Romans 1:18
Verse
Context
God’s Wrath against Sin
17For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.19For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the wrath of God is revealed - The apostle has now finished his preface, and comes to the grand subject of the epistle; namely, to show the absolute need of the Gospel of Christ, because of the universal corruption of mankind; which was so great as to incense the justice of God, and call aloud for the punishment of the world 1. He shows that all the heathen nations were utterly corrupt, and deserved this threatened punishment. And this is the subject of the first chapter, from Rom 1:18 to the end (Rom 1:18-32). 2. He shows that the Jews, notwithstanding the greatness of their privileges, were no better than the Gentiles; and therefore the wrath of God was revealed against them also. This subject he treats in Romans 2:1-29 and Romans 3:1-19. 3. He returns, as it were, on both, Rom 3:20-31, and proves that, as the Jews and Gentiles were equally corrupt, they could not be saved by the deeds of any law; that they stood equally in need of that salvation which God had provided; that both were equally entitled to that salvation, for God was the God of the Gentiles as well as of the Jews. By οργη θεου, the wrath of God, we are not to understand any uneasy passion in the Divine Being; but the displeasure of his righteousness, which is expressed by the punishments inflicted on the ungodly, those who retain not God in their knowledge; and the unrighteous, those whose lives are profligate. As, in the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed for the salvation of the ungodly, so is the wrath of God revealed against the workers of iniquity. Those who refuse to be saved in the way revealed by his mercy must be consumed in the way revealed by his justice. Ungodliness - ασεβειαν, from α , negative, and σεβω or σεβομαι, I worship, probably intended here to express atheism, polytheism, and idolatry of every kind. Unrighteousness - αδικιαν from α, negative, and δικη, justice; every thing contrary to strict morality; all viciousness and profligacy of conduct. Who hold the truth in unrighteousness - In what sense could it be said that the heathen held the truth in unrighteousness, when they really had not that truth? Some think this refers to the conduct of their best philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, Seneca, etc., who knew much more of the Divine nature than they thought safe or prudent to discover; and who acted in many things contrary to the light which they enjoyed. Others think this to be spoken of the Gentiles in general, who either did know, or might have known, much of God from the works of creation, as the apostle intimates in the following verses. But Rosenmuller and some others contend that the word κατεχειν here does not signify to hold, but to hinder; and that the place should be translated, who through maliciousness hinder the truth; i.e. prevent it from taking hold of their hearts, and from governing their conduct. This is certainly a very usual acceptation of the verb κατεχειν, which Hesychius interprets κρατειν, κωλυειν, συνεχειν, to retain, hinder, etc.; these men hindering, by their vicious conduct, the truth of God from being propagated in the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
WHY THIS DIVINELY PROVIDED RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NEEDED BY ALL MEN. (Rom 1:18) For the wrath of God--His holy displeasure and righteous vengeance against sin. is revealed from heaven--in the consciences of men, and attested by innumerable outward evidences of a moral government. against all ungodliness--that is, their whole irreligiousness, or their living without any conscious reference to God, and proper feelings towards Him. and unrighteousness of men--that is, all their deviations from moral rectitude in heart, speech, and behavior. (So these terms must be distinguished when used together, though, when standing alone, either of them includes the other). THIS WRATH OF GOD, REVEALED AGAINST ALL INIQUITY, OVERHANGS THE WHOLE HEATHEN WORLD. (Rom 1:18-32) who hold--rather, "hold down," "hinder," or "keep back." the truth in unrighteousness--The apostle, though he began this verse with a comprehensive proposition regarding men in general, takes up in the end of it only one of the two great divisions of mankind, to whom he meant to apply it; thus gently sliding into his argument. But before enumerating their actual iniquities, he goes back to the origin of them all, their stifling the light which still remained to them. As darkness overspreads the mind, so impotence takes possession of the heart, when the "still small voice" of conscience is first disregarded, next thwarted, and then systematically deadened. Thus "the truth" which God left with and in men, instead of having free scope and developing itself, as it otherwise would, was obstructed (compare Mat 6:22-23; Eph 4:17-18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven,.... The apostle having hinted at the doctrine of justification by faith in the righteousness of Christ; and which he designed more largely to insist upon in this epistle, and to prove that there can be no justification of a sinner in the sight of God by the deeds of the law, in order to set this matter in a clear light, from hence, to the end