Romans 1

 Romans 1:1

 

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

 

a. NLT: This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b.  Amplified Bible Classic: From Paul, a bond servant of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) called to be an apostle, (a special messenger) set apart to [preach] the Gospel (good news) of and from God, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,…

 

a. servant [Strong: 1401 doulos doo'-los from 1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):--bond(-man), servant.] [Zodhiates: A slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will being altogether consumed in the will of the other…Metaphorically spoken of voluntary service, a servant, implying obedience, devotion.]

 

1). Paul was called a servant of Jesus Christ and we also are servants of Jesus Christ.

 

a). 1 Corinthians 7:22  For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

 

2). In another sense, to whomever we are presenting our bodies to in obedience, they are the one we servants to.

 

a). Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servant to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sine unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

b). Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

 

2. “…called to be an apostle…”

 

a. apostle [Strong: 652 apostolos ap-os'-tol-os from 649; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers):--apostle, messenger, he that is sent.   Zodhiates: One sent, apostle, ambassador.]

 

1). Paul was commissioned by Jesus to be the Apostle of the Gentiles: Acts 26:12-18; Romans 11:13.

 

2). Though not called to be apostles, every believer in the body of Christ is called to be an ambassador for Christ.

 

a). 2 Corinthians 5:17-20   Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 

3. “…separated unto the gospel of God,”

 

a. separated [Strong: 873 aphorizo af-or-id'-zo from 575 and 3724; to set off by boundary, i.e. (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc.:--divide, separate, sever.] [Zodhiates:    aphorize; apo-from; horizon-to define; “…to separate, select to some office or work.]

1). Galatians 1:15, 16 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I cinferred not with flesh and blood:

 

2). Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed the in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

 

a). The calling of God on our lives is ordained before our conception and developing in the womb, which God accomplishes.

 

Romans 1:2

 

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy Scriptures,)

 

a. NLT: God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: Which He promised in advance [long ago] through His prophets in the sacred Scriptures—[Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy Scriptures,)

 

a. promised afore [Strong: 4279 proepaggellomai pro-ep-ang-ghel'-lom-ahee middle voice from 4253 and 1861; to promise of old:--promise before.]

 

b. prophets [Strong: 4396 prophetes prof-ay'-tace from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet.]

 

1). Acts 13:32-35 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

13:34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

13:35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

 

2). Acts 26: 22, 23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

 

3). Examples of the promises of God of the gospel in the prophets.

 

a). Psalm 22

 

b). Isaiah 53

Romans 1:3

 

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

 

a. NLT: The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b.  Amplified Bible Classic: [The Gospel] regarding His Son, Who as to the flesh (His human nature) was descended from David, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation] 

1. “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord…”

 

a. Jesus [Strong: 2424 Iesous ee-ay-sooce' of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.]

 

b. Christ [Strong: 5547 Christos khris-tos' from 5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.]

 

c. Lord [Strong: 2962 kurios koo'-ree-os from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.]

 

1). The King James translators removed “Jesus Christ our Lord” from the end of Romans 1:4 and inserted it in Romans 1:3. In doing this I believe they only threw confusion into the passage. As we can see by the two translations listed under the King James text and the Interlinear below, the phrase “Jesus Christ our Lord” does not belong  in the text.

 

a). Romans 1:3 Interlinear, George Ricker Berry: “Concerning Son his, who came of [the] seed of David according to the flesh,”

 

2. “…which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;”

 

a.  seed [Strong: 4690 sperma sper'-mah from 4687; something sown, i.e. seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting):--issue, seed.]

 

b. of David [Strong: 1138 Dabid dab-eed' of Hebrew origin (1732); Dabid (i.e. David), the Israelite king:--David.]

 

1). The seed of David refers to His lineage, Matthew 1:1

 

2). The King James translators did an unnecessary thing regarding verses 3 & 4, why they did it I don’t know for sure. They removed a phrase from verse 4 and injected it in verse 3. The phrase, “Jesus Christ our Lord”, does not belong in verse 3. This is shown not only in the Interlinear, but also in the newer translations.

 

a).  Romans 1:3 Interlinear, George Ricker Berry: “Concerning Son his, who came of [the] seed of David according to the flesh,”

 

b). Romans 1:3 NIV: “regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David”

 

c). Romans 1:3 NASV: “concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,” 

 

3). My view concerning the three aspects of Jesus Christ in the passage Romans 1:3, 4. text.

 

a). “made of the seed of David ACCORDING TO THE FLESH”: Romans 1:3.

 

b). “declared to be the Son of God with power, ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS” Romans 1:4.

 

c). “BY [the] RESURRECTION OF [the] DEAD—Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 1:4 (Interlinear).

Romans 1:4

 

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

 

a. NLT: and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b.  Amplified Bible Classic: And [as to His divine nature] according to the Spirit of holiness was openly designated the Son of God in power [in a striking, triumphant and miraculous manner] by His resurrection from the dead, even Jesus Christ our Lord (the Messiah, the Anointed One). [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness…”

 

a. power [Strong: 1411 dunamis doo'-nam-is from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.]

 

b. according to the [Strong: 2596 kata kat-ah' a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.]

 

c. spirit [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]

 

d. of holiness [Strong: 42 hagiosune hag-ee-o-soo'-nay from 40; sacredness (i.e. properly, the quality):--holiness.]

 

1). I personally believe this occurred at the baptism of Christ Jesus in water and by the Spirit. Every element of this sentence fragment is fulfilled in the following verses.

 

a). Matthew 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

b). Luke 3:21, 22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

 

c). John 1: 29-34 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

 

2). My view concerning the three aspects of Jesus Christ in the passage Romans 1:3, 4. text.

 

a). “made of the seed of David ACCORDING TO THE FLESH”: Romans 1:3.

 

b). “declared to be the Son of God with power, ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS” Romans 1:4.

 

c). “BY [the] RESURRECTION OF [the] DEAD—Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 1:4 (Interlinear).

 

3. “…by the resurrection from the dead:”

 

a. by [Strong: 1537 . ek ek or ex ex a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.]

 

b. the resurrection [Strong: 386 anastasis an-as'-tas-is from 450; a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth):--raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.]

 

c. [from the] dead [Strong: 3498  nekros nek-ros' from an apparently primary nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun):--dead.]  

 

1). Sonship & Lordship, The phrase “Jesus Christ our Lord really belongs in verse 4. The way the KJV, the NASV, the NIV, the NRSV, and the RSV read, Jesus was declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead; that may be,  but I think the resurrection had to more with Lordship than Sonship.

 

2). The Resurrection and Lordship.

 

a). Acts 2:32-36 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

 

b). Romans 14:7-9: For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

 

c). Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 1:5

 

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

 

a. NLT: Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: It is through Him that we have received grace (God’s unmerited favor) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the nations. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

c. Wuest Translation: Through whom we have received grace and apostleship in order that there may be obedience to the Faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of His name. [The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest. Ⓒ Copyright Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1961. All rights reserved.]

 

1. “By whom we have received grace and apostleship…”

 

a. [By whom we have] received [Strong: 2983 lambano, lam-ban’-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas 1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while 138 is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).]

 

b. grace [Strong: 5485 charis, khar’-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).]

 

c. [and] apostleship [Strong: 651 apostole, ap-os-tol-ay’; from 649; commission, i.e. (specially) apostolate:--apostleship.]

 

1). Here it clearly says that through Jesus we as believers receive grace and in some cases, apostleships, for obedience to the faith. Not only does it God require obeidence to the faith but it also says it takes grace to accomplish it. This is not the only time Paul speaks about obedience to the faith in Romans. He refers to in in the last chapter.

 

a). Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

 

2). Faith requires obedience.

 

a). James 2:17-20  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

 

2. “…for obedience to the faith among all nations,:”

 

a. [for] obedience [Strong: 5218 hupokoe, hoop-ak-o-ay’; from 5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission:--obedience, (make) obedient, obey(-ing).]

 

b. [to the] faith [Strong: 4102 pistis, pis’-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.]

 

3. “…for his name.”

 

a.  [for his] name [Strong: 3686 onoma, on'-om-ah; from a presumed derivative of the base of 1097 (compare 3685); a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character):--called, (+ sur-)name(-d).]

 

1). This is referring to the command we should do everything in His name

 

a). John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that theFather may be glorified in the Son.

 

b). Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or  

deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Romans 1:6

 

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

 

a. NLT: And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.  [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. Classic Amplified: And this includes you, called of Jesus Christ and invited [as you are] to belong to Him.  [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:”

 

Romans 1:7

 

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

a. NLT: I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: To [you then] all God’s beloved ones in Rome, called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life: Grace and spiritual blessing and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation] 

 

1. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints…”

 

a. called [Strong: 2822 kletos klay-tos' from the same as 2821; invited, i.e. appointed, or (specially), a saint:--called.]

 

b. [to be] saints [Strong: 40 hagios hag'-ee-os from hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint.] [Vine: fundamentally signifies "separated"…and hence, in Scripture in its moral and spiritual significance, separated from sin and therefore consecrated to God, sacred. It is used of men and things (see below) in so far as they are devoted to God. Indeed the quality, as attributed to God, is often presented in a way which involves Divine demands upon the conduct of believers. These are called hagioi, "saints," i.e., "sanctified" or "holy" ones. This sainthood is not an attainment, it is a state into which God in grace calls men; yet believers are called to sanctify themselves (consistently with their calling,), cleansing themselves from all defilement, forsaking sin, living a "holy" manner of life; set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively his.

