Who Wrote Romans?
Quick Summary
The Letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul in the mid-first century CE. Unlike some New Testament books where authorship is inferred, Romans explicitly names Paul as its author and reflects his distinctive theology, vocabulary, and historical circumstances. Both internal evidence and early Christian testimony place Romans among the most securely attributed books of the Bible.
Introduction
Romans is the longest and most theologically expansive of Paul’s letters. It addresses a Christian community Paul did not found and had not yet visited, yet it lays out his understanding of the gospel with unusual care and depth.
Because the letter identifies its author directly, the question of authorship is not controversial. Still, responsible scholarship asks how the internal claims of the letter align with historical context, literary style, and early reception in the church. In the case of Romans, the evidence converges with remarkable clarity.
The Letter’s Own Claim About Authorship
Romans opens with a direct and unambiguous identification: “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). This introduction follows the standard epistolary form of the ancient world and establishes both the author’s identity and authority.
Later in the letter, Paul refers to his calling as apostle to the Gentiles, explaining his long-standing desire to visit Rome (Romans 15:15–24). These statements are personal, situational, and consistent with what is known of Paul from other letters and the Book of Acts.
Romans also concludes with greetings that reflect Paul’s real-life network of coworkers and acquaintances, many of whom appear elsewhere in the New Testament (Romans 16:1–16).
Paul’s Voice and Theology
The theological arguments in Romans bear all the marks of Pauline authorship. Themes such as justification by faith, the role of the law, the universality of sin, and life in the Spirit recur throughout Paul’s undisputed letters.
For example, Paul’s argument that “a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law” (Romans 3:28) echoes ideas found in Galatians and Philippians. The rhetorical style, use of diatribe, and frequent use of Scripture align closely with Paul’s other writings.
Scholars regularly cite Romans as the clearest window into Paul’s theological mind.
The Role of a Scribe
Romans includes an important internal detail that sheds light on its composition. Near the end of the letter, the author writes, “I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord” (Romans 16:22).
This indicates that Paul dictated the letter to a scribe, or amanuensis, named Tertius. Dictation was common in the ancient world and does not undermine authorship. Instead, it helps explain the letter’s polished Greek and sustained argument.
Paul’s practice of using scribes appears elsewhere, often combined with personal closing remarks written in his own hand (Galatians 6:11).
Historical Setting
Romans was likely written while Paul was in Corinth during his third missionary journey, around 56–58 CE. Paul refers to his plans to deliver financial aid to Jerusalem before traveling westward to Spain (Romans 15:25–28).
These plans align closely with the narrative in Acts 20–21, where Paul prepares to return to Jerusalem with a collection for the saints. The convergence of these sources strengthens confidence in the letter’s historical grounding.
Early Christian Reception
Early Christian writers consistently recognized Romans as a letter of Paul. Clement of Rome alludes to Romans near the end of the first century. Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen all cite Romans explicitly as Pauline.
There is no record in the early church of any alternative attribution. Romans was received as authoritative scripture from the earliest stages of the Christian canon.
Scholarly Consensus
Across theological traditions, Romans is classified as one of Paul’s “undisputed letters.” Even scholars skeptical of traditional authorship claims elsewhere affirm Romans as authentically Pauline.
James D. G. Dunn describes Romans as “the most complete statement of Paul’s gospel.” Douglas Moo notes that the letter’s historical specificity and theological coherence leave little room for doubt about authorship.
This broad agreement makes Romans a cornerstone for both historical Jesus studies and Pauline theology.
Inspiration and Authority
Romans illustrates how inspiration operates through real historical circumstances. Paul writes as a missionary, pastor, and theologian addressing a particular community, yet the letter transcends its setting.
Its authority does not depend on anonymity or later editorial shaping, but on the faithful transmission of an apostolic witness shaped by experience, Scripture, and the leading of the Spirit.
Conclusion
Romans names its author clearly and supports that claim at every level. Internal references, theological consistency, historical context, and early church testimony all converge on Paul as the author.
The letter remains one of the most influential theological texts in Christian history, grounding faith in grace and calling believers into a transformed life shaped by the gospel.
FAQ
Who wrote the Book of Romans?
The Letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul in the mid-first century CE.
Did Paul dictate Romans?
Yes. Romans 16:22 identifies Tertius as the scribe who wrote the letter as Paul dictated it.
When was Romans written?
Most scholars date Romans to around 56–58 CE during Paul’s stay in Corinth.