of the chapter, and in the following ones, represents the sad estate and condition of the Gentiles with the law of nature, and of the Jews with the law of Moses; by which it most clearly appears, that neither of them could be justified by their obedience to the respective laws under which they were, but that they both stood in need of the righteousness of God. By "the wrath of God" is meant the displicency and indignation of God at sin and sinners; his punitive justice, and awful vengeance; the judgments which he executes in this world; and that everlasting displeasure of his, and wrath to come in another world, which all through sin are deserving of, some are appointed to, God's elect are delivered from, through Christ's sustaining it, in their room and stead, and which comes and abides on all impenitent and unbelieving persons. This is said to be "revealed", where? not in the Gospel, in which the righteousness of God is revealed; unless the Gospel be taken for the books of the four Evangelists, or for the Gospel dispensation, or for that part of the ministry of a Gospel preacher, which represents the wrath of God as the desert of sin, the dreadfulness of it, and the way to escape it; for the Gospel, strictly taken, is grace, good news, glad tidings, and not wrath and damnation; though indeed in Christ's sufferings for the sins of his people, which the Gospel gives us an account of, there is a great display of the wrath of God, and of his indignation against sin: but this wrath of God is revealed in the law, it is known by the light of nature, and to be perceived in the law of Moses, and may be observed in the Scriptures, where are many instances and examples of divine wrath and displeasure; as in the total destruction of the old world by a world wide flood, the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, turning Lot's wife into a pillar of salt, the plagues of Egypt, and the several instances mentioned in this chapter. This wrath is said to be God's wrath "from heaven", by the awful blackness which covers the heavens, the storms and tempests raised in them, and by pouring down water or fire in a surprising manner, on the inhabitants of the world; or "from heaven", that is, openly, manifestly, in the sight of all; or from God who is in heaven, and not from second causes; and more especially it will be revealed from heaven, when Christ shall descend from thence at the day of judgment: the subject matter or object of it, against, or "upon" which it is revealed, are, all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men; that is, all ungodly and unrighteous men; or all men who are guilty of ungodliness, the breach of the first table of the law, which respects the worship of God, and of unrighteousness, the breach of the second table of the law, which regards our neighbours' good: and these persons are further described as such, who hold the truth in unrighteousness: meaning either such who know the Gospel, which is "the truth", and do not profess it openly, but hold and imprison it in their minds, which is a great piece of unrighteousness; or if they do profess it, do not live up to it in their lives: or rather the Gentile philosophers are designed, who are spoken of in the following verse; See Gill on Rom 1:22; who had some knowledge of the truth of the divine Being, and his perfections, and of the difference between moral good and evil; but did not like to retain it themselves, nor communicate all they knew to others, nor did they live according to that knowledge which they had.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually depicts God’s anger as occurring in the end times (Rom 2:5, 8; 5:9; Col 3:6; 1 Thes 1:10), the present tense of shows refers to God’s expressions of anger throughout human history.
Romans 1:18
God’s Wrath against Sin
17For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.19For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell - Part 1
By David Wilkerson9.8K45:10HellEZK 22:20JHN 3:36ROM 1:18ROM 9:22REV 19:11REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hell and the judgment of God. He emphasizes that even before eternity comes, God will pour out His judgments on the earth, including scorching men with fire through His angels of wrath. The preacher also mentions the belief of millions of Iranians who have been promised paradise by the Ayatollah Khomeini, but warns that they will wake up in hell instead. He concludes by describing the never-ending nature of hell and referencing the biblical description of Jesus as the one who will judge and make war with righteousness.
When Jesus Shuts the Door
By David Wilkerson4.8K1:11:35JudgmentMAT 6:33LUK 13:24LUK 13:27LUK 13:29ROM 1:18In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Jesus shutting the door. He emphasizes that Jesus has the power to shut the door at any time, and when that happens, those outside will be left knocking and pleading to be let in, but Jesus will say he does not know them. The preacher highlights the importance of genuine repentance and transformation, as many people claim to want Jesus but do not make any real changes in their lives. He references the story in Deuteronomy where the Israelites expressed a desire to hear from God but were afraid of dying, and he draws parallels to those who claim to want Jesus but are not willing to fully surrender and change.
