Romans
The book of Romans begins with Paul introducing himself and expressing his desire to visit the Romans, stating that the gospel is the power of God for salvation and that God's wrath is revealed against humanity's ungodliness. He explains that God's judgment is based on truth and that true circumcision is of the heart, not just outward physical appearance. Paul argues that all people, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin and have fallen short of God's glory, but that God's righteousness is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Abraham to illustrate that faith is counted as righteousness, not works, and that this promise is available to all who have faith like Abraham's. Paul explains that believers have peace with God and access to His grace, and that Christ's death has reconciled believers to God. He also discusses the relationship between the law and sin, stating that believers are dead to the law through Christ's death and are now free to serve God in a new way. Paul expresses his sorrow for his fellow Israelites who have not accepted Christ and argues that God's election is not based on human works or merit, but rather on His sovereign will. He concludes by discussing the importance of living a life of love and harmony with one another, submitting to governing authorities, and not judging one another over matters of personal conviction.
Chapter 1
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle, and greets the Romans, expressing his gratitude for their faith and his desire to visit them to share spiritual gifts. He states that he is not ashamed of the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation, and that it reveals God's righteousness from faith to faith. However, the wrath of God is also revealed against humanity's ungodliness and unrighteousness, as people have rejected God despite the evidence of His existence and power in creation. As a result, God has given them over to their sinful desires and a reprobate mind, leading to a list of vices and immoral behaviors.
Chapter 2
Those who judge others for their actions are guilty of the same things and will face God's judgment. God's judgment is based on truth and will render to each person according to their deeds. Those who seek glory and honor through good works will receive eternal life, while those who disobey the truth will face indignation and wrath. God shows no favoritism and will judge both Jews and Gentiles based on their actions, not just their knowledge of the law. True circumcision is of the heart, not just outward physical appearance, and those who fulfill the law in their hearts will be considered righteous, regardless of their physical circumcision.
Chapter 3
The Jewish people have an advantage in that they were entrusted with God's oracles, but their unbelief does not nullify God's faithfulness. The unrighteousness of humanity highlights God's righteousness, and God's judgment of the world is not compromised by human sin. All people, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin and have fallen short of God's glory, with no one being righteous or seeking God. However, God's righteousness is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, and all who believe are justified freely by God's grace through Christ's redemption.
Chapter 4
Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness, not his works, and he received this righteousness before he was circumcised. This makes him the father of all who believe, both circumcised and uncircumcised. The promise to Abraham was not through the law, but through faith, and this promise is available to all who have faith like Abraham's. Abraham's faith was strong, and he trusted God's promise even when it seemed impossible, and this faith was imputed to him as righteousness, serving as an example for believers today.
Chapter 5
Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers have peace with God and access to His grace, which gives them hope for eternal life. This hope is not disappointed, as it is rooted in the love of God, demonstrated by Christ's death for sinners. Christ's death has reconciled believers to God, and His life will ultimately save them from God's wrath. Just as Adam's disobedience brought sin and death to all, Christ's obedience has brought justification and life to all who receive it, and where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more.
Chapter 6
Those who have been baptized into Jesus Christ are dead to sin and should not continue to live in it. Through baptism, believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and they should walk in newness of life. Since believers are dead to sin, they are no longer slaves to it, but are instead servants of righteousness, and their lives should reflect this change. The ultimate result of sin is death, but the gift of God through Jesus Christ is eternal life.
Chapter 7
The law has dominion over a person as long as they live, but death frees them from that law. Similarly, believers have become dead to the law through Christ's death and are now free to serve God in a new way. The law itself is not sin, but rather it reveals sin and makes it known. However, the law can also stir up sinful desires, and the flesh is weak and unable to obey the law. Despite knowing what is right, the flesh often gives in to sin, leading to a sense of captivity and wretchedness. Ultimately, deliverance from this struggle comes through Jesus Christ.
Chapter 8
Those in Christ Jesus are free from condemnation and the law of sin and death, and are instead led by the Spirit of life. The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Those who have the Spirit of God dwelling in them are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, and are therefore sons of God and heirs of God's glory. The creation itself is subject to bondage and corruption, but will be delivered into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The Spirit helps believers in their weaknesses and intercedes for them according to God's will, and all things work together for good to those who love God.
Chapter 9
Paul expresses his deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites who have not accepted Christ, despite being the chosen people of God. He notes that not all physical descendants of Abraham are true children of God, but rather those who are children of the promise. Paul argues that God's election is not based on human works or merit, but rather on His sovereign will, citing examples from the Old Testament, including the stories of Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau. He also addresses the question of whether God is unrighteous in choosing some and not others, concluding that God is the potter who has the right to shape His vessels as He sees fit.
Chapter 10
Israel's zeal for God is not based on knowledge, as they try to establish their own righteousness instead of submitting to God's. The righteousness that comes from faith is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, and it is not necessary to perform specific actions to attain it. Salvation comes from believing in one's heart and confessing with one's mouth that Jesus is Lord, and there is no difference between Jews and Greeks in this regard. However, faith comes from hearing the word of God, and not everyone has obeyed the gospel despite having heard it.
Chapter 11
God has not cast away his people, Israel, as there is a remnant chosen by grace. The rest of Israel has been blinded to the truth, but this has allowed salvation to come to the Gentiles, which in turn may provoke Israel to jealousy. The Gentiles, who were once like a wild olive tree, have been grafted into the natural olive tree of Israel through faith, and they must not boast against the natural branches. Ultimately, all Israel will be saved when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and God's gifts and calling are without repentance.
Chapter 12
Believers are to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God, transformed by the renewing of their minds to prove God's will. They should not think more highly of themselves than they ought, but rather think soberly according to the measure of faith given to them. Believers have different gifts and should use them accordingly, such as prophesying, teaching, or giving, all with love and simplicity. They should also live in harmony with one another, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, and blessing those who persecute them, overcoming evil with good.
Chapter 13
Believers are to submit to governing authorities, as they are ordained by God, and those who resist will face judgment. Rulers are meant to punish evil and commend good, and believers should pay taxes and give respect to whom it is due. The law is fulfilled by loving one's neighbor, and believers should cast off sinful behaviors and live decently, putting on the armor of light and following Jesus Christ.
Chapter 14
Christians should not judge one another over matters of personal conviction, such as dietary choices or observance of certain days, as each person is accountable to God. Those who are strong in faith should not look down on those who are weak, and those who are weak should not judge those who are strong. The kingdom of God is not about food or drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 15
The strong should bear the infirmities of the weak and not please themselves, but rather please their neighbors for their good. Christ did not please himself, but bore the reproaches of those who reproached God. The scriptures were written for our learning, that we might have hope through patience and comfort. Paul expresses his desire to visit the Romans and asks for their prayers that he may be delivered from unbelievers in Judaea and that his service to the saints in Jerusalem may be accepted.
Chapter 16
Paul commends Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchrea, to the Romans and asks them to assist her in any way they can. He then greets various individuals and groups, including Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for him, and other fellow workers and believers. Paul warns the Romans to avoid those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine they have learned. He expresses his confidence in the Romans' obedience and looks forward to the God of peace crushing Satan under their feet. The chapter concludes with greetings from Paul's companions, including Timothy, Lucius, and Jason, and a final expression of God's power to establish the Romans according to the gospel.
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