 

1). No where in the New Testament does the Bible address born again believers as “sinners” or as many say “sinners saved by grace”. Jesus warned against some of the Jewish leaders of his day as blind guides, hypocrites, wolves in sheep clothing and and false prophets. John the Baptist warned against some of those same folks as a generation of vipers. And most if not all the New Testament writers warned of individuals who believers are to be on the lookout for, but as a whole is not addressed in those terms. We are addressed as saints whom God desires for us to dwell in His grace and peace. 

 

a). Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

b). 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and our's:

 

c). 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

 

d). Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

 

e). Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

 

f). Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

2. “…Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

a. Grace [Strong: 5485 charis khar'-ece from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).] [Thayer: sweetness, charm, loveliness, good-will, loving-kindness, favor, kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved, the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace, a gift of grace; benefaction, bounty, the aid or succor of divine grace, capacity and ability due to the grace of God, recompense, reward.]

 

b. peace [Strong: 1515 eirene i-ray'-nay probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.] [Thayer: a state of national tranquility; exemption from the rage and havoc of war, peace between individuals, harmony, concord, good order, security, safety, prosperity, felicity, depart into a place or state of peace, peace with God,]

 

1). Tony Cook, Grace the DNA of God, writes: We are to profit from all of God’s word, even the hello’s and good bye’s! As you read the following salutations and benedictions, personalize them. Allow God to encourage and strengthen you from His grace.

 

a). “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (This phrase occurs ten times in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; and Philemon 3.)

 

b). “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Similar variations of this phrase occur nine times in Romans 16:20, 24; 1 Corinthians 16:23; Galatians 6:18; Philippians 4:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; Philemon 25; and Revelation 22:21.)

 

c). “Grace be with you” (or you all). (This phrase occurs five times in Colossians 4:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; and Hebrews 13:25.)

 

d). “Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Similar variations of this phrase occur four times in 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; and 2 John 3.)

 

e). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (This phrase occurs in 2 Corinthians 13:14.)

 

f). “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” (Ephesians 6:24.)

 

g). “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2.)

 

h). Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come.” (Revelation 1:4.)

Romans 1:8

 

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

 

a. NLT: Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because [the report of] your faith is made known to all the world and is commended everywhere. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all…”

 

2. “…that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

 

a. faith [Strong: 4102 pistis pis'-tis from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.]

 

b. [is] spoken [Strong: 2605 kataggello kat-ang-gel'-lo from 2596 and the base of 32; to proclaim, promulgate:--declare, preach, shew, speak of, teach.]

c. whole [Strong: 3650 holos hol'-os a primary word; "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb:--all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.]

 

d. world [Strong: 2889 kosmos kos'-mos probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world.]

Romans 1:9

 

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

 

a. NLT: God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my [whole] spirit [rendering priestly and spiritual service] in [preaching] the Gospel and [telling] the good news of His Son, how incessantly I always mention you when at my prayers. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son…”

 

a. [I] serve [Strong: 3000 latreuo lat-ryoo'-o from latris (a hired menial); to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:--serve, do the service, worship(-per).]

 

b. with [Strong: 1722 en en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

 

c. spirit  [Strong: 4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.]

 

1). We are three parts. I am a spirit, I have a soul, and I live in a body. The spirit, grounded in the word and lordship of Christ is be be in charge, controlling the thoughts and walking in obedience. 

a). 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

2. “…that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;”

 

a. [that] without ceasing [Strong: 89 adialeiptos ad-ee-al-ipe'-toce adverb from 88; uninterruptedly, i.e. without omission (on an appropriate occasion):--without ceasing.]

 

b. [I make] mention [Strong: 3417 mneia mni'-ah from 3415 or 3403; recollection; by implication, recital:--mention, remembrance.]

 

c. [of you in my] prayers [Strong: 4335 proseuche pros-yoo-khay' from 4336; prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel):--X pray earnestly, prayer.]

 

1). The prayers of Paul.

 

a). Ephesians 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

  

b). Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

 

c). Ephesians 3:14-19 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Romans 1:10

 

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

 

a. NLT: One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: I keep pleading that somehow by God’s will I may now at last prosper and come to you.  [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Making request, if by any means now at length…”

 

2. “…I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.”

 

a. [I might have a] prosperous journey [Strong: 2137 euodoo yoo-od-o'-o from a compound of 2095 and 3598; to help on the road, i.e. (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively, to succeed in business affairs:--(have a) prosper(-ous journey).]

 

b. [by the] will [Strong: 2307 thelema thel'-ay-mah from the prolonged form of 2309; a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination:-- desire, pleasure, will.]

 

c. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

1). It was the will of God for Paul to have a successful trip to the Romans. 

 

Romans 1:11

 

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

 

a. NLT: For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: For I am yearning to see you, that I may impart and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish you; [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift…”

 

a. [I may impart unto you some] spiritual [Strong: 4152 pneumatikos pnyoo-mat-ik-os' from 4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious:--spiritual.]

 

b. gift [Strong: 5486 charisma khar'-is-mah from 5483; a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty:--(free) gift.]

 

2. “…to the end ye may be established;”

 

a. [to the end ye may be] established [Strong: 4741 sterizo stay-rid'-zo from a presumed derivative of 2476 (like 4731); to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm:--fix, (e-)stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.]

1). This is the same Greek word used in the last chapter of Romans where it is revealed that it is God’s will for us to be established in everything written of in the New Testament.

a). Romans 16:25, 26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Romans 1:12

 

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

 

a. NLT: When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “That is, that I may be comforted together with you…”

 

a.  [That is, that I may] be comforted together [with you][Strong: 4837 sumparakaleo soom-par-ak-al-eh'-o from 4862 and 3870; to console jointly:--comfort together.]

 

2. “…by the mutual faith both of you and me.”

 

a. [mutual] faith Strong: 4102. pistis pis'-tis from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

1). The Lord desires us to be comforted together in our faith.

Romans 1:13

 

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

 

a. NLT: I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: I want you to know, brethren, that many times I have planned and intended to come to you, though thus far I have been hindered and prevented, in order that I might have some fruit (some result of my labors) among you, as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Now I would not have you ignorant…”

 

2. “…that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,)…”

 

3. “…that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”

 

 

Romans 1:14

 

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

 

a. NLT: For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: Both to Greeks and to barbarians (to the cultured and to the uncultured), both to the wise and the foolish, I have an obligation to discharge and a duty to perform and a debt to pay. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians…”

 

a. debtor [Strong: 3781 opheiletes of-i-let'-ace from 3784; an ower, i.e. person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against God):--debtor, which owed, sinner.] [Thayer: one who owes another, a debtor, one held by some obligation, bound by some duty.]

 

1).The Apostle Paul considered himself in debt to the world to preach the gospel to them.

 

a). 1 Corinthians 9:16, 17 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

 

2). Paul had a tremendous burden in his heart for his own people, the Jew.

 

a). Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

 

b). Romans 9:1-5 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

 

3). Paul’s debt as he described it was simply the desire and will of God that all men be saved.

 

a). 1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 

2. “…both to the wise, and to the unwise.”

 

a. [to the] wise [Strong: 4680 sophos sof-os'; wise (in a most general application):--wise.]

 

b.  [and to the] unwise [Strong: 453  anoetos an-o'-ay-tos from 1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of 3539; unintelligent; by implication, sensual:--fool(-ish), unwise.] [Thayer:  not understood, unintelligible, not understanding, unwise, foolish.]

 

1). Paul became all things to all people to win them to Christ.

 

a). 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

 

2). Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, That was his office and that is what God ordained him to be.

 

a). Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

 

b). 1 Timothy 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

 

c). Acts 26:12-20 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

26:13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

26:15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

26:17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

 

3). All of the calling and motivation is encapsulated in the grace of God given to Paul.

 

a). 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet no I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Romans 1:15

 

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

 

a. NLT: So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: So, for my part, I am willing and eagerly ready to preach the Gospel to you also who are in Rome. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “So, as much as in me is…”

 

a. So [Strong: 3779 houto, hoo’-to; or (before a vowel houtos] [Strong: adverb from 3778; in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.]

 

1). As much debt is in me as much necessity is in me, as much grace is in me. All of these spiritual motivations were moving him to preach the gospel to the Romans also.

 

2. “…I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

 

a. I am ready [Strong: 4289 prothumos, proth’-oo-mos; from 4253 and 2372; forward in spirit, i.e. predisposed; neuter (as noun) alacrity:--ready, willing.]

 

1). This same Greek word is used in other applications in Scripture. In Matthew it is translated “willing”, while in Mark it is translated “ready”.

 

a). Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

 

b). Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

 

Romans 1:16

 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

a. NLT: For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…”

 

a. [I am not] ashamed [Strong: 1870 epaischunomai, ep-ahee-skhoo'-nom-ahee; from 1909 and 153; to feel shame for something:--be ashamed.]

 

 1). God is not ashamed of us.

 

a). Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a  city.

 

2). We are warned not to be ashamed of Him.

 

a). Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

 

 b). 2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

 

2. “…for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth;”

 

a. [for it is the] power [Strong: 1411 dunamis, doo’-nam-is; from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.]

