Romans 2:12-29

CEV-

Rom 2:12  Those people who don't know about God's Law will still be punished for what they do wrong. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says. 

Rom 2:13  God accepts those who obey his Law, but not those who simply hear it. 

Rom 2:14  Some people naturally obey the Law's commands, even though they don't have the Law. 

Rom 2:15  This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned, 

Rom 2:16  when God appoints Jesus Christ to judge everyone's secret thoughts, just as my message says. 

Rom 2:17  Some of you call yourselves Jews. You trust in the Law and take pride in God. 

Rom 2:18  By reading the Scriptures you learn how God wants you to behave, and you discover what is right. 

Rom 2:19  You are sure that you are a guide for the blind and a light for all who are in the dark. 

Rom 2:20  And since there is knowledge and truth in God's Law, you think you can instruct fools and teach young people. 

Rom 2:21  But how can you teach others when you refuse to learn? You preach that it is wrong to steal. But do you steal? 

Rom 2:22  You say people should be faithful in marriage. But are you faithful? You hate idols, yet you rob their temples. 

Rom 2:23  You take pride in the Law, but you disobey the Law and bring shame to God. 

Rom 2:24  It is just as the Scriptures tell us, "You have made foreigners say insulting things about God." 

Rom 2:25  Being circumcised is worthwhile, if you obey the Law. But if you don't obey the Law, you are no better off than people who are not circumcised. 

Rom 2:26  In fact, if they obey the Law, they are as good as anyone who is circumcised. 

Rom 2:27  So everyone who obeys the Law, but has never been circumcised, will condemn you. Even though you are circumcised and have the Law, you still don't obey its teachings. 

Rom 2:28  Just because you live like a Jew and are circumcised doesn't make you a real Jew. 

Rom 2:29  To be a real Jew you must obey the Law. True circumcision is something that happens deep in your heart, not something done to your body. And besides, you should want praise from God and not from humans. 

Main Point: Paul flips the script of the boast of having a covenant of law with God by birth (race). His main focus is on obedience (good works) and living a moral life as having much more value than depending on a law while embracing sinful practices.

5. Who are those “without the law” (12)? Who are those “under the law?” Why must “the Law” refer to the Law of Moses? Gentiles. Jews. This statement is directed to the Jews who likely considered themselves either superior, or at an advantage over the Gentile by virtue of the Mosaical Law. They were after all chosen by God to represent Him. Paul dispels the arrogance by pointing out that God is looking for moral people who live their lives in line with obedience to God….with, or without law.

6. Define “justified”. Who will be justified (13)?  Just: G1342 dikaios dik'-ah-yos From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent – justified: G1344 dikaioō dik-ah-yo'-o From G1342; to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent:
In this context, it is the “doers of the law.” But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Paul is NOT saying that we will be saved because of our obedience. He will make that clear in later chapters. Paul’s argument here is to logically point out that ANYONE who exhibits faith through obedience will be found “just” and even then that soul will require Jesus (16).

7. Explain verse 14: Gentiles who live the moral life as described in the scriptures are themselves abiding lawfully before God. This statement is there to deflate the boasting and reliance on a system of law. He is not saying the Gentiles save themselves by being obedient. Later, Paul will develop the argument of faith having precedence over all else, and obedience is a manifestation of that faith.

8. Explain verse 15. How is “the work of the law written on their hearts?” How does “their conscience also bear witness?”  EXAMPLE: The person who lives just with his family and neighbors and practices love to all he deals with. We all know people we can trust. People who are honest and kind. These are practices that reveal the heart and intent. Someone who has a good report and settles up disputes. These are the outward signs of a moral compass, even if that person has never heard of God, they still have this capacity.

9. Write down and explain what the people of Israel were supposed to be for the Lord (vs.17-21) Know His will, learning from the Law. Guide the “blind.”  Be a light to those in darkness. Instruct the foolish. Instruct children. Embody knowledge and truth. Preach against stealing. Teach against adultery. Abhor idolatry. Lift up the Law.

10. What is the condemnation against the people of Israel? Do you not teach yourselves?  Do you steal? Do you commit adultery?  Do you rob temples?  Break the law?

11. How were they dishonoring God? Because they were breakers of the Law, the Gentiles were given opportunity to blaspheme Jehovah.
G987 - blasphēmeō blas-fay-meh'-o From G989; to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - (speak) blaspheme (-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.
The applications of his concept transcends time. Our actions speak volumes to anyone who knows we are believers.

12. When does circumcision have value? If you obey the law. Circumcision is the sign of their covenant with God. His point here is to flip the reliance of law on its head. Once you sin under this system, your circumcision means nothing. The covenant is broken.

