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Romans Chapter 1
Rick Moffett
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V1-2 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,
Summary – Paul declares himself to be a bondservant of Jesus; and then declares his calling to proclaim the gospel message, which had been promised long ago by the Old Testament prophets, as well as other writers of the Old Testament.
Comments - A bond-servant had no will of their own. They existed solely for the benefit of their master. Paul willingly chose to become a slave to Christ. He understood what his life on earth was about. For Paul, to live was Christ (Phil. 1:21). He had previously reminded the church at Corinth, “Do you not know...you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price...” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). He would later encourage the church at Philippi to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ... taking the form of a bond-servant...” (Phil. 2:5-6).
Note – The gospel message, i.e., Jesus Christ is the central point in the first part of Paul’s letter to the Romans. (Romans 1:16 thru Romans 8:39) This section reveals the depravity of all mankind, as well as forgiveness and eternal life for those who would put their faith in Jesus!
Interesting - The gospel was defined in the seventeenth century as, “the good, glad, merry news that makes a man fairly leap for joy!” Malcolm Smith
Indeed, the gospel message when received should make us all jump for joy!
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V3-4 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,
Summary - In these verses, we see Jesus as both fully man and fully God! Born physically in the lineage of David; declared to be the Son of God by the power of his resurrection. It was through the Holy Spirit that this great demonstration of power was brought about.
Comments - Jesus has always been the Son of God. The resurrection was only a declaration of that truth. As believers, we are humbled, amazed, and in awe of the resurrection of Jesus. It is hard to imagine that all who witnessed it would not be forever changed. Yet, many rejected Christ. Perhaps this powerful declaration was primarily to strengthen the faith of those believers who witnessed the resurrection. After all, these were the ones entrusted to take the gospel message to the world! Now, we have been given that same privilege. Amen.
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V5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake,
Summary – It was through Jesus Christ that Paul, as well as others, received grace and their calling as apostles for the expressed purpose to lead the Gentiles to faith in Christ for His (Christ’s) glory and honor.
Comments – Paul has previously written of being an ambassador for Christ as though God was making his appeal through us (2 Cor. 5:20). An ambassador serves as a representative of another sent to declare the sender’s message. Think of yourself as an ambassador sent from Jesus to declare the gospel message! While most don’t have the abilities that Paul had, we all do have the Holy Spirit to guide us and speak through us as we submit to His leading.
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V6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
Summary - Paul’s readers were also among those called unto Christ.
Comments – All those who have obeyed the gospel (belief in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection) have been called by our creator.
No Additional Notes
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V7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Summary – Here Paul specifically mentions the recipients of this letter – those in Rome; but more specifically those who are beloved of God, called saints. He greets his readers in his usual way – grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ.
Comments – If you have received Christ by faith, then you are a saint. That is your identity. Most people use the word saint to describe someone’s behavior; thus, most Christians have a hard time thinking of themselves as saints.
Not only are you a saint, but you are also holy (from the same Greek word as saint). When used of man, these words refer to the fact that God has called us and set us apart unto Himself. So, if God calls you holy and a saint, shouldn’t you agree? Again, don’t think behavior, but rather identity. So, live like who you truly are!
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V8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.
Summary – “First” here is referring to the order of importance. Paul is expressing his gratitude to God for those whose faith is known all over the world.
Comments – Paul had never been to Rome at the time he wrote this letter; thus, all he knew about the Christians in Rome is what others had told him. If your whole life was centered around the proclamation and spreading of the gospel, the news of others becoming believers and living by faith around the world would bring you great joy and cause you to be most grateful. Also, note that Paul didn’t just recognize the church (body of Christ) leaders, but all the believers.
Paul was not referring to the whole physical world, but more likely, he was speaking of the entire Roman Empire.
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V9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,
Summary – Paul declared before God that he did not carry out his calling to preach the gospel externally only. He did so from deep within himself. You might say, “With his whole heart”. He encouraged his readers by letting them know they were constantly on his mind.
Comments – Paul truly cared about the people to whom he was called to minister. He gave all of himself to the noble task of sharing the gospel message. He did not just perform the tasks of his ministry to “check off a box”. And because he cared, his ministry was changing lives.
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V10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.
Summary – Paul was praying that God would grant him the opportunity to meet his fellow believers in person.
Comments – Paul continues to express his concern for the believers in Rome.
