1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh
4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.
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,
10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—
12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 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.
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;
27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
The True Meaning of Romans 1
The Epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul, a devout Jew who had a dramatic conversion experience and became a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Paul addresses the Christian community in Rome in this letter, providing them with profound theological insights and practical guidance for living out their faith.
This opening chapter sets the stage for the rest of the epistle, introducing the central themes of the gospel message and the human condition. Paul begins by affirming his calling as an apostle and his deep desire to visit the believers in Rome. He then delves into the universal need for salvation, as all people, both Jew and Gentile, have fallen short of God’s glory and stand condemned by their own sinfulness.
The chapter also foreshadows the pivotal role of faith in Christ as the means of justification, a concept that will be further expounded upon in the chapters to come. Additionally, Paul alludes to the impending judgment of God upon those who reject the truth, a warning that echoes the prophetic warnings found throughout the Old Testament (Psalm 14:1-3, Jeremiah 17:9).
Romans 1:1-7
The verses in Romans 1:1-7 can be divided into a few crucial sections that lay the foundation for the rest of the letter. Firstly, Paul identifies himself as the author of this letter, emphasizing his role as a servant of Jesus Christ and his commission as an apostle. Paul’s use of the term “servant” not only reflects his humility and submission to Christ but also underscores the call to serve and obey God’s will in all things. Paul, as an apostle, carries the authority to teach and instruct the believers in Rome, highlighting his position as a messenger of the Gospel.
Moving on, the mention of Jesus Christ as the central figure serves as a reminder of the core message of the Christian faith. Paul asserts Jesus as the Son of God, proclaiming his divinity and supreme authority over all creation. This declaration sets the tone for the themes of salvation and redemption that will be expounded upon in the following chapters of Romans. Paul also emphasizes the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah in Jesus, thereby affirming the continuity between the Old and New Covenants.
Furthermore, Paul addresses the recipients of the letter as the “beloved of God,” highlighting their significance and identity as chosen ones in the eyes of the Lord. This term of endearment conveys God’s love and grace towards His people, reinforcing the idea that believers are not only called but also deeply cherished by God. It serves as a source of encouragement and assurance to the early Christians in Rome who were facing various challenges and persecution for their faith. Paul sets the stage for the theological discourse that follows in the letter to the Romans in these opening verses. The themes of faith, salvation, grace, and righteousness are intricately woven into the fabric of this epistle, guiding believers to a deeper understanding of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The introductory verses serve to establish Paul’s credentials as an apostle, exalt Jesus Christ as the focal point of the Gospel message, and affirm the believers’ standing as beloved children of God.
Lastly, the reference to faith underscores the foundational aspect of believing in Christ for salvation. Paul later expounds on the concept of faith as the key to righteousness in Romans 1:17, quoting Habakkuk 2:4, “The righteous shall live by faith.”” This pivotal verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian walk, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God’s promises and living a life that is anchored in faith. Through faith, believers are justified and reconciled to God, establishing a new way of relating to Him based on grace and not works.
Romans 1:8-15
Paul expresses his gratitude and longing to visit the Roman church in Romans 1:8-15 as part of his introduction. The first section of this passage, verses 8-10, is where Paul commends the faith of the Roman Christians and acknowledges their reputation for their belief in Christ. He shows his thankfulness for them and their faith, indicating that their faith is known throughout the Christian world. This section sets the tone for the rest of the passage by emphasizing the importance of faith and unity among believers. It also highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and the significance of mutual support and encouragement in the faith journey. Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman church in verses 11-13. He longs to impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them in the faith and to be mutually encouraged by their faith. This section reflects the relational aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and support within the community of believers. Paul’s eagerness to visit the Romans underscores the value of face-to-face interaction, teaching, and encouragement in fostering spiritual growth and unity among believers. It also demonstrates the deep sense of fellowship and kinship that should exist among members of the body of Christ.
The passage concludes in verses 14-15 with Paul’s declaration of obligation to preach the gospel to both Greeks and non-Greeks, to the wise and the foolish. Here, Paul emphasizes the universal nature of the gospel message and his eagerness to share it with all people, regardless of their background or social status. This statement underscores the inclusivity of the gospel and the mission of spreading the good news to all nations and peoples. Paul’s sense of duty and urgency in proclaiming the gospel reflects his deep conviction in the transformative power of the message of salvation and his commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Romans 1:8-15 conveys important themes such as gratitude for fellow believers, the significance of personal relationships in spiritual growth, the universal nature of the gospel message, and the responsibility of believers to share the good news with others. Through Paul’s interactions with the Roman church and his expressions of faith, we see a model of Christian community and mission that is rooted in love, unity, and a shared commitment to spreading the message of salvation to the world. The passage serves as a reminder for believers to be thankful for one another, to support and encourage each other in faith, and to actively engage in sharing the gospel with all people, embodying the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
Romans 1:16-17
Romans 1:16-17 states: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith. The apostle Paul expresses his boldness and confidence in the gospel message in these two verses. He declares that he is not ashamed of the gospel because he knows that it holds the power of God for the salvation of all who believe in it. This proclamation is significant because during that time, the gospel was often seen as foolishness or a stumbling block to many (1 Corinthians 1:23). Paul’s unwavering conviction and courage in preaching the gospel despite potential persecution or rejection serve as a powerful example for believers to also stand firm in their faith.
Furthermore, Paul mentions that the gospel brings salvation first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. This order reflects God’s redemptive plan as outlined in the Old Testament, where God initially chose the Jewish people as His own (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) and later extended salvation to the Gentiles through the work of Christ (Acts 13:46). This progression demonstrates the inclusive nature of God’s salvation, encompassing all who believe in Him regardless of their background or ethnicity.
