Paul's Letter to the Romans

Chapter 1

Paul commends his calling to the Romans, 1-8; and his desire to come to them, 9-15. What his gospel is, 16, 17. God is angry with sin, 18-20. What were the sins of the Gentiles, 21-32.

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, 2 Which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the offspring 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, 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for his name, 6 Among whom you are also the called of Jesus Christ.

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.

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 any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God) to come to you. 11 For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established, 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of both you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that I have often purposed to come to you (but have been until now hindered) so that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in this the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. 21 For when they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, neither were thankful, but they became vain in their imaginations and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, birds, four-footed beasts, and creeping animals.

24 Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonor their own bodies among themselves, 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this cause, God gave them up to vile affections. For even their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature. 27 And likewise also, the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men with men working that which is unseemly and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was proper.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not fitting, 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful; 32 Who, knowing the judgment of God, that those who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in those who do them.

Commentary

Matthew Henry Commentary - Romans, Chapter 1[➚]

Notes

[v.3] - "the seed of David" - Christ is the descendant of David. See the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew, ch. 1 and Luke, ch. 3. See also the comment for 1st Samuel 16:1.

[v.17] - Quoting Habakkuk 2:4.

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