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ROMANS 1
Haystack Bible Commentary"Stacks and stacks of commentary...."
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Frederic Louis Godet believed, "The probability is that every great spiritual revival in the church will be connected as effect and cause with a deeper understanding of [the book of Romans]"
Martin Luther called Romans "The masterpiece of the New Testament. Calvin in his Romans commentary remarks how easily a question like this becomes a snare. Addressing a question similar to “Why do you love Romans?” namely, “What is the value of this epistle?” he expressed uncertainty—an uncertainty “due only to my fear that since my commendation of it falls far short of its grandeur my remarks may only obscure the epistle.” But Calvin went on immediately to state why Romans deserves to be loved, and why I am partial to it myself: “among many other notable virtues the epistle has one in particular which is never sufficiently appreciated. It is this—if we have gained a true understanding of this epistle, we have an open door to all the most profound treasures of Scripture.” In a word, I love Romans because more than any other single document of the Protestant canon, it is Romans that serves as unerring guide to the gospel meaning of the other parts as well as the whole. In concert with the rest of Scripture, it expounds eloquently how grace teaches the convicted human heart to fear, and how grace relieves those same fears, uniting the ungodly with Christ via imputation to them of Christ’s righteousness as the heard word ignites in them saving faith (Rom. 10:17). --Bob Yarbrough
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==romans 1:1:
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Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
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 FF Bruce
Paul begins with an introduction to himself, as a “bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” He then greets his readers with a wish of grace and peace; he explains how he has prayed for them, and has planned and is planning to see them. As an apostle called to preach to the Gentiles, he declares his obligation and eagerness to preach in Rome. Why is he eager? Because he is “not ashamed of the gospel.” Why is he so confident? Because by its very nature it is “the power of God for salvation” to all who believe, to both Jews and Greeks. Why is it powerful? God’s righteousness is revealed by faith (or out of His faithfulness), which leads to the faithfulness of those who believe. Paul then shows how the world, specifically the Gentile world, has rejected God’s rightness and has exchanged it for increasing wrongness. Despite God revealing His nature through creation, which all can plainly see, man continually decided to not give God his rightful place or be thankful. As a result of man’s idolatry, God gave them the logical consequences of this attitude, and they became more and more impure in actions and mind. Eventually, sin knew no bounds, in terms of man’s depravity and wickedness, toward God and one another.
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The basic Greek word (aphorismenos) behind “set apart” ("separated unto") is one from which we get our English word “horizon.” It was as if Paul had climbed up to the pinnacle of a crow’s nest of a ship. As far as Paul’s eyes could see, as he scanned life’s horizon, he saw “Gospel.” The word translated “servant” means “slave,” one who is subject to the will and wholly at the disposal of his master. For a Roman citizen, such as Paul was, could have identified himself as such, but instead chose to speak of himself as one dependent on and obedient to his Master. He wisely emphasized the highest allegiance that ought to mark a believer.
Paul was one of the few Christians who could speak of being literally called (kletos) by God and one who identified himself and one who was “called as an apostle.” Jesus audibly spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus. He had certainly not sought this position. Nor had he signed up for it. He would state, “God…set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15-16).
The title “apostle” designated authority to set up and supervise churches and discipline them if necessary. (This word (apostolos) means ‘one who is sent’ or ‘a sent one.’ It referred to a delegate or messenger who has been officially commissioned on a mission.)
Paul was one of the few Christians who could speak of being literally called (kletos) by God and one who identified himself and one who was “called as an apostle.” Jesus audibly spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus. He had certainly not sought this position. Nor had he signed up for it. He would state, “God…set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15-16).
The title “apostle” designated authority to set up and supervise churches and discipline them if necessary. (This word (apostolos) means ‘one who is sent’ or ‘a sent one.’ It referred to a delegate or messenger who has been officially commissioned on a mission.)
Charles Hodge
I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, etc. As the sum of all that Paul had said of the justification, sanctification, and salvation of men is, that these results are to be attributed not to human merit nor to human efforts, but to the mercy of God, he brings the whole discussion to bear as a motive for devotion to God. Whatever gratitude the soul feels for pardon, purity, and the sure prospect of eternal life, is called forth to secure its consecration to that God who is the author of all these mercies.
That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. All the expressions of this clause seem to have an obvious reference to the services of the Old Testament economy. Under that dispensation, animals free from blemish were presented and devoted to God; under the new dispensation a nobler and more spiritual service is to be rendered; not the oblation of animals, but the consecration of ourselves. The expression, your bodies, is perhaps nearly equivalent to yourselves; yet Paul probably used it with design, not only because it was appropriate to the figure, but because he wished to render the idea prominent, that the whole man, body as well as soul, was to be devoted to the service of God. "Ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God, in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's," 1 Corinthians 6:20. The apostle carries the figure out; the sacrifice is to be living, holy, and acceptable. The first of these epithets is generally considered as intended to express the contrast between the sacrifice here intended, and the victims which were placed lifeless upon the altar; thus believers, in 1 Peter 2:5, are called "living stones," in opposition to the senseless materials employed in a literal building. We are to present θυσίαν ζῶσαν, a sacrifice that lives. "Abominabile est, cadaver offere."—Bengel. The word living, however, may mean perpetual, lasting, never neglected; as in the phrases, "living bread," John 6:51, 'bread which never looses its power;' "living hope," 1 Peter 1:3, 'hope which never fails;' "living waters," "a living way," etc.; (see Wahl's Lexicon, under the word ζάω.) The sacrifice then which we are to make is not a transient service, like the oblation of a victim, which was in a few moments consumed upon the altar, but it is a living or perpetual sacrifice never to be neglected or recalled. The epithet holy has probably direct reference to the frequent use of a nearly corresponding word (תָּמִים) in the Hebrew scriptures, which, when applied to sacrifices, is commonly rendered without blemish. The word holy is then in this case equivalent to immaculate, i.e. free from those defects which would cause an offering to be rejected. The term acceptable is here used in the same sense as the phrase, "for a sweet smelling savor," Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18; Leviticus 1:9, i.e. grateful, well-pleasing; a sacrifice in which God delights. Τῷ Θεῷ is to be connected with εὐάρεστον and not with παραστῆσαι.
Your reasonable service. There is doubt as to the grammatical construction of this clause. The most natural and simple explanation is to consider it in opposition with the preceding member of the sentence, as has been done by our translators, who supply the words which is. This consecration of ourselves to God, which the apostle requires, is a reasonable service. The word λοτρεία does not mean an offering, but worship. It is not the thing offered that is said to be reasonable in the sense of, endowed with reason, but the nature of the service. It is rendered by the mind. The word (λογικήν) rendered reasonable, is indeed variously explained. The simplest interpretation is that which takes the word in its natural sense, viz., pertaining to the mind; it is a mental or spiritual service, in opposition to ceremonial and external observations. Compare the phrase (λογικὸν γάλα) 'milk suited, or pertaining to the mind,' 1 Peter 2:2. Others understand these words as expressing the difference between the sacrifices under the Christian dispensation and those under the Old. Formerly animals destitute of reason (ἄλογα ζῶα) were offered unto God, but now men possessed of a rational soul. But this interpretation is neither so well suited to the meaning of the word, nor does it give a sense so consistent with the context; compare 1 Peter 2:5. --Charles Hodge; Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans
That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. All the expressions of this clause seem to have an obvious reference to the services of the Old Testament economy. Under that dispensation, animals free from blemish were presented and devoted to God; under the new dispensation a nobler and more spiritual service is to be rendered; not the oblation of animals, but the consecration of ourselves. The expression, your bodies, is perhaps nearly equivalent to yourselves; yet Paul probably used it with design, not only because it was appropriate to the figure, but because he wished to render the idea prominent, that the whole man, body as well as soul, was to be devoted to the service of God. "Ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God, in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's," 1 Corinthians 6:20. The apostle carries the figure out; the sacrifice is to be living, holy, and acceptable. The first of these epithets is generally considered as intended to express the contrast between the sacrifice here intended, and the victims which were placed lifeless upon the altar; thus believers, in 1 Peter 2:5, are called "living stones," in opposition to the senseless materials employed in a literal building. We are to present θυσίαν ζῶσαν, a sacrifice that lives. "Abominabile est, cadaver offere."—Bengel. The word living, however, may mean perpetual, lasting, never neglected; as in the phrases, "living bread," John 6:51, 'bread which never looses its power;' "living hope," 1 Peter 1:3, 'hope which never fails;' "living waters," "a living way," etc.; (see Wahl's Lexicon, under the word ζάω.) The sacrifice then which we are to make is not a transient service, like the oblation of a victim, which was in a few moments consumed upon the altar, but it is a living or perpetual sacrifice never to be neglected or recalled. The epithet holy has probably direct reference to the frequent use of a nearly corresponding word (תָּמִים) in the Hebrew scriptures, which, when applied to sacrifices, is commonly rendered without blemish. The word holy is then in this case equivalent to immaculate, i.e. free from those defects which would cause an offering to be rejected. The term acceptable is here used in the same sense as the phrase, "for a sweet smelling savor," Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18; Leviticus 1:9, i.e. grateful, well-pleasing; a sacrifice in which God delights. Τῷ Θεῷ is to be connected with εὐάρεστον and not with παραστῆσαι.
Your reasonable service. There is doubt as to the grammatical construction of this clause. The most natural and simple explanation is to consider it in opposition with the preceding member of the sentence, as has been done by our translators, who supply the words which is. This consecration of ourselves to God, which the apostle requires, is a reasonable service. The word λοτρεία does not mean an offering, but worship. It is not the thing offered that is said to be reasonable in the sense of, endowed with reason, but the nature of the service. It is rendered by the mind. The word (λογικήν) rendered reasonable, is indeed variously explained. The simplest interpretation is that which takes the word in its natural sense, viz., pertaining to the mind; it is a mental or spiritual service, in opposition to ceremonial and external observations. Compare the phrase (λογικὸν γάλα) 'milk suited, or pertaining to the mind,' 1 Peter 2:2. Others understand these words as expressing the difference between the sacrifices under the Christian dispensation and those under the Old. Formerly animals destitute of reason (ἄλογα ζῶα) were offered unto God, but now men possessed of a rational soul. But this interpretation is neither so well suited to the meaning of the word, nor does it give a sense so consistent with the context; compare 1 Peter 2:5. --Charles Hodge; Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans
Galyn Wiemers
Paul was “called” an apostle. The Greek does not have “to be” in it. So it says “a called apostle” It was never in his mind something he had earned or attained. There are many kinds of apostles: “self appointed apostles”, “man ordained apostles”, “vocational apostles”. Paul was “a called apostle”. This word form usually has the passive meaning. The word “called” means designated and set apart. “Set Apart” means “to mark off, to separate by a boundary.” It is a perfect passive participle indicates that this was done to Paul without his assistance. Paul had set himself apart to be a Pharisee, but God set him apart for the gospel. The word “Pharisee” means separated one” and comes form the same root as the word translated “set apart”. The Pharisees where set apart by men and by tradition. Paul uses this verb in Galatians 1:15 and says that he was set apart “from birth”.
