Featured Introduction to Romans

Romans was apparently written about 57 AD in Corinth to the Church at Rome. In Chapter 1, verses 1 to 15, Paul greets the recipients of his letter and indicates his desire to join them in Rome.

Paul introduces himself as a bondservant of Christ Jesus. The word Christ is the English translation of the transliterated Greek “Christos” which means anointed or anointed one. The word Messiah is the English translation of the transliterated Hebrew “Mashiyach” which means anointed or anointed one. Therefore anytime you see Christ in the text it reflects the author’s intent to say Jesus was the Anointed One sent by God to deliver His people from oppression and the consequences of sin.

In verse 2, Paul reinforces the idea that Jesus is the Messiah by stating that Jesus was the one promised by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. For example, see Daniel 9:25 for a promise of a future Messiah. For another example, see 2 Samuel 7:12-16, the “Davidic Covenant” which was and will be ultimately fulfilled by Christ Jesus as stated explicitly by Luke (Luke 1:32).

In verse 4 Paul applies the term “son of God” to Jesus. The Hebrews used the term “son of” to show a relationship, such as a son of death would be someone doomed to die. So “son of God” means someone with a relationship with God, such as angels, men doing God’s work (judges) but the crowning use of the term is reserved for the Messiah. In Psalm 2:2 we see that earthly rulers oppose God and God’s Christ, His Anointed. But as we read further, we see in verse 7 that someone is declared God’s fathered son, but who is it? The resurrection declares it is Christ according to Paul here in Romans 1:4. The author of Hebrews says the same thing (Hebrews 1:5). Therefore Jesus is the Messiah, promised long beforehand through the prophets, and he shall be called the son of God (Luke 1:32). Note that Luke also records Paul’s thoughts on this subject in Acts 13:32-34.

In verse 1, Paul refers to himself as a “bond-servant” a person who has been bought and belongs to another as a slave. In fact the actual Greek word transliterated “doulos” is usually translated simply as slave. The reason, I think, the NASB translators elected to use the term “bond-servant” is that while believers are bought with a price, the believer must honor the sale. This is what Paul indicated in Ephesians 6:5-6 when he said, “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not only when being watched, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. If we do not recognize our debt, we will not agree to the sale. If we do not seek the perfection of God and recognize our imperfection, we will not agree with the sale. But if we seek a relationship with God, a right relationship and we understand the good news, the Gospel of God, then we too can become “bond-servants” of Christ, bought with a price. For we were all slaves to sin and our freedom from the eternal consequences of sin was purchased at great price.

Can you say, with John Wesley, “ I feel I do trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation”? For that understanding, if truly understood, provides complete assurance that our sins have been taken away, that we have been saved from the consequences of the law of sin and death. If you seek the righteousness of God, a relationship not severed by our iniquity, Romans is the book for you.

 

The Bible

 

Are you unfamiliar with the passages that address this issue? 1 Corinthians 4:7

 

You asked a question demonstrating you were unfamiliar with the verse, or you did not accept it as true.

 

Romans 1:7 NASB
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.

Thus Paul is writing to those who have been "called as saints." Here Paul is using "called as saints" to mean positional sanctification. Those God has transferred out of the domain of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. Once in Christ of course we are reconciled, thus at peace with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But what "grace" is Paul referring to as being bestowed upon those who have already been born anew? The gospel provides reconciliation, then asks for our service as ambassadors such that more lost individuals are reconciled due in part to our effective ministry.

 

Romans 1:13
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often intended to come to you (and was prevented until now), so that I may have some fruit even among you, just as I already have among the rest of the Gentiles.

Lost individuals who were led to Christ with the aid of Paul and other witnesses to the Gospel of Christ, are the fruit that will not "burn up" when tested, thus earning rewards such that the witnesses will enter heaven abundantly.

 

In Romans 1:17 several key insights are presented.

Romans 1:17 NASB
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: “[fn]BUT THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.”
__________________
Footnote, "or but the one who is righteous by faith shall live."​

Commentaries offer a variety of explanations for the phrase "from faith to faith." From translates "ek" meaning out from or based on, and "to translates "eis" meaning into, thus out of faith in the Old Covenant and into faith in the New Covenant seems apt.

Thus, for in the New Covenant gospel of Christ, the righteousness of God is revealed, arising from faith in the Old Covenant but transitioning into faith in the New Covenant as it is written, the one who is righteous by faith shall live.

Habakkuk 2:4 provides the Old Covenant principle of living according to our faith, and Galatians 3:11 establishes faith in the Law (Old Covenant) is worthless, and therefore Romans 1:17 establishes the requirement to transition from faith based on the Old Covenant and into faith based on the New Covenant.

 

Romans 1:18 NASB
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in [or by] unrighteousness,​

This verse starts with a word translated "for" and indicates verse 18 provides the reason for the forgoing, i.e. verse 17.