1). This is the same Greek word used in Luke and Acts to describe the “power” from heaven to enable the Church to spread the gospel over the whole earth.

a). Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

b). Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 

b. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theos; theh’-os; from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.]

 

1). The power of God referred to here is specifically the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

c. [unto] salvation [Strong: 4991 soteria, so-tay-ree'-ah; feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally):--deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.] [Thayer: deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation, deliverance from the molestation of enemies, in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the soul's safety or salvation, of Messianic salvation, salvation as the present possession of all true Christians, future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God.] [Scofield Reference Bible: “The Hebrew and Greek words for salvation imply the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness. Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes as justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification.”]

 

1). Passages that teach that salvation is not just going to heaven but matches the definitions given by the above scholars, Strong, Thayer and Scofield and others.

 

a). Hebrews 2:3, 4 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

 

b). 1 Peter 1:9-12 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

 

c). The grace that was prophesied by the prophets and the glory that should follow the sufferings of Christ is the gospel of the New Covenant. Included in that salvation is the signs and wonders that God gave testimony that what the apostles were preaching was true.

 

(1) Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

 

d. [to everyone that] believeth [Strong: 4100 pisteuo, pist-yoo’- o; from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.]

 

1). The Gospel of Christ is the power of God and we can believe it for our deliverance, our safety, our preservation, our healing and our soundness. Believing the gospel, all the promises that deal with the situations of life, whatever they are, brings the power of Almighty God to bear on any situation.

 

3. “…to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

 

a. [to the Jew] first [Strong: 4412 proton, pro’-ton; neuter of 4413 as adverb (with or without 3588); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance):--before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) first (of all).]

 

1). Paul always went first to the Jew and then to the Gentile, in that order. In Acts 13:5 they preached the word in Jewish synagogues, and in Acts 13:14 Paul went first into the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia. When the Jews for the most part rejected the gospel in that city, Paul and Barnabas’s reaction was then went to the Gentiles’

 

a). Acts 13:45-49 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

 

2). Yet in the very next town Paul went first into the synagogue.

 

a). Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

Romans 1:17

 

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 

a. NLT: This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished  from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is justand upright shall live and shall live by faith. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed…”

 

a. [For] therein [Strong: 1722 en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

 

1). That is IN the GOSPEL the righteousness of God is revealed.

 

b. [the] righteousness [of God] [Strong: 1343 dikaiosyne, dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness.] [Thayer: in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God, integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting]

 

1). E. W. Kenyon: Righteousness is the ability to stand before a holy God without any sense of inferiority, guilt or shame of any kind. Righteousness: the ability to stand in the presence of God in right standing with God.

 

 2. “…from faith to faith…”

 

a. [from] faith to faith  [Strong: 4102 pistis, pis’-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.]

 

1). We grow from one level of faith to another, wherein the righteousness of God is revealed, uncovered, made known and manifested from faith to faith, then it will be uncovered in the word, in Scripture.

 

a). Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

b). Romans 10:6-10 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

2). In the phrase “from faith to faith”, Paul is referring to growing from a lower level of faith to a higher level of faith. We are to grow in our faith.

 

a). 2 Thessalonians 1:3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

 

3). Paul is using the same principle of growing in our relationship with God in his use when referring to us going from one level of glory to a higher level of glory.

 

a). 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

3. “…as it is written…”

 

a. [as it is] written [Strong: 1125 grapho, graf'-o; a primary verb; to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe:--describe, write(-ing, -ten).]

 

1). The Apostle Paul is quoting the passage from Habakkuk.

 

a). Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

4. “…the just shall live by faith.”

 

a. [the] just [Strong: 1342 dikaios, dik'-ah-yos from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, right(-eous).] [Thayer:  righteous, observing divine laws, in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God.]

 

1). Someone who is “just” has been justified or declared just by God.

 

a). Acts 13:38, 39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

 

b). Romans 3:20-26 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

 

2). When we believe in what God did for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are justified and declared righteous by God. It is through faith, through us believing. The just shall receive his justification through faith. The just shall live by faith. We simply believe it. This is how righteousness and justification were given in the Old Covenant.

 

a). Romans 4:6-11 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

b. [shall live by] faith [Strong: 4102. pistis pis'-tis from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.] 

Romans 1:18

 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 

a. NLT: But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.  [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. Amplified Bible: For God’s [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…”

 

a. [For the] wrath [of God] [Strong: 3709 orge, or-gay’; properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment:--anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.] [Zodhiates: Anger as a state of mind.] [Bullinger: Anger together with the idea of revenge…the idea of revenge belongs etymologically to orge, orge is the abiding, settled purpose of wrath; orge is, as it were the heat of the fire; less sudden in its but more lasting.]

 

1). On the subject of the wrath of God, most Christians put it off until the events i.e., the seals and trumpets and vials, immediately preceding the Second Coming of Christ. While those three series of judgments are the wrath of God, they are only one facet of God’s wrath. There is another side that most Christians are ignorant of, i.e., the wrath of God that is active today. The defining passage that brings to light this Biblical truth is Romans 1:18 in the New King James Version:  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” The New Living Translation says “wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” The NLT also adds the note, “Or who, by their wickedness, prevent the truth from being known.”

 

2). The passage goes on in Romans 1:19-32. Notice carefully that the above passage Romans 1:18-32 does not say all of the wickedness including homosexuality will bring the wrath of God, it says it IS the wrath of God. What we see in this passage is a step by step process of apostasy, of man’s willful disobedience and God’s wrathful response of turning them over to their sin. Rejection of the truth is always followed by becoming vain in thinking and becoming heathen in behavior. What is so important to this study is the principles revealed in these and other Scriptures are universal spiritual law, so to what degree individuals or groups and even nations reject revealed truth, will be the degree they will become vain in their thinking and the amount of spiritual foolishness or heathenism and paganism they will demonstrate.

 

b. [is]  revealed [Strong: 601 apokalupto ap-ok-al-oop'-to from 575 and 2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal.] [Zodhiates: apokalupto; apo-from; kalupto-to cover, conceal][Strong: to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal.  Literally, to remove a veil or covering exposing to open view what was before hidden.]

 

c. against [Strong: 1909 epi, ep-ee’; a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).]

 

d. ungodliness [Strong: 763 asebeia, as-eb’-i-a; from 765; impiety, i.e. (by implication) wickedness:--ungodly(-liness).]

 

e. unrighteousness [Strong: 93 adikia;  ad-ee-kee'-ah; from 94; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):--iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.]

 

2. “…who hold the truth in unrighteousness;”

 

a. who hold [Strong: 2722 kateko, kat-ekh'-o; to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively):--have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold.] [Zodhiates: hold fast, retain, or hold down, quash, suppress.]

 

b. [the] truth [Strong: 225 aletheia, al-ay'-thi-a; from 227; truth:--true, X truly, truth, verity.]

 

c. [in] unrighteousness [Strong: 93 adika,  ad-ee-kee'-ah; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):--iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.] [Thayer: injustice, of a judge, unrighteousness of heart and life, a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness.]

 

1). Ungodly and unrighteous men suppress the truth, and as a result the world descends into apostasy.

2). Many Bible scholars are in agreement as to what, when, and where this passage of Scripture (Romans 1:18-32) is speaking about.

 

a). Finis Jennings Dake: Stages of world apostasy.

 

b). C.I. Scofield: Stages of gentile world apostasy.

 

c). Lester Sumrall: These Scriptures answer the question, “How did pagan religions begin?

 

d). Henry Morris: The tragic story of man’s decline from the true knowledge of God to abominable idolatries.

 

e). The time period for this is from the end of the flood to the tower of Babel.

 

3). I personally believe the apostasy occurred over a period of about 340 years, from the end of the flood to the tower of Babel, the confusion of tongues and the scattering of mankind over the earth. These individuals deceitfully suppressed the truth. What truth?

 

a). One of the recorded truths we know they had was Genesis 3:15, the promise of the birth, suffering, death, and triumph of Jesus.

 

b). Another was Jude 14, 15 which is a prophecy of the second coming of Christ.

 

c). Also the truth suppressed, no doubt was the knowledge of God, preached by Noah (2 Peter 2:5).

 

4). But also the truth suppressed was the original revelation of the signs of the Zodiac, the revelation of “the glory of the incorruptible God” (Psalm 19:1-6), which they changed into astrological idolatry. This was the reason for the tower of Babel.

 

a). In Genesis 11:4 the words “may reach” are in italics, which means they were not in the text but were added by the translators.

 

b). “And they said, Goto, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top unto heaven;”

 

c). The tower of Babel was dedicated to heaven, i.e., the signs of the Zodiac.

 

5). There is also truth being suppressed today.

 

a). TIME MAGAZINE, Science, God and Man. (12/28/92):  “…one hallmark of 20th century science, as it draws to a close, is how much fertile ground it has provided for bona fide theological speculation: speculation about whether the universe is a product of intelligent design, whether the human experience is part of some unfolding purpose, whether we were in any sense meant to be here.”