-Galyn Wiemers; Generation Word
-Galyn Wiemers; Generation Word
Juli Camarin
Paul opens the Book of Romans with this powerful statement, “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus..." (Rom. 1:1a). The Greek word for servant is doulos, literally meaning bondservant as described in Deuteronomy. Paul declares himself a lifelong slave of Jesus Christ. His opening statement acknowledges he has submitted himself into the master’s service in response to God’s goodness, kindness, and grace. This is a powerful illustration of the true heart of the gospel. Our response to Christ when gaining insight into His grace should be that of Paul. We willingly enter into relationship with Him as a bondservant. No obligation, no pressure, and not because it’s what we should do, but it wholeheartedly comes in response to an understanding and appreciation of Jesus. Only in this context could Paul exclaim that he, the former persecutor of the Church, was set apart from birth to preach the gospel of Jesus (Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1:15). He saw the depths of God's grace and knew that he was ordained to bring this good news to the world. -Juli Camarin; Set Apart for the Gospel—Romans 1:1 10.1.15
1:1 Paul begins with an opening typical of a Hellenistic letter in his era: he gives his name. But his self-description is not typical. In his other NT letters he calls himself a servant (Gk. doulos) only in Philippians 1:1 (along with Timothy: “servants of Christ Jesus”) and Titus 1:1 (“a servant of God”). He defines his servant status here with two other qualifiers: (1) He is “called to be an apostle.” This links him with the Eleven Jesus chose (supplemented by Judas’s replacement, Matthias; Acts 1:26). Paul’s selection is recounted in Acts 9:1–19. An apostle represents not himself but the one who enlists him; in that sense Paul is Jesus’ servant, not an agent promoting his own agenda. (2) He is “set apart for the gospel of God.” He is the custodian and proclaimer of “good news” from and about God. That good news is described over the next few verses. -ESV Expository Commentary VOL. X Romans–Galatians; Romans Robert W. Yarbrough
==romans 1:2:
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the gospel he promised beforehand
through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures |
Romans 1:2 explains that the "gospel of God"—the good news about Jesus Christ—was not a new or sudden message, but was promised long ago through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures (the Old Testament). The apostle Paul begins his letter to the Romans by establishing that the Christian message is rooted in God's promises made throughout Jewish history. This was especially important for his audience in Rome, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers. The fact that the gospel was promised beforehand demonstrates God's consistent plan for salvation, showing that his purposes unfold intentionally over time. It confirms that he is faithful to his word. This verse sets the stage for Paul's argument in the rest of the book. By linking the gospel to the Old Testament Scriptures, he prepares the reader to understand how Jesus fulfills and completes God's earlier covenant with his people.
This one verse serves as a crucial foundation, assuring the reader that the gospel is not a human innovation but the divine, authoritative story promised by God throughout history. |
It is interesting that the religious leaders were still a bit frightened of Jesus after his death and so they went back to Pilate and asked that his grave be sealed by Rome and guarded by Roman soldiers. Do you ever learn in history class of anyone having their tomb be guarded to keep the dead person in the grave? But the resurrection is the ultimate validation of Jesus’ live and purpose. Listen to how a weekly news magazine put it. The risen Christ is the center of Christian faith. The mystery without which there would be no church, no hope of eternal life, no living Christ to encounter today. No other historical figure has ever made the claim that He was raised from the dead. It was this appearance of the resurrected Christ that lit the flame of the Christian faith. It wasn’t the morality of the Sermon on the Mount, which enabled Christianity to conquer Roman paganism, but it was the belief that Jesus was alive. He’d been raised from the dead. Easter is not some memorial to a nice, good religious teacher from 2,000 plus years ago. It is a celebration of the fact that He is alive today.
In Romans 1:4 it states that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.” And promising a coming of, and baptizing with, the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8), Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9), to be glorified at God’s right hand, where he then would pour out the Spirit on those who believe (John 7:37–39; Acts 2:2–4, 17, 33).
Pau elaborates his brief introduction, describing the “gospel” in verses 2–4 and his apostolic calling in verses 5–6.
Throughout the letter he is at pains to demonstrate that the good news about Jesus Christ is rooted firmly in the soil of the Old Testament. The “prophets” to which he refers are not just the famous writing prophets, whose books are now found in the Old Testament, but Old Testament authors generally. As Luther put it, in Paul’s perspective, “Scripture is completely prophetical.” Verses 3–4 describe the content of the gospel: Jesus Christ himself.
In Romans 1:4 it states that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.” And promising a coming of, and baptizing with, the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8), Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9), to be glorified at God’s right hand, where he then would pour out the Spirit on those who believe (John 7:37–39; Acts 2:2–4, 17, 33).
Pau elaborates his brief introduction, describing the “gospel” in verses 2–4 and his apostolic calling in verses 5–6.
Throughout the letter he is at pains to demonstrate that the good news about Jesus Christ is rooted firmly in the soil of the Old Testament. The “prophets” to which he refers are not just the famous writing prophets, whose books are now found in the Old Testament, but Old Testament authors generally. As Luther put it, in Paul’s perspective, “Scripture is completely prophetical.” Verses 3–4 describe the content of the gospel: Jesus Christ himself.
Paul’s basic definition of the gospel here is that which God proclaimed beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning his Son. The remaining elements of the passage are Paul’s extension of the definition in which he enfolds the story of Christ.
Jared Brown
Robert Matthew Calhoun’s monograph, Paul’s Definitions of the Gospel in Romans 1, is a revision of his dissertation at the University of Chicago, which he wrote under the supervision of Margaret Mitchell. Calhoun uses rhetorical criticism to help our understanding of how Paul defines the gospel. His thesis is four-fold. First, Calhoun focuses on Romans 1:2-4 and 1:16-17 as the two coordinated definitions of the gospel: Paul states the gospel’s content in 2-4 and its function in 16-17. Second, Paul’s two-fold definition of the gospel also evidences the necessary brevity for definition by employing the rhetorical figures of ellipses, synecdoche, and commonalities. Third, Paul “deliberately invests vv 16-17 with exploitable ambiguities in both the terminology and syntax” (p. 4). Fourth, Paul unfolds his argument by “exegeting the terms” of his essential (2-4) and functional (16-17) definitions, recombining their elements and maximizing the lexical meanings of their component terms along with their cognates toward a demonstration of how the gospel is God’s power at work in the cosmos (p. 4). -Jared Brown; For Christ & Kingdom
==romans 1:3:
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concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh
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Romans 1:3 describes the human lineage of Jesus Christ, stating that he was a descendant of King David "according to the flesh". It presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and establishes his historical credentials.
"Concerning his Son" introduces the central topic of the Gospel—God's Son, Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that Christianity is centered on the person and work of Christ, not merely a set of rules or principles. "who was descended from David according to the flesh" highlights Jesus's full humanity, affirming that he was a real, historical person with an earthly heritage. By identifying Jesus as a descendant of David, Paul links him to the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. God had promised King David that his descendant would establish an eternal kingdom, and Paul presents Jesus as the fulfillment of that promise. This phrase contrasts with the following verse (Romans 1:4), which describes Jesus's divine nature. Together, they confirm the dual nature of Christ—fully human and fully divine. In the opening verses of his letter, Paul introduces himself and the Gospel message he was "set apart" to proclaim. By stating that the Gospel is about God's Son who is both of David's line and the Son of God, he establishes the authority of his message. He is telling the people in Rome that the good news he is bringing is not new, but the fulfillment of God's ancient promises. |
==romans 1:4:
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and declared
to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead |
This verse is a foundational statement in Paul's introduction to his letter to the Roman church, revealing key aspects of Christ's identity and mission. The Greek word translated as "declared" means to be marked out or appointed, and is distinct from the idea of being "made" the Son of God. The resurrection served as the public and powerful evidence that Jesus, the same individual who was a descendant of David (verse 3), was also truly the divine Son of God.
"According to the Spirit of holiness" is contrasted with Jesus's "flesh" or human nature mentioned in verse 3. It points to Jesus's divine nature and suggests that the Holy Spirit was the force behind the resurrection. The Spirit's role demonstrates that Jesus's identity as the Son of God is an inherent, divine reality, not something that began at his resurrection. By the resurrection from the dead: Christ's resurrection is presented as the ultimate proof of his divine Sonship and victory over sin and death. It authenticates all of Jesus's claims and demonstrates the awesome power at his disposal. His resurrection from the dead is the pivotal event that marked his transition from a state of earthly humiliation to one of glorified exaltation as the Son of God |
==romans 1:5:
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Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name
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in Rom 1:5, Paul significantly qualifies the term “obedience” (ὑπακοή) by the genitive “of faith” (πίστεως). As we have seen, in a number of Jewish eschatological expectations, the theme of Gentile obedience involved political subservience to Israel and her God (Isa 60:10 –14). Paul’s qualification, however, suggests that this term “obedience” ultimately needs to be read in light of the “faith” which he expounds in the inner argument of the letter as a key element of his “gospel.” In fact, within this inner argument, Paul often uses the word “faith” in antithetical and polemical contexts to describe an alternative view of the significance of Israel and her “Law” (cf. e.g. Rom 3:21–22, 27–28; 4:13–16; 9:30 –10:6). Furthermore, when we come to examine Rom 10:16 in detail, we will see that Paul claims that the true “obedience” of “faith” is not political subservience to Zion at all, but rather “faith” in the “report” about the suffering Servant (Isa 53:1). In light of Paul’s argument in the rest of Romans, then, it is clear that his view of the nature of Gentile “obedience” has an anomalous character. (pp. 136-137).
