Romans, Chapter 1
© Copyright 1998 Darroll Evans-all rights reserved

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

Paul was a servant of Jesus Christ. 

He was called to be an apostle.

As such, he was “separated” to do the work of carrying gospel of God to the Gentile world. 

The Holy Spirit calls each Christian to a “work” within what we know as Christianity. 

However, some are called out of the Church body to become servants of Christ and the Church. 

We call some of the Pastors, and some Teachers, and others Evangelists. 

Some Churches recognize modern Prophets and Apostles, but the mainstream of modern Christianity recognizes only Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists.

Paul was called to be an Apostle. 

Christ Jesus selected Paul out of all humanity to carry the message of salvation by grace. 

None of the original twelve were appointed to that ministry.

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

The good news of grace to all people was announced in the books of the Old Testament. 

The Hebrew word translated “nations” or “heathen” in these verses is actually "Goyim" or Gentiles.

Psalm 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Psalm 86:9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Haggai 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

2,000 years ago Judaism was an evangelistic movement, but when Israel rejected Christ, their evangelistic fervor was taken from the Jews.

Matt 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. (KJV)

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

This speaks of Jesus’ physical ancestry.

Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

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

Jesus was declared to be the Son of God due to His resurrection, and not by His virgin birth. 

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

It was through grace that Paul was saved. 

The same is true of each one of us. 

It was through grace that Paul was commissioned to preach the gospel. 

That is also true of all who are commissioned to take the message of Christ to others.

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

Each and every believer is called out individually. 

We are called, appointed, and gifted individually in and through the name and power of Christ Jesus.

Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

While some early Churches were Jewish dominated as they were called out of the Synagogues in each city, the Romans constituted a Gentile dominated Church with a few Jews in their midst. 

Romans is an uncontested Gentile letter with Jewish overtones.

We have been “called to be saints.” 

That means that in our calling we have been declared to be

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

In referring to God, Paul used the Greek definite article too-tw. 

The Greek says “the God!” 

In Greek in indicates the Father.

Paul thanks God the Father "through" Jesus Christ (the Son). 

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and no man comes to the Father, except by Him (John 14:6). 

The reputation of the faith of the Romans had spread to many other parts of the world. 

Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

The Greek word translated "witness" comes into English as martyr. 

The English word now means one who dies for a cause. 

As Christians, we die to self-interest, so we may live for Christ.

Paul is reminding the Romans that he was persistent in prayer.

If we follow Christ, we too will be persistent in prayer. 

Christ Jesus is now at the right hand of the Father. 

Due to His love, He is making intercession, praying for us (Romans 8:34).

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

How would you define a prosperous  journey? 

Was Paul telling the Romans that he wanted a large offering?  

Was he saying that his latest book was just coming off the presses and he would be peddling it when he got to Rome?

I don't think so!

Prosperity in Christ has nothing to do with monetary gain. 

Prosperity in Christ is spiritual.

It may result in temporal gains, but the base is spiritual.

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

Paul desired to see the Romans so he might impart, or share some spiritual gift with them. 

It is through such sharing of godly principles that we become established, or strengthened in our faith.

The exercise of spiritual gifts should be part of every Christian ministry.

Does the exercise of spiritual gifts mean that all are going to speak in unknown tongues or speak great prophecies? 

It certainly does not!

But, some do!

In 1 Corinthians, Paul asks some very searching questions that are ignored by many.

1 Corinthians 12:27-30
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (NKJV)

Let's look at the logic behind these questions. 

We are the corporate body of Christ and individually we are members of His body. 

God has appointed certain offices within the Church. 

The offices are: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that miracles, (Pastors are not mentioned in this list) then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Miracles, healings, helps, administrations, and tongues are listed as offices within the Church. 

In 1 Cor. 12:29, Paul asks, "Are all apostles?"

The implication is that all are not, but some are!

"Are all prophets?"

The implication is that all are not, but some are!

"Are all teachers?"

The implication is that all are not, but some are!

"Are all workers of miracles?"

The implication is that all are not, but some are!

In 1 Cor. 12:30, Paul asks, "Do all have gifts of healings?"

The implication is that all do not, but some do!

"Do all speak with tongues?"

The implication is that all do not, but some do!

(There is some controversy over the exact meaning of "tongues.")

"Do all interpret?"

The implication is that all do not, but some do!

Some very sincere Christians have condemned these practices.

Paul did not! 

We need to seek God's understanding in this matter and His purpose. 

We should be comforted by the fact that we have a mutual faith. 

You are not the author of "your" faith. 

Christ Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our mutual faith.

