Romans 1

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 =Tabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 28 0 8 0 0 Commentary) on) The Epistle to the Romans) Chapter 1:1 15) Prologue) CHAPTER 1:1 15) Outline) Salutation.) 1:1 7 ) Paul s thanksgiving and desire to visit Rome.) 1:8 15 ) ) Salutation) 1:1 7) 1 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, a called apostle, one set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in (the) sacred Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who, according to the flesh was born of the seed of David, 4 but by virtue of��12�� the Spirit of holiness, was, by means of the resurrection from the dead, appointed to be the Son of God invested with power, namely, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom and for whose sake we received the gift of apostleship, in order to bring about obedience of faith,��13�� among all the Gentiles, 6 including also you, the called of Jesus Christ;) 7 to all in Rome who are beloved of God, saints by virtue of having been called: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.) ) 1. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, a called apostle, one set apart for the gospel of God & ) This is the beginning of Paul s lengthiest opening salutation. For a comparison note the following list which, in an ascending series, indicates the number of words in the original for each salutation:) I Thessalonians 19 II Corinthians 41 ) II Thessalonians 27 Philemon 41 ) Colossians 28 I Corinthians 55 ) Ephesians 28 (or 30) Titus 65 ) II Timothy 29 Galatians 75 ) Philippians 32 Romans 93 ) I Timothy 32 ) ) ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.1|AUTODETECT|” As in his epistle to Titus so here in Romans Paul introduces himself as a doulos 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.23|AUTODETECT|” ) of Christ Jesus. As the English equivalent of doulos some prefer some even insist on slave. It must be granted that such traits as the slave s required absolute submission to his master and thorough dependence on him, as also the master s ownership of and unrestricted authority over his slave, can be applied, though in a far more exalted sense, to the relation between Christ and believers. See, for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” b, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, since with the concept slave we generally associate such ideas as involuntary service, forced subjection, and (frequently) harsh treatment, many have, probably correctly, concluded that slave is not the best English equivalent in this context.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Besides, it should be borne in mind that Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.24|AUTODETECT|” ), thoroughly at home in the Old Testament. Therefore when he calls himself a doulos of Christ Jesus, he is probably reflecting on passages in which Abraham 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 26:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.7|AUTODETECT|” ), Moses 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.7|AUTODETECT|” Num. 12:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.29|AUTODETECT|” ), Joshua 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.29|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 24:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ), David 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.5|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ), Isaiah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.20.3|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 20:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.1-23.49.7|AUTODETECT|” ), etc., are called Jehovah s servants. Is it not even possible that the figure of the wholeheartedly committed Servant described in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.1-23.49.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 49:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.13|AUTODETECT|” 52:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.11|AUTODETECT|” 53:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1|AUTODETECT|” contributed to the meaning of the word doulos here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Paul presents himself as a servant of Christ Jesus.��14�� The personal name Jesus, meaning either he will certainly save 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), or Jehovah is salvation, which ultimately amount to the same thing, is preceded by the official designation Christ (Anointed). Of this Christ Jesus, Paul is a servant, completely surrendered to his Master.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 This servant is at the same time a called apostle. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Now in the broadest sense an apostle (Greek apostolos, a term derived from a verb which means to send, to send away on a commission, to dispatch) is anyone who is sent or by whom a message is sent; hence, an ambassador, envoy, messenger. In classical Greek the term could refer to a naval expedition, and an apostolic boat was a cargo vessel. In later Judaism apostles were envoys sent out by the Jerusalem patriarchate to collect tribute from the Jews of the Dispersion. In the New Testament the term takes on a distinctly religious sense. In its widest meaning it refers to any gospel-messenger, anyone who is sent on a spiritual mission, anyone who in that capacity represents his Sender and brings the message of salvation. Thus used, Barnabas, Epaphroditus, Apollos, Silvanus, and Timothy are all called apostles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.25|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.1|AUTODETECT|” 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.7|AUTODETECT|” ; and see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.23|AUTODETECT|” ). They all represent God s cause, though in doing so they may also represent certain definite churches whose apostles they are called 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.23|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Thus Paul and Barnabas represent the church of Antioch 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ), and Epaphroditus is Philippi s apostle 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.25|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1|AUTODETECT|” But in determining the meaning of the term apostle here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” it will be far better to study those passages in which it is used in its more usual sense. Occurring ten times in the Gospels, almost thirty times in Acts, more than thirty times in the Pauline epistles (including the five occurrences in the Pastorals), and eight times in the rest of the New Testament, it generally 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and the exceptions already indicated) refers to the Twelve and Paul.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” In that fullest, deepest sense a man is an apostle for life and wherever he goes. He is clothed with the authority of the One who sent him, and that authority concerns both doctrine and life. The idea, found in much present-day religious literature, according to which an apostle has no real office, no authority, lacks scriptural support. Anyone can see this for himself by studying such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.18|AUTODETECT|” 18:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” 28:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” (note the connection); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.23|AUTODETECT|” John 20:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.3-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.3-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.5|AUTODETECT|” Paul, then, was an apostle in the richest sense of the term. His apostleship was the same as that of the Twelve. Hence, we speak of the Twelve and Paul. Paul even stresses the fact that the risen Savior had appeared to him just as truly as he had appeared to Cephas 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.16-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” ). That same Savior had assigned to him a task so broad and universal that his entire life was henceforth to be occupied with it 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.16-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 26:16 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Yet Paul was definitely not one of the Twelve. The idea that the disciples had made a mistake when they had chosen Matthias to take the place of Judas, and that the Holy Spirit later designated Paul as the real substitute, hardly merits consideration 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ). But if he was not one of the Twelve yet was invested with the same office, what was the relation between him and the Twelve? The answer is probably suggested by ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . On the basis of these passages this answer can be formulated thus: The Twelve, by recognizing Paul as having been specially called to minister to the Gentiles, were in effect carrying out through him their calling to the Gentiles.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 The characteristics of full apostleship the apostleship of the Twelve and Paul were as follows:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.70|AUTODETECT|” In the first place, the apostles have been chosen, called, and sent forth by Christ himself. They have received their commission directly from him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.70|AUTODETECT|” John 6:70) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.18|AUTODETECT|” 13:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.16|AUTODETECT|” 15:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Secondly, they are qualified for their tasks by Jesus, and have been ear-and-eye witnesses of his words and deeds; specifically, they are the witnesses of his resurrection 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.8|AUTODETECT|” 15:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.2-49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.2-49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:2 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.1-62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.1-62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ). Note: though ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 does not apply to Paul, the other passages do apply to him. Paul too had seen the Lord!) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.20|AUTODETECT|” Thirdly, they have been endowed in a special measure with the Holy Spirit, and it is this Holy Spirit who leads them into all the truth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.26|AUTODETECT|” John 14:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” 15:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.7-43.16.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.7-43.16.14|AUTODETECT|” 16:7 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.22|AUTODETECT|” 20:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.10-46.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.10-46.2.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:10 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.40|AUTODETECT|” 7:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.8|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.1|AUTODETECT|” Fourthly, God blesses their work, confirming its value by means of signs and miracles, and giving them much fruit upon their labors 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.43|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.43|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.2|AUTODETECT|” 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.12-44.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.12-44.5.16|AUTODETECT|” 5:12 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.18|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.16-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” Fifthly, their office is not restricted to a local church, neither does it extend over a short period of time; on the contrary, it is for the entire church and for life 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.16-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 26:16 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.7|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Note a called apostle. This surely is much better than either called an apostle or called to be or to become an apostle. What the original means is that Paul was an apostle by virtue of having been effectively called by God to this office. Similarly the people he addresses were saints by virtue of having been called, saints by (divine) vocation. See on verse 7.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.15|AUTODETECT|” As a called apostle, Paul had been set apart for the gospel of God. From the beginning he had been designed by God for the proclamation of the gospel. Note especially ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , where the apostle expresses himself as follows, & it pleased him who separated me from my mother s womb and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, in order that I might preach his gospel among the Gentiles.& ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.9|AUTODETECT|” Paul speaks of the gospel of God or God s gospel. And it is indeed the God-spell, the spell or story that tells us what God has done to save sinners. For that very reason it is an evangel or message of good tidings. It is the glad news of salvation which God addresses to a world lost in sin. Not what we must do but what God in Christ has done for us is the most prominent part of that good news. This is clear from the manner in which the noun evangel and the related verb, to proclaim an evangel, to bring good news, are used in the Old Testament. See LXX on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 40:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.2|AUTODETECT|” 96:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 40:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.7|AUTODETECT|” 52:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1|AUTODETECT|” 61:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Nah. 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the term gospel of God (verse 1) has two modifiers, one in verse 2, the other in verse 3 f.) 1 8 0 8 0 0 2. & which he promised beforehand through his prophets in (the) sacred Scriptures & ) This passage is indeed very important. It shows us how Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wants us to regard the Old Testament. He clearly views the old and the new dispensation as belonging together. He regards (a) the Old Testament and (b) the good news of salvation as proclaimed by Jesus and his messengers, as being a unit. Speaking by and large we can say that the Old Testament contains the promises; the New Testament shows how these promises had been, were being, and were going to be fulfilled.) When Paul says his prophets he has reference, of course, not only to such holy men of God as Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc., but also to Moses, Samuel, David, etc. To speak in language which even children can understand:) The Old is by the New explained,) The New is in the Old contained.) or similarly:) The New is in the Old concealed,) The Old is by the New revealed.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.25-42.24.32|AUTODETECT|” What Paul writes here is exactly what Jesus also proclaimed; and this not only in those well-known passages: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.25-42.24.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:25 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.44-42.24.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.44-42.24.48|AUTODETECT|” 44 48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.21|AUTODETECT|” , to which reference is often made in this connection, but certainly also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.37|AUTODETECT|” (in the context 4:16 30), Today, in your very hearing, this passage of Scripture is being fulfilled, and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , For I tell you, what has been written must be fulfilled in me: And he was numbered with the transgressors. Yes, that passage about me is reaching its fulfillment. For more on this subject see N.T.C. on Luke, p. 977, and on Philippians, pp. 81 85.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.35|AUTODETECT|” The point to be emphasized here is that both Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.35|AUTODETECT|” John 10:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.17|AUTODETECT|” 17:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and Paul esteemed the Old Testament very highly. They deemed it to be sacred. When a person rejects the Old Testament, he is therefore also rejecting Jesus and Paul!) 1 4 0 8 0 0 We now proceed to the second modifier of the term the gospel of God. It is this:) 3, 4. & concerning his Son, who, according to the flesh was born of the seed of David, but by virtue of [or: in accordance with] the Spirit of holiness, was, by means of the resurrection from the dead, appointed to be the Son of God invested with power, namely, Jesus Christ our Lord & ) Interpreters differ rather sharply in their explanation of these lines. My own interpretation is based, to a large extent, on my conclusions with respect to the meaning of the original. So, I invite students of the Greek to study the footnote.��15��) Paul confesses Jesus to be God s Son. He means that the Savior was God s Son entirely apart from and antecedently to his assumption of the human nature. He is the Son of God from all eternity; hence, he is God.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” This confession harmonizes with what the apostle says elsewhere. Thus, in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , according to what is probably the best reading and interpretation, Paul calls Jesus over all God blest forever. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.9|AUTODETECT|” he describes him as our great God and Savior. He is, in fact, the One in whom all the fulness of the godhead is concentrated 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ). Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” Now it is this Son who, without laying aside his divine nature, assumed the human nature. Though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, in order that we through his poverty might become rich 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ). In the fulness of time he was born of a woman 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.3|AUTODETECT|” ). Throughout his earthly sojourn he was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.3|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Exactly how it was possible for the completely intact and glorious divine nature of the Savior to dwell in intimate union with his human nature, the latter burdened with the load of our guilt and all the unspeakable agonies this condition implied, surpasses human comprehension.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” Our passage also informs us that with respect to this human nature Jesus was born of the seed of David. This was in fulfilment of the oft repeated promise. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.3|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 89:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.132.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.132.17|AUTODETECT|” 132:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.1-23.11.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.1-23.11.5|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.5|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.30.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.30.9|AUTODETECT|” 30:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.33.14-24.33.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.33.14-24.33.16|AUTODETECT|” 33:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.34.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.34.23|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 34:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.34.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.34.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.24|AUTODETECT|” 37:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.69|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.69|AUTODETECT|” 69) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.23-42.3.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.23-42.3.31|AUTODETECT|” 3:23 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.42|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.42|AUTODETECT|” John 7:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” 22:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Had he not been a descendant of David he could not have been the Messiah, for prophecy concerning him must be fulfilled.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 His state of humiliation, however, could not last forever. As a reward for his willingness to endure it, he was, by virtue of the Spirit of holiness, appointed to be the Son of God in power or invested with power. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.7|AUTODETECT|” With respect to Christ s appointment from eternity, effectuated in time, see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.33|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.5|AUTODETECT|” 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The implied exaltation took place by means of his resurrection from the dead; that is, his glorious resurrection was the first important step in his journey to glory. It was followed by Christ s ascension, coronation, and act of pouring out the Holy Spirit.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” In the expression he was appointed to be the Son of God invested with power, all emphasis falls on the words in italics. As has already been pointed out, from all eternity he was the Son of God, but during his period of humiliation his power, in its fullest degree, was, as it were, hidden from view. By means of his glorious resurrection his investiture with power not only was enhanced but also began to shine forth in all its glory. The expression here used reminds us of Peter s statement, made in a very similar context, namely, Without a shadow of doubt, therefore, let all the house of Israel be assured that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). That statement did not imply that before his resurrection Jesus was not Lord and Christ. It meant that the power, majesty, and glory of his exalted office was now beginning to shine forth in all its augmented brilliance.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Now ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 informs us that this manifestation of Christ s investiture with power was brought about by the Spirit of holiness. This Spirit of holiness must not be identified with the spiritual over against the physical element in Christ s human nature, or with his divine as contrasted with his human nature, but with the Holy Spirit, the third person in the divine Trinity.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 But though the third person is distinct from the second, the two, the Holy Spirit and Christ, are most intimately related. Says Dr. H. Bavinck (my translation from the Dutch):) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.35|AUTODETECT|” To be sure, the Spirit of holiness was already dwelling in Christ before his resurrection; in fact, from the moment of his conception, for he was conceived by the Holy Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ), was filled with the Holy Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” ), received him without measure 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” John 3:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.4|AUTODETECT|” ) & But this glory which Christ possessed inwardly, was not able to reveal itself outwardly. He was flesh, and because of the weakness of the flesh he was put to death on the cross 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.4|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.11|AUTODETECT|” ). But in death he laid aside this weakness, and severed every connection with sin and death. God, who, for our sake, delivered up to death his own Son, also raised him from death, through his Spirit, who, as Spirit of holiness, dwells in Christ and in all believers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He raised him in order that from that moment on he would no longer live in the weakness of the flesh but in the power of the Spirit. ��16��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.6|AUTODETECT|” It was because of this great power that the exalted divine-and-human Savior from his heavenly throne poured out the Spirit upon his church, imparting strength, conviction, courage, and illumination to those who previously had been very weak. Also it was this energy that enabled him to bring about conversions by the thousands, so that even according to the testimony of enemies the world was being turned upside down 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Moreover, it was as a result of the exertion of this mighty influence that the barrier between Jew and Gentile, a wall so formidable that its removal must have seemed impossible, was actually broken down. And it was on account of this force that the glorious gospel of the risen and exalted Savior began to penetrate every sphere of life and is still doing this today.) 1 5 0 8 0 0 The impartation of life is generally ascribed to the Holy Spirit:) Thy Spirit, O Lord, makes life to abound,) The earth is renewed, and fruitful the ground;) To God ascribe glory and wisdom and might,) Let God in his creatures forever delight.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.30|AUTODETECT|” See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.30|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 104:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.31|AUTODETECT|” 31) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” If, then, the impartation of life is ascribed to the Holy Spirit, is it not logical that here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the renewal of life Christ s resurrection is also ascribed to him?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” Paul concludes this summary of names of the One who is the heart and center of the gospel of God (verse 1) by adding, Jesus Christ our Lord. This meaningful title shows what the One who is being described means to the apostle; in fact, to the church in general, and to that of Rome in particular. Note God s Son (verses 3, 4a) & our Lord (verse 4b). Observe also the combination of the personal name Jesus=Savior with the official name Christ=Anointed One. Adoration: Lord (Owner, Ruler, Provider) is placed side by side with Appropriation: our Lord. It is by means of Jesus Christ our Lord that the true gospel reaches its climax.