--Windsor, Lionel J. Paul and the Vocation of Israel: How Paul’s Jewish Identity Informs his Apostolic Ministry, with Special Reference to Romans. BZNW 205. Berlin / Boston: Walter de Gruyter, 2014. |
Rom. 1:[5] By whom we have received grace and apostleship, Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
1. (Rom. 1:5) God granted Paul grace and apostleship for what purpose? To call people from among all the nations to obedience to the Christian faith. -delessons
1. (Rom. 1:5) God granted Paul grace and apostleship for what purpose? To call people from among all the nations to obedience to the Christian faith. -delessons
“we have received grace” – though him, because He is the mediator of the New Covenant [Hebrews 9:15]. It is by grace we are saved, Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: It is this saving grace Paul says that he, and we, have received. Receiving it is not automatic: it has to be received like a present at Christmas, gratefully. This grace leads us into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you received the salvation that comes by God’s grace through faith? But grace isn’t an easy believism, and it isn’t cheap grace. It is totally free, and can never be earned; yet it will cost you everything because saving grace makes us obedient to Jesus: the obedience that comes from faith. Saving grace enables us to believe, and moves us to obey Him because we love Him. It brings us to the place where we give up, because to live the Christian life without God’s grace is impossible! But when we surrender our lives to Him who surrendered his life for us, we are saved and enabled to follow Him. Paul says, we received grace and apostleship. Paul had a specific calling as an apostle [Rom 11:13]. Yet apostle simply means, ‘sent one’. Every believer is a sent one. We are sent to make our lives count for God. Is your life counting for God, as a Christian mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, son, daughter, husband or wife? Is your life counting for God in the workplace as you seek to put into practice Christian principles of integrity, honesty and faithfulness? -Girton Baptist Church
By whom - The apostle here returns to the subject of the salutation of the Romans, and states to them his authority to address them. That authority he had derived from the Lord Jesus, and not from man. On this fact, that he had received his apostolic commission, not from man, but by the direct authority of Jesus Christ, Paul not infrequently insisted. Galatians 1:12, “for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Ephesians 3:1-3. We - The plural here is probably put for the singular; see Colossians 4:3; compare Ephesians 6:19-20. It was usual for those who were clothed with authority to express themselves in this manner. Perhaps here, however, he refers to the general nature of the apostolic office, as being derived from Jesus Christ, and designs to assure the Romans that “he” had received the apostolic commission as the others had. We,” the apostles, have received the appointment from Jesus Christ.
Grace and apostleship - Many suppose that this is a figure of speech, “hendiadys,” by which one thing is expressed by two words, meaning the grace or favor of the apostolic office. Such a figure of speech is often used. But it may mean, as it does probably here, the two things, grace, or the favor of God to his own soul, as a personal matter; and the apostolic office as a distinct thing. He often, however, speaks of the office of the apostleship as a matter of special favor, Romans 15:15-16; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:7-9. For obedience to the faith - In order to produce, or promote obedience to the faith; that is, to induce them to render that obedience to God which faith produces. There are two things therefore implied.
(1) that the design of the gospel and of the apostleship is to induce men to obey God.
(2) that the tendency of faith is to produce obedience. There is no true faith which does not produce that. This is constantly affirmed in the New Testament, Romans 15:18; Romans 16:19; 2 Corinthians 7:15; Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-19. This was the special commission which Paul received when he was converted, Acts 9:15. It was important to show that the commission extended thus far, as he was now addressing a distant church which he had not seen.For his name - This means probably “on his account,” that is, on account of Christ, John 14:13-14; John 16:23-24. The design of the apostleship was to produce obedience to the gospel among all nations, that thus the name of Jesus might be honored. Their work was not one in which they were seeking to honor themselves, but it was solely for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. For him they toiled, they encountered perils, they laid down their lives, because by so doing they might bring people to obey the gospel, and thus Jesus Christ might wear a brighter crown and be attended by a longer and more splendid train of worshippers in the kingdom of his glory.
--Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible
Grace and apostleship - Many suppose that this is a figure of speech, “hendiadys,” by which one thing is expressed by two words, meaning the grace or favor of the apostolic office. Such a figure of speech is often used. But it may mean, as it does probably here, the two things, grace, or the favor of God to his own soul, as a personal matter; and the apostolic office as a distinct thing. He often, however, speaks of the office of the apostleship as a matter of special favor, Romans 15:15-16; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:7-9. For obedience to the faith - In order to produce, or promote obedience to the faith; that is, to induce them to render that obedience to God which faith produces. There are two things therefore implied.
(1) that the design of the gospel and of the apostleship is to induce men to obey God.
(2) that the tendency of faith is to produce obedience. There is no true faith which does not produce that. This is constantly affirmed in the New Testament, Romans 15:18; Romans 16:19; 2 Corinthians 7:15; Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-19. This was the special commission which Paul received when he was converted, Acts 9:15. It was important to show that the commission extended thus far, as he was now addressing a distant church which he had not seen.For his name - This means probably “on his account,” that is, on account of Christ, John 14:13-14; John 16:23-24. The design of the apostleship was to produce obedience to the gospel among all nations, that thus the name of Jesus might be honored. Their work was not one in which they were seeking to honor themselves, but it was solely for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. For him they toiled, they encountered perils, they laid down their lives, because by so doing they might bring people to obey the gospel, and thus Jesus Christ might wear a brighter crown and be attended by a longer and more splendid train of worshippers in the kingdom of his glory.
--Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible
==romans 1:6:
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among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;.
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This verse is part of Paul's introductory remarks in his letter to the Romans. Before writing the core of his theological message, he establishes his apostolic authority and purpose. He has received "grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations". Romans 1:6 confirms that the Roman believers are part of this worldwide mission to the Gentiles.
The verse acknowledges the origins of many of the Roman Christians, who came from a pagan background before their conversion. The gospel's reach extends to all nations, not just the Jewish people. "Who are called" refers to the effectual calling of God, which is more than just a general invitation. The word "called" signifies that they have responded to the gospel message and are now considered "saints," or God's set-apart people. This calling is a divine act, not a human achievement. "To belong to Jesus Christ": This is the core of the verse's message. As a result of being called by God, these believers now belong to Jesus Christ. Their identity is now found in their relationship with him, and they are his possession. In summary, Romans 1:6 is a foundational statement that reminds the Roman church that their new identity and belonging in Jesus Christ is a result of God's sovereign calling, not their own merit. It also serves to connect them with the broader mission to bring the gospel to all nations |
==romans 1:7:
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To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:2
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This verse is part of the introduction to Paul's letter to the Romans and serves as a greeting and blessing to the church in Rome, identifying them as beloved and called by God. "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be holy people" identifies the recipients of the letter as those in Rome who are special to God and set apart for His purposes. "Grace and peace to you" is a common greeting in the New Testament, conveying a wish for God's unmerited favor (grace) and inner calm or well-being (peace). "from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ"clarifies the source of the grace and peace, which comes from God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Lord.
==romans 1:8:
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First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
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The Apostle Paul thanks God for the faith of the Roman Christians, which was being proclaimed throughout the world. He expresses his constant prayer to visit them and encourages mutual spiritual growth through their shared faith.
A few common translations of Romans 1:8: NIV (New International Version): "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world". ESV (English Standard Version): "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world". KJV (King James Version): "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world". Paul begins his letter to the Romans with a powerful expression of gratitude to God for the spiritual state of the Roman believers. The verse highlights that the faith of the Roman church was not a secret matter but was well-known and spoken of globally. Paul expresses his personal longing and prayerful desire to visit the believers in Rome. He states his intention to give them a spiritual gift and to experience mutual encouragement through each other's faith. |
==romans 1:9:
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For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,
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Whatever Paul did, spoke, and had was in his spirit; again and again, he emphasized that our spirit mingled with God’s Spirit is the key to doing everything and being everything in the Christian life. This is especially more so as we exercise our New Testament priesthood of the gospel; we preach the gospel by being in our mingled spirit, by exercising our spirit, and by following the Spirit with our spirit to speak what the Lord speaks to man. It is here, in our mingled spirit, that we are inwardly supplied and strengthened with the bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:19-21) so that Christ may make His home in our heart (Eph. 3:16-19) and we would be filled with all the fullness of God to overflow with the riches of Christ we have enjoyed to others as the gospel. (SOURCE: agodman)
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The Apostle Paul testifies that he serves God in his spirit by preaching the gospel of His Son. He uses this statement as a preamble to assert the authenticity and constancy of his prayers for the believers in Rome, emphasizing his desire to visit them.
Here's the verse in various translations:
New International Version (NIV): "God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times".
New Living Translation (NLT): "God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son".
English Standard Version (ESV): "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers".
Paul emphasizes that his service to God is spiritual, focused on the "gospel of His Son," which is his primary work and life's mission. He calls God as his witness, lending weight to the sincerity and truthfulness of his statement about his constant prayers for the Roman church. The verse highlights Paul's persistent prayers for the Christians in Rome, showing his deep spiritual connection and desire to see them. This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul expresses his strong desire to visit the believers in Rome.
Here's the verse in various translations:
New International Version (NIV): "God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times".
New Living Translation (NLT): "God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son".
English Standard Version (ESV): "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers".
Paul emphasizes that his service to God is spiritual, focused on the "gospel of His Son," which is his primary work and life's mission. He calls God as his witness, lending weight to the sincerity and truthfulness of his statement about his constant prayers for the Roman church. The verse highlights Paul's persistent prayers for the Christians in Rome, showing his deep spiritual connection and desire to see them. This verse is part of a larger passage where Paul expresses his strong desire to visit the believers in Rome.
Greek letters often included a prayer of thanksgiving to one of the gods, and Paul adapts this custom, thanking the true God: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world” (verse 8). This tells us that Paul prayed through Christ, and it also tells us that “all the world” doesn’t always mean the entire earth. In this case, it means the eastern Roman Empire. It was a figure of speech, not a geographical fact.
Paul gave God the credit for these people’s faith. He didn’t thank the people for believing — he thanked God, because God is the one who enables people to believe. Of our own, we would turn away. Even if we have only a small amount of faith, we need to thank God as the one who gives us that faith.
In verse 9, Paul calls God as his witness, to stress that he is telling the truth: “For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers.” People today might say, “God knows that I pray for you all the time.” Paul adds that he serves God with his whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son. He is keeping the gospel in the discussion, keeping his role as a servant in the context. These are his credentials; this is what his life is about. Paul’s authority does not rest on himself, but on his role as a servant of God. He is doing only what God wants, and the people therefore need to listen to what he says. Michael Morrison; Studies in Romans
Paul gave God the credit for these people’s faith. He didn’t thank the people for believing — he thanked God, because God is the one who enables people to believe. Of our own, we would turn away. Even if we have only a small amount of faith, we need to thank God as the one who gives us that faith.