The essence of the gospel is then described as the revelation of God’s righteousness, which is obtained through faith. This righteousness is not based on human effort or merit but is a gift from God that is received by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). The concept of righteousness by faith is a central theme in Paul’s theology, as he contrasts it with the futile attempts to earn righteousness through the observance of the law (Romans 3:20).
Lastly, Paul quotes from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4) to emphasize the importance of living by faith. This phrase, “The righteous will live by faith,” underscores the idea that genuine faith in God should be the guiding principle of one’s life. It is through faith that believers experience God’s righteousness, grow in their relationship with Him, and navigate the challenges of life with confidence in His promises. Paul’s words in these verses encapsulate the transformative power of the gospel and the foundational role of faith in the Christian walk.
Romans 1:18-23
“The passage in Romans 1:18-23 opens with ‘The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.’”” This sets the tone for the rest of the section, emphasizing the consequences of unrighteousness and the suppression of truth. It is a warning that those who continue to live in sin and reject the truth will ultimately face God’s wrath.
The verse goes on to explain that people have no excuse for not knowing God, 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, so that people are without excuse.” This part highlights the fact that God’s existence and power are evident in His creation, from the intricacies of nature to the vastness of the universe. It underscores the idea that God has revealed Himself to humanity through His creation, leaving no room for ignorance or denial of His existence.
The passage describes how despite this clear revelation of God, people exchanged the truth about God for lies, worshiping created things rather than the Creator. This idolatry, where people prioritize and worship created things over the Creator Himself, is seen as a grave error that leads to further moral degradation. This rejection of God and the worship of idols is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, seen in various accounts such as the Israelites worshiping the golden calf in Exodus 32 or the worship of Baal by the people of ancient Israel. The passage highlights the downward spiral that occurs when people turn away from God. It describes how their hearts become darkened, leading to foolish thinking and idolatry. This progression from rejecting God to embracing darkness and idolatry serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of willfully turning away from the truth. It shows how the rejection of God’s truth not only leads to moral decay but also to a distorted understanding of reality. Romans 1:18-23 underscores the importance of acknowledging God’s existence and power, as well as the consequences of rejecting His truth. It warns against the dangers of idolatry and the downward spiral that follows when people turn away from the Creator. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the need to center our lives on God and to seek truth in Him, rather than in the fleeting pleasures and idols of this world. It prompts us to reflect on our own beliefs and actions, encouraging us to prioritize a relationship with God and to guard against the temptation to worship anything other than the Creator Himself.
Romans 1:24-27
Romans 1:24-27 states, “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. The Apostle Paul is addressing a specific issue in these verses where people turned away from the worship of God to practice various forms of immorality. The sequence of events described here is crucial in understanding the consequences of turning away from God.
Paul starts by pointing out that God allowed them to follow the desires of their hearts, leading them into impurity and dishonoring their bodies. This highlights the concept of free will and the consequences of choosing to indulge in sinful desires rather than following God’s ways. When individuals choose to reject God and embrace sin, they are essentially exchanging the truth of God for a lie. This act of exchanging the Creator for created things echoes the theme of idolatry seen throughout the Bible.
The passage then specifically addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the community. Paul mentions the unnatural relations and passions that had arisen among both women and men, leading to acts that are contrary to God’s design for human relationships. This highlights the distortion and perversion of God’s intended purposes for sexuality and the seriousness of deviating from His plan.
Paul’s words here are reflective of the broader biblical teachings on sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage. God establishes the foundational principle of marriage as a union between one man and one woman in Genesis 2:24. Throughout the Bible, sexual immorality is consistently condemned, emphasizing the importance of honoring God with our bodies and relationships (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). These verses in Romans serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, the dangers of idolatry, and the importance of upholding God’s standards of morality and purity in all aspects of life. The passage challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to flee from all forms of immorality that can lead them away from God’s will for their lives.
Romans 1:28-32
The verse in Romans 1:28-32 breaks down into several important sections that convey significant messages about human behavior and God’s response to it.
Starting with verse 28, “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” This section speaks to the willful rejection of God by individuals, leading to a state of moral decay and depravity. The choice to ignore or reject the knowledge of God results in a state where individuals are given over to their sinful desires and actions. This highlights the importance of acknowledging and honoring God in our lives, for without Him, we are susceptible to a downward spiral of immorality.
Moving on to verse 29-31, “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” This section provides a detailed list of various sinful behaviors and attitudes that result from turning away from God. It underscores the depth of depravity that can exist in a society when God is not at the center. These verses serve as a sobering reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the need for repentance and redemption through Christ.
Finally, verse 32 concludes, “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.” This verse highlights the accountability that individuals have once they are aware of God’s standards and yet choose to live in disobedience. It also touches on the societal aspect of sin, where not only do individuals engage in sinful behavior, but they also encourage and approve of others who do the same. This perpetuates a cycle of sin and moral decay within a community. Romans 1:28-32 serves as a powerful reflection on the consequences of rejecting God and the downward spiral that can result from such a choice. It underscores the importance of seeking God, living according to His truths, and resisting the temptations of a fallen world. These verses also point towards the need for repentance and redemption through Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and salvation to all who turn to Him. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the transformative power of God’s grace in the lives of believers. It encourages us to live in accordance with God’s will and to stand firm in the face of moral decay and societal pressures.
After Romans 1
The apostle Paul’s powerful words about the righteousness of God and the consequences of turning away from Him were seen in this chapter. He has shown us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, but through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be justified and made righteous in His sight. Let us heed these words and strive to live according to God’s will, seeking His righteousness above all else. As we reflect on the teachings of this chapter, let us remember that God reveals His wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. We should turn away from sin and seek to live lives that are pleasing to Him. In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the consequences of rejecting God and the importance of living a life that is in alignment with His will. We should prepare our hearts and minds to receive these truths and let the power of His Word transform us.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.