Romans Commentary1

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents...........................................................................................................................1

Background.................................................................................................................................... 6

Author & Date: 57-58 ad..........................................................................................................6

The City of Rome......................................................................................................................6

The Church at Rome..................................................................................................................71. The Origin of the Church.................................................................................................7

. The Com!o"ition of the Church......................................................................................8

a. #ain$y %ei"h Chri"tian............................................................................................8

'. #ain$y (enti$e Chri"tian...........................................................................................8c.#i)ed Congregation...................................................................................................8

*nity of the +etter.....................................................................................................................,

ue"tion / Ch. 16...........................................................................................................,(enre........................................................................................................................................10

ur!o"e....................................................................................................................................10

1.au$2" 3ituation...............................................................................................................10a.3u!!ort for 3!ain......................................................................................................10

'. au$2" O!u" #agnum..............................................................................................10

.The Roman"2 ro'$em"...................................................................................................11a. %ei"h and (enti$e Conf$ict"...................................................................................11

'. C$arification of the (o"!e$.......................................................................................11

c. ractica$ Difficu$tie"................................................................................................1Theme......................................................................................................................................1

1.The Theo$ogica$ 3tarting oint.......................................................................................1

.The Theo$ogica$ 4rameor...........................................................................................1

3ignificance.............................................................................................................................1Out$ine.....................................................................................................................................1

I. Revelation: Gods Righteousness Revealed in the Gospel ~ 1:1-17.................................... 15

1:1-7 / 3a$utation.....................................................................................................................15

1:1 / au$2" #andate.........................................................................................................151:- / au$2" #e""age......................................................................................................16

1:5-7 / au$2" #i""ion.......................................................................................................161:8-15 / Than"giing.............................................................................................................17

1:16-17 / Theme of the +etter.................................................................................................1,

II. Condemnation: Gods Righteousness in His Wrath against Sinners ~ 1:18 3:20.........21

3ection Out$ine........................................................................................................................1

1:18- / The *nrighteou"ne"" of (enti$e"............................................................................

1:18-0 / The Ree$ation of (od2" 9rath........................................................................1:1, / Ree$ation through Con"cience........................................................................

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1:0 / Ree$ation through Creation.............................................................................

(enera$ and 3!ecia$ Ree$ation...................................................................................51:1- / The Con"euence" of (od2" 9rath...................................................................5

1:1-5 / The Con"euence of ;do$atry......................................................................5

1:6- / The Con"euence of ;m!urity.....................................................................6:1 < :8 / The *nrighteou"ne"" of %e"................................................................................8

:1-16 / (od2" %udgment u!on the %e"...........................................................................8

:1-5 / The ;ndictment on ;"rae$.................................................................................8:6-11 / The ;m!artia$ity of (od................................................................................,:1-16 / The ;na$idation of the +a........................................................................,

:17-, / (od2" %udgment through the +a.....................................................................0

:17- / The +a......................................................................................................0:5-, / Circumci"ion...............................................................................................1

:1-8 / (od2" 4aithfu$ne"" and =i" %udgment on %e".....................................................

:1- / (od ;" 3ti$$ 4aithfu$.........................................................................................:5-8 / (od 9i$$ 3ti$$ %udge........................................................................................

:,-0 / The *nrighteou"ne"" of A$$ eo!$e...........................................................................

:10-1 / The Character of the *nrighteou".....................................................................

:1-1 / The Coner"ation of the *nrighteou"...............................................................5:15-18 / The Conduct of the *nrighteou".......................................................................5

1:18 < :0 3ummary.........................................................................................................5

Tota$ De!raity............................................................................................................6

III. Justification: Gods Righteousness in Justifying Sinners ~ 3:21 4:25.......................... 36

3ection Out$ine........................................................................................................................6

:1-1 / The Definition of %u"tification................................................................................7

:1-6 / %u"tification 'y Chri"t A$one.............................................................................7

Redem!tion..................................................................................................................8ro!itiation..................................................................................................................,

:7-1 / %u"tification 'y 4aith A$one..............................................................................1:7-8 / >ot ?y 9or".............................................................................................1:,-0 / >ot ?y @thnicity.........................................................................................1

:1 / >ot in Contradiction ith the +a...................................................................

%u"tification ?y 4aith...................................................................................................a. 9hy doe" man need to 'e u"tifiedB..................................................................

'. =o doe" (od u"tify a "innerB.........................................................................

:1-8 / The ;$$u"tration of %u"tification...................................................................................4aith.............................................................................................................................

:,-5 / The ;m!$ication of %u"tification................................................................................5

:,-1 / 4aith and Circumci"ion.......................................................................................5

:1- / 4aith and +a....................................................................................................6:-5 / 4aith and the Chri"tian......................................................................................8

IV. Sanctification: Gods Righteousness Demonstrated in the Believers Hope ~ 5:1 8:39

................................................................................................................................................. 48

3ection Out$ine........................................................................................................................,5:1-11 / The ?enefit" of (od2" Righteou"ne"".......................................................................50

5:1-a 11 / Reconci$iation................................................................................................50

Reconci$iation..............................................................................................................50

5:'-10 / =o!e..................................................................................................................51

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=o!e.............................................................................................................................51

5:- / The 4rameor of =o!e.................................................................................55:5-10 / The 4oundation of =o!e...............................................................................5

5:5-8 / (od2" +oe................................................................................................5

5:,-10 / (od2" 3a$ation.......................................................................................55:1-1 / =o!e in Chri"t2" Trium!h.......................................................................................5

5:1-1 / The Cau"e of 3in and Death..............................................................................5

;m!utation of 3in.........................................................................................................555:15-1, / The Com!ari"on ?eteen Adam and Chri"t.....................................................565:0-1 / The Charge of the +a......................................................................................57

6:1- / 3anctification and 3in...............................................................................................57

6:1-1 / De$iered from 3in2" ena$ty..............................................................................586:11-1 / Con"ider......................................................................................................6

6:1-1 / Concede.......................................................................................................6

6:15- / De$iered from 3in2" oer..............................................................................67:1 < 8:17 / 3anctification and the +a..................................................................................66

7:1-6 / ;nde!endence from the +a..................................................................................67

The #o"aic +a and the Chri"tian..............................................................................68

7:7-5 / ;m!ortance and ;m!otence of the +a................................................................707:7-1 / The ;m!ortance of the +a...........................................................................70

7:1-5 / The ;m!otence of the +a..........................................................................71

3in2" Re$ation"hi! to the ?ody4$e"h..........................................................................7The ?ody...........................................................................................................................7

The 4$e"h...........................................................................................................................7

3in2" Re$ation"hi! ith the ?ody4$e"h............................................................................78:1-17 / 3anctification and the 3!irit......................................................................................75

8:1-1 / The 3!irit of +ife.................................................................................................75

8:1- / +ife in Chri"t E >o Condemnation.................................................................75The ;ncarnation and ;t2" ur!o"e.................................................................................77

8:5-11 / The 3!irit and the 4$e"h................................................................................78The ;nde$$ing of the =o$y 3!irit................................................................................80

8:1-17 / The 3!irit of Ado!tion......................................................................................818:18-, / The A""urance of =o!e...........................................................................................8

8:18-5 / The =o!e of a >e Creation............................................................................8

8:6-7 / The =o!e in rayer...........................................................................................869hat i" the meaning of the 3!irit2" Fgroaning"BG.......................................................86

Hie 1 / 3!eaing in Tongue"............................................................................87

Hie / Our (roaning"......................................................................................87Hie / The 3!irit2" (roaning".........................................................................87

8:8-0 / The =o!e of ($orification.................................................................................88

The Rea$ity of the romi"e..........................................................................................88The Root of the romi"e..............................................................................................88The Re"u$t of the romi"e............................................................................................88

The Reci!ient" of the romi"e.....................................................................................8,

8:1-8 / The @er$a"ting 3ecurity of the ?e$ieer2" =o!e..............................................,1

V. Restoration: Gods Righteousness in Israel ~ 9:1 11:36..................................................94

3ection Out$ine........................................................................................................................,5

,:1-, / (od2" romi"e" to ;"rae$...........................................................................................,5

,:1-5 / au$2" 3orro Oer ;"rae$.....................................................................................,6

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,:6-1 / (od2" 3oereign Right to Choo"e.......................................................................,8

Doe" the ?i'$e teach Fdou'$e !rede"tinationBG.........................................................10,:1-18 / (od2" 3oereign Right to 3ho #ercy..........................................................10

@)odu" -1...............................................................................................................10

9hat i" the meaning of Fharden"GB.....................................................................109hen a" haraoh2" heart hardenedB.................................................................10

9ho i" doing the hardeningB...............................................................................105

,:1,-, / The Right" and ur!o"e" of (od2" 3oereign (race......................................107,:0 < 10:1 / ;"rae$2" re"ent..............................................................................................111

10:8-10 / Confe""ion and ?e$ief.....................................................................................111

Confe""......................................................................................................................111

?e$iee.......................................................................................................................1110:1-15...........................................................................................................................11

The >ece""ity of the (o"!e$ !roc$amation................................................................11

11:1-6 / ;"rae$2" 4uture........................................................................................................1111:-,...........................................................................................................................115

1. The term F;"rae$G in er"e 5 and 6 mo"t natura$$y refer to the "ame thing........115

. The reference in er"e 6 to 'ani"hing ungod$ine"" from %aco' fit" ith the

nationa$ ie of Fa$$ ;"rae$.G .....................................................................................115. The !ara$$e$ 'eteen the to ha$e" of er"e 8 !oint to a$$ ;"rae$ a" the nation a" a

ho$e. ........................................................................................................................115

. The !ara$$e$" in er"e 1 !oint in the "ame direction. ..........................................1155. The "ame thing i" true a'out the !ara$$e$" in er"e 15. .........................................116

11:-6 / The *n"earcha'$ene"" of (od.......................................................................116

VI. Application: Gods Righteousness in Everyday Life ~ 12:1 15:13..............................116

1:1- / Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" (od...........................................................117

1:-1 / Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" the Church...............................................1181:-8 / 3erice Through 3!iritua$ (ift"........................................................................118

1:,-1 / 3erice Through +oe.....................................................................................111:1-1 / Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" @nemie"................................................11:1-7 / Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" (oernment..............................................1

Roman (oernment =i"torica$ ?acground...................................................................1

;" cii$ di"o'edience eer acce!ta'$eB.............................................................................11:8-1 / Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" >eigh'or"................................................16

1:1 < 15:1 / Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" Chri"tian +i'ertie"...........................18

F9eaG and F3trongG in Rome........................................................................................1,3imi$arite" and Difference" ith 1 Corinthian" 8:1 < 11:1..............................................10

3imi$aritie".................................................................................................................10

Difference".................................................................................................................10

1:1-1 / Don2t %udge.....................................................................................................109ho are the Fea in faithBG.....................................................................................11

1:1- / Don2t ?e a 3tum'$ing ?$oc.........................................................................1

15:1-6 / ut Other" 4ir"t.................................................................................................1515:7-1 / Acce!t @ach Other..........................................................................................16

;m!$ication".....................................................................................................................17

VII. Conclusion, Greetings, Benediction ~ 15:14 16:27.......................................................137

15:1-1 / au$2" #otie" of =i" +etter...............................................................................18

Are 3ign" and 9onder" for TodayB...........................................................................1,

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Tem!ora$ >ature of Certain (ift"....................................................................................1,

A'"ence of 3ign (ift"......................................................................................................1015:-, / au$2" #ini"try $an" for 3!ain...........................................................................11

15:0- / au$2" Reue"t for rayer....................................................................................1

16:1-16 / 4ina$ (reeting"......................................................................................................116:1- / Commendation for hoe'e................................................................................1

16:-16 / (enera$ (reeting"............................................................................................1

16:17-7 / ?enediction.........................................................................................................1

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Background

Author & Date 5!"5# AD

Rom$ 11~ Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel ofGod,

There i" not much di"!ute a'out au$ine author"hi! of Roman". The oca'u$ary "ty$e $ogic

and theo$ogica$ argument are com!$ete$y con"i"tent ith au$.

au$ dictated the $etter to a co-orer named Tertiu" ho actua$$y rote the $etter I16:J.

