Romans 1

Parallel Chapters and Verses, Greek and Hebrew Lexicon, Commentaries, Strong's Bible Dictionary, Concordances and Cross References for Romans 1 Romans: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Romans 1:1 New American Standard Bible: Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, God's Word Translation: From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and appointed to spread the Good News of God. King James Version: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Bible in Basic English: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, an Apostle by the selection of God, given authority as a preacher of the good news, Weymouth New Testament: Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, set apart to proclaim God's Good News, World English Bible: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, Alphabetical: a an and apart apostle as be bond-servant called Christ for God gospel Jesus of Paul servant set the to GSB: 1:1 Paul, {1} a {2} {a} servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an {b} apostle, {c} separated unto the gospel of God, (1) The first part of the epistle contains a most profitable preface down to verse six. (2) Paul, exhorting the Romans to give diligent heed to him, in that he shows that he comes not in his own name, but as God's messenger to the Gentiles, entreats them with the weightiest matter that exists, promised long ago by God, by many good witnesses, and now at length indeed performed. (a) Minister, for this word servant is not taken in this place as set against the word freeman, but rather refers to and declares his ministry and office. (b) Whereas he said before in a general term that he was a minister, now he comes to a more special name, and says that he is an apostle, and that he did not take this office upon himself by his own doing, but that he was called by God, and therefore in this letter of his to the Romans he is doing nothing but his duty. (c) Appointed by God to preach the gospel. PNT: 1:1 Introduction. The Morals of Paganism SUMMARY OF ROMANS 1: Paul's Salutation to the Church at Rome. His Deep Interest in Its Welfare. His Confidence in the Gospel. It Is the Power of God. The Wrath of God. The Sins of the Gentile World. The Gentile World Under Condemnation. Paul. Instead of subscribing a name at the end of a letter, the custom was to introduce it at the beginning. See other Epistles of Paul. For Paul's name, see PNT Ac 13:9. Called [to be] an apostle. To be is not in the original. Paul simply states that he is a called apostle, not one appointed by men, but called by Jesus Christ. He was called when he saw the Lord, an essential to apostleship. See notes on 1Co 9:1 Ac 26:16. His setting apart at Antioch was not this call, but it came direct from Jesus Christ (Ac 13:2). As some Judaizing teachers tried to destroy his apostolic authority, he found it necessary on several occasions to show that his commission was directly from the Lord. Separated. Set apart to the work of the gospel. Christ set him apart, and his whole life was consecrated to his divine glory. WES: 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ - To this introduction the conclusion answers, Romans 15:15, and c. Called to be an apostle - And made an apostle by that calling. While God calls, he makes what he calls. As the Judaizing teachers disputed his claim to the apostolical office, it is with great propriety that he asserts it in the very entrance of an epistle wherein their principles are entirely overthrown. And various other proper and important thoughts are suggested in this short introduction; particularly the prophecies concerning the gospel, the descent of Jesus from David, the great doctrines of his Godhead and resurrection, the sending the gospel to the gentiles, the privileges of Christians, and the obedience and holiness to which they were obliged in virtue of their profession. Separated - By God, not only from the bulk of other men, from other Jews, from other disciples, but even from other Christian teachers, to be a peculiar instrument of God in spreading the gospel. MHC: 1:1-7 The doctrine of which the apostle Paul wrote, set forth the fulfilment of the promises by the prophets. It spoke of the Son of God, even Jesus the Saviour, the promised Messiah, who came from David as to his human nature, but was also declared to be the Son of God, by the Divine power which raised him from the dead. The Christian profession does not consist in a notional knowledge or a bare assent, much less in perverse disputings, but in obedience. And all those, and those only, are brought to obedience of the faith, who are effectually called of Jesus Christ. Here is, 1. The privilege of Christians; they are beloved of God, and are members of that body which is beloved. 2. The duty of Christians; to be holy, hereunto are they called, called to be saints. These the apostle saluted, by wishing them grace to sanctify their souls, and peace to comfort their hearts, as springing from the free mercy of God, the reconciled Father of all believers, and coming to them through the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:2 New American Standard Bible: which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, God's Word Translation: (God had already promised this Good News through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. King James Version: (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Bible in Basic English: Of which God had given word before by his prophets in the holy Writings, Weymouth New Testament: which God had already promised through His Prophets in Holy Writ, concerning His Son, World English Bible: which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, Alphabetical: beforehand gospel he his Holy in promised prophets Scriptures the through which PNT: 1:2 Which he had promised before, etc. This gospel was no innovation, but a fulfillment of God's long-cherished plans, and had been promised through the prophets of the Old Testament. Indeed the Old Testament is a system of types, shadows and promises pointing forward to the coming of Christ. Of him have all the prophets borne witness (Ac 10:43). WES: 1:2 Which he promised before - Of old time, frequently, solemnly. And the promise and accomplishment confirm each other. De 18:18; Isa 9:6,7; 53:1; 61:1; Jer 23:5. MHC: Romans 1:3 New American Standard Bible: concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, God's Word Translation: This Good News is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. In his human nature he was a descendant of David. King James Version: Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; Bible in Basic English: About his Son who, in the flesh, came from the family of David, Weymouth New Testament: who, as regards His human descent, belonged to the posterity of David, World English Bible: concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, Alphabetical: a according as born concerning David descendant flesh his human nature of regarding Son the to was who GSB: 1:3 {3} Concerning his {d} Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was {e} made of the seed of David {f} according to the flesh; (3) By declaring the sum of the doctrine of the Gospel, he stirs up the Romans to consider well the matter about which he is entreating them: so then he shows that Christ (who is the very substance and sum of the gospel) is the only Son of God the Father, who with regard to his humanity is born of the seed of David, but with regard to his divine and spiritual nature, by which he sanctified himself, is begotten of the Father from everlasting, as also manifestly appears by his mighty resurrection. (d) This is a plain testimony of the person of Christ, that he is but one, and also a testimony of his two natures, and their properties. (e) Who received flesh from the virgin who was David's daughter. (f) As he is man: for this word flesh, by the figure of speech synecdoche, is taken for man. PNT: 1:3 Concerning his Son. The Son of God is the very center of the gospel, and the promises are all concerning him. Born of the seed of David. The two natures combined in the Son, according to the flesh, are pointed out in this verse and Ro 1:4. As to his human body, he was a descendant of David (Lu 1:32,69), his mother being of David's lineage (Mt 1:16 Lu 3:23). WES: 1:3 Who was of the seed of David according to the flesh - That is, with regard to his human nature. Both the natures of our Saviour are here mentioned; but the human is mentioned first, because the divine was not manifested in its full evidence till after his resurrection. MHC: Romans 1:4 New American Standard Bible: who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, God's Word Translation: In his spiritual, holy nature he was declared the Son of God. This was shown in a powerful way when he came back to life. King James Version: And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Bible in Basic English: But was marked out as Son of God in power by the Holy Spirit through the coming to life again of the dead; Jesus Christ our Lord, Weymouth New Testament: but as regards the holiness of His Spirit was decisively proved by His Resurrection to be the Son of God--I mean concerning Jesus