 

b). TIME MAGAZINE, Science, God and Man. (12/28/92) “One intriguing observation that has bubbled up from physics is that the universe seems calibrated for life’s existence. If the force of gravity were pushed upward a bit, stars would burn out faster, leaving little time for life to evolve on the planets circling them. If the relative masses of protons and neutrons were changed by a hair, stars might never be born,  since the hydrogen they eat wouldn’t exist. If, at the Big Bang, some basic numbers, the “initial conditions”, had been jiggled, matter and energy would never have coagulated in galaxies, stars, planets or any other platforms stable enough for life as we know it. And so on. Some physicists have tried to drain these coincidences of their eeriness with something called the anthroptic principle, which dismisses humankind’s perspective on the cosmos as inherently biased. It’s no surprise they say, that the universe is conductive to life. After all, if it weren’t, we wouldn’t be here to argue the point. For all we know there are zillions of other universes that don’t have the dimensions for life. Marveling at the exquisite fine tuning of physical reality is like viewing a winning lottery ticket as proof of God’s existence, forgetting about the less blessed tickets lying in trash cans all over town.”

 

c). Dr. Lewis Thomas, Chancellor of the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Biology needs a better word than error for    the driving force in evolution…I cannot make my peace with the randomness doctrine; I cannot abide the notion of purposelessness and blind chance in nature. And yet, I do not know what to put in its place for the quieting of my mind.”

 

6). From this verse to the end of the chapter we are going to see how the wrath of God is revealed. In Romans 1:17 Paul writes that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, from one level to another level upwards. In Romans 1:18-32 we see a similar step by step process revealing the wrath of God.   

Romans 1:19

 

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

 

a. NLT: They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible: For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them…”

 

a. Because [Strong: 1360. dioti dee-ot'-ee from 1223 and 3754; on the very account that, or inasmuch as:--because (that), for, therefore.]  

b. [that] which [Strong: 3588. [to] ὁ ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.] [Thayer: [to] ὁ, ἡ, τό, originally τος, τῇ, τό (as is evident from the forms τοι, ται for οἱ, αἱ in Homer and the Ionic writings), corresponds to our definite article the (German der, die, das), which is properly a demonstrative pronoun, which we see in its full force in Homer, and of which we find certain indubitable traces also in all kinds of Greek prose, and hence also in the N. T.] [Additional variants: tē, hoi, oi, tēn, ta, tēs, tois, tais, tō, tōn, tou, hé  hē, hai, tas.]

c. may be known [Strong: 1110. gnostos gnoce-tos' from 1097; well-known:--acquaintance, (which may be) known, notable.

[Thayer: known, notable.]

 

d. [of] God [Strong: 2316. theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

e. [is] manifest [Strong: 5318. phaneros fan-er-os' from 5316; shining, i.e. apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally:--abroad, + appear, known, manifest, open (+ -ly), outward (+ -ly).] [Thayer: apparent, manifest, evident, known, manifest,i.e.,to be plainly recognized or known.]

 

g. [in] them [Strong: 846. autos ow-tos' from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

2. “…for God hath shewed it unto them.”

 

a. [for] God [Strong: 2316. theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

b. hath shewed it [Strong: 5319. phaneroo fan-er-o'-o from 5318; to render apparent (literally or figuratively):--appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self).] [Thayer: to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown).]

 

c. unto them [Strong: 846. autos ow-tos' from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

 

1). There are only two times in world history when this could have happened, after the fall of man and after the flood of Noah. There had to be a falling away in both instances. The details may be a little different but the result was the same. The details given in this account in Romans probably fit the after flood scene better. God made himself known to these people. He manifested himself to them. These events took place around the first three centuries after the flood of Noah.

Romans 1:20

 

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

a. NLT: For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible: For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification], [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]  

 

1. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen…”

 

a. [For the] invisible things [Strong: 517. aoratos ah-or'-at-os from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3707; invisible:--invisible (thing).]

b. [of] him [Strong: 846. autos ow-tos' from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

c. [from the] creation [Strong: 2937. ktisis ktis'-is from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.]

d. [of the] world [Strong: 2889. kosmos kos'-mos probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world.] [Vine: primarily order,arrangement, ornament, adornment, is used to denote the earth. (Romans 1:20, probably here, the universe, it had this meaning among the Greeks, owing to the order observable in it.)] [Thayer: In the Septuagint it is used of the arrangement of the stars, the heavenly hosts; As the ornament of the heavens.] [BULLINGER: Denotes the order of the world, The ordered universe, the ordered entirety of God’s creation but considered separated from God. Then, the abode of humanity…then Mankind as it manifests itself in and through such order.]

 

e. [are] clearly seen [Strong:  2529. kathorao kath-or-ah'-o from 2596 and 3708; to behold fully, i.e. (figuratively) distinctly apprehend:--clearly see.]

1). The invisible eternal power and Divinity of God was clearly seen by this group of people, by looking at the created world order.

 

2. “…being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead…”

 

a. being understood [Strong: 3539. noieo noy-eh'-o from 3563; to exercise the mind (observe), i.e. (figuratively) to comprehend, heed:--consider, perceive, think, understand.] [Thayer:  to perceive with the mind, to understand, to have understanding, to think upon, ponder, consider.]

 

b. [by the] things that are made [Strong: 4161 * poima] [Strong: a product, i.e. fabric (literally or figuratively):--thing that is made, workmanship.] [Thayer: that which has been made, a work, of the works of God as Creator.]

 

1). The Deity and eternal power of God was clearly seen in the creation of the universe; and the people of the post-flood period understood that. This revelation was not only in the animal kingdom: Job 12:7-10; but also in the stars, the original meaning of the signs of the Zodiac: Job 26:13, 14; 38:31-34; (See Thayer’s definition of world/kosmos). The revelation was so clear that they were without excuse. This is why the Apostle Paul, when speaking about receiving faith from the word of God, used the word ‘rhema’ and then applied it to Psalm 19:4.

 

a). Romans 10:17, 18 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

 

b). Psalm 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

 

c). Psalm 19:16 is a passage about the revelation of the heavens declaring the glory of God.

c. [even his] eternal [Strong: 126. aidios ah-id'-ee-os from 104; everduring (forward and backward, or forward only):--eternal, everlasting.]

d. power [Strong: 1411. dunamis doo'-nam-is from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.]

e. [and] Godhead [Strong: 2305. theiotes thi-ot'-ace from 2304; divinity (abstractly):--godhead.]

 

3. “…so that they are without excuse:”

 

a. [so that they are] without excuse [Strong: 379. anapologetos an-ap-ol-og'-ay-tos from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 626; indefensible:--without an excuse, inexcusable.] [Thayer:  inexcusable, that which cannot be defended, without defense or excuse.]

  

1). They were without excuse because the eternal power and Divinity of God was clearly seen, and understood to them.

 Romans 1:21

 

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 

a. NLT: Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible:  Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Because that, when they knew God…”

 

a. [Because that when they] knew [Strong: 1097. ginosko ghin-oce'-ko a prolonged form of a primary verb; to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed):--allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.] [Thayer: to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel, to become known, to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of, to understand, to know, Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, to become acquainted with, to know.]

 

b. God [Strong: 2316. theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

1). There are only two times in human history where it could be said that humanity as a whole “knew God”, after Creation and after the flood.

 

2. “…they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful…”

3. “…but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

 

a. [but] became vain [Strong: 3154. mataioo mat-ah-yo'-o from 3152; to render (passively, become) foolish, i.e. (morally) wicked or (specially), idolatrous:--become vain.]

 

b. [in their] imaginations [Strong: 1261 * dialogismos] [Strong: discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate:--dispute, doubtful(-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought.] [Thayer: the thinking of a man deliberating with himself, a thought, a reasonin.]

 

c. [and their] foolish [Strong: 801. asunetos as-oon'-ay-tos from 1 (as a negative particle) and 4908; unintelligent; by implication, wicked:--foolish, without understanding.] [Thayer: because a wicked man has no mind for the things which make for salvation.]

 

d. heart [Strong: 2588. kardia kar-dee'-ah prolonged from a primary kar (Latin cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:--(+ broken-)heart(-ed).]

 

e. [was] darkened [Strong: 4654. skotizo skot-id-zo from 4655; to obscure (literally or figuratively):--darken.] [Thayer: to cover with darkness, to darken. (darkened, Eph.4:18).]

 

1). In Ephesians 4:17 we see the nations walk in the “vanity of their mind”, and Romans 1:21 declares where it probably began. Rejecting revealed truth will bring emptiness and vanity to the imagination, to the mind.

 

a). 2 Kings 17:15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made

with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they

followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round

about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not

do like them.

 

2). It is possible this vanity or perhaps veil is what is referred to in Isaiah 25:7.

       

a). Isaiah 25:7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

Romans 1:22

 

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

 

a. NLT: Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible: Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves]. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Professing themselves to be wise…”

 

2. “…they became fools.”

 

a. [they became] fools [Strong: 3471 moraine, mo-rah'-ee-no; to become insipid; figuratively, to make (passively, act) as a simpleton:--become fool, make foolish, lose savour.] [English: moron.]

 

1). They made themselves fools, they brought a judgment upon themselves. All of the similarities between heathen mythologies and the truth of God’s word is a result of the revelations given to this generation and then perverted by them. We must not forget that up until this time they KNEW GOD (Romans 1:21, because God SHEWED HIMSELF TO THEM (Romans 1:19).