Apart from him salvation is impossible. With him as our joyfully recognized Sovereign, the object of our trust and love, damnation is unthinkable. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 0 8 0 0 Having already introduced himself in verse 1, Paul now adds some more information about himself; that is, about himself in relation to Jesus Christ our Lord from whom he had received his important commission:) 5. & through whom and for whose sake we received the gift of apostleship, in order to bring about obedience of faith, among all the Gentiles & ) Literally the passage reads, through whom and for whose sake we received grace and apostleship. Many translators have retained these words, in that order, in their versions. So interpreted, Paul would be saying that he had received two things: (a) grace; that is, God s unmerited favor, imparting salvation, plus (b) apostleship.��17�� This interpretation may be correct.) Personally I favor the other view, namely, that what we have here in verse 5 is an instance of hendiadys (the one by means of two figure of speech; that is: one concept is expressed by two nouns connected by and), and that the meaning is, accordingly, the gift (or grace) of apostleship. I favor this interpretation and translation for the following reasons:) 1. In the present context it is hard to see why Paul would have to emphasize that he is a man saved by grace.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.15|AUTODETECT|” 2. Also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the grace mentioned is Paul s ministry, his apostolic office.��18�� And cf. 12:6.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 When Paul says, We received, he is in all probability using the literary or writer s plural.��19�� If so, he is referring to himself, not also to others.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1-44.9.19|AUTODETECT|” When did Paul receive from Jesus Christ our Lord the gift of apostleship, with the implied mandate to exercise it? Many passages occur to the mind; for example: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.1-44.9.19|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:1 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.15|AUTODETECT|” (note especially verse 15); 18:9, 10; 22:6 21; 26:12 18; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Among all of them there are two that deserve more than passing notice:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.15-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” In the first, Jesus is represented as addressing Paul in connection with the unforgettable vision the latter received while as a relentless persecutor he was on his way to Damascus. In answer to Paul s question, Who art thou, Lord? the Lord answered, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But arise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you (to be) a servant and a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes in order that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, so as to receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.15-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 26:15b 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” In the second, which reports what happened shortly afterward, while Paul was praying in the temple, it is stated that he fell into a trance and heard the Lord saying to him, Depart, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” In both of these passages the apostle is described as a man who received his apostolic mission from Jesus Christ. See also N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 3 0 8 0 0 Note through whom and for whose sake. This means that not only is it true that Paul received his apostleship from or through Christ, but it is also a fact that he received it in order that by means of it he might proclaim the name of Christ and promote his cause.) The purpose for which Paul was appointed was to bring about obedience of faith. Such obedience is based on faith and springs from faith. In fact, so very closely are faith and obedience connected that they may be compared to inseparable identical twins. When you see the one you see the other. A person cannot have genuine faith without having obedience, nor vice versa.��20��) A striking illustration of this fact is offered by the apostle himself in two synonymous passages, the one concerning faith; the other, concerning obedience:) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , & I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the entire world. ) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , For the fame of your obedience has reached everyone. It is by means of obedience of faith that a person embraces Christ.) 1 3 0 8 0 0 After Paul has written & in order to bring about obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, he continues:) 6. & including also you, the called of Jesus Christ & ) It is clear that Paul, who in verses 1 5 has been speaking not only about himself and his apostolic office but also about the Christ-centered gospel, now turns specifically to those whom he is addressing. To be sure, they had never been absent from his mind. But he now mentions them as those who were definitely included in the number of people for whom the gospel was intended.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” Speaking by and large, the apostle rejoices in being able to state that Rome s membership had not only been invited to embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, but had also, by God s sovereign grace, responded favorably to the invitation. Paul is speaking therefore about what is often termed the effectual call 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.24|AUTODETECT|” 9:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , etc.).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.13|AUTODETECT|” Implied in these words is also the fact that Paul is deeply conscious of the fact that he has a definite, a very special, right to address these people. Is he not the apostle (par excellence) to the Gentiles ? In addition to the immediately preceding verse (verse 5) see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.16|AUTODETECT|” 15:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.7|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . And is not the most natural implication of the words among all the Gentiles, including also you this, that those whom Paul here addresses were mostly Gentiles by race, and had at one time been Gentiles also by religion? See Introduction, Section IV.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.27|AUTODETECT|” When Paul names those he is addressing the called of Jesus Christ, he means those who by virtue of having been effectively called belong to Jesus Christ, are his people. They are even now his very own, having been given to him by the Father. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.27|AUTODETECT|” John 10:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.6|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.6|AUTODETECT|” John 17:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . This inclusion in God s family is also implied in the words:) 1 2 0 8 0 0 7. & to all in Rome who are beloved of God, saints by virtue of having been called: & ) By means of the phrase to all in Rome who are beloved of God Paul continues what he had begun in verse 6, namely, to describe those whom he addresses. This time he includes in his description the name of the place where they are living, Rome. For the reason why we believe that the words in Rome are a genuine part of the text see Introduction VI, under As to 1, p. 27.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.3|AUTODETECT|” As to the expression beloved of God , a study of the book of Romans in its entirety reveals that for Paul these words indicate not only that God now loves the believers in Rome but also that he had loved them from all eternity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.3|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.31-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” ), and would never stop loving them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.31-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:31 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” ). We know that this is the apostle s view, for, as he sees it, God s concern for his children is an unbreakable chain 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ). It reaches from one eternity to the next. It is a love that precedes, accompanies, and follows their love for God. And, of course, even men s love for God must not be viewed as an independent entity. Rather, We love because he first loved us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5-45.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ). The same idea is certainly implied in Paul s teaching on this subject. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5-45.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:5 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” 8:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 0 8 0 0 Paul adds, saints by virtue of having been called. ) Though interpreters have spared no efforts in calling attention to this meaning of the original,��21�� translators continue to offer: called to be saints. But that is not what Paul says. He is telling the Roman Christians what, by grace, they are even now. He is stating that something has happened to them: they have been effectively called. By this inner or effective call is meant that operation of the Holy Spirit whereby he so applies the gospel to the minds and hearts of sinners that they become aware of their guilt, begin to understand their need of Jesus Christ, and embrace him as their Lord and Savior. Thus these people become saints, that is, people who have been set apart in order to live lives to the glory of the Triune God as revealed in Christ Jesus.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.10|AUTODETECT|” As mentioned earlier, Paul had been thoroughly drilled in the contents of what we today call the Old Testament. He knew that during the old dispensation there were certain places, objects, and people that had been set apart and consecrated for the service of God; for example, the holy place 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.10|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 8:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.26.33|AUTODETECT|” ) and the holy of holies 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.26.33|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 26:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.27.30|AUTODETECT|” ), the tithe of the land 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.27.30|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 27:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.21.6|AUTODETECT|” ), the priests 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.21.6|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 21:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.21.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.21.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.6|AUTODETECT|” ), and even the Israelites as a whole, viewed in distinction from the other nations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 19:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.26|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 20:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.7.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.7.6|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 7:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.22|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ). It is this idea which in the New Testament is applied to Christians generally. They are the elect race, royal priesthood, holy nation, people for God s own possession of the new dispensation, chosen to declare God s praises 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). A saint, then, is a person whose guilt has been blotted out on the basis of Christ s substitutionary atonement, and who, consequently, by means of the power of the indwelling Spirit, strives to live to God s glory. He is one who has been set apart and consecrated for service.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Paul, then, is stating that the addressees are such people. They are saints by virtue of having been effectively called.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” But now, having rejected the rendering called to be saints, because it is wrong, it is but fair to point out that this very translation, though far from satisfactory, does contain one element of value. It points to the fact that a person who, by God s sovereign grace and power, has become a saint cannot rest on his laurels. On the contrary, now being a saint, he should endeavor day after day after day to live as a saint should live. This is true all the more because as long as he is still on this earth, he remains a sinner. He should do his utmost not by his own power, for he has none, but by the power of the Holy Spirit to be holy and without blemish before him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ). If he is indeed a saint, he will also actually do this. Thus we see that even a faulty translation of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 can point in the right direction.) 1 4 0 8 0 0 Paul has called these Romans the called of Jesus Christ, beloved of God, saints. Why, we may well ask, is he so generous in his praise for these people and so eager to assure them that he loves them & and even better, that God loves them? Probably because he knows, and they know, that he, Paul, has not founded this church. So he is, as it were, saying, I love you as sincerely and deeply as if I myself had been the founder of your church. And I consider myself your apostle; yes, your very own. ) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.) This is the form of the salutation found in most of Paul s epistles. In Colossians and in I Thessalonians there is an abbreviation; in I and II Timothy there is an expansion, the word mercy having been inserted between grace and peace.