In verse 9, Paul calls God as his witness, to stress that he is telling the truth: “For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers.” People today might say, “God knows that I pray for you all the time.” Paul adds that he serves God with his whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son. He is keeping the gospel in the discussion, keeping his role as a servant in the context. These are his credentials; this is what his life is about. Paul’s authority does not rest on himself, but on his role as a servant of God. He is doing only what God wants, and the people therefore need to listen to what he says. Michael Morrison; Studies in Romans
Paul says that the first (Πρῶτον, prōton) thing he wants to mention concerns his thankfulness, namely, that he always gives thanks for the church in Rome because their faith is proclaimed in the whole world. As always in Paul, everything in life, especially his relationship with God and prayer, was approached through Jesus Christ (διὰ ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, dia Iēsou Christou). Christ is the center of God’s plan for the world: He is the way in which God reached out to us and the way we in turn approach God. The personal pronoun my (μου, mou) reminds one of similar expressions in the Psalms (3:7; 5:2; 13:3; 22:1; cf. Also Phil 1:3; Phlm 4) and reflects Paul’s deep personal relationship and dependence on God.
But Paul is thankful, not for generalities, but for the specific fact that the church’s faith in Christ had become known in all the world. The apostle most certainly viewed this as the work of God himself, for while he is thankful for the church, his thanksgiving goes directly to God. The expression throughout the whole world (ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ, en holō tō kosmō) does not mean that every person in the entire world had heard of their faith, but rather that the church had become known throughout the Roman empire (cf. Col 1:23). -Bible.org
But Paul is thankful, not for generalities, but for the specific fact that the church’s faith in Christ had become known in all the world. The apostle most certainly viewed this as the work of God himself, for while he is thankful for the church, his thanksgiving goes directly to God. The expression throughout the whole world (ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ, en holō tō kosmō) does not mean that every person in the entire world had heard of their faith, but rather that the church had become known throughout the Roman empire (cf. Col 1:23). -Bible.org
==romans 1:10:
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making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.
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Paul had never visited Rome, although he knew many of the saints who lived there. However, his earnest desire to visit these believers, share their common faith, and give one another spiritual encouragement, was evidenced in the historical record of the book of Acts, and elsewhere.
But there is one very notable thing about which we should take account - for despite the earnest desire of Paul's heart to visit the great city of Rome and give mutual encouragement to the saints who lived there, his prayer was that his journey would be in accordance with the will of God. Paul did not put his own will and personal desire above the will and direction of the Lord, for he prayed "if perhaps now at last.. by the will of God, I may succeed in coming to you." -Knowing Jesus |
Paul was anxious to lay his hands on these believers to impart and share gifts in order to continue to strengthen and establish them. He explained in another letter that when the gifts of the Spirit operate within the Church they produce edification, exhortation, encouragement, and comfort. Similarly, when used privately, they edify the believers (1 Cor. 14:3-4). [SOURCE: JCBlog]
There is a specific reason why the apostle who has so focused his life on doing the will of God longs to come and see a church he did not found. It is because he longs to impart some spiritual gift (χάρισμα…πνευματικὸν, charisma pneumatikon) to them in order to strengthen (εἰς τὸ στηριχθῆναι, eis to stērichthēnai) them.
The spiritual gift Paul wants to impart to them is not the sort of spiritual gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12-14. These gifts were given according to the will of the Holy Spirit apart from any human agency (1 Cor 12:11). Also, the explanatory comment which follows in Romans 1:12: “that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith,” indicates that Paul is thinking generally about spiritual encouragement. He is talking about God imparting a spiritual blessing (i.e., encouragement; cf. 15:4) to the church while he is fellowshipping with them in Rome. It is his desire that through being with them, and by the Spirit of God, the church will be strengthened in their faith and fortified in their resolve to live obedient lives for Christ (6:12-14). -Bible.org
The spiritual gift Paul wants to impart to them is not the sort of spiritual gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12-14. These gifts were given according to the will of the Holy Spirit apart from any human agency (1 Cor 12:11). Also, the explanatory comment which follows in Romans 1:12: “that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith,” indicates that Paul is thinking generally about spiritual encouragement. He is talking about God imparting a spiritual blessing (i.e., encouragement; cf. 15:4) to the church while he is fellowshipping with them in Rome. It is his desire that through being with them, and by the Spirit of God, the church will be strengthened in their faith and fortified in their resolve to live obedient lives for Christ (6:12-14). -Bible.org
Paul was praying for prosperous providence. He had long wanted to visit the city of Rome – to preach the gospel where Christ was not named. But by this time the name of the Lord had been heard in the streets and palaces of Rome. Yet still Paul wished to visit there. But he knew that he would never see that place apart from the will of God, so he prayed about it.
Usually when I think of providence, I mistakenly picture the will of the Lord in nature or in miracles. But by definition, providence is simply the advanced care, or preparation, of something. It’s the use of foresight; something at which the Lord is really quite good. It’s the same thing as the prudent management of something. When it comes to divine providence the actions of men are controlled by the Lord just as much as He controls nature or angels. Isn’t the “king’s heart in the hand of the Lord”? Didn’t the Lord open the heart of Dairus and put Nebuchadnezzar onto the Judeans? Paul was praying for the Lord’s control of his life, and in particular, his visit in Rome.
“I want to come to see you, but unless the Lord creates the itinerary and buys the ticket for me, I will never be able to make it.” How little do most of us think along those terms. We just make our plans and buy our tickets. If we actually get on the plane, it is obvious that the Lord has permitted it. But if we think about the Lord’s permission at all, it is usually after the fact, rather than before it. Brethren, this ought not so to be.
Eventually Paul made that trip to Rome, but it wasn’t in the first class section of a 747. In this case the providence of God meant that Paul would travel in chains. It even meant ship wreck, near death, and a few days drying out on the Island of Melita. -Calvary Independent Baptist Church
Usually when I think of providence, I mistakenly picture the will of the Lord in nature or in miracles. But by definition, providence is simply the advanced care, or preparation, of something. It’s the use of foresight; something at which the Lord is really quite good. It’s the same thing as the prudent management of something. When it comes to divine providence the actions of men are controlled by the Lord just as much as He controls nature or angels. Isn’t the “king’s heart in the hand of the Lord”? Didn’t the Lord open the heart of Dairus and put Nebuchadnezzar onto the Judeans? Paul was praying for the Lord’s control of his life, and in particular, his visit in Rome.
“I want to come to see you, but unless the Lord creates the itinerary and buys the ticket for me, I will never be able to make it.” How little do most of us think along those terms. We just make our plans and buy our tickets. If we actually get on the plane, it is obvious that the Lord has permitted it. But if we think about the Lord’s permission at all, it is usually after the fact, rather than before it. Brethren, this ought not so to be.
Eventually Paul made that trip to Rome, but it wasn’t in the first class section of a 747. In this case the providence of God meant that Paul would travel in chains. It even meant ship wreck, near death, and a few days drying out on the Island of Melita. -Calvary Independent Baptist Church
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Spiritual things are shared in a manner that is different from the way we share physical things. When God gave us the Holy Spirit, He was not left with zero Holy Spirit! When He gave us the Spirit, we had the fullness of the Spirit and He still is the fullness of the Holy Spirit! He has 100% and we also have 100%. Spiritual gifts can be imparted. Someone with the prophetic gift, for example, can impart that gift to another believer. They do not loose the gift when they impart, neither does it diminish. Impartation is a spiritual device that God has given us in the Church to multiply His giftings and operations in our lives.
[SOURCE: Patrick Oben Ministries |
In this text, Paul confirms God’s revealed word, which is the power of the gospel of faith to the churches that are in Rome and Galatia.
As it is written, the just shall live by faith. Paul was reiterating Habakkuk’s word, “The just shall live by faith,” in Habakkuk 2:4. He reveals this word to the Saints (the born again, the chosen, the remnant) in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:1, and Hebrews 10:38. “The just shall live by faith.” This is a prophetic word describing what will happen in the future for the chosen people of God: you and I. God foresees and knows what will happen in your life as a person of faith. Paul looks deep into this word and sees it as “the just/the righteous shall live by faith.” This shows us how righteous God is in His plan for us to be saved, to be born again, and also how we may be made fit for eternal life. When we trust Jesus Christ, our relationship with God is made right. For God is co-creating us together with His Son and the Holy Spirit because they are one. This is why He says: “Let us make man in our image after our likeness,” Genesis 1:26-28. This is the representation of the Godhead because we are made in the spirit of God. We walk in Him and not ourselves. We are being infiltrated with access to the father, the Son by faith, and the Holy Spirit as our helper. -Monterey D Lee |
==romans 1:11:
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For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established--
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The Apostle Paul is expressing a deep and heartfelt yearning to visit the Christians in Rome, a city he had not yet been to when he wrote this letter. This shows his affection for believers he had not yet met in person. Paul's purpose for visiting was not for personal gain but for the spiritual benefit of the believers. The "spiritual gift" here most likely refers to the "spiritual blessings" of teaching, encouragement, and strengthening in the faith, rather than a specific miraculous ability. The ultimate goal of Paul's ministry was to strengthen and confirm the Roman believers in their faith. Being "established" means becoming more solid, firm, and stable in their relationship with God, allowing them to better withstand persecution and false teachings. As Paul further explains in verse 12, this process is a two-way street. He knew that by strengthening them, his own faith would be mutually encouraged by their shared belief. This reflects the core Christian concept of fellowship and interdependence within the body of Christ.
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==romans 1:12:
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that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
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Romans 1:12 is a verse where the Apostle Paul expresses his desire to visit the Christians in Rome to share a spiritual gift and be mutually encouraged by their faith, highlighting a reciprocal relationship of spiritual strengthening within the Christian community. Paul wanted to visit the Roman church to share his spiritual gifts, which would help strengthen their faith. The encouragement was intended to be a two-way street; Paul would be encouraged by the faith of the Romans, and they would be encouraged by his presence and spiritual gifts. Paul's intention was to impart a spiritual gift to them, which would build them up and help them endure challenges.