No Additional Notes
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V11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;
Summary – Again Paul states his desire to be with these Roman believers in person. He longed to see the Roman church (body of Christ) become steadfast in their faith and their purpose.
Comments – “spiritual gift” here is not referring to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but rather those things that strengthen us spiritually. For example – prayer, testimony, teaching, and counseling. It could also refer to Paul or others using their Spiritual gift (from the Holy Spirit) to encourage one another. Spiritual encouragement is one of the primary reasons the body of Christ should come together.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10.23-25
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V12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.
Summary - Paul continues his line of thinking. Paul again announces his desire to bring encouragement to the body of Christ by getting together and allowing each other’s faith to be that encouragement.
Comments – How many times have you been at a gathering of the church and been encouraged by hearing what God is doing in and through another believer’s life?
No Additional Notes
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V13 I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) So that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
Summary – Paul wants his fellow brothers (and sisters) in Christ to know and understand that he has often tried to visit them, but each time his plans have been blocked. He also states his purpose for visiting Rome – to strengthen the existing believers and bring new ones to Christ.
Comments – Knowing that Paul had often tried to visit them would serve to encourage the body of Christ there in Rome. Paul was always encouraging/strengthening the existing church and sharing the gospel message to add to the church.
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V14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
Summary – Regardless of their nationality or social position, Paul was obligated to God and to his fellow man to proclaim the gospel message. Why? Because he was called by God and set apart for that very purpose.
Comments – See comments on the next verse.
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V15 So for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
Summary – Paul is affirming what he has been saying in the first 14 verses.
Comments – Paul was a man on a mission. He knew God called him to his mission and he would not be denied, regardless of his circumstances. He shared the gospel while in prison, while chained to a Roman guard, and despite the many hardships he encountered. Paul tended to see his “difficult” circumstances as opportunities to share the gospel.
6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; 9 indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; 10 who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, 11 you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1.6-11
See also 2 Cor. 11:23- 29; Acts 16:22-24; Phil 1:13
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V16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Summary – Paul states the obvious, he is not ashamed of the gospel. Why? Because the gospel message that he was called to spread, has the power to save mankind. But the gospel must be received by faith to “activate” this power in one’s life.
The Jews were first to receive the gospel, but most did not receive the message (John 1:11). Then God sent the message to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:7-15).
Comments – Paul was not ashamed and not afraid to proclaim God’s message of truth. Christians have always been in the minority all over the world, and Rome was no different. Paul’s proclamation surely served to encourage the church in Rome to be bold and to stand strong in the face of adversity.
Paul also declares the power of God contained in the gospel message. It (Jesus) has the power to change lives, heal relationships, bring peace, and more. Paul knew first-hand the power of God and how it had changed his own life.
There are many enemies of the gospel. To speak openly of Jesus is to invite ridicule and persecution. It is very apparent that Paul is not ashamed of the gospel, are you? Do you unashamedly share about Jesus when you have the opportunity? Do you act differently around non-Christians or do you speak openly of your relationship with Christ? Ask God for boldness and the right timing to share Jesus with others.
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V17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
Summary – When a person receives Jesus (the gospel), he does so by faith and thus, is declared righteous by God. And it is also by faith (Hab. 2:4) that we live moment by moment; faith that God has given us all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3); and that in Christ we are complete (Col. 2:10).
Comments – The gospel is a message of hope for all mankind, because God loves all mankind, even while they are yet sinners (Rom. 5:8). The gospel reveals the righteousness that God provides; righteousness that we could never attain apart from faith. That we are righteous, seems to confuse many Christians. It is important to know that righteousness here is referring to a person’s spiritual identity, not their behavior. That is one reason it is so important to know who you are in Christ, i.e., your spiritual identity. Until you know who you are, you will always struggle to live the abundant victorious life that Jesus came to give us! For more on your identity in Christ, read Identity in Christ on this website.
Note – It will be helpful to understand that Rom 1:18-32 begins a section of scripture where Paul declares the wrath of God is being revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of mankind. Why? Because they refuse to believe the truth and thus, refuse to acknowledge God, even though the truth of God has been made evident to them and within them. Three times in this section Paul gives examples of how the ungodly have exchanged the truth of God for a lie (v23, v25, v26), and how that has resulted in God removing himself and his restraint of sin so that it (sin) can run its course (v24, v26, v28).
