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.

Verse 1: "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for 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. In the original Greek text, the word used is "δοῦλος" (doulos), which indeed can mean "slave." However, in the biblical and theological context, this term takes on a layered and profoundly spiritual meaning.
Paul’s use of "servant" to describe his relationship with Christ reflects a profound spiritual state of dedication and indicates his role as a committed bearer of the gospel. It’s a term that, in his writings, denotes honor, responsibility, and deep personal commitment rather than any form of demeaning servitude.

Verse 2: "the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures"

Paul explains that the gospel is not a new concept but was promised in the Old Testament through the prophets, showing continuity in God's plan.

Verse 3: "regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,"

This verse focuses on the human nature of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He was a descendant of King David, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Verse 4: "and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord."

To understand Romans 1:4, we need to look at Acts 13:32-33. These verses 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 (Romans 1:4). This was the third significant instance of Jesus being 'begotten.' 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.

Verse 5: "Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake."

Paul speaks of the grace and apostleship he has received through Christ, with the mission to bring the Gentiles (non-Jews) to faith and obedience to Christ.

Verse 6: "And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ."

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

Verse 7: "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from 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.

Verse 8: "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world."

Paul expresses gratitude for the Roman believers, whose faith is well-known throughout the Christian world.

Verse 9: "God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you"

Paul emphasizes his dedication to preaching the gospel and how he constantly prays for the Roman Christians.

Verse 10: "in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you."

Paul expresses his deep desire to visit the Roman believers, hoping that God will finally allow him to do so.

Verse 11: "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—"

Paul wishes to visit them to strengthen their faith by imparting spiritual gifts, likely referring to teaching, encouragement, or other forms of ministry.

Understanding "Spiritual Gift" here:

Context and Intention: Paul's intention in wanting to impart a spiritual gift was not merely to bestow a supernatural ability, as might be inferred from other New Testament references to spiritual gifts like those in 1 Corinthians 12. Instead, Paul's aim here appears broader.

Purpose of the Gift: The purpose of this gift, as Paul states, is "to strengthen" the believers in Rome. This implies that the gift is meant to encourage and establish them more firmly in their faith. The term "strengthen" translates to "establish" or "make firm," indicating that the gift would play a role in solidifying the believers' commitment and understanding of the gospel.

Nature of the Gift: While the specific nature of the spiritual gift Paul refers to isn't detailed in this verse, it can be interpreted in a few ways:
Teaching and Preaching: Given Paul’s role as an apostle and teacher, the gift might involve imparting deeper doctrinal understanding or insights that would help the Roman Christians grow spiritually and remain steadfast in their faith.
Encouragement and Edification: The gift could also be the imparting of encouragement or an ability to better comprehend and live out the gospel, which would naturally strengthen the church community.
Charismatic Gifts: It’s also possible that Paul refers to more traditionally understood spiritual gifts like prophecy or healing, which could serve to confirm the gospel message and encourage the believers.

Verse 12: "that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith."

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

Verse 13: "I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles."

Paul informs them that he has often intended to visit but was hindered, possibly by circumstances beyond his control. He desires to have a fruitful ministry among them, similar to his work among other Gentiles.

Verse 14: "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish."

Paul states his sense of duty to preach the gospel to all people, regardless of their cultural background or intellectual status.

Verse 15: "That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome."

Paul’s eagerness to preach in Rome stems from this sense of obligation and his desire to spread the gospel everywhere.

Verse 16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

These verses are key to understanding the entire letter. Paul boldly proclaims that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, emphasizing the universality of the message.

Verse 17: "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"

The gospel reveals God's righteousness, which is received through faith. Paul cites Habakkuk 2:4 to support this principle, indicating that the righteous will live by faith.

Verse 18: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,"

Paul begins a section on the wrath of God, emphasizing that God’s anger is directed at humanity's sinfulness, particularly those who suppress the truth.

Verse 19: "since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them."

Paul argues that knowledge of God is evident to all people because God has made it clear through creation and natural revelation.

Verse 20: "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

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

Verse 21: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile 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.

Understanding General Revelation
Natural World: Paul argues that the created world itself (its order, complexity, and beauty) testifies to the existence of a Creator. This is meant to be evident enough that people should recognize the existence of a divine being.
Innate Sense: There is also an idea that humans have an innate sense of the divine or a moral order established by God, which informs their conscience.

Verse 22: "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools"

Despite claiming wisdom, people became foolish by rejecting God and His truth.

Verse 23: "and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles."

Humanity's rejection of God led to idolatry, exchanging the worship of the Creator for created things.

Verse 24: "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another."

As a consequence of their idolatry, God allowed them to follow their sinful desires, leading to moral and sexual degradation.

Verse 25: "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen."

Paul reiterates the exchange of God’s truth for lies, leading to the worship of creation rather than the Creator.

Verse 26: "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones."

As a further consequence, God allowed them to engage in degrading and unnatural sexual practices.

Verse 27: "In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error."

Paul continues, describing the consequences of their rebellion, including homosexual acts, which he describes as shameful and a sign of their moral decline.

Verse 28: "Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done."

Since they rejected God’s knowledge, God allowed them to have depraved minds, leading to further immoral behavior.

Verses 29-31: "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy."

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.