Christ our Lord, World English Bible: who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Alphabetical: according and be by Christ dead declared from God his holiness Jesus Lord of our power resurrection Son Spirit the through to was who with GSB: 1:4 And {g} declared [to be] the Son of God with {h} power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (g) Shown and made manifest. (h) The divine and mighty power is set against the weakness of the flesh, for it overcame death. PNT: 1:4 But declared [to be] the Son of God. Though in human form he was demonstrated to be divine by power, such power as he displayed in mighty miracles, and especially by the greater miracle of his own resurrection from the dead. According to the spirit of holiness. It must be noted that this is a contrast with according to the flesh in Ro 1:3, and hence must refer to our Lord's holy nature. The body was descended from David, but the pure, holy life was demonstrated to be divine. One was a human nature; the other was a divine nature. This nature is spoken of as the spirit of holiness, because it is contrasted with sinful flesh. WES: 1:4 But powerfully declared to be the Son of God, according to the Spirit of Holiness - That is, according to his divine nature. By the resurrection from the dead - For this is both the fountain and the object of our faith; and the preaching of the apostles was the consequence of Christ's resurrection. MHC: Romans 1:5 New American Standard Bible: through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake, God's Word Translation: Through him we have received God's kindness and the privilege of being apostles who bring people from every nation to the obedience that is associated with faith. This is for the honor of his name. King James Version: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Bible in Basic English: Through whom grace has been given to us, sending us out to make disciples to the faith among all nations, for his name: Weymouth New Testament: through whom we have received grace and Apostleship in His service in order to win men to obedience to the faith, among all Gentile peoples, World English Bible: through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake; Alphabetical: about all among and apostleship bring call comes faith for from Gentiles grace have him his name's obedience of people received sake that the Through to we whom GSB: 1:5 {i} By whom we have received {k} grace and apostleship, for {l} obedience to the faith {m} among all nations, for his name: (i) Of whom. (k) This marvellous, liberal, and gracious gift, which is given to me, the least of all the saints, to preach, etc.; see Eph 3:8. (l) That men through faith might obey God. (m) For his name's sake. PNT: 1:5 By whom. Through Jesus Christ, who is the subject spoken of. We have received. Paul refers to himself, and perhaps to other apostles. Grace. The grace, the favor and mercy of heaven granted to all saints. Apostleship. All saints were not apostles, but one must be a saint to be an apostle. Without the general grace he could not have the special gift of apostleship. For obedience to the faith. The apostleship was given in order to lead all nations to obedience to the faith. The faith is a synonym for the gospel. Observe that it is a system of obedience. In the apostolic age there were no recognized believers but obedient believers. WES: 1:5 By whom we have received - I and the other apostles. Grace and apostleship - The favour to be an apostle, and qualifications for it. For obedience to the faith in all nations - That is, that all nations may embrace the faith of Christ. For his name - For his sake; out of regard to him. MHC: Romans 1:6 New American Standard Bible: among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; God's Word Translation: You are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.) King James Version: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: Bible in Basic English: Among whom you in the same way have been marked out to be disciples of Jesus Christ: Weymouth New Testament: among whom you also, called, as you have been, to belong to Jesus Christ, are numbered: World English Bible: among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ; Alphabetical: also among And are belong called Christ Jesus of the those to who whom you GSB: 1:6 Among whom are ye also the {n} called of Jesus Christ: (n) Who through God's goodness belong to Christ. PNT: 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called. From among all nations (Ro 1:5). The members of the church at Rome, though partly Jews, were mostly Gentiles. They had heard the gospel call, had obeyed it, and were now the called of Jesus Christ. In Ro 1:7, they are said to be called to be saints. WES: 1:6 Among whom - The nations brought to the obedience of faith. Are ye also - But St. Paul gives them no preeminence above others. MHC: Romans 1:7 New American Standard Bible: to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. God's Word Translation: To everyone in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his holy people. Good will and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are yours! King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: To all those who are in Rome, loved by God, marked out as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Weymouth New Testament: To all God's loved ones who are in Rome, called to be saints. May grace and peace be granted to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. World English Bible: to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Alphabetical: all and are as be beloved by called Christ Father from God Grace in Jesus Lord loved of our peace Rome saints the To who you GSB: 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: {o} Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (o) God's free good will: by peace the Hebrews mean a prosperous success in all things. PNT: 1:7 To all that are in Rome. To all Christians in Rome. The letter is addressed to the church in the great imperial city. Rome was the capital of the world, the home of Nero, the emperor, the largest city on earth, supposed to contain about two million inhabitants. Saints. All Christians were called saints by the New Testament writers. Any one consecrated to a holy life is a saint. Grace to you and peace. This is the ordinary New Testament Christian salutation. It is the expression of a prayer that God the Father and our Lord may bestow favor and peace upon them. See 1Co 1:3 2Co 1:2 Ga 1:3 Eph 1:2 Col 1:2 1Th 1:1 2Th 1:2 Phm 1:3. From God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Father is the source, and our Lord Jesus Christ the mediator and procurer of these blessings. It is plain that Paul was not a Unitarian. Let it be noted that this section, written, as admitted by skeptical critics, less than thirty years after the crucifixion, by Paul, to a body of believers at a distance from Judea, affirms the main facts of the Gospels: (1) That Jesus was the Son of God. (2) That he took upon himself our nature. (3) That he displayed divine power. (4) That he was raised from the dead. (5) That men are saved by the obedience of the faith. WES: 1:7 To all that are in Rome - Most of these were heathens by birth, Ro 1:13, though with Jews mixed among them. They were scattered up and down in that large city, and not yet reduced into the form of a church. Only some had begun to meet in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. Beloved of God - And from his free love, not from any merit of yours, called by his word and his Spirit to believe in him, and now through faith holy as he is holy. Grace - The peculiar favour of God. And peace - All manner of blessings, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. This is both a Christian salutation and an apostolic benediction. From God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ - This is the usual way wherein the apostles speak, God the Father, God our Father. Nor do they often, in speaking of him, use the word Lord, as it implies the proper name of God, Jehovah. In the Old Testament, indeed, the holy men generally said, The Lord our God; for they were then, as it were, servants; whereas now they are sons: and sons so well know their father, that they need not frequently mention his proper name. It is one and the same peace, and one and the same grace, which is from God and from Jesus Christ. Our trust and prayer fix on God, as he is the Father of Christ; and on Christ, as he presents us to the Father. MHC: Romans 1:8 New American Standard Bible: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. God's Word Translation: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for every one of you because the news of your faith is spreading throughout the whole world. King James Version: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Bible in Basic English: First of all, I give praise to my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because news of your faith has gone into all the world. Weymouth New Testament: First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for what He has done for all of you; for the report of your faith is spreading through the whole world. World English