 

2). In 1 Corinthians 1:21 it says, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

 

a). The phrase “the world by wisdom knew not God.” is interesting. It is amazing that man can actually go through the process of unknowing or know not God through natural human wisdom. A perfect description of man going through the process of unknowing God is shown in the passage Romans 1:18-22

 

(1) Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

1:23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

 

b). Surely evolutionary science, agnostic and atheistic philosophy fit here.  The Scriptures speak of “the wisdom of the wise”, “the wisdom of this world”, and the wisdom “of the princes of this world” all of which will be destroyed and come to nought. The wisdom they professed to actually brought a curse of spiritual darkness upon them that continues to this day. God in His eternal wisdom of knowing all things from the beginning to the end, knew that man would in his limited and twisted wisdom, reject the existence of God, in response, God, before he ever created the earth planned that the foolishness of preaching Christ crucified would save them that believe.

(1) 1 Corinthians 1:19-24  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Romans 1:23

 

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

 

a. NLT: And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible: And by them the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God were exchanged for and represented by images, resembling mortal man and birds and beasts and reptiles. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image…”

 

a. changed [Strong: 236 allasso,  al-las'-so; to make different:--change.] [Thayer: to change, to exchange one thing for another, to transform.]

 

1). According to the definition for the word ‘changed’, they exchanged the glory of God into something other than what it was. Romans 1:25 says they changed the truth of God into a lie. The signs of the Zodiac told the future in that the signs revealed what God was going to do to implement his plan to redeem man. What these people did was take the signs and make an idolatrous religion out of it.

 

b. the glory [of the uncorruptible God] [Strong: 1391 doxa, dox'-ah from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.] [Vines: in Romans 1:23 His evelasting power and Divinity are spoken of as His glory, i.e., His attributes and power as revealed through Creation.] 

 

1). This is the glory that the heavens had been declaring in Psalms 19:1-6. It was the plan of redemption revealed in the signs of the Zodiac.

a). Psalms 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

 

2). E. W. Bullinger, Introduction Witness of the Stars: “For more than two thousand five hundred years the world was without a written revelation from God. The question is, Did God leave Himself without a witness? The question is answered very positively by the written Word that He did not. In Romans 1:19 it is declared that, "that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." But how was God known? How were His "invisible things," i.e., His plans, His purposes, and His counsels, known since the creation of the world? We are told by the Holy Spirit in Romans 10:18. Having stated in v. 17 that "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word (the thing spoken, sayings) of God," He asks, "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes, verily." And we may ask, How have they heard? The answer follows--"Their sound went into all the earth and their words (their teaching, message, instruction) unto the ends of the world." What words? What instruction? Whose message? Whose teaching? There is only one answer, and that is, THE HEAVENS! This is settled by the fact that the passage is quoted from Psalm 19, [one] part of which is occupied with the Revelation of God written in the Heavens, and the part with the Revelation of God written in the Word.”

 

c. [into an] image [Strong: 1504. eikon i-kone' from 1503; a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance:--image.] [Zodhiates: A representation, an image, as of a man,…it always assumes a prototype, that which it not merely resembles but from which it is drawn.]

1). The images were man, birds, fourfooted beasts and creeping things. 

 

2. “…made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

 

a. [made like to corruptible] man [Strong: 444 anthropos anth'-ro-pos from 435 and ops (the countenance; from 3700); man-faced, i.e. a human being:--certain, man.]

 

1). Images of corruptible man: Bootes, Ophiuchus, Perseus, Virgo, Coma, Cepheus.

 

b. [and to] birds [Strong: 4071 peteinon pet-i-non' neuter of a derivative of 4072; a flying animal, i.e. bird:--bird, fowl.]

 

1). Images of birds: Corvus (raven), Aquila (eagle), Cygnus (swan).

 

c. fourfooted beasts [Strong: 5074. tetrapous tet-rap'-ooce from 5064 and 4228; a quadruped:--fourfooted beast.

 1). Images of fourfooted beasts: Leo, Ursa Major, Canis Major.

 

d. [and] creeping things [Strong: 2062 herpeton her-pet-on' neuter of a derivative of herpo (to creep); a reptile, i.e. (by Hebraism (compare 7431)) a small animal:--creeping thing, serpent.]

 

1). Images of creeping things: Cancer (crab), Scorpio, Hydra, Draco.

Romans 1:24

 

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.

 

a. NLT: So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible Classic: Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their [own] hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Wherefore God also gave them up…”

 

a. Wherefore [Strong: 1352 dio dee-o' from 1223 and 3739; through which thing, i.e. consequently:--for which cause, therefore, wherefore.]

 

b. God [2316 * theos] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

 

c. also [Strong: 2532 kai kahee apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

 

1). In order for the word “also” to be used here, God had to do something previous to this in order to need the word “also” in the text. The first act is shown in Romans 1:19, 20, i.e., the eternal power and the Godhead of God was clearly seen by these people as a result of a revelation God had given them. Hence, God manifest himself to them and also God gave them up.

 

d. gave…up [Strong: 3860 paradidomi par-ad-id'-o-mee from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.]  [Zodhiates: paradidomi; para-to the side of; didomi-to give; To deliver over or up to the power of someone…as to magistrates for trial or condemnation…to soldiers for punishment…] [Outline of Biblical Usage: to give into the hands (of another), to give over into (one's) power or use, to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage, to deliver up one to custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death, to deliver up treacherously, by betrayal to cause one to be taken, to deliver one to be taught, moulded, to commit, to commend, to deliver verbally, commands, rites, to deliver by narrating, to report, to permit allow, when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits, gives itself up, presents itself.]

 

1). There is a similar English phrase in the Psalms provides light on this.

   

a). Psalm 81:11, 12 But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

81:12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.

 

b). This giving up or over is a judicial act by God, that leads to bondage or addiction. When man by his own free will rejects and refuses God, the only thing that will happen is man is given over to the desires of his heart, the lusts in his heart. 

 

e. them [Strong: 846 autos ow-tos' from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]   

 

1). What this phrase “gave them up” means is they were handed over to the desires that they were craving to participate in.

 

2. “…to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts…”

 

a. [to] uncleanness [Strong: 167 akatharsia ak-ath-ar-see'-ah from 169; impurity (the quality), physically or morally:--uncleanness.] [Zodhiates: Uncleanness or filth in a natural or physical sense, moral uncleanness, lewdness, incontinence in general.]

 

b. [through the] lusts [Strong: 1939 epithumia ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah from 1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden):--concupiscence, desire, lust (after).] 

c. [of their own] hearts [Strong: 2588 kardia kar-dee'-ah prolonged from a primary kar (Latin cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:--(+ broken-)heart(-ed).]

1). Jesus said the lusts or passions that defile a person comes out of his own heart.

 

a). Matthew 15:17-20 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

 

3. “…to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.”

 

a. [to] dishonour [Strong: 818 atimazo at-im-ad'-zo from 820; to render infamous, i.e. (by implication) contemn or maltreat:--despise, dishonour, suffer shame, entreat shamefully.] [atimazo; a-without, negative;time-homor] [Zodhiates:To dishonour, treat with indignity.]

 

1). The people the Apostle Paul was referring to in Romans though claiming to be wise, these people were really fools. They were fools because they perverted the original revelation of the signs in the heavens and changed it into astrology began and worshipping the images of man and animals depicted in the signs.. In Romans 1:24 & 26 we see the revelation of the, “wrath of God” in response to man when he, “changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image” (verse 23). In verse 24 God “gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.” When they began worshipping idols they changed the truth of God into a lie, after that the next step in the degenerative process was male and female homosexuality. The phrase “gave…up” is a compound Greek word. (3860 * paradidomi; para-to the side of, over to; didomi-to give) It means “to deliver over or up to the power of someone. Spoken of persons or things delivered over to do or suffer something, unto the power or practice of someone or something.” In Romans 1:24 the Lord gave these people over to the power of sexual and moral uncleanness and they began acting out the lusts in their heart and dishonored their bodies.

Romans 1:25

 

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

 

a. NLT: They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. Amplified Bible: Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it). [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “Who changed the truth of God into a lie…”

 

a. Who [Strong: 3748 hostis hos'-tis, including the feminine hetis hay'-tis, and the neuter ho,ti hot'-ee from 3739 and 5100; which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same:--X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever).

b. changed [Strong: 236 allasso al-las'-so from 243; to make different:--change.]

 

c.  [the] truth [Strong: 225 aletheia al-ay'-thi-a from 227; truth:--true, X truly, truth, verity.] [Zodhiates: truth, reality; the unveiled reality lying at the basis of and agreeing with an appearance; the manifested, the veritable essence of matter.]

d. [of] God [Strong: 2316  theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

e. [into a] lie [Strong: 5579  pseudos psyoo'-dos from 5574; a falsehood:--lie, lying.] [Thayer: a lie, conscious and intentional falsehood, perverse, impious, deceitful precepts.]

 

1). The “truth of God” these ancients turned into a lie was the plan of redemption revealed in the ancient meaning of the signs of the Zodiac. [See notes of Psalm 19:1; Job 38:32]   

 

2. “…and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator…” 

 

a. [and worshipped and] served [Strong: 3000. latreuo lat-ryoo'-o from latris (a hired menial); to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:--serve, do the service, worship(-per).]

b. [the] creature [Strong: 2937 ktisis ktis'-is;from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.] [Thayer: the act of founding, establishing, building etc, the act of creating, creation, creation i.e. thing created of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation, anything created, after a rabbinical usage (by which a man converted from idolatry to Judaism was called), the sum or aggregate of things created, institution, ordinance.]