The $etter a" carried 'y hoe'e ho a" commended 'y au$ to the church I16:1-J.

au$ a" 'orn in the city of Tar"u" IAct" ,:11J and a" a Roman citiKen IAct" 16:7J. #ore

than any other !er"on au$ a" main$y re"!on"i'$e for the "!read of Chri"tianity throughout

the Roman @m!ire I@!h. :8-10J.

According to 15:ff au$ ha" u"t com!$eted hi" co$$ection for the !oor "aint" in %eru"a$em

and ha" hi" face "et toard" %eru"a$em. Thi" ou$d "et the occa"ion ith Act" 0 and date the e!i"t$e in the year after au$$eft @!he"u" on hi" rdmi""ionary ourney.

Therefore it may 'e confident$y conc$uded that au$ a" in Corinth hen he

rote the 'oo of Roman".

Thi" conc$u"ion i" confirmed 'y au$2" c$o"ing greeting" in cha!ter 16. #any of tho"e

mentioned 'y au$ ere Chri"tian" in (reece at the time:

hoe'e I16:1-J 'e$onged to the church at Cenchreae the !ort of Corinth.

@ra"tu" I16:J he$d the im!ortant city !o"t of trea"urer and i" identified ith the@ra"tu" mentioned 'y au$ in Timothy :0.

Timothy and 3o!ater I16:1J "end their greeting" and they ere au$2"

com!anion" hen he $eft (reece on hi" $a"t ourney to %eru"a$em.

;t i" !o""i'$e to ca$cu$ate au$2" de!arture from Corinth to %eru"a$em 'a"ed on the

a!!ointment of (a$$io a" !rocon"u$ of Corinth. Thi" ha!!ened "ometime in 57-58 AD.

The C%ty of Rome

Rome a" the ca!ita$ of the Roman @m!ire and in au$2" day had a !o!u$ation of oer 1

mi$$ion !eo!$e many of hom ere "$ae".

The city it"e$f a" decorated ith ornate and "ty$i"tic 'ui$ding". ;n 8 AD the 3enate

authoriKed Augu"tu" to re'ui$d 8 tem!$e" that ere in need of re!air.

Rome a" a metro!o$i" and ery co"mo!o$itan. The !o!u$ation inc$uded a minority of theea$thy 'ut the maority a" !oor ho $ied in tenement a!artment" throughout the city.

The !eo!$e ere !roided ith food and entertainment 'y the "tate and ine a"

!$entifu$ and chea!.

Admi""ion into the Roman game" a" free / g$adiator fight" chariot race"

theatreL

+ie ?a'y$on the city of Rome 'ecame a "ym'o$ of !agani"m and ido$atry in the >.T.

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2$ The Com)os%t%on of the Church

FOf greater im!ortance than it" origin i" the ue"tion hether the church a" %ei"h

Chri"tian (enti$e Chri"tian or a mi)ture of 'oth for the an"er to thi" ue"tion affect" the

under"tanding of the hi"torica$ "ituation to hich the a!o"t$e addre""ed him"e$f.G1

a. Mainly Jewish Christian

Cha!ter" 1-11 "eem to 'e "!eaing direct$y to the %e" ho are "!ecifica$$y addre""ed in

:17 < F?ut if you 'ear the name N%e2 and re$y u!on the +a and 'oa"t in (odG

The con"tant a!!ea$ to the O.T. and the di"cu""ion of the #o"aic +a a$"o "eem to indicate

that au$ a" "!eaing to a !rimari$y %ei"h audience.

au$ ca$$" A'raham Four forefather according to the f$e"hG I:1J.

?a"ed on cha!ter" ,-11 of the e!i"t$e "ome critic" hae ieed the"e cha!ter" a" the heart of

the entire e!i"t$e therefore $ending the ie that the church a" main$y %ei"h Chri"tian.

Other "ection" a$"o "eem to 'e addre""ed to a !rimari$y %ei"h audience. 4or e)am!$e the

reference to A'raham a" our father Icf. :1J and the "trong a!!ea$ to O$d Te"tament3cri!ture".

b. Mainly Gentile Christian

au$ addre""e" hi" reader" identifying hi" commi""ion to the (enti$e" of hich he inc$ude"

the Roman reader" I1:5-6J.

A$"o in 1:1-1 au$ com!are" the 'e$ieing (enti$e" ith Fother (enti$e".G =e a$"o

addre""e" the Roman" a" (enti$e" in "eera$ other !$ace" in the $etter I11:1M 15:15-16J.

>umerou" other reference" indicate that there a" a rather $arge (enti$e con"tituent in the

Roman church Icf. 6:1,M 11:1 8-1J.

C$audiu" dec$ared an edict that ca$$ed a$$ %e" to $eae Rome in , ADIAct" 18:J. #o"t of

the %e" !ro'a'$y $eft the Roman church at that time 'ut then "$o$y returned under the

reign of >ero I5 ADJ.

c. Mixed Congregation

;t a!!ear" that the Roman church a" com!ri"ed of 'oth %ei"h and (enti$e 'e$ieer".

>eerthe$e"" the (enti$e 'e$ieer" may hae !o""i'$y 'een the maority in the church

e"!ecia$$y a" au$ a!!ea$" to hi" commi""ion among the (enti$e" Icf. 15:16J.

The eiction of the %e" !ro'a'$y had a "ignificant im!act on the church at Rome. The"e

(enti$e hou"e churche" dee$o!ed for a num'er of year" a!art from %ei"h inf$uence.

;t i"n2t hard to imagine that ten"ion" ou$d ari"e 'eteen the %ei"h and (enti$e 'e$ieer"

"ince the $atter ou$d not 'e a" deoted to the $a and had eo$ed into ne direction"ithout the %ei"h !re"ence.

Roman" ,-11 and 1-15 "eem to confirm the ten"ion" 'eteen 'oth grou!". au$2" !rimary

e)hortation in 'oth of the"e "ection" i" directed toard" the (enti$e".

They are to "to! 'eing !roud in 'eing cho"en 'y (od een though ;"rae$ for the

time 'eing ha" 'een reected I11:17-J.

They are to acce!t their %ei"h 'rethren ho hae i""ue" of con"cience in regard

to food and drin and ariou" day" I1:1 < 15:1J.

1Dona$d (uthrie >e Te"tament ;ntroduction !. 05.

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The *arly Church %n 5 AD

+n%ty of the ,etter

;n "tudying Roman" there are u"ua$$y three main ue"tion" in regard" to it" au$ine

authenticity and unity:

1. ;" the de"tination to tho"e in Rome origina$ or a" it added $ater I1:15JB. 9a" cha!ter 16 an origina$ !art of the $etter or i" there a 'etter e)!$anation for it"

!$acementB

. ;" the do)o$ogy of 16:5-7 authentica$$y au$ine or a" it added $ater onB

-uest%on .2 ' Ch$ 1

The ue"tion i" rai"ed 'y "ome 'ecau"e there are 6 name" mentioned in au$2" fina$

greeting" and it ou$d "eem dou'tfu$ that au$ cou$d hae non "o many in a church he did

not e"ta'$i"h.

et there are "ignificant rea"on" hy thi" i" com!$ete$y !$au"i'$e:

1. ;t i" not im!ro'a'$e that au$ !er"ona$$y ne 6 !eo!$e "ince trae$ in the (reco-Roman

or$d a" ery common.

. The greeting" do not nece""itate that au$ !er"ona$$y ne of eery "ing$e indiidua$ 'utmay hae heard of "ome name" through friend" and de"ired to greet them.

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. au$ gie" a "imi$ar greeting to the church of Co$o""ae another church he did not

e"ta'$i"h.. The $iterary "ty$e and comment" contained here are "imi$ar in hi" other $etter" Ii.e. i"h of

!eace greeting" and the grace 'enediction.

0enre

The mo"t "triing feature of Roman" i" the genera$ and "u"tained argument of 1:16 < 11:6.

*n$ie 1 Corinthian" here au$ an"er" the reader2" ue"tion" Roman" dee$o!" according

to au$2" $ogic of 'i'$ica$ doctrine.

The !eriodic interru!tion" of ue"tion" and an"er" a$"o ari"e natura$$y out of the

f$o of hi" argument.

Roman" i" a $etter that contain" a $engthy theo$ogica$ treati"e hich e"ta'$i"he" the 'a"i" for

re"o$ing the i""ue" "urrounding the church.

ur)ose

FThe !ur!o"e of the e!i"t$e ari"e" natura$$y out of the occa"ion 'ut i" not a" ea"y to defineith any !reci"ion.G

Hariou" e)!$anation" hae 'een gien a" to the e)act !ur!o"e of thi" 'oo hich can 'e

diided into to categorie": au$2" 3ituation and the Roman"2 ro'$em".

1$ auls %tuat%on

a. Support for Spain

;n 15:- au$ rite" that hi" intention ha" 'een to i"it the "aint" in Rome in order to gain

"u!!ort for a !o""i'$e enture into 3!ain. =e ho!e" to hae the church at Rome a" the"ending 'a"e for further mi""ion" e"tard.

4or near$y 5 year" au$ ha" !$anted and e"ta'$i"hed churche" in the ea"tern #editerranean.

>o he !re!are" to go 'eyond Rome into the ri!e hare"t fie$d" of 3!ain.