Sin always results in death – spiritually, soulically (pertaining to the mind, will, and emotions), and physically. In this section, Paul starts in v18 giving the overall premise of his argument; and then in v19-32, he gives an explanation and examples to support his position (Remember, Paul, was a Pharisee and often wrote like a lawyer). And lastly, he concludes that all mankind (apart from Christ) deserves death as a result of their ungodliness!
Many believe that this section of scripture is primarily aimed at the Gentiles, but as we will see, it is true for both Gentiles and Jews!
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V18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Summary – God’s anger (wrath) is constantly being exposed toward the wickedness, evil, unjust, and sinfulness of those who willfully deny the truth to justify their sin (this would include all mankind apart from Christ - Eph. 5:6-8; Col. 3:5-11).
Comments – v17 states that the righteousness of God is revealed in “it” (the gospel). Here Paul states the wrath of God is revealed from heaven. The wrath of God against sin is part of the character of God. He hates sin because it destroys mankind as well as the rest of His creation! But God, in His grace and His love for us, sent Jesus to save us from His wrath against sin (John 3:36; 1 Th 5:9).
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5.6
Note – The wrath spoken of here refers to the ongoing wrath of God. It is expressed by God simply withdrawing his restraint of sin and letting man’s sinful ways take over. Three times (v24, 26, 28) Paul uses the phrase, “God gave them over”, indicating he allows sin to run its course to the end, which is always death! Compare this with the wrath of God discussed in Rom. 2:5.
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V19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; For God made it evident to them.
Summary – Paul explains his comment in v18. All mankind is created with some knowledge of God because He (God) made it constantly evident within them.
Comments – Paul answers a question before it is asked. The question – “How could a just God pour out his wrath on those who have no knowledge of Him?” The answer - All mankind is created with some knowledge of God, as well as an inner sense of right and wrong.
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V20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, So that they are without excuse.
Summary - God created the world in which we live. His creation reveals attributes about him that could not otherwise be seen. Why? Because God is spirit and cannot be seen by man. But we can understand these attributes (eternal power and divine nature) by observing his creation. Therefore, man has no excuse for suppressing the truth about God.
Comments – Watch this short video about God’s creation.
1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. 6 Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat. Psalm 19.1-6
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V21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, But they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Summary – Man inherently has knowledge of God, yet often chooses to ignore Him, dishonor Him and live a life of ungratefulness toward Him. The more a person denies God, the more vain and foolish they become in their thinking, and the darker their hearts become.
Comments – When a person is separated from the life of God (as we all are at birth), they’re unable to think in accordance with the ways of God. They are without understanding and discernment. They are unable to see the truth properly. Unless God intervenes, they are hopeless.
I heard this saying many years ago. It seems to apply here –
Sin will take you further than you want to go,
Keep you longer than you want to stay,
And cost you more than you’re able to pay!
17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, Ephesians 4.17-20
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V22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
Summary – Those who deny God may claim to be wise, but God says they are fools.
Comments – The nature of deception is that you don’t realize you are deceived! Perhaps the greatest deception of all is to believe there is no God! Only fools deny the existence of a sovereign God.
The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God”. Psalm 14.1a
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V23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
Summary – Man has traded the glory of Almighty God (who has always been and will always be) for images of living things that God created; things that will shortly pass away.
Comments – Man loves to create “god” in his own image. Recall the story of Moses at Mt. Sinai. He gave Israel specific commands from God about making idols in the image of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water –
1 Then God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. Exodus 20.1-4
But it wasn’t long before Aaron and the Israelites did the very thing that was forbidden. Read about it in Exodus 32:1-10.
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Jeremiah 2.11 (ESV)
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V24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, So that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
Summary – As a result of the ungodliness and unrighteousness of these men (mankind), God withdrew his presence and his restraint of sin from them. He let the evil desires of their hearts take control, which led to sexual immorality. This resulted in their physical bodies becoming shameful.
Comments – Essentially what we see here is man becoming his own “god”. This was the “carrot” that Satan dangled before Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1-6). You can become independent, deciding for yourselves what is right or wrong. You don’t need God telling you what you can and can’t do.
Three times in this chapter (v24, 26, 28) Paul uses the phrase, “God gave them over”, which indicates He “stepped back” and let sin run its course.