1). They began worshipping the creature, the creation more than the Creator. They began worshipping the heavens instead of God.

b. [more than the] Creator [Strong: 2936. ktizo ktid'-zo probably akin to 2932 (through the idea of proprietorship of the manufacturer); to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally):--create, Creator, make.]

3. “...who is blessed forever. Amen.”

Romans 1:26

 

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

 

a. NLT: That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible: For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:”

 

a. [For this cause] God [Strong: 2316. theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).

b. gave them up [Strong: 3860 paradidomi par-ad-id'-o-mee from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, commend.] [Thayer: to give into the hands (of another), to give over into (one's) power or use, to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage, to deliver up one to, custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death, to deliver up treacherously, by betrayal to cause one to be taken, to deliver one to be taught, moulded, to commit, to commend, to deliver verbally, commands, rites, to deliver by narrating, to report, to permit allow, when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits, gives itself up, presents itself.]

 

c. [unto] vile [Strong: 819 atimia at-ee-mee'-ah from 820; infamy, i.e. (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace:--dishonour, reproach, shame, vile.] [Zodhiates: this word is a dirivitive of atimos, a-without; and time-honor.] [Thayer: dishonour, ignominy, disgrace.]

 

d. affections [Strong: 3806 pathos, path'-os; from the alternate of 3958; properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence):-- (inordinate) affection, lust.   from the alternate of 3958; properly, suffering (“pathos”), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence):-- (inordinate) affection, lust.] [Zodhiates: Passion, lust. Pathos occurs three times in the N.T.; once coordinated with epithumia (1939) Colossians 3:5 [“inordinate affection”], and once subordinated to it, pathos epithumias, the lust of desire (1 Thess.4:5), and in the third reference modified by atimia ([819], dishonourable), “vile affections” (Rom. 1:26). These are lusts that dishonor those who indulge in them.]

 

1). These lusts and desires were already in their hearts (Romans 1:240. Same sex lust is referred to here as a “vile affection”, a dishonorable lust and as such it is to be included in the lusts of the flesh described in Galatians and 1 John.

 

a). Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

b). 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

c). It is not an orientation, it is a lust of the flesh.

 

2). It is also to be included in the law of sin and death that began to plague mankind beginning at the fall of man and described in Romans 7. All these are able to be overcome by the grace provided in the New Birth.

 

a). Romans 7:14-24 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

 

3). All of the law of sin and death is overcome through the new birth in Christ Jesus.

 

a). Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

4). It also appears from the text that male and female homosexuality is linked to the invention of astrology, the worship of the stars.

 

2. “…for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:”

 

a. [for even their] women [Strong: 2338 thelus thay'-loos from the same as 2337; female:--female, woman.]

 

b. did change [Strong: 3337 metallasso, met-al-las'-so; to exchange:--change.][Zodhiates: To exchange, to convert from one state to another.]

 

c. [the] natural [Strong: 5446 phusikos foo-see-kos';  "physical", i.e. (by implication) instinctive:--natural.] [Zodhiates: Natural, as established by God in nature (Rom. 1:26, 27). [The English word physical is derived from it.]

 

d. use [Strong: 5540 chresis khray'-sis; employment, i.e. (specially), sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body):--use.] [Zodhiates: Use, the act (usage) or manner (use) of using (Romans 1:26, 27 of the body in sexual intercourse).]

 

e. [into that which is] against [Strong: 3844 para, par-ah’; a primary preposition; properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subjectively), (with accusative case) to the proximity with (local (especially beyond or opposed to) or causal (on account of):--above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, X friend, from, + give (such things as they), + that (she) had, X his, in, more than, nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side...by, in the sight of, than, (there-)fore, with. In compounds it retains the same variety of application.]

 

f. nature [Strong: 5449 phusis foo'-sis from 5453; growth (by germination or expansion), i.e. (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native disposition, constitution or usage:--(man-)kind, nature(-al).] [Zodhiates: paraphusis; para-against; phusis-nature. Against the regular law or order of things.]

 

1). Physically, men and women complement each other, it is the created order, i.e., “the regular law or order of things”. These women exchanged the natural physical order of sexual intercourse with men, for sexual acts with other women that is against nature. Paul described this as a “vile affection” not a sexual orientation.

 

2). In the following quote we see how perverted homosexual advocates descend to prove their position. Daniel Helminiak’s argument concerning “against nature”, from his book “What the Bible Really Says about homosexuality pp. 65, 66. “A study of the Greek words suggests that there is no ethical condemnation in Paul’s use of para physin. This conclusion seems certain. Why? Because there is further evidence on the matter, and that evidence is weighty. In Romans 11:24, Paul uses those very same words to talk about God. Paul describes how God grafted the Gentiles into the olive tree that is the Jews. Now Jew and Gentile are one in Christ. But to graft a wild tree into a cultivated tree is not the ordinary thing to do: it is something unusual. Still, that is what God did through Christ. In Paul’s understanding of the words, God himself acted para physin. God did what was “unnatural”. God behaved “in an unusual way.” If to act para physin is immoral, then God must be immoral, that is patently absurd. Therefore, there can be no moral meaning to those Greek words for Paul. Once again the conclusion emerges: Romans is not a moral condemnation of male-male sex.”

 

3). The context of the use of the Greek para physin into the two instances, Romans 1:26 & Romans 11:24 must be studied to dispel the perverted reasoning of Helminiak and others who try to use it for their twisted use. Its use in Romans is to bear witness and condemn a behavior, a physical act that is universally condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, by every Scriptural witness where it is mentioned. Its use in Romans 11 is not speaking of a physical act but is describing a spiritual truth in parable form exactly the way Jesus did in his teaching of the parables. The spiritual truth is that God united Jew and Gentile in Christ Jesus.

 

a). Romans 11:16-24 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.

11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

 

(1) Notice the inspiration of God describes the spiritual reality of Gentile uniting with Jew as “the goodness of God.”

 

4). There was no literal physical act of grafting branches into a tree to accomplish this spiritual reality, Paul is speaking in abstract terms. The only literal physical act that was done was Christ Jesus dying on a cross, shedding his blood on that cross to wash away all of our sins and accomplish the uniting of Jew and Gentile.

 

a). Ephesians 2:11-19 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 

b). To compare the loving act of God in Christ Jesus in reconciling and restoring mankind with himself, on par with same sex behavior shows just how far the human heart can descend.

 

5). I want to add one more point concerning the use of the phrase para physin i.e., “contrary to nature” to describe one aspect of the plan of redemption, that is, the spiritual uniting of Jew and Gentile. Why did God inspire Paul to use this phrase? Because to the Jewish mind that is exactly how they thought toward Gentiles. One can read Acts 10:1 through Acts 11:18 and see this very attitude of the Jews toward the Gentiles. Notice the following passages showing the surprise of the Jewish believers toward the eternal purpose of God.

 

a) Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

b). Acts 11:15-18 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

 

6). Though Paul describes the uniting of Jew with Gentile as “contrary to nature”, we can see that Paul, later in the same book of Romans clearly shows that God planned on doing just that all along.

 

a). Romans 15:8-12 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

 

b). Indeed Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:18-20 that the plan of redemption is older than the earth itself.

Romans 1:27

 

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

 

a. NLT: And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible: And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another—men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “And likewise also the men…”

 

a. [And] likewise [Strong: 3668 homoios hom-oy'-oce;  adverb from 3664; similarly:--likewise, so.]

 

b. [also the] men [Strong: 730 arrhen, ar'-hrane; probably from 142; male (as stronger for lifting):--male, man.]

1). The same descriptions apply to the men as well as the women. “Likewise”, the men and the women left the natural order, etc. 

 

2. “…leaving the natural use of the woman…”

a. leaving [Strong: 863 aphiemi; apo-from; hiemi-to send; af-ee'-ay-mee; to send forth, in various applications (as follow):--cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.] [Zodhiates: to send forth or away, let go from oneself.]

 

b. [the] natural [Strong: 5446 phusikos,  foo-see-kos'; "physical", i.e. (by implication) instinctive:--natural.] [Zodhiates: Natural, as established by God in nature (Rom. 1:26, 27). [The English word physical is derived from it.]

 

c. use [Strong: 5540 chresis, khray'-sis; employment, i.e. (specially), sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body):--use.] [Zodhiates: Use, the act (usage) or manner (use) of using (Romans 1:26, 27 of the body in sexual intercourse).]

 

d. [of the] woman [Strong: 2338 thelus, thay'-loos; from the same as 2337; female:--female, woman.]

 

3. “…burned in their lust one toward another…”

 

a. burned [Strong: 1572 ekkaio ek-kah'-yo from 1537 and 2545; to inflame deeply:--burn.]    [Zodhiates: To cause to burn or flame up. Trans., meaning to kindle (Sept. Exodus 22:6; Judges 15:5). In the NT…to burn out, flame up; meaning to be inflamed, burn furiously; metaphorically with lust (Romans 1:27); anger (Sept.: Dueteronomy 29:20; Psalm 2:12; Jeremiah 4:4).]