Bible: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. Alphabetical: all because being Christ faith First for God I is Jesus my of over proclaimed reported thank the through throughout whole world you your GSB: 1:8 {4} First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is {p} spoken of throughout the {q} whole world. (4) He obtains their favourable patience, in that he points out what it is that they can be praised for, and his true apostolic good will toward them, confirmed by taking God himself as witness. (p) Because your faith is such that it is spoken well of in all churches. (q) In all churches. PNT: 1:8 First, I thank my God. The first thing he wishes to speak of is thankfulness for a fact he is about to state, viz. their faith is spoken of throughout the world. The church at Rome was as a city set on a hill (Mt 5:14). From every country where the gospel was planted, people were constantly going and returning to Rome, and hence the fact of there being a church in the great capital would be known everywhere. WES: 1:8 I thank - In the very entrance of this one epistle are the traces of all spiritual affections; but of thankfulness above all, with the expression of which almost all St. Paul's epistles begin. He here particularly thanks God, that what otherwise himself should have done, was done at Rome already. My God - This very word expresses faith, hope, love, and consequently all true religion. Through Jesus Christ - The gifts of God all pass through Christ to us; and all our petitions and thanksgivings pass through Christ to God. That your faith is spoken of - In this kind of congratulations St. Paul describes either the whole of Christianity, as Col 1:3, and c.; or some part of it, as 1Cor 1:5. Accordingly here he mentions the faith of the Romans, suitably to his design, Rom 1:12,17. Through the whole world - This joyful news spreading everywhere, that there were Christians also in the imperial city. And the goodness and wisdom of God established faith in the chief cities; in Jerusalem and Rome particularly; that from thence it might be diffused to all nations. MHC: 1:8-15 We must show love for our friends, not only by praying for them, but by praising God for them. As in our purposes, so in our desires, we must remember to say, If the Lord will, Jas 4:15. Our journeys are made prosperous or otherwise, according to the will of God. We should readily impart to others what God has trusted to us, rejoicing to make others joyful, especially taking pleasure in communing with those who believe the same things with us. If redeemed by the blood, and converted by the grace of the Lord Jesus, we are altogether his; and for his sake we are debtors to all men, to do all the good we can. Such services are our duty. Romans 1:9 New American Standard Bible: For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, God's Word Translation: I serve God by spreading the Good News about his Son. God is my witness that I always mention you King James Version: 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; Bible in Basic English: For God is my witness, whose servant I am in spirit in the good news of his Son, that you are at all times in my memory and in my prayers, Weymouth New Testament: I call God to witness--to whom I render priestly and spiritual service by telling the Good News about His Son-- how unceasingly I make mention of you in His presence, World English Bible: For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, Alphabetical: as constantly For God gospel heart his how I in is make mention my of preaching remember serve Son spirit the to unceasingly whole whom with witness you GSB: 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my {r} spirit in the {s} gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; (r) Very willingly and with all my heart. (s) In preaching his Son. PNT: 1:9 For. This introduces a reason for his thankfulness. He feels so deep an interest in the cause of Christ in that great center that he prays for them daily. Serve with my spirit. Not an outward service, but of the whole heart, soul and life, in the gospel to which he is consecrated. The spirit is the highest part of a man's nature, and service with the spirit is the highest service. Make mention of you always. So, too, of the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians. See Eph 1:15,16 Php 1:3 Col 1:3 1Th 1:2. Such statements show the deep solicitude of the apostle for the saints. WES: 1:9 God, whom I serve - As an apostle. In my spirit - Not only with my body, but with my inmost soul. In the gospel - By preaching it. MHC: Romans 1:10 New American Standard Bible: always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you. God's Word Translation: every time I pray. I ask that somehow God will now at last make it possible for me to visit you. King James Version: Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. Bible in Basic English: And that I am ever making prayers that God will give me a good journey to you. Weymouth New Testament: always in my prayers entreating that now, at length, if such be His will, the way may by some means be made clear for me to come to you. World English Bible: requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you. Alphabetical: all always and at be by come coming for God God's I if in last making may me my now of opened perhaps pray prayers request succeed that the times to way will you PNT: 1:10 Making request. One of his petitions was that God might permit him to visit the church at Rome. While at Ephesus he had said, I must also see Rome (Ac 19:21). His prayers were granted, but not in the way that he now expected. When he went to Rome it was as the prisoner of the Lord (Eph 4:1). WES: 1:10 Always - In all my solemn addresses to God. If by any means now at length - This accumulation of particles declares the strength of his desire. MHC: Romans 1:11 New American Standard Bible: For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; God's Word Translation: I long to see you to share a spiritual blessing with you so that you will be strengthened. King James Version: For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; Bible in Basic English: For I have a strong desire to see you, and to give you some grace of the spirit, so that you may be made strong; Weymouth New Testament: For I am longing to see you, in order to convey to you some spiritual help, so that you may be strengthened; World English Bible: For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; Alphabetical: be established For gift I impart long make may see so some spiritual strong that to you PNT: 1:11 I long to see you. He had a special reason for visiting Rome. No apostle had ever visited the city. None of the spiritual gifts which were conferred by the imposition of apostolic hands had been conferred in Rome. If any of the brethren enjoyed them, as Ro 12:6 seems to imply, they have received them elsewhere, and he desires to impart them there (see PNT Ac 19:6 ). Spiritual gift is used in the sense of a supernatural gift. See 1Co 12:1,4. It is a gift conferred by the Spirit. Elsewhere the phrase spiritual gifts refers to extraordinary gifts. There is no recorded instance in the New Testament of any one working miracles who was not an apostle, or who had not received the gift through the imposition of apostolic hands. See notes on Ac 6:8 8:14. To the end. All these gifts of the Spirit were imparted for a purpose. The purpose in the mind of Paul was that they may be established; that saints might be strengthened and the cause of Christ made stronger. The agent would be the Holy Spirit; Paul the instrument. WES: 1:11 That I may impart to you - Face to face, by laying on of hands, prayer, preaching the gospel, private conversation. Some spiritual gift - With such gifts the Corinthians, who had enjoyed the presence of St. Paul, abounded, 1Cor 1:7; 12:1; 14:1. So did the Galatians likewise, Gal 3:5; and, indeed, all those churches which had had the presence of any of the apostles had peculiar advantages in this kind, from the laying on of their hands, Acts 19:6; 8:17, and c., 2Tim 1:6. But as yet the Romans were greatly inferior to them in this respect; for which reason the apostle, in the twelfth chapter also, says little, if any thing, of their spiritual gifts. He therefore desires to impart some, that they might be established; for by these was the testimony of Christ confirmed among them. That St. Peter had no more been at Rome than St. Paul, at the time when this epistle was wrote, appears from the general tenor thereof, and from this place in particular: for, otherwise, what St. Paul wishes to impart to the Romans would have been imparted already by St. Peter. MHC: Romans 1:12 New American Standard Bible: that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine. God's Word Translation: What I mean is that we may be encouraged by each other's faith. King James Version: That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Bible in Basic English: That is to say, that all of us may be comforted together by the faith which is in you and in me. Weymouth New Testament: in other words that while I am among you we may be mutually encouraged by one another's faith, yours and mine. World English Bible: that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine. Alphabetical: among and be both by each encouraged faith I is may mine mutually of other's that the together us while with you yours GSB: 1:12 That is, that {t} I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (t) Though Paul was ever so excellent, yet in teaching the church, he might be instructed by it. PNT: 1:12 That is. Such a result would minister to the mutual comfort of Paul and the church. If they are established, he will be comforted in them. The idea is that his faith will be a comfort and strength to them, and he will be encouraged and strengthened by their faith. Thus they will be mutual helpers. How different the humble apostolic style of address from that of a Roman bishop! WES: 1:12 That is, I long to be comforted by the mutual faith both of you and me - He not only associates the Romans with, but even prefers them before, himself. How different is this style of the apostle from that of the modern court of Rome! MHC: Romans 1:13 New American Standard Bible: I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. God's Word Translation: I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to visit you. However, until now I have been kept from doing so. What I want is to enjoy some of the results of working among you as I have also enjoyed the results of working among the rest of the nations. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: You may be certain, my brothers, that it has frequently been in my mind to come to you (but till now I was kept from it), so that I might have some fruit from you in the same way as I have had it from the other nations. Weymouth New Testament: And I desire you to know, brethren, that I have many a time intended to come to you--though until now I have been disappointed--in order that among you also I might gather some fruit from my labours, as I have already done among the rest of the Gentile nations. World English Bible: Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. Alphabetical: and but a also among as be been brethren brothers come do doing even far from fruit Gentiles had harvest have I in just many may might not now obtain of often order other planned prevented rest so some that the times to unaware until want you PNT: 1:13 Oftentimes I purposed to come un to you. See Ac 19:21. Thus far he has been hindered. He desired to visit Rome to do the Lord's work. He had planted Gentile churches in many cities. He wished to have some fruit in the greatest Gentile city in the world, as well as elsewhere. WES: 1:13 Brethren - A frequent, holy, simple, sweet, and yet grand, appellation. The apostles but rarely address persons by their names; 'O ye Corinthians, O Timotheus. St. Paul generally uses this appellation, Brethren; sometimes in exhortation, My beloved, or, My beloved brethren; St. James, Brethren, My brethren, My beloved brethren; St. Peter and Jude always, Beloved; St. John frequently, Beloved; once, Brethren; oftener than once, My little children. Though I have been hindered hitherto - Either by business, see Rom 15:22; or persecution, 1Thes 2:2; or the Spirit, Acts 16:7. That I might have some fruit - Of my ministerial labours. Even as I have already had from the many churches I have planted and watered among the other gentiles. MHC: Romans 1:14 New American Standard Bible: I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. God's Word Translation: I have an obligation to those who are civilized and those who aren't, to those who are wise and those who aren't. King James Version: I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. Bible in Basic English: I have a debt to Greeks and to the nations outside; to the wise and to those who have no learning. Weymouth New Testament: I am already under obligations alike to Greek-speaking races and to others, to cultured and to uncultured people: World English Bible: I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish. Alphabetical: am and barbarians both foolish Greeks I non-Greeks obligated obligation the to under wise PNT: 1:14 I am a debtor. He owed it, or was under obligation to preach the gospel both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians. The Greeks called other people but themselves barbarians, but in the apostolic age the Romans were excepted. The cultured Greeks and the proud Romans looked with contempt on all other races. Paul is a debtor to both, and must give them the gospel. Hence he is so anxious to labor at Rome. Both to the wise, and to the and unwise. Here the division into two classes turns on knowledge, instead of race. His meaning is that the gospel must be offered to every class. WES: 1:14 To the Greeks and the barbarians - He includes the Romans under the Greeks; so that this division comprises all nations. Both to the wise, and the unwise - For there were unwise even among the Greeks, and wise even among the barbarians. I am a debtor to all - I am bound by my divine mission to preach the gospel to them. MHC: Romans 1:15 New American Standard Bible: So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. God's Word Translation: That's why I'm eager to tell you who live in Rome the Good News also. King James Version: So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. Bible in Basic English: For which reason I have the desire, as far as I am able, to give the knowledge of the good news to you who are in Rome. Weymouth New Testament: so that for my part I am willing and eager to proclaim the Good News to you also who are in Rome. World English Bible: So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome. Alphabetical: also am are at eager for gospel I in is my part preach Rome so That the to who why you GSB: 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at {u} Rome also. (u) He means all those who dwell at Rome, though some of them were not Romans; see the end of the epistle. PNT: 1:15 Ready to preach... at Rome also. Where, in the great world center, were found all classes, Greeks and barbarians, wise and unwise. MHC: Romans 1:16 New American Standard Bible: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. God's Word Translation: I'm not ashamed of the Good News. It is God's power to save everyone who believes, Jews first and Greeks as well. King James Version: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Bible in Basic English: For I have no feeling of shame about the good news, because it is the power of God giving salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first, and then to the Greek. Weymouth New Testament: For I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is God's power which is at work for the salvation of every one who believes--the Jew first, and then the Gentile. World English Bible: For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. Alphabetical: also am and ashamed because believes everyone first for Gentile God gospel Greek I is it Jew not of power salvation the then to who GSB: 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: {5} for it is the {x} power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the {y} Greek. (5) This is the second part of the epistle, until the beginning of chapter nine. Now the whole end and purpose of the discussion is this: that is to say, to show that there is but one way to attain unto salvation (which is displayed to us by God in the gospel, and that equally to every nation), and this way is Jesus Christ apprehended by faith. (x) God's mighty and effectual instrument to save men by. (y) When this word Greek is contrasted with the word Jew, then it signifies a Gentile. PNT: 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel. Hence he is ready to preach it in Rome, in the very citadel of heathen pride and power. If there was any place where one would be ashamed of a crucified Savior that place was Rome in the reign of Nero. The gospel. God's plan of salvation in Christ. Its three great facts are the death, burial, and the resurrection of Christ (1Co 15:1-4). For. He now states why he is not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation. The gospel is God's only appointed means of salvation. The name of Jesus Christ is the only name... whereby we must be saved (Ac 4:12). All God's saving power is manifested through the gospel. To every one that believeth. The great fundamental facts of the gospel (see above) must be believed, in order to the enjoyment of the saving power. They are embraced in the proposition that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. The gospel does not save unconditionally. Belief is a condition. To the Jew first, and also to the Greek. The first to enjoy this saving power were Jews. To them the gospel was first offered. But it is offered to the Greek also, on the same conditions. WES: 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel - To the world, indeed, it is folly and weakness, 1Cor 1:18; therefore, in the judgment of the world, he ought to be ashamed of it; especially at Rome, the head and theatre of the world. But Paul is not ashamed, knowing it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth - The great and gloriously powerful means of saving all who accept salvation in God's own way. As St. Paul comprises the sum of the gospel in this