?ecau"e of thi" a $etter that gae the Roman" a c$ear under"tanding of the (o"!e$

a" nece""ary "o that the church cou$d !artner ith him in thi" endeaor.

au$2" immediate !ur!o"e i" to gain "u!!ort for hi" 3!ani"h mi""ion 'ut the theo$ogica$

content of the entire e!i"t$e "eem" to outeigh that !ractica$ !ur!o"e.

b. Pauls Opus Magnum

A" au$ face" a maor tran"ition in hi" mi""ionary career he rea$iKe" that he may not $iemuch $onger a" hi" face i" "et toard" %eru"a$em Icf. Act". 0:ffJ.

Therefore he gather" in hi" mind a$$ the great theme" of 3cri!ture and the fruit of hi" !a"t

or and rite" them don in conc$u"ie form.

Roman" therefore it i" not a $etter !er "e 'ut rather a doctrina$ "tatement and the hi"torica$

conte)t to hich he rote it 'ecome" irre$eant.

9hy then did he "end the $etter to RomeB To "ugge"tion" are gien.

Doug$a" #oo The @!i"t$e to the Roman" !. 1.(uthrie !. 08

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1. Rome a" a "trategic city in the continuing !roc$amation of the (o"!e$.

. 3ince he needed to rite to the Roman church regarding hi" coming i"it he decidedto !ut don hi" thought" a" e$$.

et if thi" ere the !ur!o"e for riting it then hy doe" he a$"o add numerou" other i""ue"

a$ong"ide of thi" oneB

The "ection in 1:7-15 "ho" that the $etter a" ritten "!ecifica$$y to the RomancommunityM therefore there mu"t hae 'een a "!ecific rea"on for thi".

Cha!ter" ,-11 "eem to 'e 'orn out of an hi"torica$ conte)t.

Centra$ au$ine teaching" are mi""ing or on$y "!oen of in an incidenta$ ay Ii.e.nothing i" "aid a'out the +ord2" 3u!!er au$2" ecc$e"io$ogy e"chato$ogy the

re"urrection and Chri"to$ogyJ.

There are a$"o ne argument" that do not a!!ear in any of hi" other e!i"t$e" IRom.,-11J.

2$ The Romans roblems

A$though the ie a'oe ha" merit there "ti$$ mu"t 'e an ea$uation of the "ituation

"urrounding the reader" of thi" e!i"t$e. au$ "eem" to 'e aare of the "ituation of thi" church.

=e may hae receied re!ort" from Aui$a and ri"ci$$a and other" ho had

contact ith the church.

The greeting" of cha!ter 16 "ugge"t that au$ indeed ne many in the church and

a" e$$ acuainted ith the !ro'$em" there.

There are "eera$ !ur!o"e" then for hy Roman" a" ritten. The"e are 'orn out in the

'oo it"e$f:

a. Jewish and Gentile Conflicts

3ince the %e" returned under >ero2" reign their a'"ence for "eera$ year" created ten"ion"

'eteen them and the (enti$e 'e$ieer". Thi" inc$ude" the i""ue of %ei"h o'"erance" I1:1

< 15:1J.

9hat once a" a !rimari$y %ei"h church had no 'ecome a !rimari$y (enti$e one hich i"

hy au$ addre""ed it "o in 1:5-6. Thi" o'iou"$y created ten"ion" 'eteen the to grou!"of 'e$ieer".

b. Clarification of the Gospel

*n$ie the "ituation in Corinth in Rome au$ ou$d hae faced attac" from 'oth the

(enti$e contingency a" e$$ a" the %ei"h contingency.

The $ogica$ !rogre""ion of the 'oo "eem" to 'e addre""ing a ey inte$$ectua$ !ro'$em ithin

the Chri"tian community regarding Chri"tianity er"u" %ei"h nationa$i"m. Thi" ou$d hae

'een 'orne out of the ten"ion" 'eteen the to grou!".

%e" ho anted to ho$d to the $a in "ome fa"hion.

(enti$e" ho "corned eerything %ei"h.

?ecau"e of thi" Fau$ dea$" ith the fundamenta$ Chri"tian !rinci!$e of Nrighteou"ne""2 a"

contra"ted ith the %ei"h a!!roach and then di"cu""e" the !ro'$em of ;"rae$2" fai$ure and

her re$ation"hi! to the Chri"tian church.G

4. %. +eenhardt The @!i"t$e of au$ to the Roman" !!. 10-15.

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au$ needed to e"ta'$i"h the 'a"ic content of the (o"!e$ 'ecau"e of the con"tant attac" 'y

the %e" and to e"ta'$i"h a foundation for true unity ithin the church.

9hereer au$ ent he a" attaced 'y %e" ho charged him a" 'eing Fanti-$aG and

Fanti-%ei"h.G au$ a" a$"o charged ith 'eing an antinomian I:8J. Therefore c$arifying

the go"!e$ a" foremo"t on hi" mind to ee! the Roman church from diiding.

c. Practical ifficulties

The !ractica$ e)hortation" in cha!ter" 1-15 indicate that there may hae 'een !ractica$

difficu$tie" ithin the church hich ere re!orted to au$. The une)!ected arning in

16:17-1, "ugge"t" that the a!o"t$e had a$"o heard of "ome ho ere maing trou'$e.

;n order to "u'"tantiate the"e !ractica$ i""ue" au$ fir"t needed to e"ta'$i"h the 'a"i" for

Chri"tian unity and $oe hich i" founded u!on the (o"!e$ of Chri"t.

Theme

There hae 'een many "ugge"tion" a" to the theme of Roman":

%u"tification 'y 4aith Ich. 1-5J *nion ith Chri"t and the 3!irit Ich. 5-8J

(enti$e" in the 3co!e of 3a$ation =i"tory Ich. ,-11J

au$2" @)hortation toard" *nity I1:1 < 15:1J

The oerarching theme though "eem" to !oint to the righteou"ne"" of (od hich inter!reted

'road$y mean" F(od2" interention to rec$aim =i" creation for =im"e$f and to 'ring

"a$ation to =i" !eo!$e.G5

3im!$y !ut the theme of Roman" i" The Gospel.

The ord Fgo"!e$G and the cognate er' Feange$iKeG are !rominent in the

introduction I1:1- , 15J and conc$u"ion I15:16 1,J of the 'oo.

;t i" a$"o the ord that i" u"ed in the theme er"e" of the $etter 1:16-17.

11"1!~ For I am not ashamed of the gos)el, for it is the power of God for salvation toeveryone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gree! For in it the righteousness of Godis revealed from faith to faith" as it is written, #$%&&'()IG'&(*%+man +'I.($/FI&'!0

The go"!e$ then i" the oerarching theme of the 'oo and eerything ithin it fa$$" under

thi" theme.

1$ The Theolog%cal tart%ng o%nt

The theo$ogica$ ground and "tating !oint of the $etter i" Chri"t I1:-J. A$though no

!aragra!h i" deoted to Chri"to$ogy (od2" act in Chri"t i" the "tarting !oint of a$$ au$2"

thining. 9hi$e Chri"to$ogy i" nohere in Roman" the e)!re""ed to!ic it i" eeryhere the under$ying

!oint of au$2" argument.

2$ The Theolog%cal rame6ork

The theo$ogica$ frameor ithin hich au$ e)!re""e" hi" ey idea" can 'e ca$$ed

F"a$ation hi"tory.G (enera$$y thi" refer" to hat ha" taen !$ace in "a$ation through Chri"t.

5#oo !. .



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au$2" $ogica$ argument in cha!ter" 1-11 trace" the (o"!e$ from (od a" 3oereign Creator to

"in to u"tification 'y faith and then to the ne $ife of "anctification and ho$ine"".

Cha!ter" ,-11 then "ere to e)!$ain the continuity of (od2" "a$ation !$an 'eteen the O$d

and >e Coenant" and ith ;"rae$ and the (enti$e".

%gn%f%cance

The theo$ogica$ "ignificance of Roman" cannot 'e under"tated. Throughout the hi"tory of the

church "ignificant tran"ition" too !$ace a" $eader" ere 'rought under the coniction of

(od2" truth found in thi" 'oo.

Aure$iu" Augu"tine ho"e theo$ogy ha" great$y im!acted the church a"

inde'ted to the 'oo of Roman".

#artin +uther formu$ated hi" under"tanding of "in $a and go"!e$ faith

"a$ation and the righteou"ne"" of (od 'y doing an e)ten"ie e)ege"i" of thi" 'oo.=e rote FThi" e!i"t$e i" rea$$y the chief !art of the >e Te"tament and i" tru$y the

!ure"t go"!e$. ;t i" orthy not on$y that eery Chri"tian "hou$d no it ord for

ord 'y heart 'ut a$"o that he "hou$d occu!y him"e$f ith it eery day a" the dai$y

'read of the "ou$.G6

%ohn Ca$in remared a'out Roman" F;f e hae gained a true under"tanding of

thi" @!i"t$e e hae an o!en door to a$$ the mo"t !rofound trea"ure" of 3cri!ture.G7

(utl%ne

I. Revelation ~ Gods Righteousness Revealed in the Gospel (1:1-17)

A. 3a$utation I1:1-7J?. Than"giing I1:8-15J

C. Theme of +etter I1:16-17J

II. Condemnation ~ Gods Righteousness in His Wath against !innes (1:1" #$:%&)

A. The *nrighteou"ne"" of (enti$e" I1:18-J?. The *nrighteou"ne"" of %e" I:1 < :8J

C. The *nrighteou"ne"" of A$$ eo!$e I:,-0J

III.'ustiiation ~ Gods Righteousness in 'usti*ing !innes ($:%1 # +:%,)

A. %u"tification 'y the Death of Chri"t I:1-6J

?. %u"tification 'y 4aith for %e" and (enti$e" I:7-1J.

C. %u"tification ;$$u"trated through A'raham I:1-5J

I. !antiiation ~ Gods Righteousness emonstated in the /elieves Hope(,:1 # ":$0)

A. The ?enefit" of (od2" Righteou"ne"" I5:1-11J

?. =o!e in Chri"t2" Trium!h I5:1-1J

C. 3anctification and 3in I6:1-JD. 3anctification and the +a I7:1-5J

@. 3anctification and the 3!irit I8:1-17J

6#artin +uther +uther2" 9or" Ho$. 5 !. 65.7%ohn Ca$in The @!i"t$e" of au$ the A!o"t$e to the Roman" and the The""a$onian" !. 5.



