Table of Contents
Who wrote Romans in The Bible?
The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul as a letter or epistle to the Roman believers.
Author: Paul
Scribe: Tertius
Date Written: c. 57 A.D.
Location: Corinth (during his third missionary journey)
Key Themes: Justification by Faith, Sanctification, God’s Sovereignty, The Law and Grace
Here's Scholarly Proof Of Pauline Authorship From Biblical Scholars and Historians:
Scholars on the Authorship of Romans
| Scholar / Institution & Work | View on the Authorship of Romans |
|---|---|
| Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202, Against Heresies) | Irenaeus affirms that Romans was written by Paul, in line with his other epistles, and recognized by the early churches. He cites the letter as authoritative and Pauline. |
| Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215, Stromata) | Clement asserts that Romans bears Paul’s authorship, addressing doctrinal and ethical matters consistent with Paul’s teaching. |
| Tertullian (c. 155–240, Apology) | Tertullian upholds Pauline authorship of Romans, noting its theological depth and apostolic authority. |
| Origen (c. 184–253, Commentary on Romans) | Origen wrote a detailed commentary on Romans, treating it as authored by Paul and using it to interpret Pauline doctrine. |
| Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260–340, Ecclesiastical History) | Eusebius confirms Romans as a letter of Paul, widely circulated and respected in early Christianity. |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430, Letters and Confessions) | Augustine attributes Romans explicitly to Paul, analyzing its theology of justification by faith. |
| Jerome (c. 347–420, Letter to Damasus) | Jerome affirms Paul’s authorship and includes Romans in the canon of Pauline letters. |
| John Chrysostom (c. 347–407, Homilies on Romans) | Chrysostom treats Romans as unquestionably Pauline, using it to instruct the church in moral and doctrinal matters. |
| Theodoret of Cyrrhus (c. 393–457, Commentaries) | Theodoret notes Romans’ authorship by Paul and its widespread acceptance among Christians of his day. |
| Bede (673–735, Commentary on Scripture) | Bede references Romans as a Pauline letter, interpreting its theological teachings in line with Paul’s other writings. |
| Richard Simon (1638–1712, Histoire critique du Vieux Testament) | Simon affirms Romans as a Pauline letter, analyzing internal evidence such as style and personal greetings. |
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675, Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae) | Lightfoot defends Pauline authorship, noting historical and textual consistency with other epistles. |
| John Gill (1697–1771, Exposition of the Bible) | Gill asserts that Romans is written by Paul, citing internal self-identification and early church testimony. |
| Adam Clarke (1762–1832, Clarke’s Commentary) | Clarke supports Pauline authorship, emphasizing the letter’s structure, style, and doctrinal themes. |
| Albert Barnes (1798–1870, Notes on the Bible) | Barnes confirms Paul as the author, noting the letter’s personal references and consistent theology. |
| Philip Schaff (1819–1893, History of the Christian Church) | Schaff affirms Pauline authorship, referencing early patristic testimony and textual evidence. |
| F. W. Farrar (1831–1903, The Life and Work of St. Paul) | Farrar acknowledges Paul as author, highlighting the letter’s doctrinal authority and consistency with Paul’s mission. |
| J. B. Lightfoot (1828–1889, St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans) | Lightfoot examines Romans in detail and confirms Paul’s authorship based on linguistic and historical evidence. |
| C. H. Dodd (1884–1973, The Epistle to the Romans, early manuscript study) | Dodd notes Pauline authorship, emphasizing internal self-identification and early church acceptance. |
| F. C. Baur (1792–1860, Paul and the Early Church) | Baur defends the authenticity of Romans as a letter of Paul, citing its theological coherence and historical evidence. |
Romans 1 and Its Authorship
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Quick Facts About The Author of Romans in The Bible - The Apostle Paul
- Technically you could say it was Tertius as he was the scribe who wrote Romans but it was the Apostle Paul that was inspired by the Holy Ghost to write the words of the book.
- Paul The Apostle is the writer/author of the book of Romans.