13. Explain verse 26. What becomes of the uncircumcised who obey the law? A concluding thought from 25 -Anyone who keeps the law carries the mark of circumcision….even if a Gentile. This is an abstract thought (spiritual) as would be viewed by God. This is not according to man’s understanding.

14. Explain the condemnation in verse 27. This is finishing the opening statements 12-15. Gentiles who practice moral living, rejecting sin and injustice stand before God more justified than anyone who relies on the law and sins (willfully).

15. Who is not a Jew? How is Paul defining “Jew?”  Again, Paul flips the narrative of physical compliance (based on race) to law and makes the SIGN of compliance a spiritual matter. The sign of the covenant is found in the “heart.” The concept of a persons’ actions revealing  their status with God, not race, or compliance to a system of law. If you live sinfully, you are not a Jew, regardless of your birth status. “Jew” simply means “one who belongs to God” in this context…or one who is aligned, or has a covenant with God. Paul has moved the reader away from boasting in their Jewish heritage as having any advantage.

16. Who is a Jew? The one who obeys from the heart, and not from compulsion (law). The one who gives their heart to God is a Jew. Paul will later add faith to the equation.

17. What does the phrase, “by the Spirit, not by the letter” mean (29)? Again, “by the  letter” would denote a compulsory action. I have to do something because I will be in trouble if I do it another way. I don’t want to make God angry. If I could sin and get away with it, I would.
“By the spirit” simply means our actions reveal who we are. Our motive is to BE more like God, more like Jesus.

Additional:

Note the conjunctions and personal pronouns in this text. He makes arguments against the system of written law with “but” conjunctions.  For every boast, there is a “but”….leading the reader to understand that the Law is a secondary matter to being just before God.

From verse 17 forward Paul directs his words straight to the Jews. Accusatory and relentless in his arguments, he is looking to dismantle arrogance. Dismantling a reliance on the old system of Law is first on his list.

Notice a key verse, God will judge according to the Gospel of Jesus. This idea tears down any reliance on law.

LAW 12a (2x) G460 -anomōs an-om'-oce Adverb from G459; lawlessly, that is, (specifically) not amenable to (the Jewish) law: - without law.

LAW (12b-27) G3551 - nom'-os From a primary word νέμω nemō (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation), specifically (of Moses [including the volume]; also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle): - law.

Romans 2:1-11

Rom 2:1  Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 

Rom 2:2  But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 

Rom 2:3  And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 

Rom 2:5  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 

Rom 2:6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 

Rom 2:7  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 

Rom 2:8  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 

Rom 2:9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 

Rom 2:10  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 

Rom 2:11  For there is no respect of persons with God. 

Main Point: Coming off the heels of condemnation of the immorality practiced by the Gentiles (historically), Paul concludes with a pivot that will entrap the Hebrew in his own web of arrogance. Judging others while practicing sin will bring God’s judgment down on you. He is the only righteous judge, and shows no partiality.

1.    What is the condemnation in verse 1? What lessons do we learn from this? There were apparently factions within the church that felt superior to others within the church. Likely, this section is addressing the Hebrews, who relied on their historical relationship with God. But as Paul indicates, God shows no partiality. Paul is dismantling the reliance on all history that supported any notion of innocence by ignorance OR superiority by a race chosen by God to bring the messiah. The phrase “shows no partiality” is the platform by which he will insist on unity.

2.    What is the purpose of God’s kindness? Did God’s kindness have the intended result? 4) the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance – G3341 – metanoia met-an'-oy-ah From G3340; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision): - repentance.
Root words mean to have a change of mind.
Apparently repentance is not being practiced not in this context. What is interesting is that although the Jews did assimilate into the culture, they still maintained that Jehovah was the only living God. It is unlikely that they practiced some of the more nefarious idolatry, but Paul is heading into a direction that will expose sin within their ranks  nonetheless.

3.    What principles are taught in 6-8? What do we learn from this? This depicts the final judgment. When a soul answers to God. The answers of the soul for this judgment are not words, but a review of his/her works. Well doing, seeking glory, honor will result in eternal life. Of course Paul will eventually cover how the messiah is necessary for this to work. Self-seeking, disobedient, unrighteous, will result in wrath….fury!
We cannot separate faith from works!