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4. =o!e I8:18-,J

. Restoation ~ Gods Righteousness in Isael (0:1 # 11:$)

A. ;"rae$2" a"t I,:1-,J?. ;"rae$2" re"ent I,:0 < 10:1J

C. ;"rae$2" 4uture I11:1-6J.

I. 2ppliation ~ Gods Righteousness in 3ve*da* 4ie (1%:1 # 1,:1$)

A. Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" (od I1:1-J

?. Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" the Church I1:-1J

C. Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" @nemie" I1:1-1JC. Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" (oernment I1:1-7J

D. Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" >eigh'or" I1:8-1J

@. Righteou"ne"" Demon"trated Toard" Chri"tian +i'ertie" I1:1 < 15:1J

II. Conlusion5 Geetings5 /enedition (1,:1+ # 1:%7)



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7$ Re8elat%on 0ods R%ghteousness Re8ealed %n the0os)el ' 11"1!

au$2" o!ening introduction ha" "imi$ar com!onent" in each of hi" $etter":

>ame of the Author / 1:1

>ame of the Reci!ient" / 1:7 Than"giing and O!ening rayer (reeting / 1:8-15 Iith the e)ce!tion of(a$atian"J

?ut Roman" contain" "ome uniue feature" orth mentioning:

The o!ening !re"cri!t i" the $onge"t of any of au$2" $etter". Thi" i" intere"ting in

$ight of the fact that the church at Rome a" the on$y one that a" not !$anted either'y him or a fe$$o co-orer.

The ord Fgo"!e$G a!!ear" 11 time" in the 'oo ith 8 of tho"e reference" in the

introduction I1:1-17J and conc$u"ion I15:1 < 16:7J.

11"! ' alutat%on

11 ' auls 9andate

11~ Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

au$ introduce" him"e$f u"ing three !ara$$e$ de"cri!tion":

1. a bond-servant of Christ Jesus

The de"ignation F'ond-"erantG Idou`lo~J refer" to the common $o$y "erantithin (ree "ociety. au$ u"ed the term in the =e're "en"e of a "$ae ho

i$$ing$y "ered hi" ma"ter in $oe Icf. 3am. 7:5M ;"a. :10M (a$. 1:10J.2. called as an apostle

The term Fa!o"t$eG Iajpovstolo~J mean" Fa "ent oneG and "ignifie" the uniueoffice ithin the ear$y church I@!h. :0J.

A!o"t$e"hi! a" 'a"ed on !artici!ation ith %e"u"2 earth$y mini"try and one2"

!er"ona$ itne"" of =i" re"urrection IAct". 1:1-M ,:15M :1M 1 Cor. 15:8J.

au$ fu$fi$$ed the"e reuirement" after %e"u" had a"cended and a" !er"ona$$y

trained 'y (od =im"e$f I(a$. 1:1 16J.

au$ em!ha"iKe" that he had 'een ca$$ed 'y (od and a" not a "e$f-a!!ointed

authority on the (o"!e$ 'ut a" an a!o"t$e "!oe and rote ith (od2" authority.

The idea of ca$$ing in au$2" $etter" refer" to the effectua$ Fca$$G er"u" the genera$ca$$ Icf. Rom. 8:8 0M ,:7 1 -6M 1 Cor. 1:,M (a$. 1:6J.

3. set apart for the gospel of God

The er' F"et a!artG IajforivzwJ i" u"ed of au$ and ?arna'a" a" they ere F"eta!artG 'y the =o$y 3!irit for their fir"t mi""ionary ourney IAct" 1:J.

au$ had 'een uniue$y "et a!art for Fthe go"!e$ of (od.G The ord Fgo"!e$G

IeujaggevlionJ mean" Fgood ne"G and refer" to 'oth the content and !roc$amationof the "a$ation me""age of (od.

The ord Fgo"!e$G i" u"ed "ome 60 time" in it" noun and er'a$ form" in Roman".



16/145

;n thi" o!ening introduction au$ ant" the Roman" to no that he come" to them a" a

"$ae of Chri"t 'ut a$"o an a!o"t$e.

=e doe" not inc$ude Timothy a$though he a" ith him in Corinth hen he rote thi" $etter

I16:1J.

The rea"on for thi" may 'e that he ant" them to no that hi" a!o"to$ic authority

a" e"ta'$i"hed 'y (od =im"e$f therefore hat he i" a'out to te$$ them come" from(od =im"e$f.

12"4 ' auls 9essage

12"4~ 1 which 'e promised beforehand through 'is prophets in the holy +criptures, 2concerning'is +on, who was born of a descendant of 3avid according to the flesh, 4who was declared the+on of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the +pirit of holiness,Jesus Christ our ord,

The coordinating c$au"e in er"e refer" to Fthe go"!e$G of er"e 1. The go"!e$ a"

promised beforehandthrough (od2" !ro!het" and a" fu$fi$$ed in the !er"on of Chri"t.

The fir"t go"!e$ a" gien in (ene"i" :15 a" (od !roc$aimed ictory oer the

"er!ent one day. Thi" go"!e$ can 'e traced through the A'rahamic Coenant I(en. 1:1-M 15:6J

the Daidic I 3am. 7:8-17J and the >e I%er. 1:1-M @Ke. 6:5-7J.

au$ de"ired to get the reader" of Rome to under"tand right aay that the go"!e$ i" not

contradictory to the O.T. ;t a" rather the fu$fi$$ment of the O.T. I#att. 5:17J.

The "a$ation !romi"e" made to ;"rae$ are no 'eing fu$fi$$ed in the go"!e$ Icf.(a$. :1 16J.

Thi" go"!e$ me""age center" on Fis !onG ho a" the fu$fi$$ment of the Daidic Coenant

and !roed =i" 3on"hi! 'y ri"ing from the dead I. -J.

To !artici!$e" modify F!onG:1. Fho a" 'orn of a de"cendant of Daid according to the f$e"hG

. Fho a" dec$ared the 3on of (od ith !oer 'y the re"urrection from the deadG The dec$aration of Chri"t a" the 3on of (od occurred a" a re"u$t of =i" ;ncarnationand re"urrection. @en though =e a" the eterna$ 3on =e a" a!!ointed to 'e the

3on of (od a" the (od-#an.

Thi" a" not a change in Chri"t2" !er"on or nature a" the 3on 'ut in =i" "tatu"

and !o"ition a" the a!!ointed dec$ared 3on of (od for a$$ eternity Ihi$. :6-11J. =ea" e)a$ted to a $ee$ of !oer and authority =e did not !reiou"$y hae a" the

#e""ianic Ping IAct" :6M "a. :7 & Act" 1:J.

the !pirit of holiness/ Thi" i" the on$y time thi" tit$e i" u"ed in the >.T. ;t refer" to the=o$y 3!irit in hom %e"u"2 earth$y mini"try !oer and $ife-giing me""age a" gien

and directed I#att. :16M +ue :1M %ohn :J.

15"! ' auls 9%ss%on

15"!~ 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience offaith among all the Gentiles for 'is name6s sae, 7 among whom you also are the called of JesusChrist" 8 to all who are beloved of God in )ome, called as saints9 Grace to you and peace fromGod our Father and the ord Jesus Christ!

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au$ may hae u"ed the F"eG to refer to him"e$f I!$ura$ u"e of him"e$fJ or to the other

a!o"t$e". ;t i" mo"t $ie$y a reference to him"e$f "ince he a" a!!ointed 'y (od to 'ring the(o"!e$ !rimari$y to the GentilesI@!h. :6-7J and thi" i" hat the re"t of the er"e dea$" ith.

*)h$ 3!~ to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, andfellow partaers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made aminister, according to the gift of God6s grace which was given to me according to the woring of'is power!

The a!o"t$e"hi! then f$o" out of (od2" graciou" ca$$ing u!on hi" $ife IAct" ,:15-

16J.

au$ dra" attention to a"!ect" of hi" a!o"t$e"hi! u"ing !re!o"itiona$ !hra"e":

1. obedience of faith/ Thi" !hra"e can 'e $itera$$y tran"$ated Ffaith2" o'edience.G Theord" are mutua$ "ince o'edience a$ay" ino$e" faith and faith a$ay" ino$e"

o'edience Icf. 1:17J.

Thi" encom!a""e" au$2" mi""ion. ;t a" not on$y to in conert" to Chri"t 'uta$"o to 'ui$d them u! into o'edient di"ci!$e" gathered into churche".

. among all the Gentiles/ The ord u"ed for F(enti$e"G i" ethneIejqno~J hich i"

tran"$ated Fnation"G Icf. #att. 8:1,J. ?ut au$2" u"e of thi" term focu"e" more on thedi"tinction 'eteen %e" and non-%e" a" o!!o"ed to ethnic !eo!$e grou!".

au$ de"ired to fu$fi$$ the (reat Commi""ion 'y reaching the (enti$e nation" a"o!!o"ed to focu"ing u!on the %e".

. for is name#s sa$e/ Thi" !hra"e gie" the motiation for whyau$ mini"tered the

(o"!e$. Thi" a" the u$timate focu" of hi" mini"try: the !rai"e and honor of Chri"t2"

name and not for hi" on !er"ona$ or "e$fi"h 'enefit.

Her"e 6 connect" ith the ord FGentilesG IDatie >J 'y the !ronoun F"homG IDatie

>J. The"e Roman 'e$ieer" ere ithin the "!here of au$2" a!o"to$ic mi""ion.

au$ a" "ent to Fall the GentilesG and the"e Roman" ere FamongG the (enti$e".

1#"15 ' Thanksg%8%ng

1#~ First, I than my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is beingproclaimed throughout the whole world!

au$ 'egin" hi" common introductory than"giing for the faith of the"e Roman 'e$ieer"

hich a" "!reading in re!utation throughout the non or$d I. 8J.

Thi" inf$uence mu"t hae 'een ide"!read for C$audiu" to eict a$$ the %e" from

Rome at that time Ica. , AD cf. Act" 18:J.

1/"1~ : For God, whom I serve in my spirit in thepreaching of the gospel of 'is +on, is mywitness as to how unceasingly I mae mention of you, ;< always in my prayers maing re=uest, ifperhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you!

au$ common$y u"ed (od a" hi" itne"" for hat he rote. ;n thi" ca"e he anted the

Roman" to recogniKe ho ferent$y and faithfu$$y he !rayed for their "!iritua$ e$fare and hi"de"ire to i"it them I. ,-10J.

serveIlatreuvwJ / Thi" ord for F"ereG i" u"ed for re$igiou" "erice and can 'etran"$ated For"hi!G Ihi$. :M Tim. 1:J.

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in m% spiritIejn tw`/ pneuvmatiJ / Thi" refer" to au$2" heart to hich (od a"itne"" of. A modern eu!hemi"m ou$d 'e Ffrom the 'ottom of my heart.G au$2"

mini"try a" engaged at the dee!e"t $ee$ of hi" heart.

au$ a$"o !rayed for hi" de"ire to i"it the Roman". =e acno$edged the com!$ete

"oereignty of (od oer hi" !$an" though Icf. #att. 6:10M Act" 1:11-1M %am. :1-1J.

