The community of the church is divided by conflict concerning the Torah and whether or how its laws should be enforced within the church. Paul argues that the law of Moses does not apply to the church, but in chapters 9-11 of this letter he asserts that God has not abandoned the Jews who have refused to accept Jesus as the Christ. Paul urges the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome to be considerate of one another. He says that Christ became a Jew to confirm to the Gentiles the promise in the psalms and prophetic writings of scripture. Paul sees the Roman Empire as part of God's divine plan, for it is Roman rule that has allowed him to move freely from city to city preaching the good news about Jesus Christ.
Paul prays that the church in Rome may "abound in hope." He sees in the conflicts within the church the possibility of a greater community of Jews and Gentiles through the love of God in Christ. But it depends on the members of the church to bring about this reconciliation and to create this redeemed community. We face different issues of diversity today, but the answer is the same.
Grace and peace . . . Bob