In Titus the word our Savior has been substituted for our Lord. ) What we see here in Romans, etc., is that the Greek greeting form has been combined with the Jewish form. The Greek says Chaire! = Joy to you! The Jew says Shalom! = Peace! Not only, however, have these two greetings been joined by Paul but they have at the same time been transformed into one distinctively Christian salutation. Note, in this connection, that chaire has been changed into charis = grace.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Grace, as here used, is God s spontaneous, unmerited favor in action, his freely bestowed lovingkindness in operation, bestowing salvation upon guilt-laden sinners who turn to him for refuge. It is, as it were, the rainbow round about the very throne out of which proceed flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 4:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We think of the Judge who not only remits the penalty but also cancels the guilt of the offender and even adopts him as his own son.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” Grace brings peace. The latter is both a state, that of reconciliation with God, and a condition, the inner conviction that consequently all is well. It is the great blessing which Christ by his atoning sacrifice bestowed upon the church 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” John 14:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ), and it surpasses all understanding 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is not the reflection of an unclouded sky in the tranquil waters of a picturesque lake, but rather the cleft of the rock in which the Lord hides his children when the storm is raging (think of the theme of Zephaniah s prophecy); or, to change the figure somewhat but with retention of the main thought, it is the hiding place under the wings, to which the hen gathers her brood, so that the little chicks are safe while the storm bursts loose in all its fury upon herself.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Now this grace and this peace have their origin in God our (precious word of appropriation and inclusion!) Father, and have been merited for believers by him who is the great Master-Owner-Conqueror , Savior , and Office-Bearer , and who, because of his threefold anointing is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near to God through him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 7 0 8 0 0 For further details about certain aspects of Paul s opening salutations see N.T.C. on I and II Thessalonians, pp. 37 45; on Philippians, pp. 43 49; and on I and II Timothy and Titus, pp. 49 56; 339 344.) ) Paul s thanksgiving and desire to visit Rome) 1:8 15) 8 To begin with, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being talked about throughout the entire world. 9 For God, whom I serve from the heart��22�� in the gospel of his Son, is my witness, how unceasingly I make mention of you 10 at all times in my prayers, asking if perhaps now at last, by God s will, the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 For I am yearning to see you, in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, so that you may be strengthened 12 I mean that while (I am) among you, 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 many times I planned to come to you but have been prevented until now in order that I might have some fruit among you also, just as (I have had) among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 To both Greeks and barbarians, to both learned and unlearned,��23�� I am a debtor; 15 hence my eagerness to preach the gospel also to you in Rome.) ) 8. To begin with, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being talked about throughout the entire world.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.4-46.1.9|AUTODETECT|” The Prologue proceeds in the usual manner; that is, with the apostle s thanksgiving. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.4-46.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:4 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.3-50.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.3-50.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:3 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.3-51.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.3-51.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:3 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.2-52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.2-52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:2 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.3-53.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.3-53.1.10|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:3 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:12 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.3-55.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.3-55.1.5|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.25.14|AUTODETECT|” I thank my God. For this author God was not a philosophical abstraction but a real Friend. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.25.14|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 25:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” James 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.3-44.9.8|AUTODETECT|” . God was the object of Paul s trust and love, the One to whom he owed everything. Was it not God who had changed this bitter persecutor into an enthusiastic promoter of the gospel? Therefore, to appreciate the meaning of the designation my God and the emotions that must have surged through the apostle s heart when he wrote this, one should read such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.3-44.9.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:3 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.23|AUTODETECT|” 27:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.12-54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:12 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.50.15|AUTODETECT|” & through Jesus Christ. It was through him that blessings had been received (see the preceding context, verses 4 6). Therefore also through him thanksgiving must be returned. This circle must never be broken! Divine blessings descending from heaven should ascend back to heaven in the form of grateful acknowledgment. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.50.15|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 50:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 & for you all, not only for those whom Paul had met or with whom he had become acquainted and whom he mentions by name in 16:3 15, but for the entire congregation.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.6|AUTODETECT|” & because your faith is being talked about throughout the entire world. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.8|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . This is understandable, especially in view of the fact that Rome was the capital, the metropolis, of the world known to Paul. Ever so many people had contact with Rome, either directly or through friends, relatives, business associates, etc. The fact that in the very heart of pagan Rome there were those who worshiped the true God was indeed a worthy topic for conversation, an adequate reason for joyful thanksgiving.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 9, 10. For God, whom I serve from the heart [or: in my spirit] in the gospel of his Son, is my witness, how unceasingly I make mention of you at all times in my prayers, asking if perhaps now at last, by God s will, the way may be opened for me to come to you.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.29|AUTODETECT|” God & is my witness. In order that the believers in Rome may know how earnestly Paul prays for them and how deeply he yearns to see them, he, for confirmation of what he writes, appeals to the omniscient God, who cannot lie, and who judges human hearts and motives. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.29|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 15:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.11.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.11.20|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 11:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.13|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.18|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.10|AUTODETECT|” God, whom I serve from the heart. The word used in the original refers to service of a distinctly religious kind. Often it amounts to worship 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.74|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.74|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:74) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 7:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.3|AUTODETECT|” 22:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.42|AUTODETECT|” ), though the object of such service or worship is not always the true God who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ. In a few cases the indicated activity amounts to idolatry 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.42|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). With Paul the object of this service is the One he calls my God (verse 8), or, as here in verse 9, simply God. When the apostle states whom I serve in my spirit (thus literally), he probably means from the heart, that is, with sincere devotion of heart (Calvin).) 1 1 0 8 0 0 & (whom I serve) & in the gospel of his Son. Several interpreters insert the word preaching or proclaiming between in and the gospel. If questioned about this, they might appeal to verse 15: hence my eagerness to preach the gospel also to you in Rome. Undoubtedly also here in verse 9 the reference is mainly to gospel preaching. Nevertheless, the expression I serve God in the gospel may well have a somewhat broader connotation. Does not Paul serve God in the gospel of his Son also when he prays that the seed sown may fall into good soil, when he comforts an individual, and, above all, when he dedicates his entire life and all his talents to God?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.33|AUTODETECT|” Note the gospel of his Son, for it is by means of the latter s incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, coronation, intercession, and pouring out of the Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.33|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), that believers obtain the promised blessings.) 1 7 0 8 0 0 With respect to the rest of the sentence, it is probably advisable to read this first without insertion of any comma (reserving the phrase by God s will for later comment). Note, therefore, the following:) & how unceasingly I make mention of you at all times in my prayers asking if perhaps now at last & the way may be opened for me to come to you. ) Where shall we place the comma? Our first inclination is probably to place it after the words how unceasingly I make mention of you. Our reason for wishing to place it there is that otherwise the sentence results in an apparent redundance: unceasingly & at all times. With the comma placed after & of you, the sentence would read: God is my witness how unceasingly I make mention of you, at all times in my prayers asking if perhaps now at last & the way may be opened for me to come to you. ��24��) Though I respect those who favor this construction, and highly regard their books, I cannot agree. By apparently solving one problem, are they not creating a bigger one?

It is difficult to believe that Paul meant to convey the thought that whenever he prayed he was always asking the Lord to lead him to Rome! Besides, so construed, does not the expression how unceasingly I make mention of you hang in the air? This unceasingly making mention of these people would then be introduced by an expression that almost amounts to an oath, as if merely mentioning them, without the modifier in my prayers, were that important!) I believe, therefore, that the comma should be placed after in my prayers. What the apostle is emphasizing is that his habit of constantly including the Roman believers in his prayers has not suffered any letup.��25��) asking if perhaps, etc. As pointed out in Introduction V, Paul is not at all sure that he will ever reach Rome. See also 15:31.) & now at last.

The restless eagerness of a heart filled with love and longing causes Paul to write as he does.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.21|AUTODETECT|” & by God s will. It is clear from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.19|AUTODETECT|” 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.7|AUTODETECT|” 16:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.7-47.12.10|AUTODETECT|” that for Paul Deo volente was not an empty phrase. The constant and voluntary act of subjecting himself to God s sovereign intention for his (Paul s) life and labors was that which sustained him in all his trials. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.7-47.12.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:7 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” contains a striking illustration of this attitude of wholehearted, unconditional submission. The phrase sometimes heard, namely, God willing or not willing, would never have proceeded from Paul s lips or occurred to his mind. The truth expressed so beautifully in passages like ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:28 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.39|AUTODETECT|” prevented this from ever happening. How Christ-like this attitude! See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.36|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.41|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 7 0 8 0 0 & the way may be opened, that is, the opportunity may, by divine arrangement, present itself.) Why was Paul so eager to visit the church in Rome? The answer is found in verses 11 15; also in 15:24. Since this matter has been discussed in the Introduction, Section V, it is not necessary to elaborate.) 11, 12. For I am yearning to see you, in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, so that you may be strengthened I mean that while (I am) among you, we may be mutually encouraged by each other s faith, both yours and mine.) & some spiritual gift. Paul expresses himself very modestly here. He is referring to spiritual strengthening in general, not to the impartation of any specific charismatic gift, such as speaking in tongues, etc.) This modesty or humility on the part of the author is also evident from the use of the passive voice: that you may be strengthened, that is, by God.) And especially does this attractive trait namely humility, that low sweet root, from which all heavenly virtues shoot (Moore) reveal itself in the final line, in which the apostle places himself on a level with the Roman believers, by stating that his presence in Rome will mean mutual encouragement; as if to say, My faith, as well as yours, is in need of strengthening.

You will be a blessing to me; I to you. Says Calvin, Note to what degree of modesty his pious heart submitted itself, so that he did not disdain to seek confirmation from inexperienced beginners. He means what he says, too, for there is no one so void of gifts in the Church of Christ who is unable to contribute something to our benefit. Ill will and pride, however, prevent our deriving such fruit from one another. ) 13. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that many times I planned to come to you but have been prevented until now in order that I might have some fruit among you also, just as (I have had) among the rest of the Gentiles.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” I do not want you to be unaware. This expression occurs also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.1|AUTODETECT|” 12:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.13|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.13|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is a kind of litotes; i.e., a figure of speech in which something is expressed and even emphasized by the negation of its opposite. For example, not a few probably means many or even very many. So what Paul means in the present connection is, I want you to take special note of the fact that.& ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.58|AUTODETECT|” & brothers. All men are brothers is a common saying. Though in a certain sense this cannot be denied, it is not what Paul had in mind. He is speaking about brothers in Christ, about those who together belong to The Family of God. See N.T.C. on Ephesians, pp. 165 170. In the vocabulary of Paul the word brothers occurs with great frequency; in fact, slightly more than 100 times. In Romans it is found 14 times. The fact that what the apostle generally has in mind when he uses the term is those who are united in a common bond of Christian fellowship is especially clear from such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.58|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:58) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.2|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.50|AUTODETECT|” Also at this point, the recognition of The Family of God, whose members are brothers and sisters, Paul is following the teaching and example of Christ. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.50|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:50) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 0 8 0 0 & that many times I planned to come to you. This can mean no less than that there had actually been several occasions when Paul had made serious plans to visit the church in Rome. When had this happened? During a previous stay in Corinth? In connection with the apostle s lengthy ministry in Ephesus? We do not know.

What we do know, however, is that Paul, by writing this, is revealing to the believers in Rome that his interest in and love for them was not born yesterday. On the contrary, he has heard many reports about them, has repeatedly remembered them in his prayers, is still doing this (verse 9), is filled with tenderness toward them, and is again (as often previously) planning to visit them.) It is clear that but have been prevented until now is a parenthesis. What was it that had blocked these planned trips? It is possible that 15:22 especially in view of its immediately following context points in the direction of an answer.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.17|AUTODETECT|” The sentence, I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that many times I planned to come to you continues as follows: in order that l might have some fruit among you also & In Paul s thinking what was included in this fruit? Growth in spiritual knowledge? That the apostle considered this important is clear from such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.13|AUTODETECT|” 4:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” . And certainly the fruit he himself mentions in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 love, joy, peace, longsuffering (or patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness (or gentleness), self-control, and similar graces should be added.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|” When Paul mentioned fruit, could he also have been thinking about conversions to the Christian religion, whether directly from paganism, or from paganism via Judaism? Some commentators deny this. Yet, in view of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , is it at all possible to exclude this type of fruit from the harvest Paul had in mind?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.1-43.15.8|AUTODETECT|” What is important in this connection is to note, once again, how very close is the relationship between the mind of Christ and the mind of Paul. Did not also our Lord emphasize the necessity of fruitbearing? See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.1-43.15.8|AUTODETECT|” John 15:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.36-40.9.38|AUTODETECT|” . Add ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.36-40.9.38|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:36 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28|AUTODETECT|” 11:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.35|AUTODETECT|” John 4:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.37|AUTODETECT|” 7:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.38|AUTODETECT|” 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.48|AUTODETECT|” & in order that I might have some fruit among you also, just as (I have had) among the rest of the Gentiles. It will never do to skip this statement, as if it were of no importance. Nor is it satisfactory to dismiss it after having commented that evidently the church in Rome consisted for the most part of Gentiles, though that inference is probably warranted. See Introduction, IV. It would appear to me that the real lesson conveyed by verse 13 is once again Paul s modesty. Some fruit & among the rest of the Gentiles. What a humble manner of describing the rich and abundant harvest of families and individuals which through the instrumentality of Paul had been won for the Lord from among the Gentiles! Read ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.48|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.21-44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.21-44.14.23|AUTODETECT|” 14:21 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.14|AUTODETECT|” 16:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.31-44.16.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.31-44.16.34|AUTODETECT|” 31 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|” 17:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.34|AUTODETECT|” 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.14|AUTODETECT|” 18:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.18-44.19.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.18-44.19.20|AUTODETECT|” 18 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” . Some of these Gentiles had been won for the Lord from the darkness of heathendom; others had been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness to that of light after having tarried first, for a little while, at the depot of Judaism, a way station where the deepest needs of the soul had failed to find ultimate satisfaction. The totality of the harvest had been enormous. And this was true without even counting the Jews who had been converted. Some fruit among you also just as among the rest of the Gentiles! Paul s humility was indeed profound, an example to us all. And of whom does that meekness, humility, and kindness remind us? See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1-23.42.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.18-40.12.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.18-40.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:18 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 8 0 8 0 0 Paul has just now referred to the Gentiles . With respect to the Gentiles, then, he now continues:) 14, 15. To both Greeks and barbarians, to both learned and unlearned, I am a debtor; hence my eagerness to preach the gospel also to you in Rome.) The wide variety of explanations of these words may come as somewhat of a surprise.��26�� As I see it, what we have here is an example of the type of parallelism in which the second member, though repeating the thought of the first, adds something to it by way of explanation. In other words) learned and unlearned) explains) Greeks and barbarians.) Paul is writing to believers living in Rome. It is understandable, therefore, that when he uses the term Greeks he does not limit himself to people born in Greece. What he means is: Gentiles who were either of Greek descent or were in the habit of speaking Greek and had, at least to a certain extent, assimilated Greek culture.

The very fact that the apostle is writing this epistle in Greek and takes for granted that the addressees can understand it, proves that, in the sense already indicated, the people to whom he writes could be called Greeks. ) Now, whenever a Greek-speaking person was listening to conversation carried on by a foreigner, the latter s unintelligible chatter sounded to him like brrrbrrr. So he would call the stranger a barbarian. Some of these barbarians were undoubtedly people of low intelligence or were so regarded by the Greeks. However, the gospel reaches out to all, educated and uneducated, cultured and uncultured. What Paul is saying, then, is this: It is my divine calling to preach the gospel to both Greeks and barbarians; that is, to both learned and unlearned. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.11|AUTODETECT|” There was and is one message for both, one and the same way of salvation for both. The people of Lystra were used to speaking in the Lycaonian language 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul had brought the gospel to them. Believers in Rome were fluent in Greek. They too must hear the gospel from the lips of Paul. Had not the Lord appointed him to be the apostle to the Gentiles regardless of their real or assumed degree of culture? Was it not true that they needed to hear this gospel?

Those who were still in darkness needed to hear it. Those who had been brought out of darkness into the light also needed it. To all of them Paul considered himself to be a debtor; first, because of the commission God had given him; secondly, because he himself had been a persecutor and had been rescued by the Lord in such an unforgettably gracious manner. And so to both Greeks and barbarians, that is, to both learned and unlearned, hence also to those living in Rome, the apostle must bring the good tidings.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.16|AUTODETECT|” It is as if also at this point we hear him saying, Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.16|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Not only was it his inescapable duty to do this. He himself was also eager to do it.) 1 22 0 8 0 0 Chapters 1:16 8:39) Justification by Faith) CHAPTER 1:16 32) Outline) Justification by Faith) A. Real and Necessary.) 1. Theme.) The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who exercises faith. ) 1:16, 17 ) 2. The Gentiles need this justification.) Although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, or give thanks. ) 1:18 32 ) ) A. Real and Necessary) 1. Theme) The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who exercises faith ) 1:16, 17) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is (the) power of God for salvation to everyone who exercises faith; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it a righteousness from God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith. ) ) It is of the utmost importance that this thematic passage be interpreted correctly.