111"13~ ;; For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may beestablished" ;1 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us bythe other6s faith, both yours and mine! ;2 I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often Ihave planned to come to you >and have been prevented so far? so that I may obtain some fruitamong you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles!

au$2" de"ire to i"it the church a" for main !ur!o"e" I. 11-1J.

1. & ma% impart some spiritual gift to %ouI. 11J

The ord" F"!iritua$ giftG Icarivsma... pneumatiko;nJ refer to $itera$$y Fa"!iritua$ gift of grace.G Thi" i" common$y non a" a F"!iritua$ gift.G

The ord" are u"ed in Roman" to de"cri'e the fo$$oing:

a. Chri"t =im"e$f I5:15-16J'. (enera$ '$e""ing" from (od I11:,J

c. 3!ecific "!iritua$ gift" gien to mem'er" of the 'ody I1:6-8J =ere he u"e" the term to de"cri'e a "!ecific and uniue gift gien 'y au$

through the 3!irit to the Roman" hen he arrie" there.

Thi" i" high$ighted 'y the fact that au$ doe" not "!ecify hat thi" gift i" and u"e"

the ord F"omeG Iti;~J to $eae it o!en for hen he arrie". 9hateer thi" gift i" it i$$ 'e for the !ur!o"e of "trengthening their faith.

. that & ma% be encouragedI. 1J

There a" a$"o a de"ire to receie mutua$ encouragement from the Roman"'e$ieer". au$ a"n2t "im!$y going there to gie 'ut a$"o to receie from them.

au$ and the Roman" had a mutua$ faith and hen thi" i" "hared in fe$$o"hi!

there i$$ re"u$t mutua$ encouragement ith one another.

. that & ma% obtain some spiritual fruit among %ou I. 1J

au$ u"e" the ord FfruitG Ikarpo;~J to mean Fne conert"G from among"t the(enti$e" in the city of Rome.

Thi" a" eentua$$y rea$iKed $ater during hi" 1"tRoman im!ri"onment Icf. hi$.

:M h$m. 10J.

?y adding the !hra"e Famong the re"t of the (enti$e"G au$ under"tood that the

Roman church a" !redominant$y com!ri"ed of (enti$e 'e$ieer".

114"15~ ;4 I am under obligation both to Grees and to barbarians, both to the wise and to thefoolish! ;5 +o, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in )ome!

au$2" o'$igation a" 'efore (od ho had "!ecifica$$y ca$$ed him to !reach the (o"!e$ to the(enti$e or$d Icf. 1:1M @!h. :8M 1 Cor. ,:16J.

Gree$s and barbariansIEJllhn kai; avraro~J / The ord F(ree"G refer" to(ree "!eaing (enti$e". The ord F'ar'arian"G a" u"ed 'y the (ree" to refer to

anyone ho had not ado!ted the (ree $anguage and cu$ture. Their "!eech "ounded $ieF'ar 'ar 'arG and they ere ieed ith contem!t for their $ac of cu$ture.

A$though au$ u"e" the term FGree$sG to refer to (enti$e" Icf. 1:16M :,-10M :,M

10:1J 'ecau"e it i" cou!$ed ith the ord FbarbariansG au$ had "omethingdifferent in mind.

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au$ i" di"tingui"hing then the different $anguage" and cu$ture" to hich he made

no di"tinction" hen it came to the !reaching of the (o"!e$.

The !oint of au$ i" that the (o"!e$ doe" not de$ineate 'eteen race or cu$ture or c$a"" 'ut

reache" a$$ !eo!$e. Thi" a" the !oint of au$2" mi""ion: to reach the entire (enti$e or$d

for Chri"t.

11"1! ' Theme of the ,etter

The"e to er"e" can 'e con"idered the theme of Roman". They contain a "ummary of

au$2" theo$ogy a" a ho$e. The entire 'oo of Roman" i" centered on (od / =i" (o"!e$=i" rath =i" u"tification of "inner" =i" righteou"ne"" etcL

11~ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyonewho believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gree!

au$ i" !roc$aiming that he i" una"hamed of the go"!e$. Thi" inc$ude" !roc$aiming it 'o$d$y

to tho"e ho need to hear it. The u$timate te"t of one2" 'o$dne"" i" the i$$ingne"" to "uffer

and een die for Chri"t. Thi" i" eidenced in the A!o"t$e au$.

& am not ashamedIejpaiscuvnomai ! ejpaiscuvnomai #;-13J / The ordmean" Fto 'e a"hamed.G #acArthur rite" F=e had 'een im!ri"oned in hi$i!!i IAct" 16: J cha"ed

out of The""a$onica IAct" 17:10J "mugg$ed out of ?erea IAct" 17:1J $aughed at inAthen" IAct" 17:J regarded a" a foo$ in Corinth I1 Cor. 1:18 J and "toned in

(a$atia IAct" 1:1,J 'ut au$ remained eager to !reach the go"!e$ in RomeQthe "eat

of contem!orary !o$itica$ !oer and !agan re$igion. >either ridicu$e critici"m nor!hy"ica$ !er"ecution cou$d cur' hi" 'o$dne"".G8

au$ ne the cu$tura$ c$imate of the Roman @m!ire. Cou!$ed ith thi" a" the fact that

%e"u" a" a Fcrucified "$aeG 'oth of hich the Roman" de"!i"ed. =e a$"o ne the interna$condition of men2" heart" that they $oe them"e$e" and hate (od.

Therefore the Roman 'e$ieer" to hom he rote needed to 'e reminded of their mi""ion onearth Icf. #att. 8:1,-0J de"!ite the !o""i'i$ity of "uffering for the "ae of the (o"!e$ Icf. 1

Cor. 1:J.

the gospelIto; eujaggevlion A>3J / The noun mean" Fgood ne"G and i" a technica$term in the >.T. that refer" to the content of the !roc$amation name$y Chri"t. The er'mean" Fto !roc$aim good ne"G and thu" mean" Fto !roc$aim Chri"t.G Chri"t i" good

ne" to tho"e ho are !eri"hing Icf. +ue :10M Act" 8:1M =e'. :J.

au$ i" "aying that he i" una"hamed to !roc$aim Chri"t to other". Thi" i"eidenced in hi" "uffering" and "acrifice" for the "ae of the (o"!e$ Icf. hi$. 1:,M

:10J.

Cou!$ed ith the genitia$ "tatement Fof GodG au$ gie" the rea"on for hy he i" nota"hamed of the go"!e$ Iga;rJ 'ecau"e it is the po"er of God for salvation.

The go"!e$ contain" (od2" radica$ $ife-changing !oer of redem!tion Icf. @).15:6M Deut. :,M %o' ,:M "a. :8 ,M 8,:1M 106:8 ,M ;". 6:M :1M %er. 10:1M

7:5M #att. 8:18M Rom. ,:1J. ;t i" the "o$e mean" for men to 'e "aed.

au$ did not hera$d a me""age that $aced !oer Icf. 1 Cor. :J 'ut one that had a$tered the

interna$ and e)terna$ traectorie" of hi" entire $ife

8%ohn #acArthur The #acArthur 3tudy ?i'$e Rom. 1:16.

Romans Commentary 1/


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9hen e ho$d (od2" !oerfu$ me""age there i" no rea"on for "hame 9e don2t

gie the $o"t a ord of FadiceG that they can u"e to $ift them"e$e" u! 'ut e giethem the (o"!e$ hich ha" the !oer to "ae

The !oer of the (o"!e$ re"cue" the "ou$" of men from (od2" eterna$ rath and !uni"hment

in he$$. (od2" !oer ha" the a'i$ity to rai"e "!iritua$$y dead !eo!$e and to 'ring them to $ife

Ii.e. %ohn 11 and the rai"ing of +aKaru"J.

for salvationIeij" swthrivan ! swthriva A43J / The ord mean" Fde$ierance!re"eration "afety.G ?eing "aed i" the o!!o"ite of !eri"hing. ;n au$ine u"age it on$yrefer" to one2" re$ation"hi! to (od. ;n "!eaing of "a$ation from other !eri$" au$ u"e"

the ord romaiIrhvomaiJ. #acArthur rite" FThe !oer of the go"!e$ de$ier" !eo!$e from $o"tne"" I#att.

18:11J from the rath of (od IRom. 5:,J from i$$fu$ "!iritua$ ignorance I=o". :6M The". 1:8J from ei$ "e$f-indu$gence I+ue 1:6J and from the darne"" of fa$"e

re$igion ICo$. 1:1M 1 et. :,J. ;t re"cue" them from the u$timate !ena$ty of their "in

i.e. eterna$ "e!aration from (od and eterna$ !uni"hment.G,

au$ "tate" that the go"!e$ contain" the !oer of (od unto "a$ation to a$$ ho !$ace their

faith in (od and =i" 9ord. The condition of (od i" genuine faith hich i" a$"o the or of

(od.

to ever%one "ho believesIpanti; tw`/ pisteuvonti ! pisteuvw Atc!. - D#3J /The er'pisteui" the common ord hich mean" Fto thin to 'e true to 'e !er"uadedof to credit !$ace confidence in.G ;t i" defined 'i'$ica$$y a" !$acing one2" tru"t in (od

and =i" 9ord for the "a$ation =e offer". ;t i" man2" "o$e mean" for o'taining the gift of

eterna$ $ife Icf. @!h. :8-,J.

The FallG refer" to (od2" im!artia$ity to men of a$$ nation" tri'e" tongue" and!eo!$e". A$though the (o"!e$ a" fir"t for the %e" e no that (enti$e" hae

'een grafted into the e$ecting !$an" of (od Icf. Rom. 1:17M (a$. :8J.

11!~ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith" as it is written, #$%&&'(

)IG'&(*%+man +'I.($/FI&'!0

au$ u"e" the $itt$e !hra"e Fin itG to de"cri'e hat the go"!e$ contain". =e te$$" u" that it

ho$d" the Frighteousness of God.G

The righteou"ne"" of (od i" =i" character of a$ay" doing hat i" right.Therefore 'ecau"e (od i" righteou" =e mu"t !uni"h "in.

?ut (od ha" the infinite de"ire to do hat !$ea"e" =im and 'ecau"e =e de"ire" to

receie g$ory from =i" creation =e ha" made a ay for "inner" to 'e forgien.

Thi" righteou"ne"" hich on one hand i" u"t 'ut on the other i" graciou" i"

cu$minated together at the Cro"" of Chri"t.

,%ohn #acArthur Rom. 1:16.