The Authority of Christ
By Paul Washer3.5K1:10:50AuthorityJOS 24:15PSA 2:3MAT 28:16ROM 1:181CO 10:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating one's life to serving God. He encourages young men to give their strength, days, youth, and beauty to God, rather than to any other person or thing. The preacher expresses his envy for missionaries who have the opportunity to preach the Gospel in places where it is not yet heard. He urges the audience to either go to the mission field or support those who are going, emphasizing the significance of their mission. The sermon also highlights the power and authority of God, stating that nothing in heaven or earth will move without His word. The preacher concludes by warning the leaders of the world to worship and honor God, as His wrath may soon be kindled.
Man's Greatest Problem
By Paul Washer3.2K55:31DepravityMAT 6:33ROM 1:18GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of injustice and how it contradicts the nature of God. He gives examples of unjust punishments, such as beating someone up and imprisoning them for 50 years for a minor offense. The speaker argues that our sense of justice comes from God, who created us in His image. He also emphasizes the importance of accepting our own faults and rebellion against God as the first step towards Christianity. The sermon concludes with a thought-provoking scenario, highlighting the fear of exposing our inner thoughts and actions to others.
Humanizing God
By Lou Sutera3.1K1:03:13JOB 9:32PSA 85:6PSA 139:18ROM 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the judgment of God. He highlights that those who engage in sinful behavior are deserving of death and that God has the power to destroy them. The preacher also discusses the need for repentance and forgiveness, urging listeners to seek forgiveness from God and their parents. He addresses the issue of covenant breakers and the high divorce rate, attributing it to a lack of understanding and reverence for God. The sermon concludes with a call for revival and a reminder of the consequences of humanizing God.
(Fury of Fire) 10 - Being a Doer of the Law Through the Covenant of Scriptures
By Milton Green2.8K53:13ObedienceGEN 15:5GEN 18:19ROM 1:18ROM 2:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing the Word of God over traditions and wrong teachings. He refers to the story of Abraham and how God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars. The speaker also highlights how some people try to boast in the flesh and control others. He mentions the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt and how Moses received the law. The sermon concludes by mentioning a vision from the book of Revelation, where Jesus is described in glorious detail.
(Postmodern Times) World View Evangelism
By D.A. Carson2.7K52:38PostmodernROM 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and sharing a Christian worldview. He explains that it is possible to summarize the Bible storyline and the Gospel in a short amount of time, even as little as 15 minutes. The speaker also shares an example of a pastor who effectively taught Romans 1 to 8 to a biblically illiterate audience by providing them with copies of the text. He concludes by mentioning the need for practical approaches to teaching and answering questions, and ends with a quote from Billy Graham.
The Heart of God in the Wilderness
By Carter Conlon2.5K50:12WildernessISA 40:5JER 29:11LAM 3:22EZK 36:26DAN 2:22HOS 2:14ROM 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the depth of God's love for humanity. He highlights the lack of revelation and vision in society, which leads to moral decay and lawlessness. The preacher encourages believers to speak up and share the truth in their workplaces and with young people who are searching for answers. He also addresses the lies that society tells about the existence of God and the distortion of His image. The sermon references the book of Hosea and emphasizes the heart of God in the wilderness.
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 3
By Andrew Strom2.3K09:59PRO 1:7JER 5:14AMO 8:11MAT 4:4MAT 6:19LUK 9:23ROM 1:18HEB 4:12This sermon emphasizes the scarcity of true spiritual nourishment in a time of crisis, pointing out the absence of the word of the Lord amidst church growth strategies and motivational talks. It calls for a return to preaching on sin, righteousness, and judgment, highlighting the need for a fear of God and understanding of being saved from His wrath. The sermon challenges the materialistic mindset prevalent in society, urging a shift towards spiritual grounding in God's truth rather than superficial 'frothiness.'