With a few necessary exceptions, I shall not take the time to discuss, in detail, the various views with which I cannot agree. The reader can find these conflicting theories for himself. I shall simply try to interpret the terms and/or phrases one by one, and afterward summarize the whole.) 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel & ) The apostle was not reluctant to preach the gospel, for he loved that good news. In the preceding context Paul had made mention of learned (as well as unlearned) people. There must have been many philosophers in such cities as Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and, last but not least, Rome.

Has the apostle perhaps delayed his coming to Rome because he was ashamed of meeting these highly educated individuals?) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” His answer amounts to, No, indeed! When he writes, I am not ashamed, etc., he probably means, I am proud and overjoyed to receive the opportunity to preach the gospel. And why should he not be eager to proclaim the message of salvation through Christ, the news concerning Christ Crucified & the power of God and the wisdom of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )?) 1 5 0 8 0 0 & for it is (the) power of God for salvation to everyone who exercises faith & ) The word for is again definitely in place. It is logical to say, I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it reveals the saving power of God. ) Are the Romans always boasting about their power, the force by which they have conquered the world? The gospel I proclaim, says Paul, as it were, is superior by far. It has achieved and offers something far better, namely, (everlasting) salvation, and this not for the people of one particular nation for example Rome but for everyone who exercises faith . The most urgent and imperative need of the soul is not earthly renown, but peace, joy, glory for today, tomorrow, and the never-ending future. Compared with the power of God how feeble the power of Rome or of any earthly host.

Earthly armies destroy. The gospel saves. It is the power of God for salvation. And what is salvation? What does to save mean? In Paul s writings it means:) NEGATIVELY POSITIVELY ) to rescue men from sin s:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” a. guilt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.6|AUTODETECT|” b. pollution 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.21-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.21-45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” 7:21 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 a)) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.24|AUTODETECT|” c. slavery 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 0 d. punishment:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.12|AUTODETECT|” (1) alienation from God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” (2) the wrath of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 0 ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.5|AUTODETECT|” (3) everlasting death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to bring men into the state of:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21-45.3.26|AUTODETECT|” a. righteousness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21-45.3.26|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:21 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.1-45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” b. holiness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.1-45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1|AUTODETECT|” 12:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” c. freedom 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 0 d. blessedness:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.13|AUTODETECT|” (1) fellowship with God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” (2) the love of God shed abroad in the heart 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” (3) everlasting life 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1-51.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1-51.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 1 2 0 8 0 0 ) ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Note that over against each evil stands a corresponding blessing. To be saved, then, means to be emancipated from the greatest evil, and to be placed in possession of the greatest good. The promised blessings pertain to the past, present, and never-ending future. Justification, sanctification, and glorification are all included. The state of salvation is opposed to the state of perishing or being lost. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.22|AUTODETECT|” & to everyone, regardless, therefore, of race, nationality, age, sex, social rank, degree of education or culture, etc. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 45:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” John 4:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.15|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” But note the significant qualification (to everyone) who exercises faith. ��27�� Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.1|AUTODETECT|” And what is meant by faith? It is trust, confidence, leaning on the everlasting arms, the conviction 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) that through Christ and his atoning sacrifice, my sins are forgiven, my debt is canceled; and that, having now been adopted as a child of The King,) 1 8 0 8 0 0 I am in my Father s keeping,) I am in his tender care;) Whether waking, whether sleeping,) I am in his care.) Mrs. C. H. Morris, lines from) When the Early Morning Breaking ) Faith is the trunk of the tree whose roots represent grace, and whose fruit symbolizes good works. It is the coupling that connects man s train with God s engine. It is the sinner s empty hand stretched out to God, the Giver. It is, from start to finish, God s gift. See N.T.C. on Ephesians (2:8), pp. 121 123.) & to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.19|AUTODETECT|” That was the divinely planned historical order. As Paul shows in chapter 4 (and to a certain extent already here in verse 16) the gospel of salvation is essentially the same in both dispensations. However, in the divine economy it was revealed first of all to the Jews. During the old dispensation they were the highly privileged nation. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.19|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 147:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Amos 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.1|AUTODETECT|” . Naturally that advantage did not immediately cease when the new dispensation was ushered in 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” 9:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” ). When Jesus for the first time charged his twelve disciples, he sent them only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And when Paul carried out his mission mandate, he and his companions, wherever possible, first of all brought the gospel to the Jews.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” But there came a change. It is useless to deny this, for on this subject Scripture expresses itself very clearly. Even during the old dispensation God had made it clear that salvation was not going to be limited to one nation. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.18|AUTODETECT|” 22:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 72) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.0|AUTODETECT|” 87) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.60.1-23.60.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.60.1-23.60.3|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 60:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1-23.61.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1-23.61.3|AUTODETECT|” 61:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.0|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.10-40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” . Jesus himself opened the door more and more widely 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.10-40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:10 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” 28:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.11-42.17.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.11-42.17.19|AUTODETECT|” 17:11 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.9-42.20.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.9-42.20.16|AUTODETECT|” 20:9 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.45-42.24.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.45-42.24.47|AUTODETECT|” 24:45 47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.35-43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.35-43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” 4:35 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” 10:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” ). Similarly, by divine direction, when the Jews refused to accept the gospel, the apostles proclaimed it to the Gentiles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.5|AUTODETECT|” 18:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.8|AUTODETECT|” 19:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|” ). By divine inspiration Paul teaches that the wall of separation between Jew and Gentile has been completely broken down 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.11-49.2.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:11 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.11|AUTODETECT|” ), and that there is no longer any distinction 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Thus also to the Greek, that is, to the person(s) influenced by Greek culture, hence to the Gentile(s), the door was opened wide. The gospel became the power of God for salvation to every true believer.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 The question arises, How does Paul prove that the gospel is indeed the power of God for salvation to everyone who exercises faith? The answer is given in verse 17. For in it a righteousness from God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith. ) Taken by itself, without reference to context, the expression here rendered righteousness from God could be translated righteousness of God (see A.V.). The question then is, What does this mean? ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” How Luther struggled with this problem! How it bothered him & until one day, rather suddently, by divine illumination he realized that what was meant here was not God s retributive justice but the righteousness freely imputed to the sinner by God s sovereign grace, on the basis of Christ s substitutionary atonement, and made the sinner s own possession by means of God-given faith. When the great Reformer made the discovery that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 speaks about God s gracious verdict of righteousness pronounced upon the believer, he experienced the happiest day in his life. In what may be termed his Commentary on Romans he writes:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.22|AUTODETECT|” The sum and substance of this letter is: to pull down, to pluck up, and to destroy all wisdom and righteousness of the flesh & and to affirm and enlarge [prove to be large] the reality of sin, however unconscious we may be of its existence. He continues by pointing out that there have always been people, both Jews and Gentiles, who believed in the possibility of inner goodness. Of these the apostle says, Professing themselves to be wise, they became foolish 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Luther then shows that in Romans the apostle teaches the very opposite, namely, that the only way in which a person becomes really good is the one provided by God s righteousness. He states, For God does not want to save us by our own but by an extraneous righteousness, one that does not originate in ourselves but comes to us from beyond ourselves, which does not arise on earth but comes from heaven. ��28��) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Luther s experience changed his view of the Bible. From this point on Scripture became a book of light and joy for him. It was as if he had been delivered from a dark dungeon and brought into beautiful daylight, where he could inhale the fresh, invigorating, exhilarating air. The peace of God which transcends all understanding now filled his heart and mind.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.1-50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” And was not Luther s experience a replica of Paul s? Read ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.1-50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:1 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . What makes Romans so fascinating is the fact that it is not only the product of divine inspiration but also the precipitate of the apostle s conversion experience.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Both Luther and Calvin defined the term which in the A.V. is rendered the righteousness of God as indicating the righteousness that avails before God. And there can be no question about the fact that this kind of righteousness is indeed indicated. The question remains, Should not something be added? Both Reformers, in their discussions, have indeed added something. They have added that the righteousness to which Paul refers is by God freely granted or imputed to the sinner who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, accepts it that is, appropriates Christ and all his benefits by faith.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.8|AUTODETECT|” That this position is correct becomes clear when Paul is allowed to be his own interpreter. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” , in discussing the same subject, he writes, & that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, legal righteousness, but that (which is) from God (and rests) on faith. It is clear then that also here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.28|AUTODETECT|” the term in question should be rendered righteousness from God, meaning that God, its Author, imputes this right standing to the sinner, who accepts it by faith. From start to finish this righteousness is sola fide; that is, by faith alone. This also explains the expression from faith to faith. ��29�� See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” . And even that faith is God s gift. It is all a matter of sovereign grace, not of works. See N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” This should not be interpreted as if the exercise of faith is the operation of God. We ourselves must accept the Triune God, as revealed in Christ Jesus. It is we who must exercise faith. God does not believe for us. This position is in harmony with Scripture. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .��30�� We should bear in mind, moreover, that not only the gift of faith is from God but so is also the power to exercise it. To him alone be the glory!) 1 1 0 8 0 0 As it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.12.2|AUTODETECT|” In presenting this comforting doctrine Paul is not introducing something new. The words as it is written show that he is basing his presentation on the Old Testament. And it is indeed in that book, which for the apostle as well as for his addressees was the Bible, that righteousness, and therefore salvation, is repeatedly presented as a treasure which belongs to Jehovah. By sovereign grace he bestows it as a gift on all who trust in him. A few precious passages will make this clear. One of the most familiar and outstanding is surely ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 12:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 :) 1 2 0 8 0 0 Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and will not be afraid, for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation. ) Note also the following:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.18|AUTODETECT|” For thy salvation I am waiting, O Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.18|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 49:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Salvation belongs to the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.25.5|AUTODETECT|” Thou art the God of my salvation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.25.5|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 25:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.1|AUTODETECT|” The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 27:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Fear is the opposite of trust.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.98.1|AUTODETECT|” O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have achieved salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.98.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 98:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.98.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.98.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Note close relation between salvation and righteousness both here and elsewhere.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.14|AUTODETECT|” The Lord is my strength and my song. And he has become my salvation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.14|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.174|AUTODETECT|” I long for thy salvation, O Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.174|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 119:174) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.46.13|AUTODETECT|” I bring near my righteousness, and my salvation shall not tarry 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.46.13|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 46:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.5-23.51.8|AUTODETECT|” My righteousness is near. My salvation has gone forth. And my arms will judge the peoples & My salvation will be forever. And my righteousness will not diminish & My righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.5-23.51.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 51:5 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.17|AUTODETECT|” Their righteousness [or vindication] is from me, says the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.17|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 54:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.10|AUTODETECT|” He has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has wrapped me in a garment of righteousness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.10|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 61:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.62.1|AUTODETECT|” For Zion s sake I will not be silent. And for Jerusalem s sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.62.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 62:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.4|AUTODETECT|” , But the righteous shall live by faith, the apostle is almost literally quoting ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Hab. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” b. There are those who insist on the rendering 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), But the righteous by faith shall live. In other words, they connect by faith with the righteous instead of with shall live. I have not been convinced by their arguments. Those who are interested in this question should read the footnote.��31��) 1 3 0 8 0 0 The prophet Habakkuk appeared upon the scene of history during the reign of wicked Jehoiakim (608 597 b.c.). What bothered him was that it seemed as if wicked men were getting away with their wickedness. Jehovah apparently tolerated such evils as the exploitation of the needy, strife, contention, violence, etc. So the prophet begins to ask questions. He addresses these questions to Jehovah. He complains, objects, and waits for an answer.

Habakkuk s first question amounted to this, Why does Jehovah allow the wicked in Judah to oppress the righteous? Jehovah answers, Evil-doers will be punished. The Chaldeans (Babylonians) are coming. But this answer does not quite satisfy the prophet. So he asks another one, which was tantamount to this: Why does Jehovah allow the Chaldeans to punish the Jews, who at least are more righteous than these foreigners? The prophet stations himself upon his watch-tower and awaits an answer.

The answer arrives: The Chaldeans, too, will be punished. In fact all sinners will be punished & but the righteous shall live by his faith. It is his duty and privilege to trust, and to do this even then when he is not able to figure out the justice of Jehovah s doings. In this humble trust and quiet confidence he shall truly live, prosper.) But Jehovah does more than merely tell the prophet that he must exercise faith. He also strengthens that faith by means of a marvelous, progressive vision. Habakkuk sees the symbol of Jehovah s presence, descending from Mt.

Paran. Having descended he stands firm and shakes the earth. The tent-hangings of Cushan and Midian are trembling and are being torn to shreds. One question worries the prophet: Upon whom is Jehovah s wrath going to fall? Merely upon the realm of nature? Upon Judah perhaps?

Finally, the answer arrives; Jehovah destroys the Chaldeans and delivers his people.) So fearful and terrifying had been the appearance of Jehovah, so alarming the sound of the tempest, of crumbling mountains, etc., that the prophet is trembling in every part of his body. Nevertheless, having witnessed that Jehovah had descended for the defense of his own people, Habakkuk no longer questions the ways of God s providence. From now on he waits quietly. He expresses his feelings in a beautiful psalm of trust: For though the fig tree shall not flourish & Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.15|AUTODETECT|” Paul, accordingly, could not have chosen a better prophecy from which to quote than that of Habakkuk. The passage fits the situation exactly! In every age and in all circumstances, hence also in connection with the question, What must I do to be accepted by God? it remains true that The righteous shall live by faith. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.15|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 30:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” But not only is Paul s doctrine in line with the teaching of the Old Testament a subject on which the apostle is going to dwell in far more detail in chapter 4 it is also in harmony with the teaching of Christ during his earthly ministry. See N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:9 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 818 821.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” To summarize, what Paul teaches here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.11|AUTODETECT|” and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.11|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 amounts to this:) 1 22 0 8 0 0 Not the labors of my hands,) Can fulfil thy law s demands;) Could my zeal no languor know,) Could my tears forever flow,) All for sin could not atone;) Thou must save, and thou alone.) Lines from Rock of Ages ) by A. M. Toplady) ) 2. The Gentiles need this justification) Although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, or give thanks ) 1:18 32) 18 For the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who are constantly attempting to suppress the truth by (their) unrighteousness, 19 because what can be known of God is plain to them, for God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world his invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through (his) works, so that these people are without excuse.) 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but became futile in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image in the shape of mortal man and of birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.��32��) 24 Therefore God, letting them follow the sinful cravings of their own hearts, gave them over to sexual immorality, so that their bodies were dishonored among themselves; 25 since they had indeed exchanged God, (who is) the truth, for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.) 26 Because of this, God gave them over to passions that bring dishonor. For as well as their females [or women] exchanged natural intercourse for that (which is) contrary to nature, 27 so likewise also the males [or men] having abandoned natural intercourse with the female [or woman], were consumed by flaming passion for one another, males with males [or men with men] perpetrating shamelessness, and receiving in their own persons the due return for their deviation.) 28 And since they did not deem it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to (their) worthless disposition, to do what is improper; 29 having become filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, depravity; being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. (They are) gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of (novel forms of) evil, disobedient to (their) parents, 31 senseless, faithless, loveless, pitiless. 32 And although they know the ordinance of God that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do them but also approve of those who practice them.) ) 18.