The mutual encouragement was rooted in their shared faith in Jesus Christ. This verse is part of Paul's introduction to the Roman Christians, where he expresses his deep desire to preach the gospel to them and for them to be part of his mission. In essence, Romans 1:12 speaks to the value of believers coming together to share in faith, to provide spiritual support to one another, and to build up the Christian community through shared spiritual experiences |
==romans 1:13:
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Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
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Paul made many attempts to go to Rome but God did not allow it until now. It was not by his personal preference or design that he had not gone. It was due to circumstances out of his control that hindered him from going. God needed to prepare the hearts of those in Rome first. [Verse By Verse Commentary
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The Apostle Paul expresses his desire to visit the church in Rome to share the gospel and reap spiritual "fruit" (spiritual growth) among them, just as he had among other Gentile believers. He states he has been prevented from doing so but wants the Roman believers to be aware of his repeated intentions and his longing to minister to them and mutually encourage each other in their faith.
Paul had a strong desire and a long-standing plan to visit the Roman church. He was hindered from coming to Rome, implying a divine purpose behind these obstacles. Paul sought to bring spiritual fruit—the conversion and growth of believers—to the Roman church. He wanted to see similar results among the Romans as he had among the other non-Jewish (Gentile) believers he had ministered to. In addition to ministering to them, he also desired to be mutually encouraged by their faith.
Paul had a strong desire and a long-standing plan to visit the Roman church. He was hindered from coming to Rome, implying a divine purpose behind these obstacles. Paul sought to bring spiritual fruit—the conversion and growth of believers—to the Roman church. He wanted to see similar results among the Romans as he had among the other non-Jewish (Gentile) believers he had ministered to. In addition to ministering to them, he also desired to be mutually encouraged by their faith.
==romans 1:14:
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I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
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Paul acknowledges that he is a debtor (Greek: opheiletes) to Greeks and foreigners (Greek: barbarous––barbarians) alike––as well as to wise and foolish alike.
Debtor is an unfortunate translation of the Greek word opheiletes in this verse. That word makes it sound as if Paul has received something from Greeks and foreigners, so he must repay them. That is not the case. The word opheiletes has several meanings. The ones most appropriate for this verse are “obligated” or “morally bound”. When Paul says that he is opheiletes to Greeks, barbarians, wise, and foolish, he is saying that he is obligated to them––morally bound to perform some sort of service in their behalf. That leaves us with two questions: (1) WHO placed this obligation on Paul? (2) WHAT is that obligation? We can answer both questions with one sentence. CHRIST has laid the obligation on Paul TO PREACH THE GOSPEL to Greeks and non-Greeks (barbarous) alike––to wise and foolish alike––to all people and every sort of person alike. So the WHO is Christ. The WHAT is the obligation to preach the Gospel. We see that sense of obligation elsewhere as well.
Greeks and non-Greeks means everyone. That phrase parallels wise and foolish, which also includes everyone. The point of this verse, then, is that Christ has obligated Paul to preach the Gospel to everyone. -Sermon Writer |
==romans 1:15:
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So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
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A desire to visit Rome: Paul expresses a long-held wish to visit the church in Rome.
The purpose of his visit: He wants to impart spiritual gifts, encourage the believers, and see spiritual growth and "fruit" among them. A universal obligation: Paul sees himself as obligated to preach the gospel to all people, regardless of their background, including Jews and Gentiles. Meaning of the Verse Readiness and eagerness: Paul's statement highlights his willingness and readiness to preach the gospel to the people of Rome. The gospel is for all: This verse, and the subsequent one (Romans 1:16), emphasize that the gospel message is for everyone, both Jews and Gentiles. A divine mission: Paul's desire to go to Rome is part of his God-given mission to make Christ known to all nations, a calling he fulfilled by establishing churches in many places. |
==romans 1:16:
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
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These two verse gather up in advance all the great ideas that will be expanded in the upcoming chapters: The gospel, power of God, salvation, righteousness
The power of God unto salvation is not our passion for God, but the passion He has exhibited toward us sinners by sending his own Son to redeem us. --Michael Horton; White Horse Inn
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Believeth” (verse 16) and “faith” (verse 17) are translations of the Greek verb pisteuō and the related noun pistis. These terms can mean both “faith” and “faithfulness.” For Paul, faith in Jesus Christ was not just mental agreement with the idea that Jesus is the Son of God, but wholehearted acceptance of Jesus Christ and trust in Him as the One who offered Himself in Atonement for our sins.
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"The just shall live by faith" according to Galatians 3:11 and Romans 1:17. The emphasis Martin Luther placed on the Gospel truth in the sixteenth century resulted in the Protestant Reformation. This doctrine of justification by faith brought new life into the Church and became one of the central teachings of the evangelical churches. An understanding of this concept will result in a deeper appreciation of the grace of God, as it comes to us through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
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Martin Lloyd-Jones
The man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself and no longer looking to himself. He no longer looks at anything he once was. He does not look at what he is now. He does not even look at what he hopes to be as the result of his own efforts. He looks entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, and rests on that alone. He has ceased to say, "Ah yes, I used to commit terrible sins but I have done this and that." He stops saying that. If he goes on saying that, he has not got faith. Faith speaks in an entirely different manner and makes a man say, "Yes I have sinned grievously, I have lived a life of sin, yet I know that I am a child of God because I am not resting on any righteousness of my own; my righteousness is in Jesus Christ and God has put that to my account.”
― Martyn Lloyd-Jones
― Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The apostle here quotes from the prophet Habakkuk (see Hab. 2:4). He contrasts the governmental dealings of God with the Jewish nation with His present dealings under the gospel. The just Jew of that day was to live by faith in God’s promises, in view of the coming judgment of the Chaldæans. The just man now lived by faith in the righteousness revealed in the gospel, in view of God’s wrath revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness. It is God’s wrath from heaven, not merely a governmental dealing like that of the king of Babylon! The latter judgment had to do with time; God’s wrath from heaven with eternity.
The apostle now turns away from his subject of God’s salvation to show the necessity of it from man’s state as a sinner. -Bible Truths
The apostle now turns away from his subject of God’s salvation to show the necessity of it from man’s state as a sinner. -Bible Truths
a. After his introduction, Paul introduces his “thesis statement” for his Letter to the Romans. Leon Morris says of Romans 1:16 and 17: “These two verses have an importance out of all proportion to their length.”
b. I am not ashamed of the gospel: This reveals Paul’s heart. In a sophisticated city like Rome, some might be embarrassed by a gospel centered on a crucified Jewish Savior and embraced by the lowest classes of people – but Paul is not ashamed.
c. For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes: This is why Paul is not ashamed of a gospel centered on a crucified Savior. He knows that the gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ – has inherent power. We do not give it power, we only stop hindering the power of the gospel when we present it effectively.
i. The gospel is certainly news, but it is more than information; it has an inherent power. “The gospel is not advice to people, suggesting that they lift themselves. It is power. It lifts them up. Paul does not say that the gospel brings power, but that it is power, and God’s power at that.” (Morris)
ii. In particular, the city of Rome thought it knew all about power: “Power is the one thing that Rome boasted of the most. Greece might have its philosophy, but Rome had its power” (Wiersbe). Despite all their power, the Romans – like all men – were powerless to make themselves righteous before God. The ancient philosopher Seneca called Rome “a cesspool of iniquity” and the ancient writer Juvenal called it a “filthy sewer into which the dregs of the empire flood.”
iii. For salvation: In the Roman world of Paul’s day, men looked for salvation. Philosophers knew that man was sick and needed help. Epictetus called his lecture room “the hospital for the sick soul.” Epicurus called his teaching “the medicine of salvation.” Seneca said that because men were so conscious of “their weakness and their inefficiency in necessary things” that all men were looking “towards salvation.” Epictetus said that men were looking for a peace “not of Caesar’s proclamation, but of God’s.” (Cited in Barclay)
iv. The gospel’s power to salvation comes to everyone who believes. God will not withhold salvation from the one who believes; but believing is the only requirement.
d. For the Jew first and also for the Greek: This is the pattern of the spread of the gospel, demonstrated both by the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 15:24) and the initial ministry of the disciples (Matthew 10:5-6).
i. This means that the gospel was meant to go first to the ethnic and culturalJew, and then to the cultural Greek. “At this time the word Greek had lost its racial sense altogether. It did not mean a native of the country of Greece… [a Greek] was one who knew the culture and the mind of Greece.” (Barclay) -Enduring Word
b. I am not ashamed of the gospel: This reveals Paul’s heart. In a sophisticated city like Rome, some might be embarrassed by a gospel centered on a crucified Jewish Savior and embraced by the lowest classes of people – but Paul is not ashamed.
c. For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes: This is why Paul is not ashamed of a gospel centered on a crucified Savior. He knows that the gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ – has inherent power. We do not give it power, we only stop hindering the power of the gospel when we present it effectively.
i. The gospel is certainly news, but it is more than information; it has an inherent power. “The gospel is not advice to people, suggesting that they lift themselves. It is power. It lifts them up. Paul does not say that the gospel brings power, but that it is power, and God’s power at that.” (Morris)
ii. In particular, the city of Rome thought it knew all about power: “Power is the one thing that Rome boasted of the most. Greece might have its philosophy, but Rome had its power” (Wiersbe). Despite all their power, the Romans – like all men – were powerless to make themselves righteous before God. The ancient philosopher Seneca called Rome “a cesspool of iniquity” and the ancient writer Juvenal called it a “filthy sewer into which the dregs of the empire flood.”
iii. For salvation: In the Roman world of Paul’s day, men looked for salvation. Philosophers knew that man was sick and needed help. Epictetus called his lecture room “the hospital for the sick soul.” Epicurus called his teaching “the medicine of salvation.” Seneca said that because men were so conscious of “their weakness and their inefficiency in necessary things” that all men were looking “towards salvation.” Epictetus said that men were looking for a peace “not of Caesar’s proclamation, but of God’s.” (Cited in Barclay)
iv. The gospel’s power to salvation comes to everyone who believes. God will not withhold salvation from the one who believes; but believing is the only requirement.
d. For the Jew first and also for the Greek: This is the pattern of the spread of the gospel, demonstrated both by the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 15:24) and the initial ministry of the disciples (Matthew 10:5-6).
i. This means that the gospel was meant to go first to the ethnic and culturalJew, and then to the cultural Greek. “At this time the word Greek had lost its racial sense altogether. It did not mean a native of the country of Greece… [a Greek] was one who knew the culture and the mind of Greece.” (Barclay) -Enduring Word
John Calvin interprets this as “one degree of faith to another.”