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 6
By Andrew Strom2.3K09:59PRO 9:10ISA 6:1MAL 3:6ROM 1:18HEB 13:8This sermon emphasizes the need to understand the true nature of God, including His wrath and mercy, and the importance of preaching the real Gospel that involves salvation from God's wrath through Jesus. It challenges the modern perception of a friendly, non-wrathful God and calls for a return to a deeper understanding of God's character and the Gospel message.
Where Did the Puritans Come From?
By J.I. Packer2.0K49:01MAT 11:28ROM 1:182CO 7:10GAL 2:16EPH 2:8JAS 2:171JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the factors that contributed to the distinctive nature of the Protestant movement. He identifies four main sectors that played a role in shaping the movement. The first sector is the legacy of Tyndale, which emphasized the lordship of the Bible and the importance of justified men in covenant with God. The second sector is the legacy of Branson, which prioritized repentance in both words and actions. The third sector is the legacy of Cooper and Frankfurt, which highlighted the reality of God's judgment and blessings throughout history. The fourth sector is the emphasis on the authority of the Bible, with Tyndale stressing the need to subject everything in church and faith to the rule of God's Word.
The Gospel of Romans
By Keith Daniel1.9K1:03:11GospelROM 1:18ROM 2:1ROM 3:9ROM 4:1ROM 5:1ROM 6:1ROM 7:14ROM 8:28ROM 12:1ROM 13:8ROM 15:4ROM 15:13ROM 15:20In this sermon, the preacher gives a brief overview of the book he is teaching from. He starts by discussing God's original condemnation of the Gentiles in chapter one, followed by God's eventual condemnation of the Jews in chapter two. He then explains God's impartial condemnation of both Jews and Gentiles in chapter three. The preacher goes on to discuss the themes of conditional justification through faith, methodical application of salvation and sanctification, and practical edification of sanctification in subsequent chapters. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of the Bible and encourages the congregation to heed the message they have heard.
When Sin and Religion Become Friends
By Carter Conlon1.9K48:50CompromiseMAT 6:22ROM 1:18ROM 1:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a transformed life in Christ. He highlights that religion, when devoid of true faith and relationship with God, is empty and dead. The preacher encourages believers to renounce dishonesty and sin, and instead embrace the mercy and hope found in Christ. He also warns against the danger of allowing sin and religion to coexist, urging listeners to wholeheartedly follow God's commands and not compromise their faith. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's power and grace to enable believers to live obediently and reject the friendship of sin and religion.
The Holiness of God - Part 1
By Art Katz1.8K52:36Holiness Of GodGEN 1:1PSA 11:7PSA 45:7PSA 99:4ISA 6:3ROM 1:18GAL 3:13In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a profound episode in the history of Ben Israel, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering the truth. He highlights the importance of being open and teachable, willing to confront the painful lessons and failures in our lives. The speaker then delves into the significance of Jesus as the Redeemer, emphasizing that his sacrifice on the cross reveals the irreconcilable nature of sin and the depth of God's holiness. The sermon concludes with a reminder that understanding the cost of sin and the value of holiness is essential for truly worshiping and honoring God.
The Arm of the Lord - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K51:36God's WorkISA 53:1ISA 53:10MAT 6:33ROM 1:18ROM 6:23ROM 8:1EPH 5:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not compromising the holiness of God. He shares a testimony of witnessing the power of God in the Far East, where a small group of believers grew into a large and thriving church. The speaker then discusses the new prospect found in Romans 8, where there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. He explains that God's purpose is to build His glorious church, and despite the deplorable state of the world, God is able to accomplish His plans. The speaker also mentions the life principle of Watchman Nee, who believed in keeping things small and allowing God to bring about enlargement. The sermon concludes with the question of how to respond to deterring factors and the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that we should persevere and trust in God's power.
Give Thanks Unto the Lord!
By Erlo Stegen1.7K1:22:04Thanksgiving1CH 16:8PSA 96:3MAT 6:33ROM 1:18ROM 1:22REV 2:2In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal testimony of how they came to the school in 1996 due to a desperate situation after losing their mother at a young age. They express their initial hatred towards others but later experienced a transformation through their faith in God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of heeding the Gospel and not suppressing the truth. They also challenge the listeners to speak words that build others up rather than tear them down. The sermon references Romans 1:18 and highlights the need to be fully identified with Christ and learn to suffer with Him.