"But My people did not listen to My voice, And Israel did not obey Me. "So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, To walk in their own devices. Psalm 81.11-12
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V25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Summary – They chose to willfully believe a lie rather than God’s truth. Instead of worshipping and obeying God, they chose that which would give them immediate pleasure. Sensuality became their idol (self-worship). Sensual pleasure may give brief satisfaction, but worshiping and serving God gives you peace and joy that lasts forever.
Comments – Exchanging the truth for a lie is a poor trade. Truth sets you free; a lie keeps you in bondage. Idol worship starts you down a path that takes you far from the one true God. An idol can be anything you put in place of, or before God.
Note Paul’s use of the word exchanged -
v23 – exchanged God’s glory for idols
v25 – exchanged God’s truth for a lie
v26 – exchanged mankind’s natural sexual function for the unnatural
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V26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; For their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,
Summary – Paul again uses the phrase, “God gave them over” (v24, v28). This time it is spoken as a result of these ungodly people choosing to believe a lie rather than the truth (v25). God withdrew his presence and restraint and their disgraceful passions took control. In the context of this section of scripture, it likely refers to homosexual activity.
Comments – It is a natural function of a woman to have sexual relations with a man. It is also a natural function of a woman to bear children. When a woman declares herself to be a homosexual and begins a lesbian lifestyle, she no longer performs her natural functions of having a sexual relationship with a man or bearing children.
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V27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
Summary – Just as women exchanged their natural sexual function, so did men. Men passionately desired other men to the point of committing shameful perverted acts (homosexual acts). But sexual sin has its own “built-in” punishment.
Comments – Homosexuality was widespread among both men and women. All sin is harmful and has consequences. But here, Paul calls special attention to sexual sin and notes that it has “built-in” punishment. The obvious is a sexually transmitted disease. But, not-so-obvious consequences include shame, a guilty conscience, damaged relationships, marriages, and families. Even entire nations can suffer the consequences of sexual immorality. Sadly, this is happening all over the world today.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Galatians 6.7
Dear Christian, you may think, “I would never be involved in any type of sexual sin”. Let me remind you, that under the right circumstances, it can happen. Consider –
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 1 Corinthians 10.12
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V28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
Summary – Once again Paul repeats his warning when man ceases to recognize and honor God, he (God) will leave them to their own perverted sinful ways. And their depraved thinking will always lead to improper behavior.
Comments – Paul is preparing to shift his focus away from sexual immorality to a long list of other sinful ways of mankind (v28-31).
No Additional Notes
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V29 - 31 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
Summary - Paul gives this list to expose the pervasiveness of sin. These sinful characteristics apply to all who are born on planet earth (except Jesus of course). We are all born sinners (Rom. 5:19), and thus, it is our nature to sin.
Comments – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3.23
Paul has made his case as to the reason all men need the gospel and more specifically, the person of Jesus Christ. In Him alone is salvation and freedom from the power of sin. This letter to the believers in Rome goes into great detail on this subject in the following chapters.
Note – Those who received Jesus by faith have a new nature. It is no longer our nature to sin; however, we can still choose to do so.
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V32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Summary – Those that “do those things which are not proper” (v28) know the judgment of God and are aware that their sinful actions deserve death, but yet, they continue in their impenitent ways and approve of others who are doing the same.
Note - “they know the ordinance of God” – this is likely not speaking of the Old Covenant Law, but rather the sense of right and wrong that God put in all mankind (v19). The Jews, who did know God’s Old Covenant Law, are dealt with in the next chapter.
Comments – Those involved in sinful behavior love to invite and approve similar sinful behavior to justify their own sin. I believe that is one of the reasons that the homosexual community fights so hard to force others to accept their sin. But even if all nations pass laws to give homosexuals special rights, homosexuality will still be wrong in God’s eyes and the “due penalty of their error” will still be carried out.
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5.20
It is easy to hate the destructive practice of homosexuality, but let me encourage you to separate the sin from the person. Hate the sin, but love the person. God does!
Thoughts - When mankind refuses to acknowledge God, sin is allowed to reign; and ultimately, nations are destroyed from within. Today, the whole world seems to be spinning out of control as sin is becoming more blatant, especially sexual immorality. Those engaged in sexual sins are looking for love and acceptance. These are legitimate God-given needs, but they are only fulfilled in the person of Jesus; thus, Paul’s passion to proclaim the gospel message!