epistle, so he does the sum of the epistle in this and the following verse . Both to the Jew, and to the gentile - There is a noble frankness, as well as a comprehensive sense, in these words, by which he, on the one hand, shows the Jews their absolute need of the gospel; and, on the other, tells the politest and greatest nation in the world both that their salvation depended on receiving it, and that the first offers of it were in every place to be made to the despised Jews. MHC: 1:16,17 In these verses the apostle opens the design of the whole epistle, in which he brings forward a charge of sinfulness against all flesh; declares the only method of deliverance from condemnation, by faith in the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ; and then builds upon it purity of heart, grateful obedience, and earnest desires to improve in all those Christian graces and tempers, which nothing but a lively faith in Christ can bring forth. God is a just and holy God, and we are guilty sinners. It is necessary that we have a righteousness to appear in before him: there is such a righteousness brought in by the Messiah, and made known in the gospel; a gracious method of acceptance, notwithstanding the guilt of our sins. It is the righteousness of Christ, who is God, coming from a satisfaction of infinite value. Faith is all in all, both in the beginning and progress of Christian life. It is not from faith to works, as if faith put us into a justified state, and then works kept us in it; but it is all along from faith to faith; it is faith pressing forward, and gaining the victory over unbelief. Romans 1:17 New American Standard Bible: For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." God's Word Translation: God's approval is revealed in this Good News. This approval begins and ends with faith as Scripture says, "The person who has God's approval will live by faith." King James Version: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Bible in Basic English: For in it there is the revelation of the righteousness of God from faith to faith: as it is said in the holy Writings, The man who does righteousness will be living by his faith. Weymouth New Testament: For in the Good News a righteousness which comes from God is being revealed, depending on faith and tending to produce faith; as the Scripture has it, "The righteous man shall live by faith." World English Bible: For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith." Alphabetical: a as But by faith first For from God gospel in is it just last live man of revealed righteous righteousness shall that the to will written GSB: 1:17 {6} For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from {z} faith to faith: {7} as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (6) The confirmation of the former proposition: we are taught in the gospel that we are instituted before God by faith, which increases daily, and therefore also saved. (z) From faith, which increases daily. (7) The proof of the first as well as of the second proposition, out of Habakkuk, who attributes and gives to faith both justice and life before God. PNT: 1:17 For in this. In the gospel. It reveals the righteousness of God. This might mean (1) God's personal righteousness; (2) a righteousness acceptable to God; or, (3) a righteousness bestowed by God. The last is its sense in the Epistle to the Romans. The obedient believer in Christ is forgiven and clothed with Christ's righteousness. See Ro 3:21-25. From faith to faith. This clause has caused much discussion. The generally received view is thus stated by Dr. Schaff: The righteousness is revealed from faith, or through means of faith, in order to produce faith in others.'' It is revealed to us by believing (faith), and the duty of the believer is to extend the gospel, or to extend the faith. Says Dr. Schaff, Believing includes knowledge and belief, assent and surrender, appropriation and application.'' As it is written. See Hab 2:4. The Old Testament had predicted this system of righteousness by faith, for the prophet had said, The just shall live by faith. See also Heb 10:38,39. The just. Those who have been forgiven and justified by the gospel. WES: 1:17 The righteousness of God - This expression sometimes means God's eternal, essential righteousness, which includes both justice and mercy, and is eminently shown in condemning sin, and yet justifying the sinner. Sometimes it means that righteousness by which a man, through the gift of God, is made and is righteous; and that, both by receiving Christ through faith, and by a conformity to the essential righteousness of God. St. Paul, when treating of justification, means hereby the righteousness of faith; therefore called the righteousness of God, because God found out and prepared, reveals and gives, approves and crowns it. In this verse the expression means, the whole benefit of God through Christ for the salvation of a sinner. Is revealed - Mention is made here, and Rom 1:18, of a twofold revelation, - of wrath and of righteousness: the former, little known to nature, is revealed by the law; the latter, wholly unknown to nature, by the gospel. That goes before, and prepares the way; this follows. Each, the apostle says, is revealed at the present time, in opposition to the times of ignorance. From faith to faith - By a gradual series of still clearer and clearer promises. As it is written - St. Paul had just laid down three propositions: Righteousness is by faith, Rom 1:17: Salvation is by righteousness, Rom 1:16: Both to the Jews and to the gentiles, Rom 1:16. Now all these are confirmed by that single sentence, The just shall live by faith - Which was primarily spoken of those who preserved their lives, when the Chaldeans besieged Jerusalem, by believing the declarations of God, and acting according to them. Here it means, He shall obtain the favour of God, and continue therein by believing. Hab 2:4 MHC: Romans 1:18 New American Standard Bible: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, God's Word Translation: God's anger is revealed from heaven against every ungodly and immoral thing people do as they try to suppress the truth by their immoral living. King James Version: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Bible in Basic English: For there is a revelation of the wrath of God from heaven against all the wrongdoing and evil thoughts of men who keep down what is true by wrongdoing; Weymouth New Testament: For God's anger is being revealed from Heaven against all impiety and against the iniquity of men who through iniquity suppress the truth. God is angry: World English Bible: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, Alphabetical: against all and being by For from God godlessness heaven in is men of revealed suppress The their truth ungodliness unrighteousness who wickedness wrath GSB: 1:18 {8} For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against {a} all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the {b} truth in unrighteousness; (8) Another confirmation of the principal question: all men being considered in themselves, or without Christ, are guilty both of ungodliness and also unrighteousness, and therefore are subject on condemnation: therefore they need to seek righteousness in someone else. (a) Against all types of ungodliness. (b) By truth Paul means all the light that is left in man since his fall, not as though they being led by this were able to come into favour with God, but that their own reason might condemn them of wickedness both against God and man. PNT: 1:18 For. Now follows a declaration of the world's unrighteousness, of the wrath of God against unrighteousness, and hence the need of the righteousness of God through the gospel received by faith in order to salvation. The for introduces an argument which shows that Christ's gospel is the world's only hope. The wrath of God. His displeasure. Is revealed. Not only by the declarations of the Holy Scriptures, and his judgments, but by nature's teachings, and by the human conscience. Ungodliness. Irreligiousness. This is the fountain of unrighteousness. Hold the truth in unrighteousness. There is a measure of truth revealed to every man. See Ro 1:19. Many refuse to profit by the light they have, and love the darkness rather than the light. All who do not live up to the knowledge they possess, who do worse than they know, hold the truth in unrighteousness. They obstruct the truth, rather than let it have free scope. WES: 1:18 For - There is no other way of obtaining life and salvation. Having laid down his proposition, the apostle now enters upon the proof of it. His first argument is, The law condemns all men, as being under sin. None therefore is justified by the works of the law. This is treated of Rom 3:20. And hence he infers, Therefore justification is by faith. The wrath of God is revealed - Not only by frequent and signal interpositions of divine providence, but likewise in the sacred oracles, and by us, his messengers. From heaven - This speaks the majesty of Him whose wrath is revealed, his all - seeing eye, and the extent of his wrath: whatever is under heaven is under the effects of his wrath, believers in Christ excepted. Against all ungodliness and unrighteousness - These