, but also as Paul's own story and his subsequent condemnation of his former life under the law. However, as we’ve done throughout this series, this week’s exploration of Romans 7 and 8 will offer a fresh perspective on this concept—one that may profoundly change how you understand Paul’s message moving forward.

In this overview of Romans 9-11, we explore what Paul is truly saying—and not saying—about God’s promises to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles. Are these chapters a detour, or the climax of his message? Let’s look at how they challenge traditional interpretations and reveal Paul’s deeper purpose.

Who Is the True Israel? Paul’s Message in Romans 9 Explained! Romans 9:6 is often used to support Replacement Theology, the idea that the Church has replaced Israel in God's plan. But did Paul really teach that? Or has this verse been misunderstood for centuries? What You’ll Learn:
Does Romans 9:6 prove Replacement Theology?
What did Paul mean by “All Israel is not Israel”?
Did God reject Israel in favor of the Church?
How Jewish thought helps us understand Romans 9 correctly

Did Paul Abolish the Law? What Romans 10:4 REALLY Means! Romans 10:4 is one of the most quoted – and misunderstood – verses about the Law. Many believe this verse proves that Christ ended the Torah and that believers are no longer obligated to follow it. But is that really what Paul meant? Or has this passage been taken out of context? What You’ll Learn:
What does "Christ is the end of the Law" actually mean?
Did Paul abolish the Torah, or was he saying something else?
How does the Greek word "telos" change our understanding?
Why context is crucial in interpreting Romans 10

Did God Reject Israel? The Truth About the Broken Branches in Romans 11! Romans 11 contains one of Paul’s most urgent warnings—that Gentile believers must not become arrogant toward Israel. But why did Paul use the analogy of “broken branches” and “grafted-in Gentiles”? Did he mean that Israel was replaced in God’s plan? Or was Paul defending Israel’s covenant and urging humility? What You’ll Learn:
What does the “broken branches” metaphor in Romans 11 mean?
Did God reject Israel in favor of the Church?
How does Paul’s Olive Tree analogy connect to the covenant?
Why did Paul warn Gentiles against arrogance?

Did Paul Say Every Jew Will Be Saved? Romans 11 Explained! Romans 11:26 is one of the most debated verses in the New Testament. Did Paul mean that every single Jewish person will be saved? Or was he referring to God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel? Many have misunderstood the Olive Tree analogy and Israel’s role in redemption—let’s uncover the truth together! What You’ll Learn:
What does “All Israel Will Be Saved” actually mean?
Does Romans 11 prove Replacement Theology?
What is the Olive Tree analogy in Romans 11?
How do Jews & Gentiles fit into God’s covenant?
Why Paul’s words challenge traditional interpretations

What It Means to Be a Living Sacrifice – Romans 12-13 Explained! In Romans 12-13, Paul moves from deep theology to practical instructions. What does it mean to be a “living sacrifice”? How should believers—both Jews and Gentiles—live in unity while following God’s commandments? And what about Romans 13—does it really mean to obey all government authority without question? Let’s break it all down!
What You’ll Learn:
What does “living sacrifice” mean in a Jewish context?
Did Paul teach obedience to every government law in Romans 13?
How do humility and love shape Christian living?
Why Paul’s message is still relevant today

Did Paul Abolish Kosher? Romans 14 & The Truth About Food & Faith! Romans 14 is often misunderstood as Paul rejecting kosher laws and Jewish practices. But is that really what he meant? Paul speaks about the “weak” and the “strong”—but who are they? Was this passage about food laws, or something much deeper? Let’s break it down with historical & Jewish context to uncover the true meaning of Romans 14!
What You’ll Learn:
Does Romans 14 reject kosher food laws?
Who are “the weak” and “the strong” in Paul’s teaching?
Why does Paul focus on humility and judgment?
How do Jewish & Gentile believers navigate differences?
Why context is crucial in interpreting Romans 14

Paul’s Final Message: One in Messiah – The True Meaning of Romans! After 18 weeks of studying Paul’s letter to the Romans, we’ve uncovered his true message—not division, but unity. Not arrogance, but humility. Paul’s vision was one of Jew & Gentile, distinct yet united in Messiah—but did history get it wrong?
What You’ll Learn:
What Paul really meant by “One in Messiah”
How Romans refute Replacement Theology?
The truth about Israel & the Church in Paul’s teachings
Why Paul’s vision for unity still matters today