References
1. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
2. Vine's Expository Dictionary
3. Bible Background Commentary
4. preceptaustin.org website
5. Holman Bible Dictionary
6. The Lost Secret of the Blood Covenant; Smith, Malcolm
7. Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans; Haldane, Robert
8. Practical Word Studies in the New Testament
Additional Notes for each verse:
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V1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
“Paul,” – was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. Paul was born a Roman citizen as well. Paul was very educated, especially in the area of Jewish Law (Acts 22:3; Gal 1:14). Concerning the Law, He referred to himself as a Pharisee (Phil. 3:5). Paul supported himself as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3).
Paul begins this letter (v1-7) with his typical introduction by stating (1) who he is, (2) his qualifications for writing the letter (3) and the recipients of the letter. At the time of this writing, it was common for the writer to identify himself with his opening remarks.
“a bond-servant of Christ Jesus,” –
“a bond-servant” – from doulus (Gr), root deo (Gr) - meaning to bind (literally or figuratively). Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
doulus (Gr) - originally the lowest term in the scale of servitude, came also to mean "one who gives himself up to the will of another," e.g., 1 Cor. 7:23; Rom. 6:17, 20, and became the most common and general word for "servant," as in Matt. 8:9, without any idea of bondage. Vine's Expository Dictionary
A bond-servant had no will of their own. They existed solely for the benefit of their master. Think about that for a moment. After his conversion, Paul’s life on earth existed for the sole purpose of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The designation of a bond-servant most often referred to those who had no choice in the matter. They were in bondage to their master and had no way to ever be free. This slave/master relationship was very well understood by those living in the Roman world at the time of this writing. Paul, however, willingly chose to become a slave to Christ. He understood what his life on earth was about. He had previously reminded the church at Corinth, “Do you not know...you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price...” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). He would later encourage the church at Philippi to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ... taking the form of a bond-servant...” (Phil. 2:5-6). What was the attitude of Jesus? Perhaps it is best summed up in what he said to his Father just before going to the cross - “not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) It was the attitude of complete surrender to his Father’s will.
“called as an apostle,” – Paul uses the word “called/call” 15 times in this letter (depending on the translation); and three times in the first seven verses.
“called” – from kletos (Gr) meaning invited or appointed. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
This word is also used to refer to those who are part of the body of Christ (the church). We were “called”, i.e., invited to become part of the church (Rom 8:28; 1 Co 1:2, 24; Jude 1:1).
“an apostle” - from apostello (Gr) - a delegate; specially an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ [“apostle”] (with miraculous powers): - apostle, messenger, he that is sent. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
“set apart for the gospel of God,” -
“set apart” – aphorizo (Gr) – to mark off by bounds, to separate. - Vine's Expository Dictionary
Paul was chosen by God for a specific purpose – to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
“the gospel of God,” –
“gospel” – from euaggelion (Gr) – means to bring a message of good news.
Used for the proclamation of the good news of victory in battle with the announcement of the death or capture of the enemy.
The gospel is proclaimed by Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth – Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
Question to consider – Are all members of the body of Christ chosen for a specific purpose?
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V2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,
Who is doing the promising? God the Father promised long before it happened.
What is being promised? The Gospel (more specifically, the person [Jesus] to whom the gospel referred).
“His prophets” – no doubt referring to the Old Testament prophets, who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah; but also, all the writers of the Old Testament.
“holy Scriptures” – this would resonate with the Jews as they frequently referred to the bible by this phrase.
“holy” – from hagios (Gr) – means sacred; to be separate; set apart.
“Scriptures”- from graphe (Gr) - a document; to write. Here refers to the Old Testament.
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V3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh ,
“His Son” – obviously referring to Jesus.
“according to the flesh ,” – “flesh” in the New Testament has several different meanings depending on the context. Here it refers to physical birth. Jesus was physically born in the lineage of King David (John 1:14).
For more on this subject, see the article, Understanding the Flesh, on this website.
V4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,
“declared” – horizo (Gr) – to mark out or bound (“horizon”), i.e. (figurative) to appoint, decree, specify- declare, determine, limit, ordain. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
Thus, it was determined, declared, ordained, and decreed that Jesus was the Son of God! Compare with Acts 17:26. The power of the resurrection was the declaration to man as to who Jesus was.
“power” – dunamis (Gr) – Frequently used by Paul in the sense of “divine energy”.
“Spirit of holiness,” – refers to the Holy Spirit. It was through the Holy Spirit that this great demonstration of power was brought about.
Consider – Is Jesus the Holy Spirit?