4.    What is Paul’s point in verses 9-11? What phrase is repeated and why?
Extending the previous verses: Do evil, expect tribulation and distress. Do good, expect glory, honor, peace.  Paul repeats the phrase to the Jew first, then to the Gentile (Greek). Paul is setting in order the dispensation by God’s action. God dealt thought the nation o the Hebrews, and so it stands to reason that they would be first fruits of the Gospel and God’s judgment. His trajectory is not to set an hierarchy, but rather to reveal that ultimately, both are subject to God….and later…both will (have) fail(ed) on their own. God shows no partiality.
The root word for glory here is rooted in the concept to “think”. God finds value in us through our good works.

Additional:

1,1,1,3) Judge, Judges, Judgement: G2919 krinō kree'-no Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish:

2,3) Judgment (of God) G2917 – krima kree'-mah From G2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against [“crime”])

5) Judgment (of God) dikaiokrisia dik-ah-yok-ris-ee'-ah - From G1342 and G2920; a just sentence: - righteous judgment

4) despise- G2706 kataphroneō kat-af-ron-eh'-o From G2596 and G5426; to think against

10) Glory – G1391 doxa dox'-ah From the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent),

      Honor- G5092 timē tee-may' From G5099; a value

Romans 1:24-32

Romans 1: 24-32 – Text will be King James for this online study. Class versions will be ESV/HCSB.

Rom 1:24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 

Rom 1:25  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. 

Rom 1:26  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: 

Rom 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 recompence of their error which was meet. 

Rom 1:28  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 convenient; 

Rom 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 

Rom 1:30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 

Rom 1:31  Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 

Rom 1:32  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. 

Note Paul’s intentional use of personal pronouns God/them-they-men-women. He uses this word structure to impact the division mankind imposed on himself by opting for a system based on sin. (if it is not of God, it is of sin)

Main Point: Make sure not to mistake the break in the lesson flow as how this is to be perceived. This section finishes the last section started in verse 18. THIS is the wrath of God: turning mankind over to sin. This will be a key component in Paul’s later arguments against the Law, and a life with sin as its basis/context for living.

15. What does it mean that “God gave them up?” Why did He give them up? He surrendered them over to sin. Like a father giving his children over to another “caretaker”, or in this instance a different “system.” As Paul will iterate, God’s covenant is one of mercy and caring by Him, accessed by virtue of our faith or manifested trust in Him. A system of sin includes law, chaos, general “situational” ethics etc. In the sin paradigm there is a rebellion against God 30) “haters of God.”
He gives them over due to their own free will choice “haters of God.” Jehovah makes it clear that sin will separate us from Him in Gen 3 (booted out of Eden). He then iterates to Cain that sin has the character of waiting for you, (it desires control over you). It is up to the individual to control it. Paul will later illustrate how God supplies help for this through Jesus.

16. What sinful activities were the Gentiles engaging in? What sins are condemned here? Lusts of the heart. Impurity. Exchanged God’s deity for a lie….idolatry. Did not acknowledge God. (See 17 for the full list) – The foundational causes of sin are lust (self centered motivation, and the rejection of God.

17. List the sins the people are engaging in. Do any of these sins surprise you that they are on this list? Dishonorable passions (male/female homosexuality). Unrighteousness, evil, covetous, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, gossips, slanderers, Hate God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
The context is more historical than a commentary on the church’s present condition, in my opinion. It is quite possible however, when we consider the culture during that time (and even now) that some of these things were occurring within the church and considered “acceptable”. Let’s not lose sight of the intent of this first chapter, which is to show the Gentile history. They are not without sin or weakness.   

18. Explain verse 32. What lessons do we learn from this? This is a close to verse 20 that states even the Gentile knew what God’s natural was and refused to live by it. They are without excuse (God will not excuse willing ignorance).

Additional:

24) Gave Them Up: G3860: paradidōmi par-ad-id'-o-mee From G3844 and G1325; to surrender, that is, yield up + G846 autos ow-tos' From the particle αὖ au (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind; backward); the reflexive pronoun self

Note that this is describing the fulfillment of God’s warning to Cain in Genesis 4: (CEV) Gen 4:7  If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy you, but don't let it!

30) haters of God: G2319 theostugēs theh-os-too-gace' From G2316 and the base of G4767; hateful to God

Romans 1:18-23

Romans 1: 18-23 – Text will be King James for this online study. Class versions will be ESV/HCSB.

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 

Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 

Rom 1:20  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: 

Rom 1:21  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. 

Rom 1:22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 

Rom 1:23  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. 

Main Point: Mankind has known about God by the things He has created, but idolatry has been mankind’s preference over the obvious power of Jehovah. This is not an excuse for ignoring Jehovah God. (We can assume due to the idolatry inference that he is addressing Gentiles). Why would he say this?