Grammatically, the phrase “righteousness of God,” could mean either a righteousness which is Gods character or a righteousness which has its origin in God and comes from him to us. Yet another meaning is suggested by the use of the word in Isaiah and Psalms where it denotes an order which will prevail in human life throughout the world when all nations have been brought under the rule of God. This meaning is close to what Jesus called “the kingdom of God.” All three meanings may at times be prominent in Paul’s use of “righteousness,” but sometimes one meaning is more prominent than the other.
Grammatically, the phrase “righteousness of God,” could mean either a righteousness which is Gods character or a righteousness which has its origin in God and comes from him to us. Yet another meaning is suggested by the use of the word in Isaiah and Psalms where it denotes an order which will prevail in human life throughout the world when all nations have been brought under the rule of God. This meaning is close to what Jesus called “the kingdom of God.” All three meanings may at times be prominent in Paul’s use of “righteousness,” but sometimes one meaning is more prominent than the other.
==romans 1:17:
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For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
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This verse, found in different versions of the Bible, highlights that the gospel of Jesus Christ makes God's righteousness known to people, and this righteousness is received through faith. It emphasizes that life with God is not achieved by works but by trusting in Him.
"For in it...": Refers to the gospel, the message about Jesus Christ's power and salvation. "...the righteousness of God is revealed...": God's just and holy nature is made known through the gospel. "...from faith to faith...": This righteousness is given to those who believe and is sustained through a life of faith. "as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'": This is a quote from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk, which emphasizes that the just person's life is characterized by their trust in God. |
==romans 1:18:
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For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
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The wrath of God is not in the gospel but in the facts of human experience. "The history of the world is the judgment of the world." (JCF Schiller). God DOES get angry.
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John Piper
Probably the most important thing I would say, and the most firmly rooted in Romans 1:18, is that knowing the true condition of your heart and the nature of sin and the magnitude and justice of the wrath of God will cause you to understand the mighty gospel, and love it, and cherish it, and feast on it, and share it as never before. And this is crucial because this is the way the gospel saves believers. If you don’t understand the gospel, if you don’t cherish it and look to it and feed on it day after day, it won’t save you (see 1 Corinthians 15:1–3; Colossians 1:23). Knowing sin and wrath will help you do that. --John Piper
Can anyone claim to have an excuse for his sinfulness and rebellion against the LORD God who both created and redeemed him? Can anyone claim, "I didn't know"?
The Word of God is quite clear when it says that mankind is without excuse for sin and rebelliousness. No one can legitimately say, "I didn't know."
Why? Because all of us have a natural knowledge of God written upon our hearts and God has clearly revealed Himself to us in His creation (cf. Rom. 2:14-16; Psalm 19:1-6). The Scripture says, "that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."
But what happened to that natural knowledge of God? Though, deep down, people know the truth -- that they were created by an almighty and holy God and are accountable to Him -- they hold that truth in unrighteousness. "When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things" (v. 21-23). -Randy Moll
The Word of God is quite clear when it says that mankind is without excuse for sin and rebelliousness. No one can legitimately say, "I didn't know."
Why? Because all of us have a natural knowledge of God written upon our hearts and God has clearly revealed Himself to us in His creation (cf. Rom. 2:14-16; Psalm 19:1-6). The Scripture says, "that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."
But what happened to that natural knowledge of God? Though, deep down, people know the truth -- that they were created by an almighty and holy God and are accountable to Him -- they hold that truth in unrighteousness. "When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things" (v. 21-23). -Randy Moll
The word “suppress” comes from two words: to hold and down. The truth comes to people but they hold it down from affecting their lives. They do not want anything to do with God’s revelation; they have negative volition towards truth.
The “truth” here is general truth in creation. It is not the saving knowledge of Christ and His work. However, God revealed enough of Himself to lay blame against those who have negative volition towards the truth that they know.
This verse uses “unrighteousness” twice, placing more emphasis on the key words in Romans—“right,” “just,” “righteousness,” “to justify,” and “unrighteousness.” “Unrighteousness” here is set in antithesis to “righteousness of God” in verse 17. People are not right with God. Their motivation for rejecting revelation is that they do not want to be right with God. They prefer their own way, not God’s way. [SOURCE: Bible Exposition]
The “truth” here is general truth in creation. It is not the saving knowledge of Christ and His work. However, God revealed enough of Himself to lay blame against those who have negative volition towards the truth that they know.
This verse uses “unrighteousness” twice, placing more emphasis on the key words in Romans—“right,” “just,” “righteousness,” “to justify,” and “unrighteousness.” “Unrighteousness” here is set in antithesis to “righteousness of God” in verse 17. People are not right with God. Their motivation for rejecting revelation is that they do not want to be right with God. They prefer their own way, not God’s way. [SOURCE: Bible Exposition]
Steve Gallagher
"Paul says that these people "suppress the truth in unrighteousness." (Rom 1:18). Literally he means to hold the truth down or in check. The picture here is that God is trying desperately to break the darkness of their thinking with the light of Jesus, However, something rises up inside the person which causes him to turn away from the truth. The Holy Spirit keeps introducing convicting thoughts from the man's mind. but he turns a deaf ear to them. He does not want to hear the voice of the Lord because he knows it would mean giving up what he wants. It is just what Jesus said, "Men loved the darkness rather than the light, and does not come to the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (John 3:19-20) --Steve Gallagher; At The Idol of Sexual Idolatry
==romans 1:19:
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Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
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The science-minded, the so called “logic”-minded, the ones who lay claim on knowledge but reject God, are, quite simply, not very deep thinkers. They have allowed others to do the thinking for them and basically just accept the latest “scientific” dogma as fact. And it is NOT even rejecting “God” as being the main problem with the dots they connect in their “thought-life” but rather that they immediately reject anything which would even suggest “God” and instead take the easy road and then claim it is more intelligent. Believing the universe came from any other source then God is foolish. First, because its a lie, and Second, because a world void of God has not been thought through very well at all.
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Romans 1:19 states that what may be known about God is plain to people because God has made it plain to them through creation. This concept, sometimes called general revelation, explains that the world itself reveals God's eternal power and divine nature, making humanity accountable and without excuse for their knowledge (or suppression) of Him.
"Since what may be known about God is plain to them..." establishes that humans have a fundamental understanding of God's existence and nature.
"...because God has made it plain to them.": This explains the source of this knowledge. It's not something humans invented, but something God intentionally revealed.
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made...": This elaborates on the method of revelation. Through the vastness and intricacy of the universe, people can perceive the power and essence of God.
"...so that people are without excuse.": Because God's nature is evident through creation, everyone has the opportunity to know Him and cannot claim ignorance to escape accountability for their actions.
"Since what may be known about God is plain to them..." establishes that humans have a fundamental understanding of God's existence and nature.
"...because God has made it plain to them.": This explains the source of this knowledge. It's not something humans invented, but something God intentionally revealed.
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made...": This elaborates on the method of revelation. Through the vastness and intricacy of the universe, people can perceive the power and essence of God.
"...so that people are without excuse.": Because God's nature is evident through creation, everyone has the opportunity to know Him and cannot claim ignorance to escape accountability for their actions.
==romans 1:20:
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For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
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It takes a powerful imagination to lay any claim on creation rather than God. It takes pure ignorance to suggest the imaginary claim is fact. |
This verse suggests that the natural world serves as evidence of God's existence and attributes. God's eternal power and divine nature are not seen with the physical eye but are evident in creation. The existence and complexity of the earth and sky, and all that God has made, serve as clear indications of his power and divine character. Because God's presence and nature are understandable through creation, all people are held accountable and have no excuse for ignoring or denying him. When people look at the world around them, at the stunning beauty and order of nature, they can see evidence of a powerful and divine Creator. Even without a Bible, the evidence of God's existence and power is all around us, making us responsible for how we respond to this knowledge.
==romans 1:21:
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Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
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Romans 1:21 teaches that being unthankful is the cornerstone sin of all other sins, with a trajectory that leads to covetousness, worshipping creatures more than God, all sexual sins including homosexuality, pride, gossip, and all kinds of malice. These eventually lead to full-scale rebellion against God (Romans 1:21-33).
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This verse describes the consequences of rejecting God's truth, which leads to a loss of proper thinking and understanding, ultimately resulting in a darkened heart and mind. The verse begins by acknowledging that people possess a degree of knowledge about God, derived from creation itself. Instead of glorifying God for who He is and what He has done, people fail to give Him the honor and praise due to Him. They also fail to express thanks to God for the blessings and life He provides. This rejection leads to futile or worthless reasoning and thinking, as people turn away from God's truth. As a result of their vain imaginations and foolish thoughts, their hearts become darkened. This verse introduces a pattern of rejection that characterizes humanity's fallen state and God's subsequent righteous judgment. It is the starting point of a spiritual decline where people, after rejecting God's revelation, fall into further sin. The darkness that falls upon people's hearts leads them to create their own ideas of God and worship created things rather than the Creator.
Steve Gallagher Files
"Losing a reverential, worshipful spirit is the first step down into the spiral of degradation. Most people fall in love with Jesus when they first become Christians. Jesus becomes their "first love." Should the new believer retain that intimacy with the Lord, many fruitful years can be expected. However, Romans 1:21 describes a person who has begun to turn away from the Lord in his heart. He may still continue to go through the outward motions of a believer, but something within him is drying up. He is losing his sense of adoration for the God who has saved him. This waning of his first love is enough to allow an altar of sexual idolatry to be erected in his heart, and once established, he can easily turn from worshipping God to worshipping the perversion of sexual lust." --Steve Gallagher; At The Idol of Sexual Idolatry
Jeremiah 23:16: The Lord who rules over all says to the people of Jerusalem: "Do not listen to what those prophets are saying to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They are reporting visions of their own imaginations, not something the Lord has given them to say.
Proverbs 6:16-19:
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
==romans 1:22:
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Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
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The Greek word μωροὶ (pronounced, moe-roi) is often translated as foolish or fool in other Bibles. However, μωροὶ is the root from which we derive the English word moron. But understand that the term moron, as used by Jesus and his Apostles, didn’t imply someone that is mentally challenged, as the medical term ‘moron’ does today. Rather, it meant someone that knows the difference between doing the right thing and the wrong thing, but doesn’t care to do what is right.
