1:1-12 I. Proem or expositio

• 1:1-7 A. Epistolary prescript (including summary of proof topics)
• 1:8-12 B. Thanksgiving prayer

1:13-15 II. Narratio

1:16-17 III. Partitio

1:18-11:36 IV. Probatio

• 1:18-4:25 Five proofs concerning the impartial righteousness of God and the justification of humans
• 5:1-8:39 Amplification in the form of ratiocination: ten implications and objections concerning the doctrine of the righteousness of God
• 9:1-11:36 Amplification in the form of comparison: ten discourses on divine righteousness and the example of unbelieving Israel

12:1-15:13 V. Exhortation

• ten ethical exhortations to live out the life of righteousness

15:14-15:33 VI. Peroration

• appeal for cooperation in mission activities in Jerusalem and Spain

16:1-27 VII. Epistolary conclusion

• Final prayers and greetings

 
 

Main themes of Romans:

• God's righteousness
• Justification by faith
• Freedom from the Law
• Salvation of Jew and Gentile
• Universal mission of the church
• Paul's new mission to the West