Romans 1

Romans chapter 1 is the opening chapter of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, one of the most theologically significant books in the New Testament. In this chapter, Paul's primary goal is to establish that the Gentiles are sinners and in desperate need of God's righteousness.

Romans 1:1 (NKJV)
1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.

Paul introduces himself as a servant (or bondservant) of Christ Jesus. He emphasizes his calling as an apostle, meaning he is sent with a divine mission, and highlights that he has been set apart for the gospel (good news) of God. In the context of Paul's reference to himself as a "servant" of Christ Jesus, the term conveys a sense of deep devotion and commitment, rather than the modern connotation of servitude or slavery as oppressive.

Romans 1:2 (NKJV)
2 Which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures.

Paul affirms that the gospel he preaches is not a new message but one that God promised long ago through the prophets in the Old Testament. This shows the continuity of God’s plan and how the coming of Christ fulfills what was foretold in the Scriptures.

Romans 1:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Paul highlights Jesus' dual nature—He was born as a descendant of David, affirming His humanity, but was declared to be the powerful Son of God through His resurrection. This resurrection power, demonstrated by the Holy Spirit, confirms Jesus’ divine identity. Acts 13:32-33 highlight that Jesus was declared the Son of God in a unique and powerful way through His resurrection, reflecting how the apostles understood this truth. This was the third significant instance of Jesus being begotten as a Son of God. First, He was begotten 'from the days of eternity' (Micah 5:2), a truth echoed in Proverbs 8:22-25, where Wisdom—understood by many as a reference to Christ—speaks of being brought forth before the world began. Second, He was begotten through His incarnation, as described in Luke 1:35, where the angel declares that the Holy Spirit will come upon Mary, and the child born will be called the Son of God. Finally, through His resurrection, Jesus was begotten in a new sense, fulfilling the declaration in Psalm 2:7: 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you,' publicly confirmed as the Son of God with power.

Romans 1:5 (NKJV)
5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.

Through Jesus, Paul and others have received grace and the role of apostles to bring about obedience to the faith in all nations. This highlights Paul’s mission to spread the gospel, not just to Jews but to Gentiles, for the glory of Christ.

Romans 1:6 (NKJV)
6 Among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ.

Paul affirms that the Roman believers, who are predominantly Gentiles, are included in this calling to belong to Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:7 (NKJV)
7 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.

Note that Paul extends grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, but he doesn't explicitly mention the Holy Spirit. This omission aligns with the understanding that after Jesus's glorification in heaven, as described in Acts 2:33, He received the Holy Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit acts as the promised Comforter, embodying the power and personal presence of God passed down to the Son and residing in believers, as stated in John 14:23. Because the Holy Spirit is not a separate divine being from the Father and the Son, a separate mention is not necessary.

Romans 1:8-10 (NKJV)
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
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,
10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.

Paul expresses gratitude for the Roman believers, whose faith is widely known. He serves God with sincere devotion and continually prays for the church, hoping for an opportunity to visit them. His eagerness to see them reflects his dedication to the spread of the gospel and his desire to strengthen and encourage fellow believers.

Romans 1:11 (NKJV)
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.

Paul expresses his deep desire to visit the believers in Rome. His aim is to share with them a "spiritual gift," which could refer to the strengthening of their faith, encouraging them in their spiritual growth, or using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to build up their community. His ultimate goal is to help establish them firmly in their faith, ensuring they are grounded and mature in their walk with Christ. This verse highlights Paul's pastoral care and desire for the spiritual wellbeing of the church.

Romans 1:12 (NKJV)
12 That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Paul clarifies that the encouragement will be mutual; both he and the Romans will benefit from each other's faith.

Romans 1:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Paul explains that he has long wanted to visit Rome but was repeatedly prevented. He feels a duty to preach to all people—Greeks and non-Greeks, educated and uneducated—demonstrating his commitment to sharing the gospel without favoritism. His readiness to preach in Rome shows his dedication to fulfilling his calling and bearing spiritual fruit among them.

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Paul boldly declares his confidence in the gospel, stating that he is not ashamed of it. The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe, regardless of whether they are Jews or Gentiles. It shows the universal nature of salvation and the life-changing power of the gospel.

Romans 1:17 (NKJV)
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Paul explains that the gospel reveals God’s righteousness, which is received by faith and leads to a life of faith. He quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to support his point, showing that those who are justified will live by faith, highlighting the central role of faith in salvation and in the believer’s life.

Romans 1:18 (NKJV)
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

Paul shifts to the theme of God’s wrath, which is revealed against those who live in ungodliness and unrighteousness. These individuals suppress the truth about God and choose to live in rebellion. God’s response to such sin is just, revealing His holy character.

Romans 1:19 (NKJV)
19 Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

Paul explains that God has made His existence and attributes known to humanity. People can perceive the truth about God because He has revealed it within them. This suggests that no one has an excuse for rejecting God since He has made Himself known in obvious ways.

Romans 1:20 (NKJV)
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

The creation itself testifies to God’s existence and attributes, leaving humanity without excuse for ignoring or rejecting Him.

Romans 1:21 (NKJV)
21 Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Although people knew of God, they failed to honor or thank Him, resulting in futile thinking and spiritual darkness. This verse is part of a theological argument that everyone has some level of awareness of God through what is called "general revelation." General revelation refers to the knowledge of God that is available to all people through the natural world and, according to Paul, through an inherent understanding within themselves.

Romans 1:22 (NKJV)
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools.

Paul points out the irony of humanity’s condition. Although people claimed to be wise, in rejecting God, they actually became fools. Human wisdom, apart from God, is ultimately foolishness and leads people away from the truth.

Romans 1:23 (NKJV)
23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Instead of worshipping the immortal God, people chose to make idols, shaping gods in the form of humans and animals. This exchange of God’s glory for lifeless images shows how far humanity can fall when they turn away from the true God and embrace idolatry.

Romans 1:24 (NKJV)
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves.

Because people rejected God and worshiped idols, He allowed them to follow their sinful desires. This resulted in moral corruption, as they dishonored their bodies through sinful behavior. Paul emphasizes that when people turn away from God, they often fall deeper into sin.

Romans 1:25 (NKJV)
25 Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

People exchanged the truth about God for a lie, choosing to worship created things rather than the Creator Himself. Paul laments this tragic reversal, as humanity turns away from the one true God, who is deserving of eternal praise, and instead bows to false gods.

Romans 1:26-27 (NKJV)
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

Paul continues to describe the consequences of rejecting God, noting that both men and women turned to unnatural sexual practices. This moral degradation is part of God’s judgment, as He allowed them to follow their sinful passions, which led to destructive consequences in their lives.

Romans 1:28 (NKJV)
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Since people refused to acknowledge God, He gave them over to a corrupt mind, allowing them to engage in behavior that is morally wrong. Their rejection of God led to further moral decay, as they indulged in sinful actions without restraint.

Romans 1:29-31 (NKJV)
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.

Paul provides a catalog of sins that characterize those who have turned away from God, highlighting the depth and pervasiveness of human depravity when God is rejected. This list is not just a random assortment of vices; it reflects a comprehensive breakdown of moral, social, and spiritual integrity. By detailing these sins, Paul emphasizes how completely sin can dominate a person's life, affecting every aspect of their character and relationships.

Romans 1:32 (NKJV)
32 Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Paul concludes by highlighting the severity of humanity’s rebellion. Even though people know that God’s judgment is against such sinful practices and that these actions deserve death, they continue to do them and even encourage others to do the same, deepening their condemnation.