For example, the ten virgins of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25 weren’t just ‘foolish’ girls, they were morons; they knew what they should do, but they didn’t care to do it. |
This verse explains a pattern of rejecting God's truth and worshiping created things instead of the Creator. The verse contrasts true wisdom with a false, arrogant claim to it. Paul suggests that by rejecting God, people become foolish. People in this state exchange the true glory of God for idols and images of things that can decay and die, such as birds, animals, and man. This act of worshiping created things instead of the Creator is a significant rejection of God and leads to a spiritual downward spiral. The verses leading up to Romans 1:22 explain that everyone has a natural understanding of God through His creation. Romans 1:24-25 explains that God gives people over to their sinful desires when they reject Him, resulting in further corruption and the worship of the created world.
Folly (“their senseless minds” in verse 21) implies moral obtuseness rather than mere deficiency. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, v. 22. This looks black upon the philosophers, the pretenders to wisdom and professors of it. Those that had the most luxuriant fancy, in framing to themselves the idea of a God, fell into the most gross and absurd conceits: and it was the just punishment of their pride and self-conceitedness. It has been observed that the most refined nations, that made the greatest show of wisdom, were the greatest fools in religion. The barbarians adored the sun and moon, which of all others was the most specious idolatry; while the learned Egyptians worshipped an ox and an onion. The Grecians, who excelled them in wisdom, adored diseases and human passions. The Romans, the wisest of all, worshipped the furies. And at this day the poor Americans worship the thunder; while the ingenious Chinese adore the devil. Thus the world by wisdom knew not God, 1 Co. 1:21. As a profession of wisdom is an aggravation of folly, so a proud conceit of wisdom is the cause of a great deal of folly. Hence we read of few philosophers who were converted to Christianity; and Paul’s preaching was no where so laughed at and ridiculed as among the learned Athenians, Acts 17:18-32. Phaskontes einai-conceiting themselves to be wise. The plain truth of the being of God would not content them; they thought themselves above that, and so fell into the greatest errors.
==romans 1:23:
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and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
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Romans 1:23 is a Bible verse that describes how people rejected God and chose to worship created things instead of the Creator. It says they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal beings, birds, animals, and reptiles. This act of idolatry, or worshipping the creation over the Creator, is presented as a human tendency to suppress the truth about God. The verse highlights the concept of idolatry, where the glory of the immortal God is replaced with something less than divine. Instead of worshipping God, who is the creator, people turn to worshipping created things, such as human-like images, animals, and other things that are part of the created world. This action is a rejection of God's truth and a turning away from Him as the source of glory. Paul uses this description to explain how humanity becomes unrighteous and earns God's wrath by suppressing the knowledge of God and engaging in sinful behaviors.
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==romans 1:24:
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Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
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Romans 1:24 describes that, because people rejected God and worshiped created things rather than the Creator, God gave them over to the lusts of their hearts to engage in sexual impurity and degrade their bodies with one another. This verse, and the subsequent ones in Romans 1, explain that this "giving over" is a result of humanity's willful turning away from God's clear revelation of Himself, leading to a cycle of escalating sinful behaviors and ultimately, a rejection of God's restraining grace.
"God gave them over", repeated in verses 26 and 28, signifies God's act of withdrawing His restraining hand and allowing people to fully experience the consequences of their own choices and sinful desires. "in the lusts of their hearts" = The primary motivation for this act was the people's willful rejection of God and their preference for sinful desires over His truth. "to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves"describes the resulting consequence, which was a descent into sexual immorality and the debasing of human bodies through various impure actions. The verse follows the description in verses 21-23, where Paul explains that people knew God but did not glorify Him as God or give thanks. Instead, they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. Because of this rejection, they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served creation rather than the Creator. The "giving over" is presented as a form of divine judgment, where God allows people to reap the natural consequences of their choices, leading them further into corruption. This also includes a progression to "vile passions" and a "debased mind" as described in the following verses. |
==romans 1:25:
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who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
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"Paganism rejects the distinctions that the God of creation has ordained; that is why currently, the differences between male and female are being erased,(GLBT gender confusion) as well as the distinction between man and animal(animal rights), right and wrong, good and evil, etc.. Any and all distinctions are seen to be mere social constructs, and not as assigned by any Creator.
Paganism is a rebellion against the Creator God who makes distinctions.Even the primal difference, the distinction between creature and Creator, has been erased , so that as Paul charged, “They worship the creature rather than the Creator…”(Romans 1).” --Pastor Bill Randles Blog |
Romans 1:25 is a Bible verse describing how people exchanged the truth about God for a lie, choosing to worship and serve created things instead of the Creator, who deserves eternal praise. This exchange and misplaced worship are presented as a consequence of humanity's decision to reject God and is seen as leading to further corruption.
People have traded the truth about God's existence and nature for a falsehood. Instead of revering the Creator, humanity began to worship what they created or what they perceived as divine in the created world. The verse emphasizes that the Creator is the one who is truly worthy of praise, not the things He made. This act of exchanging truth for a lie is a choice that leads God to allow humanity to pursue their own sinful ways, resulting in further moral decline and depravity. The verse is part of a larger passage by the Apostle Paul that explains a condition applicable to all humanity, not just specific groups.
In essence, this verse points to a fundamental turning away from God, leading to a perversion of worship and service toward the created order rather than the Creator.
People have traded the truth about God's existence and nature for a falsehood. Instead of revering the Creator, humanity began to worship what they created or what they perceived as divine in the created world. The verse emphasizes that the Creator is the one who is truly worthy of praise, not the things He made. This act of exchanging truth for a lie is a choice that leads God to allow humanity to pursue their own sinful ways, resulting in further moral decline and depravity. The verse is part of a larger passage by the Apostle Paul that explains a condition applicable to all humanity, not just specific groups.
In essence, this verse points to a fundamental turning away from God, leading to a perversion of worship and service toward the created order rather than the Creator.
“Dishonorable passions,” which refers to sexual sin in all its deviant heterosexual, homosexual, and other expressions, is a manifestation of humanity unhinged from its Creator. The real root of perversion, of which the dishonorable passions of sexual perversions is just one fruit, is human pride.
Pride is a black hole of consuming selfishness at the core of fallen human nature. Pride’s nature is to consume, to bring into the self. It sees other people, all of creation, and God himself as things to use in service to the self’s desires.
We all know this by experience. We know the more we feed any expression of pride, whether through sex or anger or covetousness or whatever, pride’s appetite grows and urges us to consume more and more.
So just as gluttony or anorexia is pride infecting and manipulating the self’s orientation toward food, or greed is pride infecting and manipulating the self’s orientation toward money, sexual immorality and perversions are pride infecting and manipulating the self’s orientation toward sex. Sexual sin is unhinged human pride rejecting the Creator in order to sexually consume others for the benefit of the self. -Jon Bloom; Desiring God
Pride is a black hole of consuming selfishness at the core of fallen human nature. Pride’s nature is to consume, to bring into the self. It sees other people, all of creation, and God himself as things to use in service to the self’s desires.
We all know this by experience. We know the more we feed any expression of pride, whether through sex or anger or covetousness or whatever, pride’s appetite grows and urges us to consume more and more.
So just as gluttony or anorexia is pride infecting and manipulating the self’s orientation toward food, or greed is pride infecting and manipulating the self’s orientation toward money, sexual immorality and perversions are pride infecting and manipulating the self’s orientation toward sex. Sexual sin is unhinged human pride rejecting the Creator in order to sexually consume others for the benefit of the self. -Jon Bloom; Desiring God
==romans 1:26:
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For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
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In Romans 1, Paul uses homosexual behaviour to illustrate the way God judges sinners by abandoning them to the destructive power of the lifestyles they themselves have chosen. Lesbians come under his hammer as well as men who practise gay sex. So do idolaters and the greedy, the envious and the arrogant. There is no league table of wickedness; all these sins illustrate the outworking of ‘a depraved mind’ (Romans 1:18-32).
In Romans 1, they maintain, Paul targets men and women who ‘abandon natural relations’. Natural to whom? Well, natural to them, of course! He is aiming his guns at heterosexuals who act unnaturally by having homosexual intercourse. Indeed, he seems to assume that anyone who has intercourse with someone of the same sex is a heterosexual gone wrong. We cannot blame Paul for that assumption (the argument goes) because it is only recently that the experts have revealed the existence to a fixed homosexual orientation. Nevertheless, we cannot extend his condemnation of unnatural sexual behavior to cover people who accept same-sex intercourse as the most natural thing in the world for them. SOURCE: The Theolgian: http://www.theologian.org.uk/bible/homosexuality.html |
Rosario Butterfield wrote: : When God gives a people over to sin, we seem to go blind and deaf and dumb all at once, therefore Romans 1:24–28 is of indispensable importance to the doctrine of the gospel. And yet, of these very same verses, gay activist and progressive self-described “Christian” Matthew Vines writes, “This passage is not of central importance to Paul’s message in Romans” (God and the Gay Christian, 96). |
This verse is often cited in discussions about sexuality and is considered the first New Testament canonical reference to homosexuality by some interpreters, though the interpretation and application of this passage remain subjects of ongoing debate among Christians, according to Carroll Collected.
The verse is part of a larger passage in Romans (1:18-32) where the Apostle Paul describes humanity's rejection of God and the subsequent consequences. Paul details how people, even when claiming to be wise, became foolish, exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped creation over the Creator. As a result of this rebellion, God "handed them over" to impurity and degrading passions.
Other scholars and religious communities offer diverse interpretations, with some seeing the text as a prohibition against specific kinds of same-sex acts within the cultural context of the time, while others argue for more inclusive understandings.
In simple terms, Romans 1:26 explains that because people turned away from God, God allowed them to indulge in unnatural sexual desires, which involved women engaging in same-sex relations instead of the natural ones.
The verse is part of a larger passage in Romans (1:18-32) where the Apostle Paul describes humanity's rejection of God and the subsequent consequences. Paul details how people, even when claiming to be wise, became foolish, exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped creation over the Creator. As a result of this rebellion, God "handed them over" to impurity and degrading passions.
Other scholars and religious communities offer diverse interpretations, with some seeing the text as a prohibition against specific kinds of same-sex acts within the cultural context of the time, while others argue for more inclusive understandings.
In simple terms, Romans 1:26 explains that because people turned away from God, God allowed them to indulge in unnatural sexual desires, which involved women engaging in same-sex relations instead of the natural ones.
Jan 3, 2021: Christianity Today: Finnish Bishop and Politician Face Trial for LGBT Statements
According to the prosecutor, Päivi Räsänen has fueled intolerance and contempt of LGBT people three times: in comments she made on a nationally syndicated talk show on Finnish state-supported radio; in a 2019 tweet where she quoted Romans 1:24–27 to criticize the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF)—one of Finland’s two national churches—for its affiliation with Helsinki Pride; and in a 23-page booklet that Räsänen wrote titled Male and Female He Created Them.
