I. Introduction 1.1-17

1. Introductory statement and greetings (1.1-7)

2. Thanksgiving and personal explanations (1.8-15)

3. Summary statement of the letter's theme (1.16-17)

II. The Righteousness of God-from God's Faithfulness to Man's Faith 1.18-11.36

1. The wrath of God on man's unrighteousness 1.18-3.20

A. God's wrath on mankind-from a Jewish perspective (1.18-32)

B. But on Jew as well as Gentile (2.1-29)

C. What then of God's faithfulness? (3.1-8)

D. Conclusion: God's judgement on all without exception (3.9-20)

2. God's saving righteousness to faith 3.21-5.21

A. To faith in Christ Jesus (3.21-31)

B. Abraham as a test case (4.1-25)

C. First conclusions (5.1-21)

3. The outworking of the gospel in relation to the individual 6.1-8.39

A. Does grace encourage sin? (6.1-23)

B. What then of the law? (7.1-25)

C. The eschatological tension and fulfilment of God's purpose through the Spirit (8.1-30)

D. Second conclusion: the triumph of God-his faithfulness and the assurance of faith (8.31-39)

4. The outworking of the gospel in relation to Israel 9.1-11.36

A. What then of Israel? Paul's concern for his kinsfolk (9.1-5)

B. The call of God (9.6-29)

C. The word of faith (9.30-10.21)

D. The mystery of God's faithfulness (11.1-32)

E. A concluding hymn of adoration (11.33-36)

III. The Outworking of the Gospel for the Redefined People of God in Practical Terms 12.1-15.13

1. The basis for responsible living-the Christian's worship (12.1-2)

2. The body of Christ as the social context of faith (12.3-8)

3. Love as the norm for personal relationships (12.9-21)

4. Live as good citizens (13.1-7)

5. Love of neighbour as the fulfilment of the law (13.8-10)

6. The imminence of the end as spur (13.11-14)

7. The particular problem of food laws and holy days (14.1-15.6)

8. A concluding summary (15.7-13)

IV. Conclusion 15.14-16.27

1. Travel plans (15.14-33)

2. Additional greetings (16.1-23)

V. Select bibliography