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righteousnessIdikaiosuvnhJ / The ord i" defined Fin a 'road "en"e: "tate of him hoi" a" he ought to 'e righteou"ne"" the condition acce!ta'$e to (od.G 9hen au$ u"e" the

ord it refer" to 'oth the character of (od and =i" udicia$ $a. ;t i" 'oth u"tificationand "anctification. Thi" i" im!ortant a" au$ u"e" it in thi" manner throughout the

e!i"t$e.10

(od2" righteou"ne"" ha" 'een reea$ed in the er"on and 9or of %e"u" Chri"t.

from faith to faithIejk pivstew" eij" pivstinJ / The !hra"e i" $itera$$y tran"$atedFfrom faith unto faith.G There are to !rea$ent ie".

1. 'aith is the starting point and faith is the ending point.

Thi" ie "u!!o"e" that the righteou"ne"" of (od come" to man on the 'a"i" of

faith from 'eginning to end. 4aith i" nece""ary not on$y for one2" u"tification

'ut a$"o for one2" "anctification. Thi" fit" au$2" ie of Fthe righteou"ne"" of(od.G

Thi" ie i" "u!!orted 'y the fo$$oing uotation from =a'. : hich teache"

that righteou"ne"" can on$y 'e o'tained 'y faith and "u"tained 'y faith. au$uote" from =a'au : and intend" to !roe that it ha" a$ay" 'een (od2" ay

to u"tify "inner" 'y grace on the 'a"i" of faith a$one.

%u"t a" faith a" nece""ary in our u"tification it i" eua$$y nece""ary in our"anctification Ihi$. :1-1J. The entire !roce"" of u"tification i" ia faith and

not men2" righteou"ne"".

2. 'rom one person#s faith to another person#s faith.

Thi" ie ho$d" to a !ara$$e$ con"truction in er"e 16 here au$ "ay" Fto a$$ ho'e$iee.G

77$ Condemnat%on 0ods R%ghteousness %n :%s ;rathaga%nst %nners ' 11# < 32

au$ 'egin" a ne "ection here he demon"trate" the "infu$ne"" of manind and the

con"euence" of thi" unrighteou"ne"".

ect%on (utl%ne

A. The *nrighteou"ne"" of (enti$e" I1:18-J

1. The Ree$ation of (od2" 9rath I1:18-0J

a. Ree$ation through Con"cience I1:1,J

'. Ree$ation through Creation I1:0J

. The Con"euence" of (od2" 9rath I1:1-Ja. The Con"euence of ;do$atry I1:1-5J

'. The Con"euence of ;m!urity I1:6-J

?. The *nrighteou"ne"" of %e" I:1 < :8J

10(erhard Pitte$ @d. Theo$ogica$ Dictionary of the >e Te"tament !. 17. F(od i" righteou" IRom. :5J 'ut hi"

righteou"ne"" i" an e)!re""ion of grace that a$"o di"!$ay" hi" u"tice in the concrete form of an act of atonement I(a$.

:1M Cor. 5:1M Rom. 8:J. Thu" u"tice and grace are actie$y united for a$$ time and at the dee!e"t $ee$. Thi"

mean" that antinomian $a)ity i" e)c$uded for forgiene"" i" an act of udgment hich e)!re""e" (od2"

uncom!romi"ing N>o2 to "in. (od2" righteou"ne"" i" udicia$ and graciou" at the "ame time in the one act of

"a$ation in Chri"t.G



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1. (od2" %udgment u!on the %e" I:1-16J

a. The ;ndictment on ;"rae$ I:1-5J

'. The ;m!artia$ity of (od I:6-11J

c. The ;na$idation of the +a I:1-16J

. (od2" %udgment through the +a I:17-,J

a. The +a I:17-J

'. Circumci"ion I:5-,J

. (od2" 4aithfu$ne"" and %udgment on %e" I:1-8J

a. (od ;" 3ti$$ 4aithfu$ I:1-J

'. (od 9i$$ 3ti$$ %udge I:5-8J

C. The *nrighteou"ne"" of A$$ eo!$e I:,-0J

1. The Character of the *nrighteou" I:10-1J

. The Coner"ation of the *nrighteou" I:1-1J

. The Conduct of the *nrighteou" I:15-0J

11#"32 ' The +nr%ghteousness of 0ent%les

;t "eem" that au$ i" focu"ing hi" attention fir"t on the unrighteou"ne"" of the (enti$e". Thi"

i" "u!!orted 'y the fact that he !oint" to natura$ ree$ation a" their !oint of accounta'i$ity

ith (od.

Thi" cou$d not 'e "!eaing of %e" "ince they receied "!ecia$ ree$ation from(od a" =i" coenant !eo!$e I:J.

The oert ido$atry and homo"e)ua$ity ou$d hae 'een froned u!on 'y mo"t

%e" and ou$d not hae characteriKed FtheirG de!raity. The %ei"h community

ou$d hae e!t the"e matter" !riate if they ere ino$ed in the"e "in".

Thi" !a""age diide" into !art":1. The (evelation of God#s )rathIvv. 1"-%&J / au$ announce" the ree$ation of (od2"

rath and e)!$ain" hy that rath i" "o u"tified.

2. The Conse*uences of God#s )rathIvv. %1-$%J / au$ de"cri'e" in more detai$ theay" in hich !eo!$e hae "u!!re""ed the truth of (od and the con"euence" for their

reection of (od.

a. vv. %1-%,/ The Con"euence" for ;do$atry

'. vv. %-$%/ The Con"euence" for ;m!urity

11#"2 ' The Re8elat%on of 0ods ;rath

11# ~ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness andunrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

(od2" rath i" (od2" "ett$ed anger toard" the "infu$ne"" of men. Thi" rath i" reea$ed in

one of to ay":

1. Indietl*/ through the natura$ con"euence" of io$ating =i" unier"a$ mora$ $a

%. ietl*/ through =i" !er"ona$ interention

The mo"t iid di"!$ay of (od2" rath a" at the death of =i" on$y 'e$oed 3on(od !oured out =i" infinite rath u!on Chri"t ho 'ore our "in" a" a "u'"titute.



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?oth of the"e though are direct$y $ined to (od2" "oereignty in the actie and

!a""ie "en"e.

au$ te$$" u" that thi" rath i" continua$$y 'eing !oured out u!on the "infu$ne"" of manind.

(od i" continua$$y angry ith man.

the "rath of GodIojrgh; qeou`J Hine2" differentiate" quvmo~from ojrgh;in that thmosFindicate" a more

agitated condition of the fee$ing" an out'ur"t of rath from inard indignation hi$eorg"ugge"t" a more "ett$ed or a'iding condition of mind freuent$y ith a ie to

taing reenge. Orgi" $e"" "udden in it" ri"e than thmos 'ut more $a"ting in it"nature. Thmose)!re""e" more the inard fee$ing orgthe more actie emotion.G11

Pitte$ define" thi" difference a" e$$ 'y "aying F*n$ie quvmo~ acom!$ementary term ojrgh;i" e"!ecia$$y oriented to reenge or !uni"hment. Thu" iti" a!!$ied to ru$er" ho mu"t aenge inu"tice.G1

Therefore the mo"t $ie$y definition of thi" ord i" F(od2" a'iding anger toard""in that re"u$t" in =i" eterna$ rath and !uni"hment.G

(od2" rath has been revealedI#$%&'()$*+*',


24/145

The no$edge of (od2" e)i"tence i" ithin each and eery !er"on 'orn. The reference au$

mae" here i" to man2" con"cience I:1-15J.

(od i" the "u'ect of thi" !hra"eM therefore (od ha" made =im"e$f !erfect$y i"i'$e to a$$ men

'ecau"e =e ha" !$aced that no$edge of =im"e$f F"ithin them.G

!"'( $ %e&elation through Creation

12~ For since the creation of the world 'is invisible attributes, 'is eternal power and divinenature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they arewithout e@cuse!

@er "ince (od created the or$d men hae "een c$ear !roof that (od e)i"t". There i" no

other ay to e)!$ain the e)i"tence of the unier"e I"a. 1,:1-6J.

The "a$mi"t e)!$ain" that thi" ree$ation of (od through Creation occur" Fday todayL and night to night.G ;n other ord" it i" there for man to "ee a$$ the time a" a

reminder that e are creature" and there i" a "oereign Creator.

;t i" no onder that man ha" contried of a mu$titude of theorie" hich 'a"ica$$y e$iminate"

(od a" the diine Creator. ?y "tating =im"e$f a" the Creator (od ho$d" a$$ men accounta'$e

to =im"e$f "ince =e made them and on" them. au$ moe" on to de"cri'e to of (od2" ini"i'$e attri'ute" in thi" er"e.

is eternal po"erIai0dio~ aujtou` duvnami~J / The !hra"e refer" to (od2"eer$a"ting !oer. There i" no $imit to the !oer (od ha" and thi" !oer a$"o a"

reea$ed in the creation of the or$d.

The fir"t ini"i'$e attri'ute "een through the creation of the unier"e i" the infinite

!oer of (od. ;n 6 day" =e created the entire unier"e out of nothing u"ing =i"

ord"

is divine natureIqeiovth~J / The ord mean" Fdiinity diine nature.G ;t refer" tothat hich i" deity. ;n thi" conte)t au$ u"e" the term to refer to (od.

The "econd ini"i'$e attri'ute of (od "een through the or of creation i" thetruth that =e i" diine. On$y (od cou$d do hat =e did in creation Therefore the

handior atte"t" to (od2" !oer and diinity.

The creation ha" reea$ed the !oer of (od and =i" diinity. The"e invisible attributesof

(od hae 'een clearl% seenand !erceied 'y a$$ men. Thi" i" hy they are "ithout e+cuse

for "u'mitting their $ie" to their Creator.

There i" no ue"tion that the un'e$ieer under"tand" that (od e)i"t" 'ecau"e he ha" c$ear$y

"een the or of (od in creation. Thi" i" not "ome "u'ectie rea$ity 'ut o'ectie "ince the!erce!tion occur" in the mind.

?ecau"e man reect" thi" innate no$edge of (od and outard eidence through creation it

ha" $eft man ithout any e)cu"e. =e i" no he$!$e"" and ha" no defen"e that he can mae'efore (od a" to hy he ha" cho"en to re'e$ again"t =i" authority.

"ithout e+cuseIajnapologhvtou~ ! ajnapolovghto~J / The ord mean"Fithout defen"e or e)cu"eM that hich cannot 'e defended ine)cu"a'$e.G The ord a"

u"ed in a udicia$ conte)t to mean Fithout $ega$ defen"e.G The ord Fithout

a!o$ogetic"G i" found in thi" ord

;ronica$$y "infu$ man i" ithout an a!o$ogetic 'efore (od. There i" nothing he

can "ay to aert (od2" rath u!on hi" "ou$.