10. Write down all the things the wrath of God is revealed again and explain what those things are.  Ungodliness, unrighteousness, which ultimately suppress the truth. In this context it will be ignoring the deity of Jehovah and replacing Him with all manner of manmade gods.

11. How has God been made plain to the world? Explain how these things are clearly seen. The basic understanding of a created world demands a creator. This verse clearly pierces the heart of current “science” whose basic objective is to remove the instinctual seeking of God by removing the perceived possibility of any god. When one frees the mind of talking heads and simply, honestly looks at creation….God is the only honest answer (truth). The complexities of life are only now becoming apparent and most science against God is crumbling under its own weight of failures.

12. What are the two sins that lead to the immorality of the Gentiles? What lessons do we learn from this? They knew God, but did not glorify Him, or thank Him. First one must consider these truths….about who God is and what he has done….His power and fully encompassing wisdom. And, how He has supplied us with all we need. The scriptures are full of examples of strong characters who give themselves credit when it is God who has performed great deeds through them. It is easy to move from the paradigm of humility. This is why God asks us to remind ourselves of Him….through prayer…worship…Lord’s Supper

13. What will happen to us when we commit these sins? Claiming to be wise, we become fools. It’s interesting how many in our culture point a finger at Christians as fools…scoffing, mocking and ridiculing. Then turn and bow to the new gods of today. Seeking confirmation of their biases based in failing sciences and mock intellect. We should not however become angry when these people come after us with their spite. Spite and insult is the mark of someone whose conscience is haunting them. They are to be pitied, and helped if they are willing. They live in perpetual fear.

14. Explain verse 23. What is Paul describing the Gentiles doing? Paul is describing what many humans do to get God out of their hearts/minds. They take a wonderful, perfect God, fully worthy of glory….fully worthy of worship…and turn Him into something carnal. This is done for a multitude of reasons, but it starts with a selfish heart. Self serving. Self aggrandizing. Self motivated. Remove God from the equation, and do whatever you want. Many people see freedom as being “free from a deity” whose only purpose is to control and punish. These actions can be motivated by a view of religions’ over-zealous need to control peoples’ lives. The gospel will set us free. What is ignored is that one God is being replace by another god. Either way, we serve something…it is inescapable.

Additional:

18) UNGODLINESS: G766 - From G765; impiety, that is, (by implication) wickedness:

      UNRIGHTEOUSNESS: G93 - ad-ee-kee'-ah From G94; (legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of charater, life or act): - iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.

      TRUTH G225- al-ay'-thi-a From G227; truth: - true, (G227 – not concealing)

21) HONOR (glorify) G1392: dox-ad'-zo From G1391; to render (or esteem) glorious

      THANKFUL _G2168_ yoo-khar-is-teh'-o From G2170; to be grateful, that is, (actually) to express gratitude (towards); specifically to say grace at a meal:

Romans 1:8-17

Romans 1: 8-17 – Text will be King James for this online study. Class versions will be ESV/HCSB.

Rom 1:8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 

Rom 1:9  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; 

Rom 1:10  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 

Rom 1:11  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 

Rom 1:12  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 

Rom 1:13  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. 

Rom 1:14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 

Rom 1:15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 

Rom 1:16  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.
Rom 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 

Main Point: Paul longs to visit them for mutual benefit. He has planned on it. He is ready to preach to them.

2. Why is Paul thanking God?The faith of the Roman church precedes Paul’s visit. He does not need to go there to know it exists. This reveals the importance of a “tight” network of congregations. Everywhere Paul went and he spoke with someone who knew this congregation, he heard good things. He says “throughout the world”…a little hyperbole for “his world”, which was fairly extensive.

3. What is Paul praying for?This appears to be both an emotional and a pragmatic want. The latter to 1) share in their faith (give/take) - 2) Confirm their direction is solid (established/strengthened). This may indicate that perhaps Paul may have been hearing some things he feels need to be addressed or, perhaps he just knows that opposition is everywhere.

4. Explain Paul’s obligation (vs. 14). What lessons do we learn from this?Paul throws a net over his audience.He explains his position as one who owes a debt…to anyone, regardless of societal status! (This statement is categorically leaving out the Hebrews. Why?)Most specifically, Paul was addressing Greek/Roman thought. Everything outside of the Roman sphere (language etc) was considered barbarian. After all, Rome was the center of the civilized world. It was rich, and full of culture, knowledge, schools. Market places were full of people who did nothing more than “argue” philosophy etc. Paul tells them, this is for you. On the flip side, if you happened to be a poor servant with a “Barbarian” background, he is addressing you too! By stating this, Paul is demolishing any class predisposition that may have existed within the church….before he even starts to say anything!
5. Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel?Short answer, it is the power of God that results in salvation. The bigger question is why did Paul feel the need to say this? And why did he feel the need to point to the fact that it is by God?
6. Who is the gospel for?Everyone!