(Romans) Justified by Faith
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:00:24Justified By FaithGEN 19:27MAT 6:33ROM 1:18ROM 3:19ROM 3:21ROM 4:1ROM 5:1ROM 6:1ROM 8:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of redemption and grace through the finished work of Jesus. He mentions that through belief in Jesus, one can stand before God as if they have never changed. The sermon focuses on Romans chapter 3, specifically verses 21 to 31, which the preacher describes as one of the richest and most thrilling portions of God's word. The preacher also discusses the concept of guilt and sin, highlighting that everyone is guilty before God, but some are saved by God's grace while others hide behind fake righteousness.
Quote - Ravenhill on Condtion of American Church, 1985
By Leonard Ravenhill1.7K00:54Spiritual DeclineRavenhill QuoteChurch Accountability2CH 7:14MAT 7:21ROM 1:18GAL 6:7Leonard Ravenhill warns about the dire spiritual condition of the American church in 1985, emphasizing that the church's failure to rise above societal decay will lead to national judgment. He expresses concern over the rampant sin and moral decline, stating that God's patience is limited and that the church is complicit in the nation's iniquities. Ravenhill argues that the church's commercialization of the gospel and its desperate pleas for money reflect a deeper spiritual crisis. He believes that rather than the nation suffering for the church's sins, it is the church that will bear the consequences of America's moral failures. The urgency of repentance and revival is underscored as essential for the church's survival and the nation's hope.
Streets (Compilation)
By Compilations1.5K09:47CompilationEXO 20:7JHN 14:6ROM 1:18ROM 2:52CO 5:20HEB 2:31JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He explains that sin is a transgression of God's law and that God will judge each individual based on the Ten Commandments. The preacher highlights various sins such as lying, stealing, adultery, and taking God's name in vain, stating that they are crimes against God. He emphasizes that the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. The preacher urges listeners to repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness and salvation.
(Divine Attributes) 11 the Righteous Judgment of Almighty God
By Denny Kenaston1.4K57:43Character Of GodMAT 6:33ROM 1:18ROM 2:51CO 3:132CO 5:111PE 4:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the role of a judge in a court of law. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and facing the consequences. The preacher also highlights the idea that judgment begins in the house of God, as mentioned in Corinthians and Peter. He references the book of Romans to illustrate God's righteous judgment and the importance of recognizing God's holiness.
(Romans) Man's Righteousness God's Judgement
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:01:06Man's RighteousnessMAT 6:33LUK 15:1LUK 15:11LUK 18:9ROM 1:18ROM 2:1ROM 3:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that if all the secrets of people's lives were exposed, they would be afraid to face judgment. The preacher uses a courtroom scene as an analogy to illustrate this point. He also discusses the parable of the prodigal son, highlighting the elder son's rejection of his father's love and grace. The preacher then connects this to the concept of justification by faith, explaining that it is not the heroes of the law who will be justified, but rather those who do the work of the law. He concludes by referencing Romans 2:11-16, which speaks about God judging the secrets of man.
The Coming Great Deception
By Steve Gallagher1.4K44:03Great DeceptionPSA 15:2PSA 51:6PSA 145:18MAT 24:3ROM 1:181TI 2:42TI 3:72TI 4:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of rejecting the truth of God's word. He emphasizes the importance of understanding right from wrong and warns against accepting falsehoods as truth. The preacher also highlights the judgment that awaits those who do not believe in God. He concludes by mentioning the final giving over to one's desires and the need for continuous warning messages to ensure understanding and obedience. The sermon references verses from the Bible, including Matthew 24 and the concept of God's holiness being vindicated.
The Holiness of God - Part 2
By Art Katz1.3K41:13Holiness Of GodLEV 11:44JHN 10:10ACT 17:28ROM 1:18ROM 11:33HEB 12:61PE 4:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages believers to eliminate distractions and seek the knowledge of the holy. The speaker emphasizes that holiness is our life and that we should strive to know God deeply and intimately. He challenges believers to meditate on the holiness of God and to reflect His purity in their actions. Ultimately, the speaker reminds listeners that the world needs the reality of God, and believers can mediate that reality by dwelling in it and knowing their God.