 

b. [in their] lust [Strong: 3715 orexis or'-ex-is from 3713; excitement of the mind, i.e. longing after:--lust.] [Zodhiates: Appetite, lust or concupiscence (Romans 1:27). It is always the reaching out after an object with the purpose of drawing it to oneself and appropriating it.]

 

c. one [toward] another [Strong: 240 allelon,  al-lay'-lone; Genitive plural from 243 reduplicated; one another:--each other, mutual, one another, (the other), (them-, your-)selves, (selves) together (sometimes with 3326 or 4314).]

 

1). Here these men neglected and forsook the natural law or physical order of sexual intercourse with women. These men were inflamed with sexual desire toward each other desiring to draw each other to themselves and appropriating them.

 

4. “…men with men working that which is unseemly,…”

 

a. men [Strong: 730 arrhen ar'-hrane or arsen ar'-sane; male (as stronger for lifting):--male, man.]

 

b. with [Strong: 1722 en, en;with  a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

 

c. men [Strong: 730 arrhen ar'-hrane or arsen ar'-sane; male (as stronger for lifting):--male, man.]

 

d. working [Strong: 2716  katergazomai kat-er-gad'-zom-ahee from 2596 and 2038; to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion:--cause, to (deed), perform, work (out).] [Zodhiates: to work, work out, to bring about, to carry out a task until its finished, to work, practice: of actions.]

 

e. [that which is] unseemly [Strong: 808 aschemosune as-kay-mos-oo'-nay from 809; an indecency; by implication, the pudenda:--shame, that which is unseemly.] [Zodhiates: nakedness, shame, shameful parts.] [It is used in the Septuagint in Exodus 20:26: “Neither shalt thou go up by steeps to mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.” It is also used in the Septuagint in Leviticus 18:6-19 for the word “nakedness”.]

 

1). Its use in the Septuagint is clear that the word refers to the sexual private parts of males and females. So in Romans 1:27 the Apostle Paul is discreetly referring to the same thing.

 

2). Don Costello Commentary:  The sexual behaviors of men with men and women with women are not sexual orientations; they are, according to Scripture in Romans 1:26, “vile affections”. The Apostle Paul described their feelings this way in Romans 1:27, these men “burned in their lust one toward another”. The Greek word for “burned” is ekkaio and according to Zodhiates Word Study Dictionary it means “to burn, light, set fire to, to cause to burn or flame up, to kindle”. In the Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament it is used of an actual fire in Exodus 22:6 and Judges 15:5. It is also used metaphorically for the anger of the LORD in Deuteronomy 29:20; Psalm 2:12 and Jeremiah 4:4. The Greek word for “lust” is orexis and according to Zodhiates, it means, “to desire…appetite, lust or concupiscence. It is always the reaching out after an object with the purpose of drawing it to oneself and appropriating it.”  Paul goes on to say in Romans 1:27, “…men with men working that which is unseemly.” The Greek word for “working” according to Zodhiates is katergazomai and it means “to work, to bring about, to carry out a task until it’s finished”. The phrase, “that which is unseemly” is the Greek word aschemosune and it means “indecently, obscenity, nakedness”. In the Septuagint it is used in Exodus 20:26 and Leviticus 18:6, 7 to mean the sexual private parts of male and female. The complete phrase, “men with men working that which is unseemly” is a discreet way of saying, “men engaging in actions with the sexual private parts of another man.” When all the grammar and definitions of Romans 1:27 are put together this is the sum, “the enflamed desire and appetite and lust of a man to appropriate or seize upon and engage in actions with the private sexual parts of other men.” It is not a homosexual orientation, it is the lusts of the flesh.

 

5. “…and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”.

 

a. [and] receiving [Strong: 618 apolambano ap-ol-am-ban'-o from 575 and 2983; to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside:--receive, take.] [Vine: signifies to receive from another, to receive as one’s due.]

 

b. [in themselves that] recompence [Strong: 489  antimisthia an-tee-mis-thee'-ah from a compound of 473 and 3408; requital, correspondence:--recompense.] [Zodhiates: anti-in return; misthia-a reward;  A recompence, either in a good or bad sense, retribution.] [Strong:  requital, correspondence:--recompense.]

 

c. [of their] error [Strong: 4106 plane, plan-ay; objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety:--deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.] [Zodhiates: a wandering out of the right way.]

 

d. [which was] meet [Strong: 1163 dei, die 3d person singular active present of 1210; also deon deh-on'; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding):--behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should.]

 

1). Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death;” Hebrews 2:2 says, “For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;” Many sins have their own unique reaping actions. For example, the fornicator does not reap the same thing as the thief, the consequences are different. It is all sin but the “wages” so to speak are different. Here it is saying that very thing.

Romans 1:28

 

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

 

a. NLT: Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

 

b. Amplified Bible: And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome, [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

 

1. “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge…”

 

a. [And even as they did not like to] retain [Strong: 2192 echo ekh'-o, including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; (used in certain tenses only) a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.] [The margin reads, “to acknowledge”.]

 

b. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

c. [in their] knowledge [Strong: 1922 epignosis ep-ig'-no-sis from 1921; recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement:--(ac-)knowledge(-ing, - ment).]   [Zodhiates: “…it expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the NT, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a laying claim to personal involvement.

 

1). It appears they did not approve of acknowledging God in any form of knowledge that would change their life. When that line of behavior is followed, captivity and destruction follow, for the Christian and the non-Christian.

 

a). Isaiah 5:13 “Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge…”

 

b). Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee…”

2). This perfectly explains the present state of our culture.

 

2. …God gave them over to a reprobate mind…”

 

a. God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

 

b. gave them over [Strong:  3860. paradidomi par-ad-id'-o-mee from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.] [Thayer: to give into the hands (of another), to give over into (one's) power or use, to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage, to deliver up one to, custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death, to deliver up treacherously, by betrayal to cause one to be taken, to deliver one to be taught, moulded, to commit, to commend, to deliver verbally, commands, rites, to deliver by narrating, to report, to permit allow, when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits, gives itself up, presents itself.] [Outline of Biblical Usage: to give into the hands (of another), to give over into (one's) power or use, to deliver to one something to keep, use, take care of, manage, to deliver up one to custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, put to death, to deliver up treacherously, by betrayal to cause one to be taken, to deliver one to be taught, moulded, to commit, to commend, to deliver verbally, commands, rites, to deliver by narrating, to report, to permit allow, when the fruit will allow that is when its ripeness permits, gives itself up, presents itself.]

 

1). There is a similar English phrase in the Psalms provides light on this.

   

a). Psalm 81:11, 12 But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

81:12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.

 

b). This giving up or over is a judicial act by God, that leads to bondage or addiction.

 

c. [to a] reprobate [Strong: 96 adokimos ad-ok'-ee-mos from 1 (as a negative particle) and 1384; unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally):--castaway, rejected, reprobate.]  [Zodhiates: adokimos; a-without; dokimos-acceptable) Unapproved, unworthy, spurious, worthless,…meaning undiscerning, not distinguishing, void of judgment…a reprobate abominable mind, a mind to be abhorred by God and man.]

 

d. mind [Strong: 3563 nous, nooce; probably from the base of 1097; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning:--mind, understanding.]

 

1). A reprobate mind literally means a mind that cannot make spiritually good decisions, a mind unapproved, but not beyond salvation.  

 

3. “…to do those things which are not convenient.”

 

a. to do [those things [Strong: 4160 poieo poy-eh'-o apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield.]

 

b. [which are] not [Strong: 3361 me may a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.]

 

c. convenient [Strong: 2520 katheko kath-ay'-ko from 2596 and 2240; to reach to, i.e. (neuter of present active participle, figuratively as adjective) becoming:-- convenient, fit.]

Romans 1:29

 

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

a. NLT: Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.  [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

b. Classic Amplified: Until they were filled (permeated and saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, iniquity, grasping and covetous greed, and malice. [They were] full of envy and jealousy, murder, strife, deceit and treachery, ill will and cruel ways. [They were] secret backbiters and gossipers,   [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

1. “Being filled…”

 

a. [Being] filled [with] [Strong: 4137 plēróō, play-ro'-o; from G4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:—accomplish, × after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. ] [Thayer: to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full.]

 

1). How did we get saved or filled with the Holy Ghost? We asked, we sought and we knocked.

 

a). Luke 11:9-13 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

2). It is a spiritual principle tied to our free will, whatever we seek after and open up ourselves to we will be filled with. These people were filled with these things because they sought them.

 

2. “…all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,”

 

a. all [Strong: 3956 pâs, pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:—all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), × daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]

b. unrighteousness [Strong: 93 adikía, ad-ee-kee'-ah; from G94; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act):—iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.] [Thayer: injustice, of a judge, unrighteousness of heart and life, a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness.]

 

c. fornication [Strong: 4202 porneía, por-ni'-ah; from G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry:—fornication.] [Thayer: illicit sexual intercourse, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc., sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18, sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; Mk. 10:11,12, metaph. the worship of idols, of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered to idols.]

 

c. wickedness [Strong: 4189 ponēría, pon-ay-ree'-ah; from G4190; depravity, i.e. (specially), malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins:—iniquity, wickedness.] [Thayer: depravity, iniquity, wickedness, malice, evil purposes and desires.]