For the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who are constantly attempting to suppress the truth by (their) unrighteousness & ) What kind of people is Paul describing in 1:18 32? There are those who maintain that since the word Gentiles is never mentioned in this section and since at least some of the sins here catalogued were committed by Jews as well as by Gentiles, we must conclude that the apostle is here referring to unregenerate men in general, not just to Gentiles.) There is some truth in this. See on 2:1. On the other hand, is it not also true that several traits here mentioned are far more characteristic of Gentiles than of Jews? Note, for example, image worship (verse 23), and see also verses 26, 27. Moreover, to a large extent the people here described derive their knowledge of God not from special but from general revelation (verses 19, 20).

Besides, 2:1 clearly marks a transition to the discussion of another group of people, namely, the Jews (see 2:17). This too seems to indicate that up to this point Paul has been speaking chiefly about Gentiles. Finally, does not 3:9 prove that the apostle had been speaking about two groups, namely, Gentiles and Jews (there mentioned in reverse order)? We conclude therefore that in 1:18 32 the reference is mainly to Gentiles, though it is true that not all Gentiles were guilty (or equally guilty) of the enumerated vices.) The word For should not be left untranslated. It indicates the relation between verses 16, 17, on the one hand, and verse 18 on the other. The reasoning is probably along this line: No other way to be saved is available than that of accepting the gospel by faith, for since the wrath of God rests by nature upon man, the latter is completely unable to save himself, whether by performing the works of the law or by any other means.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.36|AUTODETECT|” What is meant by God s wrath? See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.36|AUTODETECT|” John 3:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.6|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.10|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . God s wrath is his settled indignation. It differs from fury, which generally points in the direction of rage, sudden outbursts of anger.��33�� Whenever God s wrath is mentioned in the New Testament the final manifestation of divine vengeance is either indicated or, as here, is at least in the background.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.0|AUTODETECT|” & is being revealed & What is meant is that this wrath is revealed in action; for example, by means of the deluge (Gen. 6 8), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.0|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.0|AUTODETECT|” ), the plagues upon Egypt (Exod. 6 12), and the bowls of wrath 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.0|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In each case Scripture shows that these manifestations of wrath have their origin in heaven. It is God, dwelling in heaven, who vents his wrath upon the perpetrators of ungodliness and unrighteousness. ) 1 2 0 8 0 0 These two concepts ungodliness and unrighteousness must not be viewed as completely separate entities; as if, for example, the first pertains exclusively to the religious sphere; the second only to the moral realm; or as if the first concerns merely the first table of the law; the second, the remainder of the law. Both represent sin, rebellion against God. The first views sin as want of reverence for God; the second, as want of reverence for his ordinances, his holy law. That the relation between these two is very close is shown by the fact that at the close of verse 18 one term, unrighteousness, covers both concepts.) & of people who are constantly attempting to suppress��34�� the truth by their unrighteousness & ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.14.1|AUTODETECT|” Elsewhere too Scripture teaches that the wicked make an attempt to suppress the truth. The fool is constantly trying to convince himself that there is no God. To ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.14.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 14:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.11|AUTODETECT|” and 53:1 add ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 73:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.20|AUTODETECT|” . Even when he is confronted with the voice of God addressing him by means of special revelation, he still refuses to capitulate. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . In fact, as it was in the case of Herod Antipas, so generally, the more conscience warns, the more the sinner hardens himself.) 1 7 0 8 0 0 But do the Gentiles really have sufficient knowledge of the truth to be considered guilty of constantly attempting to suppress it? The answer is found in the next verse:) 19. & because what can be known of God is plain to them, for God has made it plain to them.) Even entirely apart from special revelation through the gospel, which ever so many Gentiles have never heard, God has made himself known and continues to do so by means of his general revelation in nature, history, and conscience; here, as the sequel indicates, with emphasis on God s revelation in nature; that is, in creation. Not as if men, acting on their own initiative, could have discovered God, but, as the passage states, God has made known to them��35�� whatever in the area of creation can be made known about him.) 20. For since the creation of the world his invisible qualifies his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through (his) works, so that these people are without excuse.��36��) The little word For is again very meaningful. It is not only continuative but also supportive, showing that what was said in verse 19 is indeed a fact. The sentence introduced by For may even reflect on what was said earlier, namely, in verse 18; that is, it may be viewed as indicating why the wrath of God is being revealed against the wicked: their wicked deeds are inexcusable!) In verses 16, 17 Paul had been speaking about God s revelation in the gospel unto salvation.

It is clear that here, in verses 19, 20 he has made the transition from special to general revelation. He is now speaking about the things that are made, that is, about God s revelation in his works, meaning, in creation or nature.) Note the expression God s invisible qualities. That God is indeed invisible is taught everywhere in Scripture. Note especially the following passages:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” God himself no one has ever seen 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” John 1:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.15|AUTODETECT|” (the Son of his love, who is) the image of the invisible God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” the King of the ages, the imperishable, invisible, only God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.27|AUTODETECT|” & seeing him who is invisible 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.27|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 0 A further explanation of these invisible qualities or attributes is given in the words his eternal power and divine nature. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.111.2|AUTODETECT|” As to this eternal power or never-failing omnipotence, it is evident in all God s works 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.111.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 111:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.17|AUTODETECT|” 118:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.27|AUTODETECT|” 119:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.14|AUTODETECT|” 139:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.10|AUTODETECT|” 145:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1|AUTODETECT|” ); in Israel s deliverance from Egypt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.33.27|AUTODETECT|” ) and in God s tender care bestowed on his people 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.33.27|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 33:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” ). Again and again psalmists and prophets refer to God s mighty deeds. No one is able to stay his hand 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” ). He does whatever he pleases, for nothing is too difficult for him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.32.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.32.27|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 32:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 0 In the present context, however, it is not at least not primarily God s mighty deeds in history that are being contemplated. The reference is rather to the works of creation: the works of God which for a very long time, in fact ever since the creation of the universe, have been visible to men and have made their indelible impression upon their minds.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Paul is thinking of the God who created the heavens and the earth and who establishes them by perpetual decrees 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 104) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ). He is reflecting on the One who made the Pleiades and the Orion, who turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Amos 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.0|AUTODETECT|” The term his divine nature indicates the sum of all God s glorious attributes, in the present connection especially those attributes which make and leave an impression on everybody s mind: the exhibition of God s power, wisdom, and goodness in the created universe. Such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.19.1-19.19.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.19.1-19.19.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 19:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.21|AUTODETECT|” , and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.21|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 40:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 shed further light on the subject.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 The rendering His invisible qualities & have been clearly seen correctly reproduces the sense of the original, but fails to do justice to its beauty. The original (Greek), even somewhat more clearly than the usual English translation, employs a pair of words which, though resembling each other in form, express a seeming contradiction. Call it a paradox or an oxymoron if you prefer. A closer approach to the original would be: his unseeable qualities & are clearly seen. ) But how is it possible to see the unseeable? Is it not true that physical eyes are unable to see God s invisible qualities? True; yet, while these eyes are observing the glories of the universe which God created, the soul, with its invisible eye, is being deeply impressed. It clearly sees God s power displayed in the things that were made, that is, in God s works.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.20|AUTODETECT|” The Belgic Confession, Article I, commenting on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , speaks about the creation, preservation, and government of the universe; which is before our eyes as a most elegant book, wherein all creatures, great and small, are as so many characters leading us to see clearly the invisible things of God, even his everlasting power and divinity, as the apostle says, All these things are sufficient to convince men and to leave them without excuse. ) 1 4 0 8 0 0 & so that these people are without excuse. Even though they have been constantly surrounded by the evidences not only of God s existence but also of his infinite power, adorable goodness, and incomparable wisdom, they have refused to acknowledge him as their God, and to worship him.) Even without the benefit of such products of human invention as microscope and telescope, they were able to reflect on the vastness of the universe, the fixed order of the heavenly bodies in their courses, the arrangement of the leaves around a stem, the cycle of the divinely created water-works (evaporation, cloud formation, distillation, pool formation), the mystery of growth from seed to plant not just any plant but the particular kind of plant from which the seed originated, the thrill of the sunrise from faint rosy flush to majestic orb, the skill of birds in building their homes without ever having taken lessons in home building, the generous manner in which food is supplied for all creatures, the adaptation of living creatures to their environment (for example, the flexible soles of the camel s feet to the soft desert sands), etc., etc. In addition to this voice of God in the works of creation there was also the voice of that same God in conscience (2:15). The evidence was overwhelming. And still no response of adoration and gratitude. Then surely their conduct is inexcusable!) 21.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but became futile in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were darkened.) Verse 21 is a clarification and amplification of verse 18 (final clause) and verse 20. It confirms the statement that by their unrighteousness these wicked people are constantly attempting to suppress the truth that has been and is continually being revealed to them, and that they are accordingly without excuse.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.45|AUTODETECT|”

For, although they knew God from his works in creation, they did not glorify him: did not acknowledge him as their God and did not bestow upon him the honor and praise they owed him. Nor did they return thanks to him for the blessings they were constantly receiving. That they were the recipients of blessings in abundance is clear 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.45|AUTODETECT|”

Matt. 5:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.35|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.35|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 6:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.14.17|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.14.17|AUTODETECT|”

Acts 14:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.17.11-42.17.19|AUTODETECT|”

). But though there are indeed blessings that are common, gratitude in return for them is not. A striking example is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.17.11-42.17.19|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 17:11 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

.) 1 6 0 8 0 0

Instead of praising God for all his benefits, these people became futile in their speculations. Instead of following the advice incorporated in a hymn:) Lift now hearts and voices) While our soul rejoices) In our God above,) the minds and hearts of these people remained on a horizontal plane: they carried on a dialogue with themselves. Their minds were arguing, speculating. Their hearts were void of thanksgiving and adoration. Such hearts are useless; in fact, worse than useless. Whenever people, in their conceit and ingratitude, begin to reason on their own, without constantly checking the results of their speculations with God s revelation in nature, history, conscience, and especially, whenever possible, with the Word of God, their foolish hearts are darkened.) Such darkness indicates mental dullness, emotional despair, and spiritual depravity.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|”

Note the expression their foolish hearts. In Paul s epistles the word heart (s. and pl.) occurs more than fifty times. The heart, according to Paul and Scripture in general, is the hub of the wheel of man s existence, the mainspring of all his thoughts, words, and deeds. It is the motive power hidden away deeply within man; so deeply, in fact, that God, he alone, knows its secrets. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|”

Prov. 4:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=20.23.7|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=20.23.7|AUTODETECT|”

23:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.17.9|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.17.9|AUTODETECT|”

Jer. 17:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.17.10|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.17.10|AUTODETECT|”

10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.12.34|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.12.34|AUTODETECT|”

Matt. 12:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.15.18|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.15.18|AUTODETECT|”

15:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|”

19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.45|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.45|AUTODETECT|”

Luke 6:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.27|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.27|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 8:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.14.25|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.14.25|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 14:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=52.2.4|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=52.2.4|AUTODETECT|”

I Thess. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

Of course, the word s exact shade of meaning in each case depends on the context. Sometimes, in Paul, when the word heart(s) is used, the emphasis is on the emotions or feelings 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 1:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.9.2|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.9.2|AUTODETECT|”

9:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.10.6-45.10.9|AUTODETECT|”

); sometimes on the intellect 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.10.6-45.10.9|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 10:6 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.2.5|AUTODETECT|”

); and sometimes on the will 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.2.5|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

).) 1 2 0 8 0 0

Now when, according to the present passage (1:21), men s hearts are darkened, it follows that whatever they feel, think, say, or do is detrimentally affected. Their minds cannot reason straight; their emotions cannot function properly, imparting peace and joy to their lives; and their wills do not even try to be in harmony with God s holy law. Note the tragic result:) 22, 23. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image in the shape of mortal man and of birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles [or crawling creatures].) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.9.40|AUTODETECT|”

What a contrast between the claim and the reality. For a striking example read ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.9.40|AUTODETECT|”

John 9:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.9.41|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.9.41|AUTODETECT|”

41) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

. However, the present passage refers especially to the blindness of heathendom and of all who imitate its foolish practices. As has been indicated, such blindness is inexcusable. It amounts to sinful folly. It is illustrated in such passages as the following:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.11.4|AUTODETECT|”

Let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.11.4|AUTODETECT|”

Gen. 11:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.20.28|AUTODETECT|”

The Syrians said, Jehovah is a god of the hills, but he is not a god of the valleys 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.20.28|AUTODETECT|”

I Kings 20:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

; see also verse 23).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.46.6|AUTODETECT|”

Those who lavish gold & hire a goldsmith, who makes a god of it. They bow down; indeed, they worship it. Then they lift it upon (their) shoulders and carry it. They set it in its place, and there it stands! It does not move from its place. Though a person may cry to it, it cannot answer. It cannot rescue him from his distress 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.46.6|AUTODETECT|”

Isa. 46:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.46.7|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.46.7|AUTODETECT|”

7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.32.24|AUTODETECT|”

What stupendous folly! Said Aaron, The people gave the gold to me. I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.32.24|AUTODETECT|”