Hearing God
By Anton Bosch1.3K47:21Hearing GodROM 1:182CO 3:12HEB 3:15HEB 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of interpreting and applying parables or illustrations in order to derive spiritual value from them. He mentions using five to ten different illustrations in his teachings, taken from various aspects of life. The preacher also highlights the repeated message in Hebrews 3:15 and 4:7, urging listeners to not harden their hearts and to hear God's voice. The sermon references the story of Samuel, where the word of God was scarce, but Samuel listened and became a vessel for God's message. The preacher warns against picking and choosing what aspects of preaching to follow based on personal preferences, as this can lead to turning away from the truth and being drawn towards fables.
K-501 the Holocaust as Judgment (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.3K20:44HolocaustEXO 3:5EXO 14:15PSA 85:10PRO 14:34MAT 6:33ACT 2:38ROM 1:18In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changing role of children in society and the impact of World War I. They emphasize the destructive nature of war and the failure of attempts to restore peace through democracy. The speaker calls for a deeper consecration to God and a recognition of His triune nature. They also emphasize the importance of embracing God's judgment and discipline, as well as the need for a change in the church's perspective on historical events such as the Holocaust.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the wrath of God is revealed - The apostle has now finished his preface, and comes to the grand subject of the epistle; namely, to show the absolute need of the Gospel of Christ, because of the universal corruption of mankind; which was so great as to incense the justice of God, and call aloud for the punishment of the world 1. He shows that all the heathen nations were utterly corrupt, and deserved this threatened punishment. And this is the subject of the first chapter, from Rom 1:18 to the end (Rom 1:18-32). 2. He shows that the Jews, notwithstanding the greatness of their privileges, were no better than the Gentiles; and therefore the wrath of God was revealed against them also. This subject he treats in Romans 2:1-29 and Romans 3:1-19. 3. He returns, as it were, on both, Rom 3:20-31, and proves that, as the Jews and Gentiles were equally corrupt, they could not be saved by the deeds of any law; that they stood equally in need of that salvation which God had provided; that both were equally entitled to that salvation, for God was the God of the Gentiles as well as of the Jews. By οργη θεου, the wrath of God, we are not to understand any uneasy passion in the Divine Being; but the displeasure of his righteousness, which is expressed by the punishments inflicted on the ungodly, those who retain not God in their knowledge; and the unrighteous, those whose lives are profligate. As, in the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed for the salvation of the ungodly, so is the wrath of God revealed against the workers of iniquity. Those who refuse to be saved in the way revealed by his mercy must be consumed in the way revealed by his justice. Ungodliness - ασεβειαν, from α , negative, and σεβω or σεβομαι, I worship, probably intended here to express atheism, polytheism, and idolatry of every kind. Unrighteousness - αδικιαν from α, negative, and δικη, justice; every thing contrary to strict morality; all viciousness and profligacy of conduct. Who hold the truth in unrighteousness - In what sense could it be said that the heathen held the truth in unrighteousness, when they really had not that truth? Some think this refers to the conduct of their best philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, Seneca, etc., who knew much more of the Divine nature than they thought safe or prudent to discover; and who acted in many things contrary to the light which they enjoyed. Others think this to be spoken of the Gentiles in general, who either did know, or might have known, much of God from the works of creation, as the apostle intimates in the following verses. But Rosenmuller and some others contend that the word κατεχειν here does not signify to hold, but to hinder; and that the place should be translated, who through maliciousness hinder the truth; i.e. prevent it from taking hold of their hearts, and from governing their conduct. This is certainly a very usual acceptation of the verb κατεχειν, which Hesychius interprets κρατειν, κωλυειν, συνεχειν, to retain, hinder, etc.; these men hindering, by their vicious conduct, the truth of God from being propagated in the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