9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Romans 8.9
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 1 Corinthians 15.42-45
16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3.16-17
The resurrection established the divinity of Jesus, as well as the power of God!
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V5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake,
“through whom we have received grace and apostleship” –
“through whom” – refers to Jesus (v4). It was through Jesus that we received grace.
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John.1.17 Also – 2 Tim. 2:1; John 1:14, 16.
“apostleship” – see notes on v1. Paul
An apostle is a messenger or a person that is sent (to deliver a message).
“to bring about the obedience of faith” –
This phrase is not talking about faith that leads to obedience, but rather, obeying the gospel message, which is to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”, which leads to salvation (Acts 16:31). The apostle John said something very similar –
This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 1 John 3.23
Paul, in this letter to the Roman Christians, spoke these words, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel.” (Rom. 10:16).
See similar phrases Acts 6:7; Romans 6:17, 16:26; Galatians 3:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 1:22.
“among all the Gentiles for His name's sake,” –
Paul was chosen by God for a specific purpose – to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
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V7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
“to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints” –
The word “as” is not in the original language.
“saints” – from hagios (Gr) – sacred, holy, saint.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” –
This is either exactly, or very similar to Paul’s greeting in all of his epistles. Grace comes from our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. All good things to us, including peace, are a result of his grace.
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V8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.
A. T. Robertson agrees writing that "all the world" is best understood as a legitimate hyperbole, for the gospel was spreading all over the Roman Empire.
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V9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,
See a similar statement by Paul – “in my spirit” – Acts 19:21.
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V11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;
Paul explains why he wants to see them face to face.
“impart some spiritual gift to you” –
“impart” – metadidōmi (Gr) – to give over, share. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
“some spiritual gift to you” – spiritual gift here is not talking about the gifts that are given to every believer from the Holy Spirit (like those referred to in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4).
Here Paul is likely referring to something that would encourage, build up, and strengthen the spiritual life of those who comprised the church at Rome. Examples – prayer, testimonies, teaching, counseling, etc.
“that you may be established” –
“established” – sterizo (gr) – to turn resolutely in a certain direction; steadfastly set, strengthen.
Again, Paul is no doubt interested in seeing the church (body of Christ) in Rome become steadfast in their purpose. Rome was a city that certainly had an abundance of activities to tempt those who lived there, thus the need to be strong in the Lord to resist the temptations of Satan.
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V13 I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) So that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
Paul frequently uses the word brothers (or brethren) in his letters to the various churches. Brothers (brethren) implies fellow members of the body Christ, male and female.
“so that I may obtain some fruit among you also” –
“fruit” – karpos (gr) – frequently used metaphorically in the bible –
1. Works or deeds of man – Matt. 7:16.
2. Spiritual – John 15:2-8.
3. of the Holy Spirit – Gal. 5:22.
Here it refers to the body of Christ being strengthened or to new believers, i.e., those who receive the gospel message and place their faith in Christ’s finished work at the cross. Both of these are the focus of Paul’s ministry.
“even as among the rest of the Gentiles.” – Based on the next two verses, this phrase probably refers to leading the unsaved among the Gentiles to Christ.
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V14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
“I am under obligation” – Paul was called and set apart to share the gospel message (v1).
“obligation” – opheiletes (Gr) – indebted – owed money to someone; figuratively – a delinquent; a person under obligation.
“both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.” -
This phrase would indicate that there were no limitations as to whom Paul was obligated to share this life-changing message.
“to Greeks” – refers to a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew, i.e., a Gentile.
“to barbarians” – a foreigner, i.e., a non-Greek; and also, a non-Jew.
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V15 So for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
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V16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Paul is about to explain why he is not ashamed of the gospel.
Why? Because it is the power of God for salvation!
“power of God” –
“power” – dunamis (Gr) – force; ability, abundance, might;
Notice it is the power of God. All power belongs to God (Psa. 62:11).
for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thes. 1.5
4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2.4-5
Rome had powerful armies that likely struck fear in the hearts of its enemies. But only God has the power to truly save us.
“the Greek” – refers to a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew, i.e., a Gentile.
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V17 For in it the Righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
“In it” – the gospel.
“the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;” –
Righteousness – the quality of being right or just. It is a gift from God to those who receive Christ by faith.