two are treated of, Rom 1:23, and c. Of men - He is speaking here of the gentiles, and chiefly the wisest of them. Who detain the truth - For it struggles against their wickedness. In unrighteousness - The word here includes ungodliness also. MHC: 1:18-25 The apostle begins to show that all mankind need the salvation of the gospel, because none could obtain the favour of God, or escape his wrath by their own works. For no man can plead that he has fulfilled all his obligations to God and to his neighbour; nor can any truly say that he has fully acted up to the light afforded him. The sinfulness of man is described as ungodliness against the laws of the first table, and unrighteousness against those of the second. The cause of that sinfulness is holding the truth in unrighteousness. All, more or less, do what they know to be wrong, and omit what they know to be right, so that the plea of ignorance cannot be allowed from any. Our Creator's invisible power and Godhead are so clearly shown in the works he has made, that even idolaters and wicked Gentiles are left without excuse. They foolishly followed idolatry; and rational creatures changed the worship of the glorious Creator, for that of brutes, reptiles, and senseless images. They wandered from God, till all traces of true religion must have been lost, had not the revelation of the gospel prevented it. For whatever may be pretended, as to the sufficiency of man's reason to discover Divine truth and moral obligation, or to govern the practice aright, facts cannot be denied. And these plainly show that men have dishonoured God by the most absurd idolatries and superstitions; and have degraded themselves by the vilest affections and most abominable deeds. Romans 1:19 New American Standard Bible: because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. God's Word Translation: What can be known about God is clear to them because he has made it clear to them. King James Version: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. Bible in Basic English: Because the knowledge of God may be seen in them, God having made it clear to them. Weymouth New Testament: because what may be known about Him is plain to their inmost consciousness; for He Himself has made it plain to them. World English Bible: because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. Alphabetical: about be because evident for God has is it known made may plain since that them to what which within GSB: 1:19 {9} Because that which may be known of God is manifest in {c} them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. (9) By their ungodliness he proves that although all men have a most clear and evident mirror in which to behold the everlasting and almighty nature of God, even in his creatures, yet they have fallen away from those principles to most foolish and stupid ideas of their own brains, in their worship of God and of what God requires of them. (c) In their hearts. PNT: 1:19 Because. Here he begins to show why God's wrath is manifest. They are inexcusable because that which may be known of God is manifest in them. Ro 1:20 shows what may be known of God by all. WES: 1:19 For what is to be known of God - Those great principles which are indispensably necessary to be known. Is manifest in them; for God hath showed it to them - By the light which enlightens every man that cometh into the world. MHC: Romans 1:20 New American Standard Bible: For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. God's Word Translation: From the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly observed in what he made. As a result, people have no excuse. King James Version: 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: Bible in Basic English: For from the first making of the world, those things of God which the eye is unable to see, that is, his eternal power and existence, are fully made clear, he having given the knowledge of them through the things which he has made, so that men have no reason for wrongdoing: Weymouth New Testament: For, from the very creation of the world, His invisible perfections--namely His eternal power and divine nature--have been rendered intelligible and clearly visible by His works, so that these men are without excuse. World English Bible: For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. Alphabetical: and are attributes been being clearly creation divine eternal excuse For from God's has have his invisible made men nature of power qualities seen since so that the they through understood what without world GSB: 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being {d} understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (d) You do not see God, and yet you acknowledge him as God by his works; Cicero. PNT: 1:20 The invisible things of him. God's attributes. Are clearly seen. Are manifested by his works. Nature speaks of nature's God. His eternal power and Godhead. The attributes are especially shown in his works. The earth and the heavenly bodies are effects which must be due to eternal power and divinity. So that they are without excuse. No excuse is left for worshiping helpless idols. WES: 1:20 For those things of him which are invisible, are seen - By the eye of the mind. Being understood - They are seen by them, and them only, who use their understanding MHC: Romans 1:21 New American Standard Bible: For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. God's Word Translation: They knew God but did not praise and thank him for being God. Instead, their thoughts were pointless, and their misguided minds were plunged into darkness. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: Because, having the knowledge of God, they did not give glory to God as God, and did not give praise, but their minds were full of foolish things, and their hearts, being without sense, were made dark. Weymouth New Testament: For when they had come to know God, they did not give Him glory as God nor render Him thanks, but they became absorbed in useless discussions, and their senseless minds were darkened. World English Bible: Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. Alphabetical: although and as became but darkened did even foolish For futile gave give glorified God heart hearts him honor in knew neither nor not or speculations thanks their they thinking though to was were GSB: 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they {e} glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became {f} vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (e) They did not honour him with that honour and service which was appropriate for his everlasting power and Godhead. (f) As if he said, became so corrupt in themselves. PNT: 1:21 When they knew God. Had the knowledge shown in Ro 1:20. They turned from their knowledge, did not glorify the invisible Creator, yielded neither adoration nor gratitude. Became vain in their imaginations. Thoughts or reasonings. When men turn willfully from truth, they will run to the extremes of error. The world (the pagan world) yielded to idle fancies, and were involved in deeper darkness. He who shuts out the light will finally be unable to bear it. Vain. Empty, useless. See De 32:21. WES: 1:21 Because, knowing God - For the wiser heathens did know that there was one supreme God; yet from low and base considerations they conformed to the idolatry of the vulgar. They did not glorify him as God, neither were thankful - They neither thanked him for his benefits, nor glorified him for his divine perfection. But became vain - Like the idols they worshipped. In their reasonings - Various, uncertain, foolish. What a terrible instance have we of this in the writings of Lucretius! What vain reasonings, and how dark a heart, amidst so pompous professions of wisdom! MHC: Romans 1:22 New American Standard Bible: Professing to be wise, they became fools, God's Word Translation: While claiming to be wise, they became fools. King James Version: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Bible in Basic English: Seeming to be wise, they were in fact foolish, Weymouth New Testament: While boasting of their wisdom they became utter fools, World English Bible: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Alphabetical: Although be became claimed fools Professing they to wise GSB: 1:22 {g} Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (g) Or, thought themselves. PNT: 1:22 Became fools. The Greeks and Roman heathen boasted of their wisdom and held the rest of the world in contempt, but at the same time their idolatry showed their utter folly. MHC: Romans 1:23 New American Standard Bible: and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. God's Word Translation: They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for statues that looked like mortal humans, birds, animals, and snakes. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: And by them the glory of the eternal God was changed and made into the image of man who is not eternal, and of birds and beasts and things which go on the earth. Weymouth New Testament: and, instead of worshipping the imperishable God, they worshipped images resembling perishable man or resembling birds or beasts or reptiles. World English Bible: and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Alphabetical: an and animals birds corruptible crawling creatures exchanged for form four-footed glory God image images immortal in incorruptible like look made man mortal of reptiles the to GSB: 1:23 And changed the glory of the {h} uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (h) For the true God they substituted another. PNT: 1:23 Changed the glory of the incorruptible God. Turning from the glorious revelation of God in nature, they showed that they were fools by making an image, like man, or lower animals, and calling it a god. An image made like to corruptible man. The Greeks made their gods like men. Many statues still exist that were taken from old Greek or Roman temples. To birds. The Egyptians worshiped birds, quadrupeds, and reptiles. WES: 1:23 And changed - With the utmost folly. Here are three degrees of ungodliness and of punishment: the first is described, Rom 1:21 - 24; the second, Rom 1:25 - 27; the third, in Rom 1:28, and following verse s. The punishment in each case is expressed by God gave them up. If a man will not worship God as God, he is so left to himself that he throws away his very manhood. Reptiles - Or creeping things; as beetles, and various kinds of serpents. MHC: Romans 1:24 New American Standard Bible: Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. God's Word Translation: For this reason God allowed their lusts to control them. As a result, they dishonor their bodies by sexual perversion with each other. King James Version: Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Bible in Basic English: For this reason God gave them up to the evil desires of their hearts, working shame in their bodies with one another: Weymouth New Testament: For this reason, in accordance with their own depraved cravings, God gave them up to uncleanness, allowing them to dishonour their bodies among themselves with impurity. World English Bible: Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, Alphabetical: among another be bodies degrading desires dishonored for gave God hearts impurity in lusts of one over sexual sinful so that the their them Therefore to with would GSB: 1:24 {10} Wherefore {i} God also {k} gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (10) The unrighteousness of men he sets forth first in this, that following their lusts, even against nature, they defiled themselves one with another, by the just judgment of God. (i) The contempt of religion is the source of all evil. (k) As a just judge. PNT: 1:24 Wherefore. Having chosen folly, God gave them up to the consequences of their folly, and there followed an awful moral degradation which is now described. Their false religion was no check upon their lusts. They engaged in the lowest and most disgusting lusts. Language cannot describe the pollution of the Gentile world, when Paul wrote, as revealed by the pagan writers of that period. WES: 1:24 Wherefore - One punishment of sin is from the very nature of it, as Rom 1:27; another, as here, is from vindictive justice. Uncleanness - Ungodliness and uncleanness are frequently joined, 1Thes 4:5 as are the knowledge of God and purity. God gave them up - By withdrawing his restraining grace. MHC: Romans 1:25 New American Standard Bible: For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. God's Word Translation: These people have exchanged God's truth for a lie. So they have become ungodly and serve what is created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen! King James Version: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Bible in Basic English: Because by them the true word of God was changed into that which is false, and they gave worship and honour to the thing which is made, and not to him who made it, to whom be blessing for ever. So be it. Weymouth New Testament: For they had bartered the reality of God for what is unreal, and had offered divine honours and religious service to created things, rather than to the Creator--He who is for ever blessed. Amen. World English Bible: who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Alphabetical: a Amen and blessed created Creator creature exchanged for forever God is lie of praised rather served than the They things truth who worshiped PNT: 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie. By giving up the worship of the great unseen God to worship an idol; a creature, rather than the Creator. At first, idols were probably designed as only representations, but they finally became objects of worship. Just so, the images in Roman Catholic churches were intended at first as helps in worship, but have become to great multitudes really idols. WES: 1:25 Who changed the truth - The true worship of God. Into a lie - False, abominable idolatries. And worshipped - Inwardly. And served - Outwardly. MHC: Romans 1:26 New American Standard Bible: For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, God's Word Translation: For this reason God allowed their shameful passions to control them. Their women have exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. King James Version: 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: Bible in Basic English: For this reason God gave them up to evil passions, and their women were changing the natural use into one which is unnatural: Weymouth New Testament: This then is the reason why God gave them up to vile passions. For not only did the women among them exchange the natural use of their bodies for one which is contrary to nature, but the men also, World English Bible: For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Alphabetical: Because degrading Even exchanged for function gave God is lusts natural of ones over passions reason relations shameful that the their them this to unnatural which women PNT: 1:26 For this cause. Because of the apostasy just described. God gave them up. Abandoned them to their own course, and thus it was shown to what depths men will fall without God. To vile affections. Vile, shameless, sensual indulgence, such as cannot now be named. The sodomy referred to here was common in the first century among the Romans, and is often spoken of without a sense of shame by their writers. It was prohibited neither by religion nor law, and was acknowledged without shame. WES: 1:26 Therefore God gave them up to vile affections - To which the heathen Romans were then abandoned to the last degree; and none more than the emperors themselves. MHC: 1:26-32 In the horrid depravity of the heathen, the truth of our Lord's words was shown: Light was come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; for he that doeth evil hateth the light. The truth was not to their taste. And we all know how soon a man will contrive, against the strongest evidence, to reason himself out of the belief of what he dislikes. But a man cannot be brought to greater slavery than to be given up to his own lusts. As the Gentiles did not like to keep God in their knowledge, they committed crimes wholly against reason and their own welfare. The nature of man, whether pagan or Christian, is still the same; and the charges of the apostle apply more or less to the state and character of men at all times, till they are brought to full submission to the faith of Christ, and renewed by Divine power. There never yet was a man, who had not reason to lament his strong corruptions, and his secret dislike to the will of God. Therefore this chapter is a call to self-examination, the end of which should be, a deep conviction of sin, and of the necessity of deliverance from a state of condemnation. Romans 1:27 New American Standard Bible: and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. God's Word Translation: Likewise, their men have given up natural sexual relations with women and burn with lust for each other. Men commit indecent acts with men, so they experience among themselves the punishment they deserve for their perversion. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: And in the same way the men gave up the natural use of the woman and were burning in their desire for one another, men doing shame with men, and getting in their bodies the right reward of their evil-doing. Weymouth New Testament: in just the same way--neglecting that for which nature intends women--burned with passion towards one another, men practising shameful vice with men, and receiving in their own selves the reward which necessarily followed their misconduct. World English Bible: Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. Alphabetical: abandoned acts also and another burned committed committing desire due error for function In indecent inflamed lust men natural of one other own penalty persons perversion received receiving relations same the their themselves toward way were with woman women GSB: 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 {l} recompence of their error which was meet. (l) An appropriate reward and that which they deserved. WES: 1:27 Receiving the just recompense of their error - Their idolatry being punished with that unnatural lust, which was as horrible a dishonour to the body, as their idolatry was to God. MHC: Romans 1:28 New American Standard Bible: And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, God's Word Translation: And because they thought it was worthless to acknowledge God, God allowed their own immoral minds to control them. So they do these indecent things. King James Version: 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; Bible in Basic English: And because they had not the mind to keep God in their knowledge, God gave them up to an evil mind, to do those things which are not right; Weymouth New Testament: And just as they had refused to continue to have a full knowledge of God, so it was to utterly worthless minds that God gave them up, for them to do things which should not be done. World English Bible: Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; Alphabetical: a acknowledge And any are as be depraved did do done fit Furthermore gave God he it just knowledge longer mind not of ought over proper retain see since the them they things think those to what which worthwhile GSB: 1:28 {11} And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a {m} reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (11) He proves the unrighteousness of man by referring to many types of wickedness, from which (if not from all, yet at the least from many of them) no man is altogether free. (m) To a corrupt and perverse mind, by which it comes to pass that the conscience, having been removed by them, and they having almost no more remorse for sin, run headlong into all types of evil. PNT: 1:28 God gave them over to a reprobate mind. A thought is repeated here that has already been hinted, and is often taught in the Scriptures. The man who turns from the truth will be allowed to have his way, will fall deeper and deeper into error, and will reap all the evil consequences of loving darkness rather than light. Those who hate the truth are given over to a reprobate mind. A reprobate mind is one rejected of God. Which are not convenient. Not decent, or honorable. WES: 1:28 God gave them up to an undiscerning mind - Treated of, Rom 1:32. To do things not expedient - Even the vilest abominations, treated of verse s Rom 1:29 - 31. MHC: Romans 1:29 New American Standard Bible: being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, God's Word Translation: Their lives are filled with all kinds of sexual sins, wickedness, and greed. They are mean. They are filled with envy, murder, quarreling, deceit, and viciousness. They are gossips, King James Version: Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Bible in Basic English: Being full of all wrongdoing, evil, desire for the goods of others, hate, envy, putting to death, fighting, deceit, cruel ways, evil talk, and false statements about others; Weymouth New Testament: Their hearts overflowed with all sorts of dishonesty, mischief, greed, malice. They were full of envy and murder, and were quarrelsome, crafty, and spiteful. World English Bible: being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, Alphabetical: all and are become being deceit depravity envy every evil filled full gossips greed have kind malice murder of strife They unrighteousness wickedness with PNT: 1:29 Being filled, etc. The characteristics of those given over to a reprobate mind are now described. Whisperers. Secret slanderers. WES: 1:29 Filled with all injustice - This stands in the first place; unmercifulness, in the last. Fornication - Includes here every species of uncleanness. Maliciousness - The Greek word properly implies a temper which delights in hurting another, even without any advantage to itself. MHC: Romans 1:30 New American Standard Bible: slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, God's Word Translation: slanderers, haters of God, haughty, arrogant, and boastful. They think up new ways to be cruel. They don't obey their parents, King James Version: Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Bible in Basic English: Hated by God, full of pride, without respect, full of loud talk, given to evil inventions, not honouring father or mother, Weymouth New Testament: They were secret backbiters, open slanderers; hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful; inventors of new forms of sin, disobedient to parents, destitute of common sense, World English Bible: backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Alphabetical: and arrogant boastful disobedient disobey doing evil God God-haters haters insolent invent inventors of parents slanderers their they to ways PNT: 1:30 Haters of God. Hateful to God, in the Revised Version. Hateful, because so polluted with sin. WES: 1:30 Whisperers - Such as secretly defame others. Backbiters - Such as speak against others behind their back. Haters of God - That is, rebels against him, deniers of his providence, or accusers of his justice in their adversities; yea, having an inward heart - enmity to his justice and holiness. Inventors of evil things - Of new pleasures, new ways of gain, new arts of hurting, particularly in war. MHC: Romans 1:31 New American Standard Bible: without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; God's Word Translation: don't have any sense, don't keep promises, and don't show love to their own families or mercy to others. King James Version: Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Bible in Basic English: Without knowledge, not true to their undertakings, unkind, having no mercy: Weymouth New Testament: faithless to their promises, without natural affection, without human pity. World English Bible: without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; Alphabetical: are faithless heartless ruthless senseless they understanding unloving unmerciful untrustworthy without GSB: 1:31 Without understanding, {n} covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (n) Not caring if they keep their covenants and bargains. PNT: 1:31 Without understanding. Senseless, foolish. WES: 1:31 Covenant - breakers - It is well known, the Romans, as a nation, from the very beginning of their commonwealth, never made any scruple of vacating altogether the most solemn engagement, if they did not like it, though made by their supreme magistrate, in the name of the whole people. They only gave up the general who had made it, and then supposed themselves to be at full liberty. Without natural affection - The custom of exposing their own new - born children to perish by cold, hunger, or wild beasts, which so generally prevailed in the heathen world, particularly among the Greeks and Romans, was an amazing instance of this; as is also that of killing their aged and helpless parents, now common among the American heathens. MHC: Romans 1:32 New American Standard Bible: and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. God's Word Translation: Although they know God's judgment that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do these things but also approve of others who do them. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: Who, though they have knowledge of the law of God, that the fate of those who do these things is death, not only go on doing these things themselves, but give approval to those who do them. Weymouth New Testament: In short, though knowing full well the sentence which God pronounces against actions such as theirs, as things which deserve death, they not only practise them, but even encourage and applaud others who do them. World English Bible: who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them. Alphabetical: also Although and approval approve are but continue death decree deserve do give God God's hearty know not of only ordinance practice righteous same such that the them these they things those to very who worthy GSB: 1:32 Who knowing the {o} judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but {p} have pleasure in them that do them. (o) By the judgment of God he means that which the philosophers called the law of nature, and the lawyers themselves termed the law of nations. (p) Are companions and partakers with them in their wickedness, and beside that, commend those who do wrong. PNT: 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God. The ordinance or decree of God condemning such sinners. That ordinances is next stated. It is that those who do such deeds are worthy of death. The heathen moralists admitted this. Yet in spite of this knowledge they not only continued in their vile sins, but took pleasure in them. No deeper degree of depravity can be found than when men call evil good, and cherish it. This dark picture of heathen vices in Ro 1:18-32 is not overdrawn. It is fully confirmed by such heathen writers as Tacitus, Horace, Seneca, and Juvenal. The conclusion, from these facts, is that all such persons are under condemnation. WES: 1:32 Not only do the same, but have pleasure in those that practise them - This is the highest degree of wickedness. A man may be hurried by his passions to do the thing he hates; but he that has pleasure in those that do evil, loves wickedness for wickedness' sake. And hereby he encourages them in sin, and heaps the guilt of others upon his own head. MHC: Online Parallel Bible NASB, GWT, KJV, NIV, GWT, NLT, ASV, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Chapter and Verse Old and New Testament Christian Bible Study, Concordance, Chain Links, Cross Reference for pastors, teachers and students