Thus the one who is righteous by faith is contrasted with those who are unrighteous. If we do not desire the wrath of God, we should strive to live by faith.

A slight difficulty presents itself as to who is included, all people or only people who suppress the truth? All people is the answer of which some or all suppress the truth. (For all have fallen short...)

To what are the terms "ungodliness" and "unrighteousness" referring? Ungodliness refers to the sin of omission, not giving God His due, not honoring and worshiping Him alone. Our God is a jealous God, and when people are devoted to worldly things, He is justly indignant. OTOH, unrighteousness refers to our sins of commission, thinking or doing things our conscience condemns, such as treating others differently than we would want them to treat us.

One of our "unrighteous" actions committed at least by some of us, is to suppress the truth. Obviously the most common way is to lie, to say something false, especially for our benefit. Recall Adam blaming Eve for his sin.

 

Romans 1:19 NASB
because that which is known about God is evident [fn] within them; for God made it evident to them.
_____________________
Footnote: or "among" them. ​

Here again the slight difficulty arises, did God make his attributes evident to all of the fallen or just among of them? Only about 8 English translations out of about 60 go with "among" rather than "in, within or to." In the following verse (20) "they" appears to refer to all of the fallen, because we can all see what God has made, and the heavens declare His glory. Some might consider that "to" indicates a message sent, but not necessarily a message received, however, the last part of verse 19 rules out that conjecture.

 

Romans 1:20 Interpretive Translation

For since the creation of humanity, His invisible nature -- His eternal power and divinity have been perceived, understood through what has been made, therefore humanity is without excuse. ​

Again the word translated "for" indicates this verse provides the reason or basis of what was said in verse 19, God made His eternal power and divinity known to humanity.

The word translated "humanity" rather than world - our inorganic planet - is dictated by the fact comprehension is in view.

 

Romans 1:21
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.

This verse supports the view "ungodliness" includes not honoring God or giving Him His due, verse 18, but also includes the deleterious affects of putting priority elsewhere, i.e. on our fleshly desires, and worldly treasures.

From God's perspective when we foolishly turn from God, we idolize other gods.

 

When we idolize other gods, usually number one is we idolize ourselves, and thus exhibit our fallen nature:
wickedness, greed, envy, deceit, malice, gossip, insolent, arrogant, boastful, untrustworthy, unfeeling and unmerciful.

This concludes my study of Romans Chapter 1.

 

Romans was apparently written about 57 AD in Corinth to the Church at Rome. In Chapter 1, verses 1 to 15, Paul greets the recipients of his letter and indicates his desire to join them in Rome.

Paul introduces himself as a bondservant of Christ Jesus. The word Christ is the English translation of the transliterated Greek “Christos” which means anointed or anointed one. The word Messiah is the English translation of the transliterated Hebrew “Mashiyach” which means anointed or anointed one. Therefore anytime you see Christ in the text it reflects the author’s intent to say Jesus was the Anointed One sent by God to deliver His people from oppression and the consequences of sin.

In verse 2, Paul reinforces the idea that Jesus is the Messiah by stating that Jesus was the one promised by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. For example, see Daniel 9:25 for a promise of a future Messiah. For another example, see 2 Samuel 7:12-16, the “Davidic Covenant” which was and will be ultimately fulfilled by Christ Jesus as stated explicitly by Luke (Luke 1:32).

In verse 4 Paul applies the term “son of God” to Jesus. The Hebrews used the term “son of” to show a relationship, such as a son of death would be someone doomed to die. So “son of God” means someone with a relationship with God, such as angels, men doing God’s work (judges) but the crowning use of the term is reserved for the Messiah. In Psalm 2:2 we see that earthly rulers oppose God and God’s Christ, His Anointed. But as we read further, we see in verse 7 that someone is declared God’s fathered son, but who is it? The resurrection declares it is Christ according to Paul here in Romans 1:4. The author of Hebrews says the same thing (Hebrews 1:5). Therefore Jesus is the Messiah, promised long beforehand through the prophets, and he shall be called the son of God (Luke 1:32). Note that Luke also records Paul’s thoughts on this subject in Acts 13:32-34.

In verse 1, Paul refers to himself as a “bond-servant” a person who has been bought and belongs to another as a slave. In fact the actual Greek word transliterated “doulos” is usually translated simply as slave. The reason, I think, the NASB translators elected to use the term “bond-servant” is that while believers are bought with a price, the believer must honor the sale. This is what Paul indicated in Ephesians 6:5-6 when he said, “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not only when being watched, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. If we do not recognize our debt, we will not agree to the sale. If we do not seek the perfection of God and recognize our imperfection, we will not agree with the sale. But if we seek a relationship with God, a right relationship and we understand the good news, the Gospel of God, then we too can become “bond-servants” of Christ, bought with a price. For we were all slaves to sin and our freedom from the eternal consequences of sin was purchased at great price.