 

d. covetousness [Strong: 4124 pleonexía, pleh-on-ex-ee'-ah; from G4123; avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion:—covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.] [Thayer: greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice.]

 

e. maliciousness [Strong: 2549 kakía, kak-ee'-ah; from G2556; badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble:—evil, malice(-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness.] [Thayer: malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure, wickedness, depravity, wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws, evil, trouble.]

 

f. full [Strong: 3324 mestós, mes-tos'; of uncertain derivation; replete (literally or figuratively):—full.] [Thayer: full, in reference to persons, whose minds are as it were filled with thoughts and emotions, either good or bad.]

 

1). Just as these were FILLED with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, and maliciousness, they are also FULL of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity

 

g. envy [Strong: 5355 phthónos, fthon'-os; probably akin to the base of G5351; ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite):—envy.] [Thayer: envy.] [Dictionary: a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.]

 

h. murder [Strong: 5408 phónos, fon'-os; from an obsolete primary φένω phénō (to slay); murder:—murder, + be slain with, slaughter.] [Thayer: murder.]

 

i. debate [Strong: 2054 éris, er'-is; of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling:—contention, debate, strife, variance.] [Thayer: contention, strife, wrangling.]

 

j. deceit [Strong: 1388 dólos, dol'-os; from an obsolete primary verb, δέλλω déllō (probably meaning to decoy; compare G1185); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile:—craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.] [Thayer: craft, deceit, guile.]

 

k. malignity [Strong: 2550 kakoḗtheia, kak-o-ay'-thi-ah; from a compound of G2556 and G2239; bad character, i.e. (specially) mischievousness:—malignity.] [Thayer: bad character, depravity of heart and life, malignant subtlety, malicious craftiness.]

 

l. whisperers [Strong: 5588 psithyristḗs, psith-oo-ris-tace'; from the same as G5587; a secret calumniator:—whisperer.] [Thayer: a whisperer, secret slanderer, detractor.]

Romans 1:30

 

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

 

a. Amplified Bible Classic: Slanderers, hateful to and hating God, full of insolence, arrogance, [and] boasting; inventors of new forms of evil, disobedient and undutiful to parents. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

1. “Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters…” 

a. Backbiters [Strong: 2637 katálalos, kat-al'-al-os; from G2596 and the base of G2980; talkative against, i.e. a slanderer:—backbiter.] [Thayer: a defamer, evil speaker.]

 

b. haters of God [Strong: 2319 theostygḗs, theh-os-too-gace'; from G2316 and the base of G4767; hateful to God, i.e. impious:—hater of God.] [Thayer: hateful to God, exceptionally impious and wicked.]

 

c. despiteful [Strong: 5197 hybristḗs, hoo-bris-tace'; from G5195; an insulter, i.e. maltreater:—despiteful, injurious.] [Thayer: an insolent man, one who, uplifted with pride, either heaps insulting language upon others or does them some shameful act of wrong.]

 

d. proud [Strong: 5244 hyperḗphanos, hoop-er-ay'-fan-os; from G5228 and G5316; appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e. (figuratively) haughty:—proud.] [Thayer: showing one's self above others, overtopping, conspicuous above others, pre-eminent, with an overweening estimate of one's means or merits, despising others or even treating them with contempt, haughty.]

 

e. boasters [Strong: 213 alazṓn, al-ad-zone'; from ἄλη álē (vagrancy); braggart:—boaster.] [Thayer: an empty pretender, a boaster.]

2. “...inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,”

 a. inventors [Strong: 2182 epheuretḗs, ef-yoo-ret'-ace; from a compound of G1909 and G2147; a discoverer, i.e. contriver:—inventor.] [Thayer: an inventor, contriver.]

 

b. evil things [Strong: 2556 kakós, kak-os'; apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious:—bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.] [Thayer: of a bad nature, not such as it ought to be, of a mode of thinking, feeling, acting, base, wrong, wicked,  troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive, baneful.]

 

c. disobedient [Strong: 545 apeithḗs, ap-i-thace'; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G3982; unpersuadable, i.e. contumacious:—disobedient.] [Thayer: impersuasible, not compliant, disobedient, contumacious.]

d. [to] parents [Strong: 1118 goneús, gon-yooce'; from the base of G1096; a parent:—parent.]

Romans 1:31

 

Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

a. Amplified Bible Classic: [They were] without understanding, conscienceless and faithless, heartless and loveless [and] merciless. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

1. “Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:”

 

a. Without understanding [Strong: 801 asýnetos, as-oon'-ay-tos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G4908; unintelligent; by implication, wicked:—foolish, without understanding.] [Thayer: unintelligent, without understanding, stupid.]

 

b. covenant breakers  [Strong: 802 asýnthetos, as-oon'-thet-os; from G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4934; properly, not agreed, i.e. treacherous to compacts:—covenant-breaker.] [Thayer: uncompounded, simple,  covenant breaking, faithless.]

 

c. without natural affection [Strong: 794 ástorgos, as'-tor-gos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of στέργω stérgō (to cherish affectionately); hard-hearted towards kindred:—without natural affection.] [Thayer: without natural affection, unsociable (Rom 1:31 marg.), inhuman (2Ti. 3:3 RSV), unloving (2Ti. 3:3 NKJV)]

 

d. implacable [Strong: 786 áspondos, as'-pon-dos; from G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4689; literally, without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), i.e. (by implication) truceless:—implacable, truce-breaker.] [Thayer: without a treaty or covenant, of things not mutually agreed upon e.g. abstinences from hostilities, that cannot be persuaded to enter into a covenant, implacable.]

 

e. unmerciful [Strong: 415  aneleḗmōn, an-eleh-ay'-mone; from G1 (as a negative particle) and G1655; merciless:—unmerciful] [Thayer: without mercy, merciless.]

Romans 1:32

 

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

a. Amplified Bible Classic: Though they are fully aware of God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them themselves but approve and applaud others who practice them. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

1. “Who knowing the judgment of God…”

 

a. [Who] knowing [Strong: 1921 epiginṓskō, ep-ig-in-oce'-ko; from G1909 and G1097; to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge:—(ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive.] [Thayer: to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly to know accurately, know well.]

 

b. [the] judgment [Strong: 1345. dikaioma dik-ah'-yo-mah from 1344; an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision:--judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness.] [Thayer: that which has been deemed right so as to have force of law, what has been established, and ordained by law, an ordinance, a judicial decision, sentence, of God, either the favourable judgment by which he acquits man and declares them acceptable to Him, unfavourable: sentence of condemnation, of a righteous act or deed.]

e. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theós, theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:—X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

 

1). The opinion of some scholars is that this passage, Romans 1:18-32, is a description of the descent of humanity from the flood into heathendom.  What is amazing is the fact they know the judgment of God. I believe we can apply the same circumstances to our own culture.

 

2. “…that they which commit such things are worthy of death…”

a. [that they which] commit [Strong: 4238 prássō, pras'-so; a primary verb; to "practise", i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute, accomplish, etc.; specially, to collect (dues), fare (personally):—commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts.]

 

b. [such] things [Strong: 5108  toioûtos, toy-oo'-tos; (including the other inflections); from G5104 and G3778; truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality):—like, such (an one).]

 

c. [are] worthy [Strong: 514 áxios, ax'-ee-os; probably from G71; deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise):—due reward, meet, (un-)worthy.]

 

d. [of] death [Strong: 2288 thánatos, than'-at-os; from G2348; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):—X deadly, (be…) death.]

 1). The level of knowledge is they know that they who commit these sins are worthy of death. There is no ignorance here.

 

3. “…not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

 

a. [not only] do [the same but] [Strong: 4160 poiéō, poy-eh'-o; apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):—abide, + agree, appoint, × avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, × journeying, keep, + lay wait, +lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, × secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield.]

b. have pleasure [in them that do them]  [Strong: 4909 syneudokéō, soon-yoo-dok-eh'-o; from G4862 and G2106; to think well of in common, i.e. assent to, feel gratified with:—allow, assent, be pleased, have pleasure.] [syneudokeo; sun-together; eudokeo-to think well.] [Thayer: to be pleased together with, to approve together (with others) to be pleased at the same time with, consent, agree to, to applaud.]

 

1). Hosea 7:1-3 When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troop of robbers spoileth without.

7:2 And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.

7:3 They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.

 

2). As I said, there are applications of this in our culture, in the church and in my own life, although I am repenting and in the process of growing in this repentance. We as Covenant people are to hate sin and we deplore how our culture is sinking further and further away from God and yet we will have pleasure in those who do them. How? We will listen to music, watch TV or movies that celebrate the offences. I believe that music, cinema and TV can deal with sin in a way that does not celebrate or make it enjoyable to view. But that is not the case with the majority of music, TV, or cinema. What used to be controversy is now acceptable, we are descending further and further downward and examples abound. I know of people [God forbid there would be Christians included in this], who are disgusted at the real life behavior of certain TV actors and actresses and yet they will watch their shows and movies doing the same thing and enjoy it. How about friends or a family member who are fornicators or partiers and we lament at the hurt inflicted on friends and family members yet we watch enjoyably shows that depict the same things. We criticize Israel for not standing up to Goliath and we cheer David who did, yet we watch shows that mock Christianity and the standards of the Scripture. We “…have pleasure in them that do them.”