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General and Special %e&elation

Thi" ree$ation of (od through the con"cience and creation i" common$y referred to a"

Fgenera$ ree$ation.G

;t i" ca$$ed Fgenera$G ree$ation 'ecau"e it ha" 'een reea$ed to a$$ manind. The three

categorie" of thi" are:

1. Con"cience IRom. 1:1,M :1-15J

. Creation IRom. 1:0M "a. 1,:1-6J. =i"tory I#att. 5:5M Act" 1:17M Dan. :1J

A" men "ee (od2" !roidentia$ contro$ of the unier"e and =i" faithfu$ and good

!roi"ion for a$$ manind thi" act" a" a itne"" of =i" e)i"tence.

(enera$ ree$ation cannot"ae men ?ut thi" i" hat mae" men accounta'$e to (od for

their "in. Thi" i" hy a$$ men are condemned 'ecau"e they reect the truth.

Thi" i" the 'i'$ica$ rea"on for hy there i" no "uch !er"on a" an Fathei"t.G Thi"

a$"o ha" a radica$ im!$ication u!on the "tarting !oint for eange$i"m. 9e do not needto F!roeG (od2" e)i"tence in order to eange$iKe the $o"t. 9e "im!$y need to affirm

hat a$$ men a$ready no and 'egin from there. Thi" i" hat i" non a"

F!re"u!!o"itiona$ a!o$ogetic"G Ii.e. Act" 17:-1M (en. 1:1J.

F3!ecia$ ree$ationG on the other hand i" nece""ary for "a$ation and i" gien to man in

!ro!o"itiona$ "tatement" of truth Ii.e. come" from out"ide of manM cf. (a$. 1:11-1J.

1. %e"u" Chri"t I%ohn 1:18M 5:6-7M 6:6M 1:10J

. 3cri!ture I Tim. :16-17M et. 1:1J

121"32 ' The Conse=uences of 0ods ;rath

;n each of the"e !ara$$e$ "tatement" "inner" hae Fe+changedG (od and =i" truth for their

on f$e"h$y and "infu$ de"ire".

A" a re"u$t (od Fgives them overG to their "in a" a con"euence of =i" diine rath.

Thi" i" non a" Fthe rath of a'andonmentG and i" the remoa$ of re"traint for

"in Icf. "a. 81:11M ro. 1:-1M =o". :17J.

!"'!)'* $ +he Conse,uence of -dolatry

121"23~ 1; For even though they new God, they did not honor 'im as God or give thans, butthey became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darened! 11 Professing to bewise, they became fools, 12 and e@changed the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in theform of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures!

@en though manind i" aare of (od2" e)i"tence at the $ee$ of their con"cience and in

creation they "ti$$ refu"e to gie honor and g$ory to =im and in"tead or"hi! the "e$f.

4ai$ing to gie (od =i" rightfu$ g$ory i" man2" greate"t affront to (od2" ho$y character Icf.

Act" 1:-J.

(od !roide" a$$ manind ith food and $ife and 'reath Icf. "a. :1-M #att. 5:5M %am.

1:17J yet man refu"e" to acno$edge (od2" goodne"" and fai$" to gie =im than".

To re"u$t" occur hen manind reect" the genera$ ree$ation of (od and refu"e" to or"hi!

=im. They 'ecomeL



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1. futile in their speculations/ Thi" refer" to anity in their menta$ rea"oning. The re"u$t

of reecting (od i" a mind that ha" 'ecome com!$ete$y futi$e and ain.

. foolish heart "as dar$ened/ Thi" refer" to the "eat of man2" inte$$ect and i$$ hich i"ithout any under"tanding and i" darened to the rea$itie" of the (o"!e$.

The"e "inner" !rofe"" to 'e i"e yet they became fools and e+changed the glor% of Godfor

ido$atry.

;n au$2" mind fa$"e re$igion" are not a F"te! forardG in the human ue"t for(od 'ut rather a F"te! 'acard".G

The !icture i" of an e)change that tae" !$ace 'eteen (od2" mare$ou" and mae"tic g$ory

for the Fg$oryG of morta$ human 'eing" and 'ea"t" Icf. "a. 106.0M %er. :11J.

e+changedIajllavswJ / The ord mean" to e)change one thing for another.

124"25~ 14 &herefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that theirbodies would be dishonored among them! 15 For they e@changed the truth of God for a lie, andworshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! men!

The FThereforeG connect" . ith the !receding er"e" and gie" the re"u$t of hat thi"

ido$atry ha" done.

(od Fhands overG "inner" to im!urity "o they might fu$fi$$ the $u"tfu$ de"ire of their on

iced heart". The "inner then remain" in thi" terri'$e cyc$e of eer-increa"ing "in.

Thi" Fdiine "ideG of rath mu"t 'e "een in $ight of man2" re"!on"i'i$ity for hi"

on "in Icf. @!h. :1,J.

The $u"t of the heart eentua$$y or" it" ay into the di"honor of the 'ody !rimari$y

through the im!urity of "e)ua$ immora$ity.

impurit%Iajkaqarsiva A43J / Thi" ord "!ea" of immora$ $iing and connote""e)ua$ im!urity.

=ere a "econd e)change occur": "inner" hae traded the truth of God for a lie The $ie ha"

a$ready 'een "tated in the !reiou" !a""age that (od doe" not e)i"t and therefore menor"hi! and "ere them"e$e" rather than (od.

=ere i" the e""ence of ido$atry: placing someone or something as the object of

ones worship.

!"')/' $ +he Conse,uence of -mpurity

12"2!~ 17 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions" for their womene@changed the natural function for that which is unnatural, 18 and in the same way also the menabandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, menwith men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of theirerror!

4or a "econd time au$ "tate" that F(od gae them oerG to their "infu$ne"". ;n thi" in"tance

it i" de"cri'ed a" Fdegrading !a""ion".G

degrading passionsIpavqo~ ajtimivaJ / The ord F!a""ion"G mean" F"trong!hy"ica$ de"ire !articu$ar$y of a "e)ua$ nature.G The ord FdegradingG mean"

Fdi"gracefu$ "hamefu$ di"re"!ect.G

Cou!$ed together thi" !hra"e refer" to the homo"e)ua$ity de"cri'ed in . 6-7.

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?oth omen and men e)changed that hich i" FnaturalG Ifusiko;~J or Fgoerned 'yin"tinctua$ natureG for that hich i" FunnaturalG Iparav fuvsi~J or F'eyond or again"tnature.G Thi" i" c$ear$y the "in of homo"e)ua$ity.

=omo"e)ua$ity i" a c$ear$ io$ation of (od2" created order 'eteen a ma$e and a

fema$e ithin marriage.

%u"t a" "inner" e)change (od2" g$ory for their on the"e men and omen hae

e)changed that hich i" norma$ for the !erer"e.

The !ena$ty of de!raed "inner" i" Fin their o"n personsG I. 7J. Thi" refer" to (od2"

diine udgment in a$$oing the "in of homo"e)ua$ity to continue ithout re"traint.

*$timate$y though thi" "in i$$ $ead to fina$ udgment in he$$.

;t i" intere"ting to note that au$ focu"e" on "e)ua$ !erer"ion a" the de!th" of man2"

de!raity I. 6J.

12#"31~ 1And Bust as they did not see fit to acnowledge God any longer, God gave them overto a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 1: being filled with allunrighteousness, wicedness, greed, evil" full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice" they aregossips, 2< slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient toparents, 2; without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful

The third area hich (od handed "inner" oer to a" a Fdepraved mind.G The ord herede"cri'e" that hich i" orth$e"" and u"e$e"".

au$ then gae a Fice $i"tG of "in" that genera$$y de"cri'e the unregenerate "inner I(enti$eJ.

au$ often u"ed $i"t" in hi" $etter" Icf. 1 Cor. 5:10-11M 6:,-10M (a$. 5:1,-1J.

Thi" $i"t i" not ref$ectie of the ethica$ !ro'$em" the Roman church faced 'ut i" aide-ranging de!iction of human "in.

The $i"t of "in" can 'e grammatica$$y grou!ed into !art":

1. , General escriptions of uman !in/ Funrighteou"ne"" icedne"" greed ei$LG

A$$ end in ia/

. escriptions of 'ull/ Feny murder "trife deceit ma$iceLG

A$$ 5 modify the ord Ffu$$G

. 12 escriptions of their /eing/ Fgo""i!" "$anderer" hater" of (od in"o$ent arrogant'oa"tfu$ ine"tor" of ei$ di"o'edient to !arent" ithout under"tanding untru"torthy

un$oing unmercifu$LG

A$$ 1 are accu"atie and match ith the FthemG in . 8.

132~ and although they now the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things areworthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practicethem!

;gnorance i" not the core i""ue ith the unregenerateM re'e$$ion i". Therefore man2" !ro'$em

i" not mere$y inte$$ectua$ 'ut !rimari$y "!iritua$ hich o'iou"$y affect" man2" mind and

inte$$ect I. 8J. The"e re'e$$iou" "inner" are orthy of death in the fu$$e"t "en"e of the ord I!hy"ica$

"!iritua$ and the 3econd DeathJ. They not on$y !artici!ate in the"e "in" 'ut a!!roe other"

ho do the "ame.

Their !artici!ation i" ongoing a" the !artici!$e F"ho practiceG !oint" out Ipresent

participleJ. The con"i"tent $ife"ty$e of a "inner i$$ 'e mared 'y the"e thing".

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21 < 3# ' The +nr%ghteousness of >e6s

;n the !receding "ection of 1:18- au$ de"cri'e" the de!raity of (enti$e" u"ing the rd

!er"on Fthey.G ;n thi" "ection hoeer au$ "itche" !ronoun" and 'egin" to u"e the nd!er"on "ingu$ar Fyou.G

Therefore au$ change" hi" focu" off of the unrighteou"ne"" of (enti$e" to that of

the %e". au$ i" em!$oying a $iterary "ty$e non a" Fdiatri'e.G Thi" i" an imaginary

dia$ogue carried on 'eteen the riter and the FyouG Ind!er"on "ingu$arJ here

ue"tion" and an"er" are !o"ed to "u!!ort the argument I:1 7 17J.

;f au$ had in mind the 'e$ieing %ei"h community in Rome he ou$d hae

u"ed the nd!er"on !$ura$ Fyou a$$.G

au$ argue" hi" ca"e in argument" again"t %e" ho 'e$ieed they ou$d fare a $e""er

udgment 'y (od on the 'a"i" of their nationa$ity I:1-16J.1. vv. 1-,/ The %e" hae earned the "ame rath that i" 'eing !oured out u!on

(enti$e".

. vv.-11/ (od i" im!artia$ therefore mu"t udge eeryone fair$y.

. vv. 1%-1/ o""e""ion of the #o"aic +a i$$ not matter in udgment.