Exod. 32:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

). Cf. verse 4: This is your God, O Israel, that brought you up out of the land of Egypt. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.63.9|AUTODETECT|”

And to think that people would actually give up their faith in the glory of God the excellence of his attributes, with all this implies in blessings for those who rely on him in exchange for the worship of idols. They exchange the One who carries for those who must be carried 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.63.9|AUTODETECT|”

Isa. 63:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.46.1|AUTODETECT|”

with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.46.1|AUTODETECT|”

Isa. 46:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

). What fools they have made of themselves!��37��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=27.3.0|AUTODETECT|”

In the enumeration: man, birds, quadrupeds, reptiles or crawling creatures , man is mentioned first. Throughout the ages people have paid homage to man, mortal man at that, and have prostrated themselves before his image 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=27.3.0|AUTODETECT|”

Dan. 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

; and N.T.C. on Matthew, p. 857). The slogan has been, and in many circles is even today, No God for a gift God gave us; mankind alone must save us. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.1.20-1.1.25|AUTODETECT|”

By adding an image in the shape of & birds, quadrupeds, and creeping things (reptiles, etc.), Paul is following the order of the Creation Account 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.1.20-1.1.25|AUTODETECT|”

Gen. 1:20 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.32.0|AUTODETECT|”

). Here again it is the image of the animal that is mentioned as the object of worship. Think of the golden calf at Sinai 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.32.0|AUTODETECT|”

Exod. 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.12.28|AUTODETECT|”

) and the golden calves at Bethel and Daniel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.12.28|AUTODETECT|”

I Kings 12:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=26.8.10|AUTODETECT|”

f.). As to birds, think of the veneration accorded by the Romans to the image of the eagle. See N.T.C. on Matthew, pp. 187, 188. And even creeping things were reproduced in the idolatrous imagery of the Gentiles and at one time or another were worshiped by Jewish imitators 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=26.8.10|AUTODETECT|”

Ezek. 8:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

).) 1 1 0 8 0 0

All this in spite of the fact that:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.20.4|AUTODETECT|”

a. Such worship had been strictly forbidden by the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.20.4|AUTODETECT|”

Exod. 20:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.20.5|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.20.5|AUTODETECT|”

5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.4.15-5.4.19|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.4.15-5.4.19|AUTODETECT|”

Deut. 4:15 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.5.8|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.5.8|AUTODETECT|”

5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.5.9|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.5.9|AUTODETECT|”

9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

). Every worship of the creature, whether directly or through an image, whether in the heavens (worship of sun, moon, stars) or on earth, had been warned against again and again.) 1 1 0 8 0 0

b. By bowing down before any object other than the true and only God, those wicked and foolish enough to do this were losing much. That is brought out by the very wording of the present passage: they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image, etc. This reminds us of) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.106.20|AUTODETECT|”

Ps. 106:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

They exchanged their glory God was Israel s glory for the image of an ox that munches grass ; and also of) 7 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=24.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

Has any nation ever changed (its) gods, though they were not (even) gods? But my people have changed their glory for something that is of no benefit whatever. ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Even in the apocrypha such sin and folly was held up to scathing ridicule:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=23.40.19|AUTODETECT|” An experienced woodcutter will cut down a tree that is easy to handle. Skillfully he strips off all its bark. And then, with pleasing workmanship, he makes a useful article that serves life s needs & But he takes a castoff piece, one that is good for nothing, a stick crooked and full of knots. He carves it with care & and causes it to resemble a man. Or he makes it to look like some worthless animal, giving it a coat of red paint, and with paint covering every blemish & Then he makes for it a suitable niche, sets it in the wall, and fastens it with iron. He takes care that it does not fall, because he knows that it cannot help itself, for it is only an image and in need of help.

Then he prays (to it) about possessions and his marriage and children & For health he appeals to a thing that is weak. For life he prays to a thing that is dead. For aid he entreats an object that is thoroughly inexperienced & He asks strength of a thing whose hands have no strength (Wisd. of Solomon 13:11 19, abbreviated). Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.19|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 40:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 f.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Indeed, they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for a mere image!) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Here, in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.106.20|AUTODETECT|” , the word glory does not have exactly the same meaning as it has in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.106.20|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 106:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , though the two connotations are not far apart. In these two Old Testament passages the designation glory indicates God himself. In Paul s passage it refers to God s absolute perfection and splendor, the sum-total of all his marvelous attributes. For more on this very interesting term glory read the footnote.��38��) 1 4 0 8 0 0 God s response to the wicked course chosen by sinful men (verses 22, 23) is indicated in the next verse.) 24. Therefore God, letting them follow the sinful cravings of their own hearts, gave them over to sexual immorality, so that their bodies were dishonored among themselves & ) Note the close connection between idolatry (verse 23) and immorality (verse 24). Similarly in the apocryphal book Wisd. of Solomon we read: For the idea of making idols was the beginning of fornication, and their invention was the corruption of life (14:12).) In this connection we should bear in mind that Paul is writing this epistle from Corinth, a city notorious for its sexual immorality and debauchery. The expression to live like a Corinthian meant to live a life of moral degradation. Corinth s temple counted more than a thousand lust-promoting priestesses.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.6|AUTODETECT|” The fact that no less than three times (verses 24, 26, 28) we are told that God gave them over is significant. In the interpretation of this shocking statement extremes should be avoided. One extreme position would be to say that as soon as these sins idolatry and immorality started to appear God immediately said, Let them perish! That, however, is not what Scripture teaches with respect to the manner in which God deals with sinners. Read especially ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , and note the tender manner in which God dealt with Cain!) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.20|AUTODETECT|” The woman Jezebel seems to have been the very embodiment of the sins mentioned in the present context 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ), namely, idolatry and immorality. Nevertheless, God gave her time to repent. And even in the days of Noah, when the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ), the patience of God waited 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ). Other examples of patience shown to sinners, handing them over to Satan in order that this disciplinary action might lead them to repentance, are found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.20|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.20|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.0|AUTODETECT|” . And the fact that also in the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Romans 1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.19-45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” context God had revealed himself to the wicked, so that they might turn to him, is clear not only from the immediate context 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.19-45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:19 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) but also from 2:15.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|” It is not surprising, therefore, that it has been suggested that also here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.19.22|AUTODETECT|” , the divine relinquishment is of the same merciful character, a smiting in order to heal 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.19.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 19:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��39��) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.18-45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” Unquestionably recognition of this divine patience is proper in connection with the study of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.18-45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:18 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, justice must be done also to the other side of the picture. Mercy unrequited produces wrath. Divine patience without favorable response on the part of man results in the outpouring of divine indignation. Honesty in exegesis compels one to admit that verse 24 is part of a paragraph that is introduced by a reference to the wrath of God (verse 18). What the present verse (24) holds before us, therefore, is the fact that at the proper time known only to God impenitent sinners are by that wrath allowed to be swept away by their own sins into the pit of their vile passions. By a positive action of God s will they are finally abandoned.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” Speaking about the uncleanness or impurity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ) into which these sinners have plunged themselves so that their bodies were dishonored among themselves (for explanation see on verses 26, 27), ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 states, Put to death therefore your members that (are) upon the earth: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry, on account of which things the wrath of God is coming. Though the outpouring of this wrath in all its fulness is a matter of the future , a foretaste is by the impenitent experienced even here and now. God finally abandons them, allowing them to perish in their own wickedness.) 1 6 0 8 0 0 25. & since they had indeed exchanged God, (who is) the truth, for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than��40�� the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.) Verse 25, which must probably be considered a modifier of verse 24, resumes the thought of verse 23. Similarly verse 26 is an elaboration of verse 24.) The fact that in verses 21 23 a reason had already been given for the divine abandonment mentioned in verse 24, by no means rules out the possibility that this reason is in essence repeated here in verse 25, especially since this verse is not a mere repetition but an elaboration in which a new thought is added (see the final clause of verse 25).��41��) The translation as here proposed��42�� brings out the chiastic parallelism of the original:) ) ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” That God, the Creator, should be called the truth is not strange. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” John 14:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.31.5|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.31.5|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 31:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.65.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.65.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 65:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.20|AUTODETECT|” ). Neither is it strange that an idol, or any creature (sun, moon, stars, etc.) that is regarded as an object of worship, should be called a lie. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.20|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 44:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 describes a sculptor, who has made for himself a god. He reaches out and takes hold of it, but fails to ask himself, Is there not a lie in my right hand? The LXX equivalent of the Hebrew word for lie is ������. The idol is a lie because (in the imagination of the worshiper) it promises much; however, it provides nothing!) 1 1 0 8 0 0 What Paul is saying, then, is this: they (the Gentiles, etc.) worshiped (i.e., adored, revered) and served (rendered cultic service to) the creature rather than the Creator, and therefore deserved the punishment described in verse 24.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” At the mention of God, the Creator, the apostle adds a doxology, strictly speaking a benediction: who is blessed forever. Amen. Commentators remind us that this was a Jewish custom when God s name was mentioned. Nevertheless, anyone who has made a study of Paul s life, as revealed to us in his epistles and in the book of Acts, is bound to agree that for this apostle a benediction, or in general a doxology, was not uttered merely out of custom. Rather, when Paul reflects on God, to whom he owes so very much, he shrinks back in revulsion at the thought that there are those who, in their religious practices, substitute a mere creature for that wonderful God who has done so much for him, the former bitter persecutor. Every reported Pauline benediction or doxology is sincere and soulful. In addition to the benediction reported in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” study also those found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” 11:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.68|AUTODETECT|” f. And see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.68|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:68) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” . For other praise exclamations or doxologies see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.25-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.25-45.16.27|AUTODETECT|” 16:25 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.3.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 6 0 8 0 0 The apostle concludes this little paragraph by adding a wholehearted and worshipful Amen to the benediction he has uttered just now. It is a word of solemn affirmation and enthusiastic approval. For more about this word Amen see N.T.C. on Matthew, pp. 290, 291, and on John, Vol. I, pp. 110, 111.) 26, 27. Because of this, God gave them over to passions that bring dishonor. For as well as their females [or women] exchanged natural intercourse for that (which is) contrary to nature, so likewise also the males [or men], having abandoned natural intercourse with the female [or woman], were consumed by flaming passion for one another, males with males [or men with men] perpetrating shamelessness, and receiving in their own persons the due return for their deviation.��43��) The connection between verse 26 and verse 25 is the same as that between verse 24 and verses 22, 23.

In each case the sin is mentioned first, then the result. Now Paul no longer dwells on sexual immorality in general, as in verse 24, but becomes specific, and focuses the attention on one of its most disgusting manifestations, namely, wilful homosexuality.) For God gave them over see on verse 24.) & to passions that bring dishonor. Here we find an echo of verse 24b: so that their bodies were dishonored among themselves. ) & their females exchanged natural intercourse for that (which is) contrary to nature. This exchange reminds us of the exchange mentioned in verses 23 and 25: & the glory of the immortal God for an image & ; God (who is) the truth, for a lie. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” It is clear that the apostle is censuring the wilful practice of homosexuality or sodomy. And, indeed, Scripture does not make light of this vice. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 20:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.4-1.19.9|AUTODETECT|” the death penalty is pronounced upon its perpetrators. For more information on this horrible evil read ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.4-1.19.9|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:4 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.22|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 18:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” 20:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.17|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 23:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.19.22-7.19.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.19.22-7.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 19:22 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.14.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.14.24|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 14:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.15.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.15.12|AUTODETECT|” 15:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.22.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.22.46|AUTODETECT|” 22:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.23.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.23.7|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 23:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Lam. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ; and see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.6|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Jude 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 A person s sexual orientation, whether heterosexual or homosexual is not the point at issue. What matters is what a person does with his sexuality!) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.24|AUTODETECT|” According to the plain teaching of Scripture sexual intercourse was intended for a husband and his wife, for no one else! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 2:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.5|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 19:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.31|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . All else is contrary to God s will. It is in conflict with the Creator s intention.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 It is not clear why homosexual relations between females (lesbianism) is condemned before illicit relations between males (pederasty). The only explanation that has any merit, as far as I can see, is the one according to which the apostle wanted to place special emphasis on the male-with-male perversion; hence, kept the condemnation of this vice for the close of the sentence, so that he would then be able to enlarge on it, since, of the two homosexual sins it was probably the most prevalent.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.27|AUTODETECT|” & males with males perpetrating shamelessness. Throughout the apostle uses the terms males and females (thus literally). He stresses the distinction between the sexes, as is also done in the following passages: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 1:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.2|AUTODETECT|” 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.12.7|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 12:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.27.3-3.27.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.27.3-3.27.7|AUTODETECT|” 27:3 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.5.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.5.3|AUTODETECT|” Num. 5:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.4|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 19:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The rendering men and women is also possible. Nevertheless, the sins here condemned are committed not only by men and women, but also, at times, by boys and girls. ) 1 2 0 8 0 0 & receiving in their own persons the due return for their deviation. ) That this wicked practice results in a harvest of bitterness has been proved again and again and is being demonstrated every day of the year. Some of the fruits are: a guilty conscience, sleeplessness, emotional stress, depression. Moreover, such mental discord does not leave the body untouched. In his very interesting book None of These Diseases, Westwood, New Jersey, 1963, p. 60, Dr. S. M. McMillen informs us that according to a report published in 1948 two-thirds of the patients who went to a physician had symptoms caused or aggravated by mental stress.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Truly God is not mocked. Whatever a person sows, that also he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh [i.e., allows his old nature to have its own way] will from the flesh reap corruption, and he who sows to the Spirit [allowing the Spirit to rule over him] will from the Spirit reap life everlasting 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.17|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.17|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.0|AUTODETECT|” The best of all remedies against reaping the fruits of corruption is the practice of the kind of life described beautifully in such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.0|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.0|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.0|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 8 0 8 0 0 28. And since they did not deem it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to (their) worthless disposition, to do what is improper& ��44��) Here for the third and last time our attention is focused on the correlation between man s rejection of God and God s rejection of man. For the two previous references to this correlation see verses 24 and 26. Men s arrogance comes to the fore in the expression, They did not deem it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, the very knowledge to which reference was made in verses 18 21; note especially, For although they knew God (verse 21). Instead of regarding this knowledge about God which they were deriving from his revelation in nature to be a precious treasure, they were constantly attempting to suppress it (verse 18) and, as is stated here in verse 28, regarded it as a negligible entity. They did not deem it to be worthwhile to pay any attention to God and to his revelation.