WHY THIS DIVINELY PROVIDED RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NEEDED BY ALL MEN. (Rom 1:18) For the wrath of God--His holy displeasure and righteous vengeance against sin. is revealed from heaven--in the consciences of men, and attested by innumerable outward evidences of a moral government. against all ungodliness--that is, their whole irreligiousness, or their living without any conscious reference to God, and proper feelings towards Him. and unrighteousness of men--that is, all their deviations from moral rectitude in heart, speech, and behavior. (So these terms must be distinguished when used together, though, when standing alone, either of them includes the other). THIS WRATH OF GOD, REVEALED AGAINST ALL INIQUITY, OVERHANGS THE WHOLE HEATHEN WORLD. (Rom 1:18-32) who hold--rather, "hold down," "hinder," or "keep back." the truth in unrighteousness--The apostle, though he began this verse with a comprehensive proposition regarding men in general, takes up in the end of it only one of the two great divisions of mankind, to whom he meant to apply it; thus gently sliding into his argument. But before enumerating their actual iniquities, he goes back to the origin of them all, their stifling the light which still remained to them. As darkness overspreads the mind, so impotence takes possession of the heart, when the "still small voice" of conscience is first disregarded, next thwarted, and then systematically deadened. Thus "the truth" which God left with and in men, instead of having free scope and developing itself, as it otherwise would, was obstructed (compare Mat 6:22-23; Eph 4:17-18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven,.... The apostle having hinted at the doctrine of justification by faith in the righteousness of Christ; and which he designed more largely to insist upon in this epistle, and to prove that there can be no justification of a sinner in the sight of God by the deeds of the law, in order to set this matter in a clear light, from hence, to the end of the chapter, and in the following ones, represents the sad estate and condition of the Gentiles with the law of nature, and of the Jews with the law of Moses; by which it most clearly appears, that neither of them could be justified by their obedience to the respective laws under which they were, but that they both stood in need of the righteousness of God. By "the wrath of God" is meant the displicency and indignation of God at sin and sinners; his punitive justice, and awful vengeance; the judgments which he executes in this world; and that everlasting displeasure of his, and wrath to come in another world, which all through sin are deserving of, some are appointed to, God's elect are delivered from, through Christ's sustaining it, in their room and stead, and which comes and abides on all impenitent and unbelieving persons. This is said to be "revealed", where? not in the Gospel, in which the righteousness of God is revealed; unless the Gospel be taken for the books of the four Evangelists, or for the Gospel dispensation, or for that part of the ministry of a Gospel preacher, which represents the wrath of God as the desert of sin, the dreadfulness of it, and the way to escape it; for the Gospel, strictly taken, is grace, good news, glad tidings, and not wrath and damnation; though indeed in Christ's sufferings for the sins of his people, which the Gospel gives us an account of, there is a great display of the wrath of God, and of his indignation against sin: but this wrath of God is revealed in the law, it is known by the light of nature, and to be perceived in the law of Moses, and may be observed in the Scriptures, where are many instances and examples of divine wrath and displeasure; as in the total destruction of the old world by a world wide flood, the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, turning Lot's wife into a pillar of salt, the plagues of Egypt, and the several instances mentioned in this chapter. This wrath is said to be God's wrath "from heaven", by the awful blackness which covers the heavens, the storms and tempests raised in them, and by pouring down water or fire in a surprising manner, on the inhabitants of the world; or "from heaven", that is, openly, manifestly, in the sight of all; or from God who is in heaven, and not from second causes; and more especially it will be revealed from heaven, when Christ shall descend from thence at the day of judgment: the subject matter or object of it, against, or "upon" which it is revealed, are, all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men; that is, all ungodly and unrighteous men; or all men who are guilty of ungodliness, the breach of the first table of the law, which respects the worship of God, and of unrighteousness, the breach of the second table of the law, which regards our neighbours' good: and these persons are further described as such, who hold the truth in unrighteousness: meaning either such who know the Gospel, which is "the truth", and do not profess it openly, but hold and imprison it in their minds, which is a great piece of unrighteousness; or if they do profess it, do not live up to it in their lives: or rather the Gentile philosophers are designed, who are spoken of in the following verse; See Gill on Rom 1:22; who had some knowledge of the truth of the divine Being, and his perfections, and of the difference between moral good and evil; but did not like to retain it themselves, nor communicate all they knew to others, nor did they live according to that knowledge which they had.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually depicts God’s anger as occurring in the end times (Rom 2:5, 8; 5:9; Col 3:6; 1 Thes 1:10), the present tense of shows refers to God’s expressions of anger throughout human history.