Can you say, with John Wesley, “ I feel I do trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation”? For that understanding, if truly understood, provides complete assurance that our sins have been taken away, that we have been saved from the consequences of the law of sin and death. If you seek the righteousness of God, a relationship not severed by our iniquity, Romans is the book for you.

]Romans 1:7 NASB
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.

Thus Paul is writing to those who have been "called as saints." Here Paul is using "called as saints" to mean positional sanctification. Those God has transferred out of the domain of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. Once in Christ of course we are reconciled, thus at peace with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But what "grace" is Paul referring to as being bestowed upon those who have already been born anew? The gospel provides reconciliation, then asks for our service as ambassadors such that more lost individuals are reconciled due in part to our effective ministry.

Romans 1:13
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often intended to come to you (and was prevented until now), so that I may have some fruit even among you, just as I already have among the rest of the Gentiles.

Lost individuals who were led to Christ with the aid of Paul and other witnesses to the Gospel of Christ, are the fruit that will not "burn up" when tested, thus earning rewards such that the witnesses will enter heaven abundantly.

]In Romans 1:17 several key insights are presented.

Romans 1:17 NASB
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: “[fn]BUT THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.”
__________________
Footnote, "or but the one who is righteous by faith shall live."​

Commentaries offer a variety of explanations for the phrase "from faith to faith." From translates "ek" meaning out from or based on, and "to translates "eis" meaning into, thus out of faith in the Old Covenant and into faith in the New Covenant seems apt.

Thus, for in the New Covenant gospel of Christ, the righteousness of God is revealed, arising from faith in the Old Covenant but transitioning into faith in the New Covenant as it is written, the one who is righteous by faith shall live.

Habakkuk 2:4 provides the Old Covenant principle of living according to our faith, and Galatians 3:11 establishes faith in the Law (Old Covenant) is worthless, and therefore Romans 1:17 establishes the requirement to transition from faith based on the Old Covenant and into faith based on the New Covenant.

Continued in next post:

 

Continued from prior post:

Romans 1:18 NASB
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in [or by] unrighteousness,​

This verse starts with a word translated "for" and indicates verse 18 provides the reason for the forgoing, i.e. verse 17.

Thus the one who is righteous by faith is contrasted with those who are unrighteous. If we do not desire the wrath of God, we should strive to live by faith.

A slight difficulty presents itself as to who is included, all people or only people who suppress the truth? All people is the answer of which some or all suppress the truth. (For all have fallen short...)

To what are the terms "ungodliness" and "unrighteousness" referring? Ungodliness refers to the sin of omission, not giving God His due, not honoring and worshiping Him alone. Our God is a jealous God, and when people are devoted to worldly things, He is justly indignant. OTOH, unrighteousness refers to our sins of commission, thinking or doing things our conscience condemns, such as treating others differently than we would want them to treat us.

One of our "unrighteous" actions committed at least by some of us, is to suppress the truth. Obviously the most common way is to lie, to say something false, especially for our benefit. Recall Adam blaming Eve for his sin

Romans 1:19 NASB
because that which is known about God is evident [fn] within them; for God made it evident to them.
_____________________
Footnote: or "among" them.​

Here again the slight difficulty arises, did God make his attributes evident to all of the fallen or just among of them? Only about 8 English translations out of about 60 go with "among" rather than "in, within or to." In the following verse (20) "they" appears to refer to all of the fallen, because we can all see what God has made, and the heavens declare His glory. Some might consider that "to" indicates a message sent, but not necessarily a message received, however, the last part of verse 19 rules out that conjecture.

Romans 1:20 Interpretive Translation

For since the creation of humanity, His invisible nature -- His eternal power and divinity have been perceived, understood through what has been made, therefore humanity is without excuse.​

Again the word translated "for" indicates this verse provides the reason or basis of what was said in verse 19, God made His eternal power and divinity known to humanity.

The word translated "humanity" rather than world - our inorganic planet - is dictated by the fact comprehension is in view.

Romans 1:21
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.

This verse supports the view "ungodliness" includes not honoring God or giving Him His due, verse 18, but also includes the deleterious affects of putting priority elsewhere, i.e. on our fleshly desires, and worldly treasures.

From God's perspective when we foolishly turn from God, we idolize other gods.

When we idolize other gods, usually number one is we idolize ourselves, and thus exhibit our fallen nature:
wickedness, greed, envy, deceit, malice, gossip, insolent, arrogant, boastful, untrustworthy, unfeeling and unmerciful.

This concludes my study of Romans Chapter 1

 

The study of Romans is sometimes referred to as drinking and driving. The first part you drink in Christian doctrine, and the last part you take that doctrine out for a spin.

 

Two of the great messages of Paul embedded in Romans, are the world, humanity is lost, whether Jew or Gentile, and the opportunity for salvation by means of faith. These messages are part of the "drinking" section of Romans.