So they continued on their sinful way, as described in verses 21 27 (the way of idolatry and immorality). In fact, the improper things the apostle has in mind probably also covered those mentioned in verses 29 32. Note that an evil disposition or mind or attitude results in evil deeds.) 29 31. & having become filled with every kind of) unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, depravity;) being full of) envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice.) (They are)) gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of (novel forms of) evil, disobedient to (their) parents, senseless, faithless, loveless, pitiless.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29-45.1.31|AUTODETECT|” The list of vices mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29-45.1.31|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:29 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|” should be compared with similar lists elsewhere in Paul s writings: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9-46.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9-46.5.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:9 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.9|AUTODETECT|” 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.20|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19-48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.19-48.5.21|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:19 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3-49.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3-49.5.5|AUTODETECT|” 5:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5-51.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.5-51.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:5 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.3|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.3-52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.3-52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 4:3 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.4|AUTODETECT|” 6:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.2-55.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.2-55.3.5|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:2 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 Whether there were factors other than identity of authorship (for example, already existing lists) that account for this resemblance is difficult to ascertain.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29-45.1.31|AUTODETECT|” The most simple and logical way to divide the twenty-one vices mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.29-45.1.31|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:29 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is to list them in three groups:) 1 9 0 8 0 0 a. one group of four vices (in the original each in the dat. s.), these four being introduced by the words having become filled with every kind of ;) b. one group of five vices (all in the gen. s.), introduced by being full of ; and) c. one group of twelve items, beginning with gossips. ��45��) The final four items in this group of twelve form a kind of sub-group, each member beginning with -privative (equal to English prefix un, dis-, or suffix -less).) The 4 5-12 grouping is also accepted by Cranfield, Murray, Ridderbos, Robertson, etc.) It will be noticed that no longer is there any specific reference to sins of sex, since that subject has been fully treated in the preceding verses.��46��) Group of Four) unrighteousness. See on verse 18.) wickedness. This describes those people who take delight in doing what is wrong.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3|AUTODETECT|” greed. This is covetousness, over-reaching, the craving for more and more and still more possessions, no matter how they are obtained. At times, as in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , the word applies to ravenous self-assertion in matters of sex, at the expense of others.) 1 3 0 8 0 0 depravity. This is badness in general. It is hard to distinguish it from wickedness.) Group of Five) envy.��47�� This is the keen displeasure aroused by seeing someone having something which you begrudge him.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.1-1.4.8|AUTODETECT|” murder. Envy often leads to murder. This was true in the case of Cain who murdered Abel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.1-1.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” ). It was true also with respect to those who demanded Christ s crucifixion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.10|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.4|AUTODETECT|” ). And was it not envy that caused the brothers of Joseph to plan his death? See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.4|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 37:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 7 0 8 0 0 strife. This refers to a quarrelsome disposition and its consequences.) deceit. This is cunning, treachery.) malice. This indicates malignity, spite, the desire to harm people.) Group of Twelve) gossips. The whispering slanderers are meant. They do not perhaps do not dare to come out in the open with their vilifying chatter, but whisper it into someone s ear.) slanderers. What the gossips do secretly, the slanderers do openly.) haters of God. The word used in the original more often refers to those who are hated by God. However, the word is also used at times, as it is here, to indicate those who hate God.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.13|AUTODETECT|” insolent. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.13|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . This marks overweening individuals. They treat others with contempt, as if they (these insolent ones) and they alone, amounted to anything, and all others amounted to nothing.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 arrogant. These fellows consider themselves supermen. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.23|AUTODETECT|” boastful. Such people are constantly bragging about themselves. Think of Lamech 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.10-14.32.14|AUTODETECT|” ), of Sennacherib 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.10-14.32.14|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 32:10 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.8-23.10.11|AUTODETECT|” ); and of those described in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.8-23.10.11|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 10:8 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.13|AUTODETECT|” 14:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 inventors of (novel forms of) evil. The reference is to those who take special delight in inventing original methods of destroying their fellowmen.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.12|AUTODETECT|” disobedient to (their) parents. Read ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.12|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.3|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.20.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.20.20|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 20:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.4|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 15:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.19|AUTODETECT|” 19:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 And now the little sub-group of four:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.16|AUTODETECT|” senseless.��48�� These are the people that are void of understanding. But this is not merely a mental weakness; it is also a moral blemish. They are stupid because they have all along been unwilling to listen to God! See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 15:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.18|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.2|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.2|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.15|AUTODETECT|” faithless. They are not true to the covenant, hence are perfidious, not to be trusted. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.15|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 73:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.57|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.57|AUTODETECT|” 78:57) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.158|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.119.158|AUTODETECT|” 119:158) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 0 loveless. The meaning is: without natural affection. It was not at all unusual for pagans to drown or in some other way to destroy unwanted offspring. In this connection think of present-day abortion, for which all kinds of excuses are being invented.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.0|AUTODETECT|” pitiless. The reference is to people without mercy, cruel persons, ruthless ones. Think not only of the robbers in the parable of The Samaritan Who Cared 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but also of the priest and the Levite, the two who passed by on the other side. ) 1 7 0 8 0 0 32. And although they know the ordinance of God that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do them but also approve of those who practice them.) What Paul is saying is that the perpetrators of the crimes, either implied or expressed in verses 29 31, must not be regarded as being so innocent that they cannot distinguish between right and wrong. On the contrary, they know have an awareness of the fact that according to God s ordinance, his decree, those who practice such vices are worthy of death.) How do they know this? They know it because a righteous and holy God has revealed himself to them in nature (1:21) and in conscience (2:14, 15); in fact, is constantly doing this. Accordingly, they sense the fact that God will call them to account, and that continuing in their evil way will result in perdition for them. Nevertheless, in spite of this awareness, they not only continue to practice these vices and to perpetrate these crimes but even applaud others who do the same.) There are those who see a problem here; as if the apostle were saying that rejoicing to see other people engage in wickedness while you yourself abstain is even more wicked than taking part in such evil practices yourself.

Having created this problem, they then try to solve it.) But is it not true that what Paul is actually saying is that those who not only practice these vices but also applaud others who engage in them are even worse than those who simply practice them? For example, a person might commit a wicked deed. Afterward he is sorry. Perhaps he even warns others. But here is another person who not only commits evil and continues to do so, but who in addition encourages others to copy his example, applauding them when they do so. Certainly such an individual has reached the climax of perversity.) Having reached the close of the chapter, and looking back, we should not forget that Paul s real purpose in writing it was to show that man s (here particularly the Gentile s) wickedness is so great that only God is able to rescue him.

Only when man accepts the divinely appointed way of salvation, namely, that of embracing God by faith, can he be saved. To God alone be the glory!) ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Romans 1) 1 33 0 8 0 0 Verse 1) Paul & a called apostle, one set apart for the gospel of God. It was God who called Paul and who set him apart for his special task. Does not this prove that, in the final analysis, Romans is God s letter addressed to the church and individual believer in every age? And does not this knowledge make the epistle even more precious?) Verse 4) the Son of God invested with power, namely, Jesus Christ our Lord. ) The fact that there are no limits to that power, and the additional fact that it is exercised in our interest note our Lord should comfort us in every trial, so that, with the author of Hebrews (2:9), we exclaim, & But we see Jesus & crowned with glory and honor. ) Verse 7) Grace to you and peace, etc.) When a person becomes a Christian everything changes. Even the manner in which he greets people is transformed. See the explanation of this verse.) Verses 8, 9, 11, 15) & my God & whom I serve from the heart & I am yearning to see you & hence my eagerness to preach the gospel also to you in Rome. ) Many people get all excited about picnics or sports.

Paul is excited about God. Note his enthusiasm and eagerness in the quoted expressions.) Verse 11) & in order that I may impart & ) Paul knew that the Christian s business in life is to impart, that is, to be a blessing.) Verse 12) I mean that & we may be mutually encouraged by each other s faith, both yours and mine. ) The apostle is also convinced that even the lowliest child of God can impart something to him (Paul).) Verses 16, 17) & to everyone who exercises faith & from faith to faith & shall live by faith. ) Again and again Paul mentions faith, looking away from oneself for salvation, and looking to God to receive it as a gift.) From the Translator s Preface of my translation of Dr. Herman Bavinck s work on The Doctrine of God (published by that title, in paperback, Grand Rapids, 1977) I quote the following:) My learning does not help me now; neither does my Dogmatics; faith alone saves me. ) These remarkable words, uttered by one of the greatest Reformed theologians, Dr. Herman Bavinck, should not be misinterpreted. They were uttered on his death-bed and did not imply that this humble child of God retracted anything that he had written, or that he was trying to express regrets. The statement simply means that a system of doctrine, however necessary and valuable, is of no avail in and by itself.

It must be translated into Christian living. There must be genuine faith in the Triune God as manifested in Jesus Christ. Now, Dr. Bavinck was, indeed, a man of faith, a faith which in his case was working through love. ) Verse 18) For the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness & ) The attempt to downgrade God s wrath is foolish. That wrath should fill our hearts with joy and satisfaction, for if God s wrath did not blaze against sin, how could he be a holy God? And how would it be possible for a God lacking the quality of holiness to save us?) Besides, we insist on drastic measures against crime, and on the appointment or election of judges and officers who do not think lightly of crime.

Is it consistent, then, to expect that the evil practice which fills the minds and hearts of decent men with horror and indignation should leave God untouched? Therefore, instead of trying to minimize the reality of God s wrath, should we not rather thank him for his marvelous plan whereby the Son of God bore the wrath of God in our stead?) Verses 21 32) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him & they exchanged the glory of God for an image & Therefore God & gave them over to sexual immorality & to passions that bring dishonor & They not only practice such (wicked) things but also approve of those who practice them. ) Notice that sin begets sin. Apart from God s grace the sinner descends lower and lower on the ladder of evil. The lesson: Avoid the first downward step. By God s grace and power, keep clinging to God and to his will for our lives, as revealed in Scripture.) Summary of Chapter 1) In what may be called a Prologue or Introduction, Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, and a called apostle, pronounces his official salutation upon the members of the church located in Rome, the empire s capital (verses 1 7).) The apostle expresses his elation over the fact that the faith of these Romans is being proclaimed everywhere, and he tells them that he is asking God to grant him the opportunity to visit them soon (verses 8 15).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.4|AUTODETECT|” He then announces what may, in a qualified sense, be termed his theme, namely, the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who exercises faith. In other words, justification, which is basic to salvation, is by faith alone. This great truth was by divine direction proclaimed first of all to the Jews, and is now also to be made known to the Gentiles. In confirmation of the theme Paul adds the words found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Hab. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” b, But the righteous shall live by faith. All this is found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 10 0 8 0 0 Having stated that the way of salvation is the same for everyone, namely, by faith alone, Paul now divides the human race into two groups: Gentiles and Jews.) He first of all describes the conditions existing in the Gentile world. He shows that although God, by means of his general revelation, made himself known to the Gentiles, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him (verses 18 21). Instead of worshiping the one true God, they became idol worshipers (verses 22, 23). As a result God at last abandoned them (verses 24, 26, 28) to their own sinful practices, including not only wilful homosexuality (verses 24 27) but also many other vices, twenty-one of which are mentioned in verses 29 31.) The chapter closes on this dismal note: And although they know the ordinance of God that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do them but also approve of those who practice them (verse 32).) ) ) ) ) ) 12 Or: in accordance with) 13 Or: based on faith; or: springing from faith) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.1|AUTODETECT|” 14 Why Christ Jesus instead of Jesus Christ ? For a possible answer to this question see N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.1|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 51.) 1 12 0 8 0 0 N.T.C. W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 15 ) The following questions should be asked and answered:) a. What is the meaning of the acc. of ���� as here used?) b. Does the verb A���� (of which the gen. s. m. aor. pass. participle appears here) have the meaning to declare (as in certain translations) or to appoint?) c. Does the phrase � ������� modify �1�� ���� or A���������?) d.

What is the meaning of ������ ��������?) e. What is the meaning of ���� before ������ ��������?) f. Do ���p ����� and ���p �������� form a contrast between two elements within Christ s human nature? Do they refer to Christ s human versus his divine nature?) g. What is the meaning of � in verse 4?) Answers:) a. This word has a variety of meanings in Paul s epistles.

For the list see footnote 187, p. 217. Meaning f. seems to be intended here, for it was according to his human nature (not his divine nature) that Jesus was a descendant of David.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” b. Elsewhere in the New Testament this verb uniformly has the sense to determine, decree, appoint. See also N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , 969. There is no good reason to weaken this meaning to to declare. Nevertheless, to declare, make known, may well be included in to appoint, as here used.) 1 1 0 8 0 0 c. This phrase probably modifies the immediately preceding words; hence, Son of God invested with power. But even if it is construed with the verb, the resultant meaning would be almost the same.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.10|AUTODETECT|” d. The term the Spirit of holiness is derived from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.10|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 63:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.11|AUTODETECT|” f. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 51:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” . The reference here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is to the Holy (divine, exalted) Spirit.) 1 2 0 8 0 0 e. As one of the meanings of ����, followed by the acc., L.N.T. (Th.), p. 328 gives through, by virtue of. This connotation of agency became especially widespread in later Koine Greek. Perhaps there is a combination here of agency and standard of measurement. The rendering by virtue of may be as good as any.) f. Definitely not. There is indeed a contrast, but that contrast is between (a) what Christ was as to his human nature, and (b) what he became by virtue of the Spirit of holiness. In other words, the contrast is between Christ s state of humiliation and his state of exaltation. One cannot very well place an element of Christ s human nature over against the third Person of the Holy Trinity.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.20|AUTODETECT|” g. We must be very careful here. The meaning since cannot be entirely ruled out. It may be correct. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.20|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.10|AUTODETECT|” since (or from) my youth. However, the meaning because of, for which see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 16:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 would seem to be somewhat more natural here.) 1 15 0 8 0 0 16 Gereformeerde Dogmatiek, Kampen, 1918, third edition, Vol. III, pp. 488, 489.) 17 This view is defended by J. Murray, op. cit., Vol. I, p. 13; also by S. Greijdanus, in another precious work, De Brief van den Apostle Paulus aan de Gemeente te Rome (Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament), Amsterdam, 1933, Vol. I, p. 67.