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

Christians are called to minister to each other for the sake of being "comforted."

Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Paul did not want to Church to be ignorant, because Ignorance is the enemy of Christianity. 

Christ came to heal the blind.

He does not ask us to have blind faith.

Paul wanted to travel to Rome.

However, he had to wait for the proper time. 

Later, Paul would say, "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28/NKJV).

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

When Paul says he is a debtor. 

He is simply saying that he is obligated to Greeks and barbarians. 

Paul is telling us that he was obligated to the Greeks and non-Greeks, and to the wise and foolish. 

They were the focus of his ministry.

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

Paul let the Romans know that he was ready, willing and eager to preach the gospel in Rome.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Paul writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ." 

Your actions will do more to establish what you believe than your words.

Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

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

This verse relates to the maturity of Christians. 

We do not mature instantly.

We experience a gradual maturing process---from one level of faith to another.

"The just shall live by faith" is the verse that fired much of the reformation. 

Those are the words that caused Martin Luther to seek to "reform" the Roman Catholic Church (the Reformation).

The just live by the imputed faith “OF” Christ Jesus!

Let’s examine that!

There are two verses that are often quoted in Churches without any understanding!

 

Eph 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

“That” refers back to the first noun we come to moving backward in that sentence!

 

What is the first noun we come to?

 

Faith!

 

Most Christians love to look to their own faith, and we shall examine “our” faith in salvation.

 

The Bible states explicitly that we are saved by faith! We gain everlasting life through the graciousness of Christ Jesus!

 

But, is it our faith?

 

NO!

 

Most Christians do not understand the existence or the role of Christ’s faith in our salvation.

 

There is a debate among some translators concerning the use of “of” as opposed to using the word “in” in the following verses.

 

In all the verses listed, the noun in question appears as a Genitive.  But are they Subjective Genitive or Objective Genitive---that is the question.

 

Subjective genitive indicates that the noun produces the action involved (i.e. faith).  Objective Genitive says that the noun receives the action involved.

 

You must read the context to find out if the noun is Subjective or Objective genitive!

 

The debate is legitimate with both sides displaying a certain correctness in their assertions.

 

Most Christians are completely ignorant concerning the faith of Christ Jesus.  Here are some verses for your study. Read and learn that we operate because of and through the faith OF Christ Jesus.

 

For most Christians, the third chapter of Romans is something we pass through on our journey down the Romans Road.  But, as we begin this study, let’s take a closer look.

 

Romans 3:10-11
10
 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

 

The unrighteousness of man is presented as a fact!

 

There are many nice people in the world, but being nice and being righteous are not synonymous!

As is written in the Bible, None seek after God!  Instead, God seeks after men!

In our unrighteous condition prior to Christ’s choosing, it is impossible for us to choose Him!

 

Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Prior to coming to Christ, we placed ourselves under law of some kind.  All unrepentant men seek rules and regulations to guide them in their daily lives, and all such rules and regulations prove to be unlivable.

The righteous are led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)!

It is only when we turn to Christ and accept His grace that we finally find something that works! 

Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ (Gr. Ieesou Christou-Ihsou Cristou) unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

 

Of” is part of the Subjective, in (Gr. en-en) is used to differentiate!

 

So, how do we know if this is Subjective?

 

If none seeks after God (Romans 3:11b), human faith cannot be used to seek Christ!

 

The fact is that an unrighteous person will never actively seek the righteousness that is in Christ Jesus!

 

In addition, if it were “in” Christ, Paul would have placed the Greek word “en-en” in that verse to clarify his writing as he does in all other cases!

 

Man’s human faith does not bring any man to Christ!  The Holy Spirit brings all to Christ at the proper time!

 

Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in [of] Jesus (Gr. Ieesou-Ihsou).

 

God’s role is as the Justifier of all who have been given salvation through the faith OF Jesus!  To that end, for that purpose, He committed all to unbelief!

 

Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

 

We have been given the faith OF Christ Jesus in order to be justified by God the Father in Christ Jesus His only begotten Son!

 

No matter how good the Law is or may seem to be, we are justified by the faith OF Christ Jesus!

 

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

 

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

 

Since we know that human faith will not choose Christ unless acted on by the Holy Spirit, understand that the Faith of Jesus is given to those chosen to believe at the time they have been chosen to believe.

 

Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Before faith to believe was given, we were under the law of men and God so that afterward the faith of Christ is imputed He may be revealed to and in us.  Christ’s faith cannot be revealed in us until it is given to us!

Eph 3:12 [Christ Jesus] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

 

Our spiritual success is entirely dependent on His faith imputed to us!

