ROMANS CHAPTER ONE

A COMMENTARY

 

Rom 1:1 Paul who was a servant of Jesus Christ, is now "called" [S# 2822; appointed to discharge the duties of the office] to be an apostle, [one sent] separated [limited to the assigned duties] unto the gospel of God.

 

Rom 1:2 See; Gen 3:15,22:18, 49:10, Deut 18:15; Ps 16:8-11, Isa.7:14, 9:6-7, 40:10-11,50:6, 52;13-15, 53:, Jer 23:5-6,33:14-17, Ezek 34:25; Dan 9:24-26, Mic.1:2-3, Zech 9:9.

 

Rom 1:3 His lineage is easily traced to David the son of Jessie, the second king of Israel.

 

Rom 1:4 See; Matt 3:17, 26, 63-64, Luke 1:35, 4:18-19, John 1:34-49,3:16-18, 35-36, 10:10.

 

Rom 1:5 Paul declares how he received first; saving grace [one who had persecuted the Church of God and wasted it] Acts 22:4-5; Gal 1:13-14,1st. Cor. 15:9. Then he favored with the "calling" to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Acts 9:15, 21, 22; Rom 11:13, 15:16, Gal 2:2; Eph 3:8; 1 Tim 2:7.

 

Rom 1:6 You are also called of the same Jesus Christ that called me.

 

Rom 1:8 The reputation of the Christians and their demonstration of "faith" was known throughout the world. And Paul gave thanks to God for this fact.

 

Rom 1:9 Paul makes clear that he serves God in his spirit through Jesus. John 4:23-24. Also he states that he continually remembers them when he prays. This is an example for all believers today; that we should pray for Christians the world over, even though we don't personally know them.

 

Rom 1:10 In these prayers he prays that he might have a prosperous [S# 2137 "enodoo" have help on the road, to succeed in his effort] journey and that it would be the will of God for him to visit.

 

Rom 1:11 For some time Paul had desired to visit the Christians at Rome. First he was called to be an Apostle to the Gentiles.

 

Rom 1:12 Paul would be comforted when he is convinced of the "steadiness” of their understanding of Scripture.

 

Rom 1:13 Paul states; I don't want you to be ignorant, [S# 50 "agnoeoo"; not to know or understand absolute truth] for many times I planned to come to you, but was "let" [S# 2969 "koluo" prevented. hindered, forbid] because I wanted some fruit among you among other Gentiles. It is evident that Paul is not pleased with the fruit that the Roman church was producing.

Rom 1:14 Paul states that he is a "debtor" [S# 3781 "opheiletes" owes an obligation to Greeks (non-Jewish speaking people)]

 

Rom 1:15 Now to correct or "pay the debt" he is going with all the zeal and strength he can muster to declare the truth of the Gospel at Rome.

 

Rom 1:16 Now after preaching the Gospel. [the good news of Jesus Christ] for over 20 years he still is unashamed of this Gospel. Then he states that "The Gospel" is the "power" [S# 1411 "dunamis" the ability to save, to bring to safety, to heal both body and soul, to preserve or to secure] to salvation to every one that believeth. [continues to believe. if a person truly believes they will live according to the instruction of the Gospel] With all the power contained in these words; there is absolutely no power for the unbeliever.

 

Rom 1:17 Righteousness: [S# 1343 "dikaiosune" Christian justification, the virtue, the state or the character of one who has been "saved"]. This righteousness is "revealed" [can be seen] from "faith to faith”; [from the faith of the preacher to the same faith of the believer]. The only way a person can remain "just" [right before God] is to "live" by faith.

 

Rom 1:18 Next comes a warning to anyone who chooses to depart from "the faith"; they may expect the wrath of God upon all who live ungodly, or to "hold the truth" in unrighteousness. It is possible to preach or teach the truth of the Gospel and fail to show by example the fruits of a justified life.

 

Rom 1:19 Jesus taught in Matt 7:16-20; "by their fruits, ye shall know them. It is the plan of God to "manifest" openly the character of those who "carry the Gospel."

 

Rom 1:20 Paul now introduces the "Godhead" to the Roman brethren as they had not known before.

·        His Omnipotence, [unlimited power]

·        His Omniscience [the all knowing]

·        His Omnipresence [no place in the universe that God is present].

This could not be without the completeness of a triune God; The "Father", The Son Jesus and the Spirit, The Holy Ghost.

 

Rom 1:21 Now the writer gives an "overview" of the sinful condition of humanity at that time and the reason they are in the condition they are now found in. [The same or worse conditions are present in our world today.]

 

Rom 1:22 One evil mistake brings the necessity of another. Now a "cover up" is needed to explain the change that is evident in their life style. They have "become wise" and are "enlightened" or showing that they are "fools". [Unable to use their mental facilities]

Rom 1:23 This led to the need to create an image that would appear to represent the real "Power “or “manifestation” of the Holy Ghost in their worship. There are "manufactured" miracles to appease people. Next comes the making of religious icons. [The wearing of images of "angels" and other religious paraphernalia]

 

Rom 1:24 God now surrenders or allows the offending party to "act out "or to perform whatever their "lustful" hearts desire.

 

Rom 1:25 These had put the gods they had "created" by imagination to replace the "True God" and in so doing had turned the truth of the "living God" into a lie.

 

Rom 1:26 Now the limit of God's grace had been violated; his mercy is ended and he "gives them up" to themselves to do what they will. They became as heathens, vile [without conscience] in their lust: The women became as open in a sinful life style as men; turning to homosexual desires, even breaking the "laws of nature".

 

Rom 1:27 Now the men surrendered their leadership position and followed the women into all sexual sins. Now they begin to "Reap what they have sowed." Gal 6:7-10;

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

Rom 1:28 The final disgrace they received from God was; he "gave them up" to a reprobate mind. [S#96 "adokomis" a worthless, unable to make proper decisions, conscience "seared" not knowing right from wrong]

 

Rom 1:29-31: The fruits of this debased lifestyle are listed; loss of character, sexual sins, depraved, involved in pornography, greedy, desire to injure others, full of disagreement, liars, wickedness growing as a cancer, full of hate, continually thinking of bad things, disobeying authority, no natural love, never satisfied and with no mercy.

Rom. 32:The judgements of God are not only against them; but also against those who enjoy the sins committed by others or fail to condemn them.