Pohjola is being charged for publishing Räsänen’s booklet, which argues against same-sex marriage, contrasts LGBT identities with the Christian notion of what it means to be human, and describes same-sex attraction possibly as being inherently sinful and possibly the result of a “negative developmental disorder.” It was released in 2004 by Luther Foundation Finland, the legal entity behind the ELMDF.
According to the prosecutor, Päivi Räsänen has fueled intolerance and contempt of LGBT people three times: in comments she made on a nationally syndicated talk show on Finnish state-supported radio; in a 2019 tweet where she quoted Romans 1:24–27 to criticize the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF)—one of Finland’s two national churches—for its affiliation with Helsinki Pride; and in a 23-page booklet that Räsänen wrote titled Male and Female He Created Them.
Pohjola is being charged for publishing Räsänen’s booklet, which argues against same-sex marriage, contrasts LGBT identities with the Christian notion of what it means to be human, and describes same-sex attraction possibly as being inherently sinful and possibly the result of a “negative developmental disorder.” It was released in 2004 by Luther Foundation Finland, the legal entity behind the ELMDF.
Paul's sense of need was so great that only God through Christ could meet it. It was this that drove him into the very presence of the divine Christ, who alone could meet the deep needs of his soul. The experience made him a hot hearted devotee of his divine Master. Here is the basic reason for the gospel: man's desperate need. Genuine Christian salvation is always born out of spiritual desperation. Even those who experience a more gradual process of conversion are aware of this when they become religiously mature.
==romans 1:27:
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Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due
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Romans 1:27 describes that men, after abandoning God and natural relations with women, engaged in "sexual relations with men" and "shameful acts" while "receiving the due penalty for their error" within themselves. The context is Paul's argument that when people turn away from God, they are given over to various passions, leading to actions that are unnatural and harmful.
"Natural relations"refers to the biblical design for human relationships as established in creation, which Paul argues has been abandoned. "Abandoned... and were consumed with passion for one another" describes the shift in men's desires, from women to other men. "Men committing shameless acts with men" highlights the nature of the sexual acts described. "Receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error" suggests a consequence or suffering that results from these actions. The passage is part of a larger section (Romans 1:18-32) that describes God's wrath against humanity's ungodliness. When people persistently reject God, He gives them over to their sinful desires, leading to a downward spiral of behavior. The passage begins by stating that people exchanged the truth about God for a lie. This rejection of God is seen as the root cause of the moral corruption described later in the passage. The verse links sexual immorality, including same-sex acts, to the worship of idols and the rejection of God. The passage serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It also implies a need for repentance and transformation through the gospel. |
==romans 1:28:
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And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
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The Apostle explains that God hands people over to a "debased mind to do what ought not to be done" as a consequence for failing to acknowledge Him (v. 28). If we will not have the Lord at the center of our hearts and minds, then God is content to give us over to our idols. [SOURCE: Humanitys Debased Mind}
"As they chose not to continue in the knowledge of God, which alone guides our minds to true wisdom, the Lord gave them a perverted mind, which can choose nothing that is right." - John Calvin
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Romans 1:28 describes people who rejected God and His knowledge, leading God to give them over to a "reprobate mind" or a "depraved mind" so they would do things that are wrong and "not convenient". The verse serves as a continuation from previous verses, explaining how those who turn away from God end up lost in sinful practices because they no longer wish to have God in their knowledge.
The verse starts with the idea that people did not "like to retain God in their knowledge" or find it "worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God". This refers to a deliberate turning away from God's existence and the understanding of Him as the Creator. As a consequence of this rejection, God "gave them over to a reprobate mind" or a "depraved mind". This means God allows them to continue in their sinful desires and actions, rather than forcing them into righteousness. A "reprobate mind" can be understood as a morally depraved, unprincipled, or bad mind, where logic and morality are lost, leading to irrational and destructive behavior. Because of this "reprobate mind," they are described as doing "things which are not convenient" or "what ought not to be done". This sets the stage for the detailed list of sinful behaviors found in the subsequent verses (29-31). In essence, Romans 1:28 explains how humanity's rejection of God results in a spiritual and moral blindness that leads to a descent into sinful practices.
The verse starts with the idea that people did not "like to retain God in their knowledge" or find it "worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God". This refers to a deliberate turning away from God's existence and the understanding of Him as the Creator. As a consequence of this rejection, God "gave them over to a reprobate mind" or a "depraved mind". This means God allows them to continue in their sinful desires and actions, rather than forcing them into righteousness. A "reprobate mind" can be understood as a morally depraved, unprincipled, or bad mind, where logic and morality are lost, leading to irrational and destructive behavior. Because of this "reprobate mind," they are described as doing "things which are not convenient" or "what ought not to be done". This sets the stage for the detailed list of sinful behaviors found in the subsequent verses (29-31). In essence, Romans 1:28 explains how humanity's rejection of God results in a spiritual and moral blindness that leads to a descent into sinful practices.
==romans 1:29:
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being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,wickedness,
covetousness,maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, |
The Bible speaks repeatedly about the consequences of a slanderous and gossiping spirit. Psalm 101:5 for example informs us that:
Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; No one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure. In that passage, God says the slander is proud (haughty) and arrogant. God stands opposed to the proud and arrogant. Indeed, God says He will destroy the one who allows slanderous words to escape his lips. Here is another passage that speaks clearly about the seriousness with which we must consider the words we say about other people. May a slanderer not be established in the earth; May evil hunt the violent man speedily. Psalm 140:11 -Mike Spaulding |
When men who once knew God fail to glorify Him, they become vain in their reasoning, and their foolish hearts are darkened. Then God gives them up to uncleanness, vile affections, and a reprobate mind. This was true in Sodom. It will be true within Christendom, as Jude is increasingly illustrated in the days immediately preceding the coming of our Lord.
Romans 1:29 is part of a long list in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans describing the sinful nature of humanity and the consequences of rejecting God, stating that people become "filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice... full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and wickedness". This verse is the beginning of a series detailing the pervasive nature of sin and people's approval of it, even when they know God's decree that such actions deserve death.
Human depravity is a state where people's minds and actions are consumed by various forms of evil. Paul presents this as a downward progression that occurs when individuals turn away from God and refuse to acknowledge Him as Creator. The verse emphasizes that sin is not limited to a few actions but fills every aspect of a person's life and society.
"Filled with all unrighteousness" indicates that these negative traits saturate and control people's beings.
The list continues to include envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, gossip, and slander.
It's a foundational passage for understanding the human condition apart from God's grace and the profound spiritual decay that results from turning away from Him.
Human depravity is a state where people's minds and actions are consumed by various forms of evil. Paul presents this as a downward progression that occurs when individuals turn away from God and refuse to acknowledge Him as Creator. The verse emphasizes that sin is not limited to a few actions but fills every aspect of a person's life and society.
"Filled with all unrighteousness" indicates that these negative traits saturate and control people's beings.
The list continues to include envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, gossip, and slander.
It's a foundational passage for understanding the human condition apart from God's grace and the profound spiritual decay that results from turning away from Him.
==romans 1:30:
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backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
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NIV (New International Version): "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents".
ESV (English Standard Version): "slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents". NLT (New Living Translation): "They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning". |
==romans 1:31:
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undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
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The verse paints a picture of individuals who have become filled with wickedness and depravity, characterized by their refusal to understand truth and their lack of love and compassion for others.
Key Characteristics in Romans 1:31: undiscerning: A refusal to grasp divine truth or the reality of God. untrustworthy: A disregard for promises and a lack of trustworthiness. unloving: A lack of love, kindness, and empathy for others. unmerciful: A complete absence of mercy and compassion. This verse is part of a larger passage in Romans 1:29-32 that details the depravity of those who have rejected God. It highlights a state of human sinfulness and moral decay that results from turning away from God as creator. The list of characteristics describes people who are not only wicked themselves but also approve of and encourage evil in others. |
==romans 1:32:
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who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
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AW Pink says that you can only profit from God’s word if it
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Rosario Butterfield wrote: The person who changes his glory into corruption is called a fool. He had something irreplaceably precious. It was his glory, inherited from God through the supreme dignity of being made in God’s image. Like a heroin addict who craves what will kill him and disdains what will give him life, the fool cannot stop himself or help himself once he has changed his glory. Idolatry is voracious. And fools not only love company; they demand it (Romans 1:32). |
This passage from the Book of Romans highlights humanity's suppression of God's truth and their turning away from Him, resulting in a descent into ungodliness and unrighteousness.
The verse emphasizes that people are aware of God's righteous decree that those who practice certain things deserve to die. Instead of repenting, people persist in these sinful behaviors and actively approve of others who do the same. Suppression of Truth stems from a deliberate suppression of God's truth and a refusal to glorify Him, leading to futile thoughts and darkened hearts. Humanity exchanges the truth of God for a lie and worships and serves created things rather than the Creator, leading to consequences for ungodliness and unrighteousness.
Context within Romans 1:18-32
Romans 1:32 is part of a larger passage (Romans 1:18-32) that details God's wrath against sinful humanity. Paul explains that because people reject God, even though His attributes are evident in creation, He gives them over to uncleanness, unrighteous acts, and ultimately, a reprobate mind that engages in behaviors that are inappropriate for God-fearing individuals.
King James Version (KJV): "who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them".
New International Version (NIV): "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them".
Christian Standard Bible (CSB): "Although they know God's just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them".
The verse emphasizes that people are aware of God's righteous decree that those who practice certain things deserve to die. Instead of repenting, people persist in these sinful behaviors and actively approve of others who do the same. Suppression of Truth stems from a deliberate suppression of God's truth and a refusal to glorify Him, leading to futile thoughts and darkened hearts. Humanity exchanges the truth of God for a lie and worships and serves created things rather than the Creator, leading to consequences for ungodliness and unrighteousness.
Context within Romans 1:18-32
Romans 1:32 is part of a larger passage (Romans 1:18-32) that details God's wrath against sinful humanity. Paul explains that because people reject God, even though His attributes are evident in creation, He gives them over to uncleanness, unrighteous acts, and ultimately, a reprobate mind that engages in behaviors that are inappropriate for God-fearing individuals.
King James Version (KJV): "who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them".
New International Version (NIV): "Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them".
Christian Standard Bible (CSB): "Although they know God's just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them".