7. Explain verse 17. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4. How does the quotation of Habakkuk go toward Paul’s point in verse 17?The Habakkuk context is God explaining to Habakkuk that he rejects arrogance and accepts the humble who exhibit faith. These are the acceptable children to God. The then-current context is the gospel what Paul is speaking of. IT is where the righteousness of God is found….a righteousness that affords salvation. Again, why would Paul open with this?

8. What is the righteousness of God?The Gospel….the offering of His Son.
9. What does it mean that the “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith?There may be many possible answers for this. I feel bound to the context. The context starts with 14) Paul wishes to preach the gospel to Rome: Gentiles, Greeks, Barbarians, wise, unwise. Each soul’s journey will look a little different than the next. The destination is the same, but each walk will look different….faith to faith.

Additional:

9) ceasing G89- Adverb from G88; uninterruptedly, that is, without omission

11) long -  G1971 - From G1909 and ποθέωpotheō (to yearn); to dote upon
      spiritual – G4152 - From G4151; non-carnal, that is, (humanly) ethereal
       gift – G5486 From G5483; a (divine) gratuity, that is, deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, that is, (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: - (free) gift.
established – G4741 From a presumed derivative of G2476 (like G4731); to set fast, that is, (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm: - fix, (e-) stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.

14) debtor – G3781 From G3784; an ower, that is, a person indebted;

16) salvation- G4991 Feminine of a derivative of G4990 as (properly abstract) noun; rescue or safety

17) righteousness – G1343 From G1342; equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification

Romans 1:1-7

Romans 1:1-7 – Text will be King James for this online study. Class versions will be ESV/HCSB.

Rom 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 

Rom 1:2  (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 

Rom 1:3  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 

Rom 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 

Rom 1:5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 

Rom 1:6  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 

Rom 1:7  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. 

Main Point: Paul builds an authoritative opening. He also builds a triangulated structure with the Godhead at the top, the apostles as the sent (set apart) and the Romans as the beneficiaries.

1.       Notice that the author section is six verses long. Answer the following questions concerning this extended author section:

a.    When was the gospel promised? 2) Beforehand- 4279 Middle voice from G4253 and G1861; to promise of old:

b.      Who was the gospel promised through? God’s prophets. David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Hosea, Ezra, Micah, Zecheriah, Haggai, Joel and more!

c.       What is the gospel concerning? 3) His Son. A physical descendant of David. Also elevated spiritually.

d.      How was Jesus declared to be the son of God? 4) With power. According to the SPIRIT OF HOLINESS, b y (his) resurrection from the dead!

e.      What have we received through Jesus? Grace (favor). This apostleship was unique to 13 individuals and nobody else. The purpose of apostleship does extend to those who are called for this service. The intent of apostleship does extend to allChristians.

f.        Why have we received these things through Jesus? To bring about  THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH for the sake of His Name among all the nations. This was the charge to the original thirteen men. Over time the word has spread worldwide in the generic sense, but there are still locations where people have never heard the word. There are places in our communities that are void of God’s influence. The charge to the apostles is the charge to every Christian in that sense.

Additional: Note the powerful word usage here: References to God/Jesus some sixteen times when you include personal pronouns. Paul goes directly to the POWER of God: The ancient prophesies AND the fulfillment of those prophesies BOTH in the physical AND spiritual realm. Jesus conquered Death! (this could only be accomplished by God…..and he indicates in verse one, this is the One who SET ME APART.

Promise: This word translated as “promise” simply means to announce or assert. God does not need to promise in the English sense which includes the idea of a vow. His word is that reliable.

4) Declared:  3724: From G3725; to mark out or bound (“horizon”), that is, (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify – Paul again invokes the authority of God…He is the one making this declaration. The latter part of verse 4 supports that idea, explaining the resurrection (literally standing up again from the dead) as a FORCE (power) that embodies (the spirit) a sacred action….only doable by God.

5) Paul again iterates his unique position with God/Jesus. This verse also opens the dialog for later dissertation concerning Gentiles. Either way he manages to circle all things back to God, regardless who receives he message. (obedience-attentive listening – as a subordinate)

Grace: in both instances here: 5485 From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying) – 5463 means “to be full of cheer or happy” ….consider how this saves us…

Introduction