21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; Romans 3.21-22
For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Romans 5.19
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1.30
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5.21
8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, Philippians 3.8-9
And, don’t let anyone tell you that this righteousness is just “positional”. You are righteous in Christ Jesus!
I like what Steve McVey said about this subject. “Some folks want to believe that we are not really righteous; that it’s just ‘positional’, which they say means, ‘it’s just how God sees us, we aren’t really righteous’. Steve McVey then asks, “Well, does God see us as we are, or does He see us as we ain’t?”. Amen Brother.
“of God” – in this verse, it refers to a righteousness that God provides for those who receive Christ by faith.
“from faith to faith” –
We receive Christ and his righteousness by faith and we live by faith thereafter, as quoted from Habakkuk 2:4 in the last part of this verse –
"BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
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V18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
“the wrath of God” –
“wrath” – orge (Gr) – anger; indignation: vengeance;
Practical Application
"wrath" – orgē (Gr) - means anger, but it is not the outburst of anger that quickly blazes up, not the anger that arises solely from emotion. Rather, it is a decisive and a deliberate anger. It is an anger that comes from a thoughtful decision, an anger that comes from the mind because someone has done something evil and hurtful. It is an anger that judges and condemns sin and evil, violence and slaughter, immorality and injustice. It is an anger that hates sin and evil and that metes out a just revenge and equal punishment. Practical Word Studies in The New Testament
“of God” - As we saw in v17, the gospel message reveals God’s righteousness. Here we see God’s wrath revealed against sin (ungodliness and unrighteousness).
“is revealed” – present tense. Literally, “is constantly being revealed”, i.e., right now and continually!
“revealed” – to take off the cover; disclosed; unveil; to become fully known.
Since God is holy, righteous, and just, how could he not be angry with sin? Sin destroys his creation, especially mankind.
“from heaven” – where God lives. The location of his throne (Matt. 5:34).
“against” – upon.
“ungodliness” – wickedness; impiety; lust/desire for evil; evil/wicked deeds.
“unrighteousness” – injustice; iniquity; unjust; wrongdoing; sin.
"unrighteousness," encompasses more than "ungodliness," including the idea of injustice to God as well as to man; spiritual rebellion."
“of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” – Men willfully deny the truth to justify their sin.
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V19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; For God made it evident to them.
Paul explains his comment in v18 – suppression of the truth about God.
“that which is known about God is evident within them;” –
“is evident” – the word “is” is in the present tense, thus “is constantly evident”.
We can only know about God what he chooses to reveal about himself.
“evident” – apparent; manifest; open outward; open to sight.
“within them” – we are all born with some knowledge of God, as well as a sense of right and wrong.
“for God made it evident to them.” – because God created us that way.
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V20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, So that are without excuse.
Again, Paul explains his previous comments.
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V21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, But they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Again, Paul explains his previous comments, adding more “evidence” that man was aware of God and still refused to acknowledge him or his righteous ways.
“even though they knew God,” – does not refer to “knowing God” as in receiving Christ as savior, but rather, knowing him through the revelation mentioned in v19-20.
“they did not honor Him as God or give thanks,” – they did not give glory or thanks to God.
This goes along with suppressing the truth of God (v18). They acted as if he did not exist, although in their hearts they knew he did, because he made them to know!
“but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”-
“futile in their speculations,” – vain or foolish in their reasoning or thinking.
“foolish heart was darkened.” -
“foolish” - unintelligent; wicked; without understanding; without discernment; senseless;
“darkened.” - to deprive of light; blinded, unable to see.
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V22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
“Professing” – to assert or affirm.
The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good. Psalm 14.1
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever. Psalm 111.10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1.7
There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14.12
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1.20
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V23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
“exchanged” – to make different; change.
“the glory of the incorruptible God” –
“Incorruptible” - Not liable to corruption or decay; lasting forever; unchanging.
Practical Application
Incorruptible - means that God is not subject to passing away; He is eternal. God always has been and always will be: God will always exist. Practical Word Studies in The New Testament
“for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.” -
“image” – likeness; statue; profile; representation.
Man fashions idols that resemble those things that have been created by God. How amusing this must be to God; and how sad he must be as a result.
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V24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, So that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
In this verse, “therefore” identifies a logical consequence or conclusion to what Paul has been discussing. Those ungodly and unrighteous people –
v18 – suppress the truth about God
v21 – refuse to honor God
v21 – refuse to give thanks to God
v22 - became fools
v23 – exchanged the glory of God for idols of their own imaginations
v24 – worshiped the creature rather than their creator
Paul begins to discuss the results of denying God and exchanging his glory for idols shaped in man’s own imagination.
