Paul’s Message to the Believers in Rome

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage them in their faith.

Paul knew suffering personally. Before becoming an apostle, he had persecuted the church. After encountering Jesus, his life changed, and he became a servant of Christ and a preacher of the gospel.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul explained that all people have sinned and that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23

He taught that believers who belong to Christ should no longer live according to the patterns of their former lives.

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2

Paul then instructed Christians how they should live toward others—even when they are mistreated.

He commanded them to love sincerely, remain faithful in prayer, rejoice in hope, show hospitality, bless those who persecute them, and refuse to repay evil with evil.

He wrote:

“Recompense to no man evil for evil.”
— Romans 12:17

And:

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
— Romans 12:18

Paul reminded them that vengeance belongs to God:

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
— Romans 12:19

Then comes the powerful conclusion:

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
— Romans 12:21

Paul’s message was not that believers should ignore evil or deny suffering. Rather, they were to trust God, refuse personal vengeance, love their enemies, and remain faithful to Christ.

And throughout Romans, Paul points believers back to the hope found in Jesus Christ:

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”
— Romans 8:31

The message remains:

Don’t allow evil to change who you are in Christ. Stand firm in faith. Love others. Pray. Do good. Trust God with judgment—and keep your eyes on Jesus.