21"1 ' 0ods >udgment u)on the >e6s

The nation of ;"rae$ i$$ not e"ca!e (od2" udgment 'ecau"e the "ame "infu$ condition that i"

eident in a$$ (enti$e" i" the "ame "infu$ condition of eery %e.

au$ rote to change the thining on any %e2" !art that due to their heritage a" ;"rae$ite"

they he$d a greater "!iritua$ !o"ition oer and a'oe the (enti$e". Thi" mo"t $ie$y fed their

thining that they ere a$$ "aed 'ecau"e they ere a$$ %e".

'"!)* $ +he -ndictment on -srael

21"5~ ; &herefore you have no e@cuse, everyone of you who passes Budgment, for in that whichyou Budge another, you condemn yourself" for you who Budge practice the same things! 1nd wenow that the Budgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things! 2 $ut do yousuppose this, * man, when you pass Budgment on those who practice such things and do thesame yourself, that you will escape the Budgment of God 4 *r do you thin lightly of the riches of'is indness and tolerance and patience, not nowing that the indness of God leads you torepentance 5 $ut because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrathfor yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous Budgment of God,

The udgment "!oen of here refer" to the fau$ty udgment of the %e toard" the (enti$e.

Thi" udgment a" 'orn out of their ethnic "u!eriority a" (od2" cho"en !eo!$e yet they

committed the e)act "ame "in" a" tho"e they udged I. 1J.

;f a !er"on ha" enough no$edge to condemn "omeone e$"e then he a$"o ha" theno$edge to mae him"e$f accounta'$e to (od.

au$ reaffirmed the no$edge of the"e Chri"tian" that (od i$$ right$y udge a$$ "inner" for

their deed" I. J.

The condemnation i$$ 'e more "eere "ince %e" hae hardened their heart" again"t (od

and the truth =e ha" gien to them I. 5J.

The $ogica$ f$o of au$2" argument i" unmi"taa'$e:

%e" ho udge (enti$e" condemn them"e$e" 'ecau"e they too are "inner" I. 1J.

(od udge" righteou"$y tho"e ho !ractice "in I. J.

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Any %e ho !ractice" "in $ie the (enti$e" i$$ not e"ca!e (od2" udgment I.

J.

?ut (od ait" !atient$y ith =i" common grace de"iring for a$$ men to re!ent I.

J.

et %e" are "toring u! =i" rath 'ecau"e they refu"e to re!ent from their "in I.5J.

'")!! $ +he -mpartiality of God

2"11~ 7 who DI)(E3()&*(C'P()+*ECC*)3IEG&*'I+3((3+9 8 to those who byperseverance in doing good see for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life" A but to thosewho are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath andindignation! : There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jewfirst and also of the Gree, ;< but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to theJew first and also to the Gree! ;; For there is no partiality with God!

Thi" "ection ha" to truth" that "ere a" 'ooend" on the im!artia$ity of (od in udging the

righteou" and unrighteou". There i" a chiastic structureto the"e er"e".

i. (od i$$ render to each man according to their deed" / . 6

ii. @terna$ $ife to tho"e ho !er"eere in doing good / . 7iii. Tri'u$ation and di"tre"" for eery man ho doe" ei$ / . 8-,

ii. ($ory and honor and !eace to eeryone ho doe" good / . 10

i. There i" no !artia$ity ith (od / . 11

9herea" "a$ation i" 'y the mean" of grace and faith in Chri"t a$one udgment i" a$ay" on

the 'a"i" of deed" Icf. ;". :10 11M %er. 17:10M %ohn 5:8 ,M 1 Cor. :8M Cor. 5:10M (a$.

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9hether a !er"on ha" on$y receied genera$ ree$ation I(enti$e"J or "!ecia$ I%e"J they each

i$$ 'e udged 'y their deed" I:6-11J. And tho"e ho receied more "!ecia$ ree$ation i$$'e he$d more accounta'$e to that no$edge Icf. #att. 11:0-M =e'. 6:-6M 10:6-1J.

The !hra"e Fdoer" of the $a i$$ 'e u"tifiedG I. 1J "im!$y mean" that righteou" deed" are

the !roof that a !er"on "tand" righteou" 'efore (od Icf. #att. 7:-7M %am. 1:-5J.

au$ u"e" thi" term genera$$y to "!ea of 'e$ieer" ho are u"tified 'y faith intheir initia$ "a$ation and then di"!$ay the fruit of that coner"ion in "anctification.

=e doe" not hae in mind the O.T. %e ho o'eyed the or" of the +a a" the

mean" to u"tification hich he i$$ $ater !roe in :1 < :5.

0ustifiedIdivkaio~J / Thi" ord and re$ated ord" are u"ed "ome 0 time" in Roman":1 < 5:1. The er' i" a $ega$ term meaning Fto dec$are a gui$ty !er"on righteou".G

%u"tification ino$e" to act": 1J forgiene"" Icf. Act" 1:,M Rom. :6


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corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the aw the embodiment ofnowledge and of the truth, 1; you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself /ouwho preach that one shall not steal, do you steal 11 /ou who say that one should not commitadultery, do you commit adultery /ou who abhor idols, do you rob temples 12 /ou who boast inthe aw, through your breaing the aw, do you dishonor God 14 For #&'(E(*FG*3I+$+P'((3*EG&'(G(E&I(+$(C%+(*F/*%,0 Bust as it is written!

au$ $ay" out the $i"t of argument" %e" of hi" day had in their "!iritua$ FadantageG oer

(enti$e". Her"e" 17-0 are the F;fG "tatement and er"e" 1- com!ri"e the FThen.G The"e argument" are not negatie in nature "ince a" (od2" coenant !eo!$e the %e" ere a

'$e""ed nation and he$d di"tinct !rii$ege". ?ut they 'ecame !roud and com!$acent and

therefore hardened their heart" toard (od.

/ear the name Je"/ The tit$e gien to the de"cendant" of A'raham and %udah.

#o"t %e" too great !ride in their "!iritua$ and ance"tra$ heritage I%on. :M #att.

:7-,J.

(el% upon the a"/ Thi" i" not "!eaing of tru"t 'ut on their "o$e re$iance on

the +a a" the mean" of aoiding (od2" udgment I#ic. :11J.

/oast in God/ Their 'oa"ting a" rooted in !ride and arrogance rather than intheir oy in the (od ho had '$e""ed ;"rae$ "o great$y I%er. ,:-M 1 Cor. 1:1J.

no" is "ill/ ?ecau"e the %e" had receied the Fi$$ of (odG in ritten formthey o'iou"$y ne =i" i$$ 'etter than (enti$e".

pprove the things that are essential/ >ot on$y did diine ree$ation gie ;"rae$

a no$edge of (od2" i$$ ith that no$edge they cou$d a$"o di"cern and a!!roe

tho"e truth" that are e""entia$ in a$$ of $ife.

Confident guides to the blind/ Thi" a" their ro$e a" a nation to 'ring tho"e hoere "!iritua$$y F'$indG to "ee the truth of aheh Icf. ;"a. :7J.

ight to those "ho are in dar$ness/ Again ;"rae$2" ro$e a" !rii$eged a" they

ere to 'ring $ight to the nation" Icf. ;"a. :6J.

Corrector of the foolish/ Thi" i" ho they ere to 'e a F$ightG to the nation" a"

they taught the truth of (od2" +a to tho"e ithout it.

Teacher of the immature/ Thi" i" a "imi$ar thought from the !hra"e !receding itand "!ea" more of the didactic mini"try ;"rae$ a" to hae in regard" to the +a.

3im!$y 'ecau"e the %e" receied the +a from (od through #o"e" and the !ro!het" thi"

meant nothing 'ut udgment "ince they di"o'eyed the ery +a they u!he$d.

They ne hat the +a taught Ino "tea$ing no adu$tery etcLJ yet theyio$ated thi" "!ecia$ !rii$eged no$edge 'y fai$ing to o'ey it.

au$ then uote" from ;"aiah 5:5 and condemn" the %e" for their $ac of reerence for (od

hich re"u$ted in a tainted te"timony in the eye" of the (enti$e or$d.

'"'*)'# $ Circumcision

225"2/~ 15 For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the aw" but if you are atransgressor of the aw, your circumcision has become uncircumcision! 17 +o if theuncircumcised man eeps the re=uirements of the aw, will not his uncircumcision be regardedas circumcision18nd he who is physically uncircumcised, if he eeps the aw, will he not Budge you who thoughhaving the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the aw 1A For he is not aJew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh! 1: $ut he is aJew who is one inwardly" and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the +pirit, not by theletter" and his praise is not from men, but from God!



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>ot on$y ere the %e" thining that the +a made them "!iritua$$y "u!erior 'ut the "econd

i""ue re$ated to thi" a" their !ractice of circumci"ion. ?eing circumci"ed i$$ not !reentany %e from 'eing udged 'y (od.

Circumci"ion a" a "ign of the %e2" !rii$eged !o"ition a" a mem'er of (od2" coenant

community I(en. 17:,-1J.

+ater %udai"m taught that no circumci"ed %e ou$d eer go don into (ehennaIhe$$J.

au$2" !oint here i" that not on$y i$$ di"o'edience to the $a endanger a circumci"ed %e2"

"a$ation 'ut o'edience can 'ring a'out "a$ation to any uncircumci"ed (enti$e

Circumci"ion i$$ not !rotect a !er"on from (od2" rath if they fai$ to !ractice the +a I.

5J. ;f that i" the ca"e a circumci"ed %e ou$d 'e ieed a" Funcircumci"edG and

un!rotected from (od2" udgment.

The outard "ym'o$ cou$d !o""i'$y mean nothing if a !er"on fai$ed to !ractice the

+a of (od and demon"trate the nature of hi" faith in (od.

An uncircumci"ed (enti$e can find faor ith (od oer and a'oe a circumci"ed

%e ho di"o'ey" (od2" +a.

There i" no greater merit in the %e2" heritage 'efore an im!artia$ (od "im!$y 'ecau"e a

!er"on i" ethnica$$y re$ated to A'raham Her"e , i" a radica$ de!arture from %udai"m in that circumci"ion i" no $onger nece""ary for

een (enti$e" to 'e con"idered a !art of (od2" coenant community of rea$ F%e".G

9hat matter" to (od i" not e)terna$ 'ut the inard circumci"ion of the heart

b% the !pirit4 not b% the letter/ The F3!iritG i" a reference to the =o$y 3!irit and the

F$etterG i" a reference to the #o"aic +a I:7M 7:6M Cor. :6J. The =o$y 3!irit a"

!ro!he"ied a" the mean" 'y hich (od2" !eo!$e ou$d o'ey the $a I%er. 1:1-M @Ke.6:6-7J.

au$ i" "tating that the circumci"ion of the heart that (od honor" i" through the

=o$y 3!irit and not 'y

Romans Commentary1

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