“God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity,” –
Three times in this chapter (v24, 26, 28) Paul uses the phrase, “God gave them over”
This phrase indicates that God withdrew his presence and to some degree, his restraint over sin and Satan. Sadly, man sometimes has to hit rock bottom before he recognizes his need for God. God loves us enough to allow that to happen if that is what it takes!
"But My people did not listen to My voice, And Israel did not obey Me. "So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, To walk in their own devices. Psalm 81.11-12
“in the lusts of their hearts to impurity,” –
“in the lusts” – presents the picture of being completely immersed in their sinful lusts.
“lusts” – a longing after; a strong desire of any kind; most often used in the bible as a sinful desire.
“heart” – used figuratively to refer to one’s thoughts and/or feelings.
“impurity,” – moral impurity, especially sexual immorality. Also refers to filth or anything that defiles a person.
“so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.” –
“dishonored” – suffer shame; despise; maltreat; entreat shamefully;
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V25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Basically, repeating the same thing said in v23.
“they exchanged the truth of God for a lie,” - they chose to willfully turn from the truth of God and toward a lie
“exchanged” is in the aorist tense – means the event took place a specific moment in time; and the active voice – the subject performs or produces the action.
“worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator,” –
“worshiped” – to honor religiously; to stand in awe of someone; in the context of this verse, it refers to their idols.
“served” – to render religious service or homage; worship;
“who is blessed forever. Amen” (hos estin eulogētos. Amēn). One of Paul's doxologies which may come at any moment when he is greatly stirred, as in Romans 9:5. Eulogētos is verbal of eulogeō. Word Pictures in the New Testament
“Amen” – firm; trustworthy; so be it.
"Thus 'Amēn' said by God 'it is and shall be so,' and by men, 'so let it be.'"
Vine's Expository Dictionary
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V26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; For their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,
“God gave them over” –
“to degrading passions;” – (lit. passions of disgrace) shameful lusts. KJV uses “vile affections”.
“for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,” -
Paul has been discussing sexual impurity since v24. The context of this verse is also referring to sexual impurity, more specifically, homosexuality.
“women” – literally females.
For Paul to make these statements (v26-27), he must have had convincing proof. Likely, these activities were practiced shamelessly out in the open for all to observe. Remember also, Paul was writing from Corinth, a Greek city that was said to be the center for sexual immorality and idol worship.
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V27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
“and in the same way” –
This refers to the statement made in the previous verse - women exchanged their natural function with the unnatural.
“men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another” –
Men were doing the same thing women were doing. They willfully chose to dismiss their natural affections for women and instead –
“burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts” – men passionately lusting after other men.
“and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.” -
Note -
“Why does Paul single out homosexuality then? Because it is so obviously unnatural, and therefore automatically underlines the extent to which sin takes mankind. Other sins are just as evil, but they are naturally evil. God has emphasized the sin of inversion to show us that inside the unbelieving man is a running sore which indicates a far deeper dimension of the wounds of sinful society. We should note that chapter 1 ends with the sins of the mind and spirit, of which all sinners are guilty…. Paul also emphasized this sin because it was all around him. He was writing from Corinth, the sin capital of Asia. Greek culture taught that homosexual love was the purest and highest of loves. Many highborn Greeks maintained male lovers along with their wives. It was no different in Rome. Fourteen of the first fifteen emperors were homosexuals.... According to Biblical revelation, what we see around us means that our particular culture is on the skids. If we are believers, this encourages us to draw close to Christ so that we are really living what we say we believe. If we are unbelievers, it is meant to drive us (as it did the brilliant physician we mentioned) to faith.” Romans: Righteousness from Heaven; Hughes, R. K
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V29 - 31 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
“being filled” – conveys the idea of complete control. Those apart from Christ are under bondage to the power of sin (Eph. 2:1-3).
“all unrighteousness” – this describes the man apart from Christ. The following list (v29-31) would be included in “all unrighteousness”.
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V32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
“although they know the ordinance of God,” –
“ordinance” – dikaiōma (Gr) – judgment, justification, righteousness;
the concrete expression of righteousness – Vine’s Expository Dictionary
“who practice such things” – present tense implies a continuing or habitual action.