It is favored by many other commentators and by most translators.) 18 This view (heniadys) is also favored by the following commentators, among others: Bruce, Cranfield, Ridderbos, Van Leeuwen and Jacobs; and by such translations as: Berkeley Version, Good News for Modern Man, Knox, Moffat, N.E.B., etc.) 19 See Gram. N.T., pp. 406, 407.) 20 In the Dutch language the two are sometimes combined into one word: geloofsgehoorzaamheid.) 21 With minor variations one finds this translation in the commentaries on Romans authored by the following, among others: Bruce, Coltman, Cranfield, Denney, Erdman, Greijdanus, Hobbs, Murray, Ridderbos.) 22 Literally: in my spirit) 23 Or: to both wise and foolish) 24 For this construction see the following, slightly varying, translations: A.R.V., N.A.S., Phillips, N.E.B.; and consult the commentaries written by (respectively): Greijdanus, Hodge, Murray, Lekkerkerker, to mention only a few.) 25 For this interpretation, again with variations, see the following translations: A.V., R.S.V., N.I.V., and commentaries by Lange, Cranfield, Ridderbos, etc.) 26 Though one may or may not agree with the interpretation presented by Cranfield, op. cit., p. 83, his summary of five different views is both interesting and helpful.) 27 ) As far as the meaning is concerned, the far more usual rendering, to everyone who believes is certainly correct. However, it fails to retain the harmony of the original, in which the participle in verse 16 (����������) and the two forms of the noun in verse 17 (�������, ������) are cognate; that is, derived from the same stem. Moreover, when this harmony is retained in the translation, is not the meaning of the entire passage (verses 16, 17) grasped more quickly?) One encounters the same difficulty (lack of harmony) in the Latin, and naturally also in the French, Spanish, etc., translations. On the other hand, everything runs very smoothly in the German, Dutch, Frisian, Swedish, Danish, and South African renderings.) A.V. Authorized Version (King James)) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.4|AUTODETECT|” 28 Martin Luther, Lectures on Romans, tr. of R�merbriefvorlesung (Vol. 56 of the Weimar edition of Luther s Works), Philadelphia, 1961, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.4|AUTODETECT|” pp. 3, 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 7 0 8 0 0 29 The expression from faith to faith is too short and simple to allow for complicated interpretations. So, for example, I cannot accept Barth s view that it means from God s faithfulness to man s faith ; or Murray s that by means of this brief phrase the apostle would be saying only by faith are we the beneficiaries of this righteousness and every believer is the beneficiary. The most simple interpretation of such a brief expression is usually the best. According to this rule the meaning is in all probability: from start to finish (or: from first to last) by faith. In agreement with this interpretation are also the following: Cranfield, Erdman, Harrison, Hodge, and Ridderbos.) 30 Would it not seem, therefore, that Lenski, who in his commentaries has enriched the church with much excellent material, expresses himself somewhat injudiciously in his Interpretation of St. Paul s Epistle to the Romans, Columbus, p. 83?

Read also his comments on what he calls false Calvinistic exegesis (p. 9).) 31 ) The reasons that have convinced me that � ������� should be connected with �������, not with �������, are as follows:) a. In the Habakkuk passage (the original) the phrase by his faithfulness or by his faith is most logically connected with he lives. See I. Lesser s rendering (in Twenty-Four Books of the Holy Scriptures, New York, n.d., Vol. II, p. 959), But the righteous ever liveth in his (trustful) faith. ) b. If Paul had intended to connect by faith with the righteous he would probably have written A �r � ������� ������� instead of A �r ������� � �������.) c.

The phrase � ������� here in verse 17b corresponds to the same phrase in the earlier part of the verse. There too it belongs to the predicate, not to the subject.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” d. In Paul s epistles there is no parallel to righteous by faith. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is not really a parallel.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” e. If here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.11|AUTODETECT|” we connect � ������� with �������, should we not also do this in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.11|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.11|AUTODETECT|” , where the identical Old Testament passage is quoted by the same writer and for the same purpose? Now in Galatians the context makes it very clear that shall live by faith and not the righteous by faith is the meaning. This is shown by the preceding and also by the following context; for live by faith is there contrasted with justified by law and is also contrasted with live by (doing) them. We cannot very well adopt one grammatical construction for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.11|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” , and another for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 6 0 8 0 0 f. If we translate, He who is justified by faith (or: The righteous by faith) shall live we are placing the emphasis where it does not belong. The entire context indicates that Paul s emphasis is on live by faith instead of live by the works of the law. ) Having carefully read and studied Cranfield s arguments in favor of the opposite position I am unable to agree. But, for the sake of fairness, I hope everyone will by all means read Cranfield, op. cit., pp. 101, 102.) 32 Or: creeping things, crawling creatures.) 33 For more on this see R. C. Trench, Synonyms of The New Testament, Grand Rapids, 1948 (reprint), par. 37. See also below, on 2:8.) 34 ) In favor of the conative force of this pres. act. participle (����������) are the following facts:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.42|AUTODETECT|” a. A verb which by itself suggests effort, when used in a context that implies action in progress 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.42|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), points in the direction of attempted action. See E. De Witt Burton, Syntax of the Moods and Tenses in New Testament Greek, Chicago, 1923, p. 8.) 1 14 0 8 0 0 b. Even some of those exegetes who in their translation have adopted the English equivalent who suppress, etc., in their interpretation speak about the efforts of the ungodly to suppress the truth.) c. The conative force of the participle is clear also from this fact that no less than three times (verses 19, 20, and 21) the immediate context assures us that the ungodly do not succeed in holding down or blotting out the truth. They sin against better knowledge. See also on verses 28 and 32.) In favor of the conative force of this present participle is also Cranfield, op. cit., p. 112.) 35 � �P���� can be used instead of the ordinary dative; so probably here; hence to them. See L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 260.) 36 ) Several items in the Greek text require comment:) a. ����� & ���������.

The oxymoron is probably intentional.) b. ���������, third per. s. pres. pass. indicat. of �������, (����, perfective, plus A���, to see), to see clearly.) c. ��������, nom. pl. n. pres. pass. participle of ����, to perceive, understand. The participial form is related to the noun ����, which, depending on the context, can have any one of the following meanings: mind, intellect, intelligence, thought, understanding, attitude, disposition. In the present passage ���� must be viewed as intellect plus (or including) sense of responsibility. Man s entire mental and moral state of being is indicated. It is in that sense that �������� can here be interpreted as meaning being perceived or understood. As an adverbial modifier of ���������, the participle �������� shows that more than merely physical vision is indicated by ���������.) d. ����� (from ��), ever-enduring, eternal.) e. �0� �x �6��� does not necessarily always introduce a purpose clause.

A result clause is far more reasonable in the present connection. See Gram. N.T., p. 1003; L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 228 (under 4e).) 37 The possibility that Paul meant, By pretending to be wise they made themselves fools, must be granted.) 38 ) Paul uses the word ����, glory, more than seventy-five times in his epistles. Since it is a word with many different, though related, meanings, a closer study is profitable. The noun is related to the verb �����; hence, has the primary meaning opinion (IV Macc. 5:18). It is but a small step to the meaning good opinion concerning someone; hence, praise, honor, homage.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.22.24|AUTODETECT|” The Hebrew kbhMdh, which is the most common word for glory in the Old Testament, has the primary meaning weight, heaviness, burden 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.22.24|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 22:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.31.1|AUTODETECT|” ); hence, substance, wealth, dignity. It is used to describe Jacob s substance, his flocks and herds 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.31.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 31:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.16.7|AUTODETECT|” ). At times the element of brightness, radiance, splendor is added to that of substance. Thus, the word is used to indicate the brilliant physical manifestation of Jehovah s presence 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.16.7|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 16:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 6:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 0 In a study of the meaning of ���� in Paul s epistles both the Greek derivation and use and the Hebrew background must be borne in mind. Accordingly, the different senses in which the word is used by Paul may be summarized as follows:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.8|AUTODETECT|” a. praise, honor, bestowed on creatures or belonging to them, approbation, approval, reputation. Here the antonym is dishonor 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ) or shame 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ). The synonym of ����, so used, is ���� 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.11|AUTODETECT|” b. adoration or homage rendered to God. Thus the word is used in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.7|AUTODETECT|” , as is shown by its synonym praise. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.20|AUTODETECT|” 4:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” 11:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.7|AUTODETECT|” c. the thing which reflects honor or credit on someone, or the person whose virtues redound to the glory of another 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.23|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.20|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.40|AUTODETECT|” d. external splendor, brightness, brilliance, or radiance 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.40|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.41|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.41|AUTODETECT|” 41) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” e. the bright cloud by which God made himself manifest, the shekinah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” f. the manifested excellence, absolute perfection, royal majesty, splendor or sublimity of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.6|AUTODETECT|” , cf. verses 19, 20; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ), or of Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 4:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ), particularly also at his second coming 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.9|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” g. God s majestic power 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.7|AUTODETECT|” h. the light that surrounds those who are, or have just been, in contact with God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.18|AUTODETECT|” i. the state and/or place of blessedness into which believers will enter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.18|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ); and Christ has already entered 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.16|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 0 8 0 0 j. in general, the pre-eminently excellent or illustrious condition of something or of someone, manifested excellence, either now or in the future.) 39 So, for example, Cranfield, op. cit., p. 121.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” 40 ����, alongside of; i.e., compared to; here: rather (than), the idea being that they worshiped and served the creature and not the Creator. For a similar use of ���� see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 6 0 8 0 0 41 This, it would seem to me, is better than starting a new paragraph with verse 25. The doxology at the close of that verse is a fitting conclusion of the little paragraph but see also Cranfield, who favors the opposite view, stating his reasons on p. 123 of his commentary.) 42 Note God (who is) the truth. (One might also say the true God. See N.E.B.) This is better than the truth of (or about) God, for it is clear that in this chiastic parallelism �t� ������� ��� ���� is a synonym of �x� ��������; as is �� ������ of �� ������. The genitive ��� ���� is one of apposition. It is not possessive.) Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001).

Vol. 12-13: New Testament commentary : Exposition of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Accompanying biblical text is author’s translation. New Testament Commentary (32). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.) N.T.C. W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 43 ) Note �� & ��: as & so; not only & but also; as well as & so likewise.

The rendering even their women (A.V. and some commentators) cannot be recommended.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.4|AUTODETECT|” �������, nom. pl. f. of �����, female. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.4|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 19:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . In certain contexts the word, however, can be rendered woman. ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 ������ (here acc. s. -�), use, usefulness, but in the present context: sexual intercourse. Secular Greek also employs the term in that sense. For example Xenophon, in his �Y������� (Banquet) 8.28, writes, Not only human beings but also gods and demigods set a higher value on friendship of the spirit than on �t� ��� ������� ������, use of the body, that is, sexual intercourse. Similar examples of ������ in the sense of sexual relations can be found in the writings of Plato, Plutarch, Isocrates, etc.) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.9|AUTODETECT|” ����������, third per. pl. aor. indicat. pass. of ��������, to be inflamed; only here in the New Testament. But compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , though the burning mentioned there is of a different character: in a sense it is not contrary to nature. ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.1|AUTODETECT|” @�����, dat. s. of D�����, ardent longing, lust; cf. @����, to desire eagerly, reach out after 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.1|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.10|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.16|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.15|AUTODETECT|” ��������� (here acc. s. -�), in the New Testament used only here and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 16:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.15|AUTODETECT|” . The word is derived from and �����; hence, without (proper) form, deformed, shameful; and the noun as here used means shamelessness, indecent acts, improper behavior. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 16:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 it refers to a person s shame: that is, private parts. ) 1 1 0 8 0 0 ��������� (here acc. s. -�). From my dissertation on The Meaning of the Preposition ��� in the New Testament, p. 81, I quote the following:) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.13|AUTODETECT|” This word is used in a favorable sense in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.13|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” ; in an unfavorable sense in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” , the only two New Testament passages in which it occurs. The fact that the ��������� is here regarded as a return or requital for a certain kind of action is clearly brought out by the addition of the words #� ��� in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The ��������� is that which was due. Moreover, the base-word itself already suggests the idea of a return. Therefore the meaning of the preposition is clear. ) 1 2 0 8 0 0 ������, gen. s. of �����, wandering; cf. planet: wandering star. What is meant in the present context is, accordingly, a wandering away (or deviation) from the proper course, a perversion.) 44 ) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ���������, 3rd per. pl. aor. indicat. act. of ��������. In certain contexts this verb means: to prove, test, examine 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.22|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). It may also mean: to approve (after testing), see fit; consider worthwhile. For this meaning see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|” ; and our present passage, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 0 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|” �������, not approved; hence, rejected, unable to pass the test, worthless, disqualified, unfit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.27|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.5-47.13.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.5-47.13.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:5 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 8 0 8 0 0 Note word-play: �P� ��������� & ������� ����: they did not approve, did not deem (it) worthwhile & worthless disposition.) On the meaning of the noun �������� and the cognate verb ��������� see the article by R. E. Picerelli in EQ, Vol. XLVII, April June, 1975, pp. 85 93.) ���������, acc. pl. n. pres. participle of ������ (���� plus %��), to come down (to), to be becoming, proper; hence here �p �t ��������� indicates the things that are not becoming, not proper; hence improper, indecent, immoral.) 45 In the original ������������� is in apposition with �P���� in verse 28. Also in apposition is the entire third group, beginning with gossips .) 46 There is no textual justification for the insertion of the word ������� ( fornication A.V.) in verse 29.) 47 Note the sound-similarity in the original between ������ (envy) and ����� (murder).) 48 Note assonance (in the original) between this and the next item: ��������, ���������.) )