 

Phil 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

 

Our human righteousness is worthless when compared to the righteousness we receive through the imputed faith of Christ Jesus.

 

Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

 

The saints hold fast to the faith imputed to them, even if they do not understand the source of that faith!  They keep the commandments of God because they have been baptized into Christ Jesus and he kept the commandments!

 

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

 

He is the Author, originator of our faith and since that faith is reflected back to Him, He is the Finisher, the recipient of the faith he so graciously gave us!

 

We have “put on Christ” and He is utterly perfect before God the Father! I pray that this will be your start on the road to understanding our true relationship with Christ Jesus.

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

God’s wrath (Gr. orgē-ὀργή) is manifested upon all ungodliness! 

God’s wrath is against the ungodly.

What is “God’s wrath”?

It is justifiable abhorrence, but John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son!

So how can he abhor the world so much that He would bring wrath to those same people?

The spiritual fact is that he does not!

His abhorrence is against sin, not the sinner! In His love, Christ Jesus died for sinners! Those who do not acknowledge Jesus as their Lord need an attitude adjustment. That adjustment is accomplished in the Lake of Fire! The result of the Lake of Fire is that all Gentiles that God made shall come and worship Him and glorify His name. (Psalms 86:9)

God’s wrath and His testing are different.

God’s testing is meant for our strengthening. 

His wrath reflects His abhorrence! 

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

God’s grace and the faith OF Christ is manifested in and toward His children.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Eternal (Gr. aidios-aidioV) is one of the few times in the Bible that the word translated eternal actually means eternal. 

"Without excuse" indicates that the position taken by those who reject God’s power is indefensible.

Those who reject the Savior are “without excuse.”

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

It is difficult to understand, but some who have been given the power to know and understand God’s loving power have no appreciation for God.

Because they have despised His love, their hearts have been darkened.

Since they rejected the light, it was taken from them!

Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

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

Self-proclaimed wisdom is lacking in true wisdom!

Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

If you can, read the last chapter of Darwin’s origin of species.

There, you will find these words, "Authors of the highest eminence seem to be fully satisfied with the view that each species has been independently created. To my mind it accords better with what we know of the laws impressed on matter by the Creator, that the production and extinction of the past and present inhabitants of the world should have been due to secondary causes, like those determining the birth and death of the individual."

Darwin acknowledged the Creator, but rejected His Messiah

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

Those that reject the Creator and His Messiah have been given up to uncleanness, or impure motives.

In that state of dishonor, they are guilty of self-contempt through denial of God’s power in Christ.

Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

God’s truth cannot be changed!

It is eternal! 

Pretenders exchange the truth of God for the lie of Lucifer. 

Many social leaders have attempted to exalt the creation above the Creator. 

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

In their self-proclaimed wisdom, God gave them up to "vile affections," or depraved passions! 

Homosexuality is depraved! 

Anybody that has studied the human body understands that it was not created for homosexual use.  Such practices are corruptions!

Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Homosexuality is not a Christian life-style, but it is a chosen life-style! 

The Bible says those who practice such will receive “recompense/reward of their error.

If Homosexuals were truly homosexual, society would have nothing to fear from them. 

If homosexuals were really just homosexual, due to their inability to reproduce all such would have died out centuries ago.

Romans 1:28-32
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Unregenerate men and women do not acknowledge God.

God gives the unregenerate over to a “reprobate mind.”

The situations facing America today are not the result of bad politics. They are the result of turning away from Christ Jesus. If you want to know what will happen to America, look at Israel. God created America to be a Gentile reflection of Israel, and a safe-haven for Israel. Israel was supposed to be an evangelistic light to the world, but they failed! America was created to also be an evangelistic light, but we too have failed. However, we who have been chosen to follow Christ are safe in Him.

2 Tim 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (NKJV)

 

We who have been baptized into Christ Jesus are safe in Him.

Mankind was not created to be crammed full with unrighteous acts, wickedness, greed, evil, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip.

We were not created to act contrary to the love of God.

ALL of us were sinners with no hope, UNTIL we were CHOSEN to come to Christ Jesus.

You may be thinking that all this is so negative. 

How can we bring a loving God out of all this? 

We have just recognized that sin is sin. 

That truth is neither good nor bad---it just is!

Before we can deal with sin, we must understand that we are sinners. We will never overcome sin, but on the cross, Christ Jesus paid the full and complete redemptive price for us. That will soon be known by all.

That redemption does not give us license to sin. Instead, it gives us the awareness of Christ in order to be His.

Chapter 2
Main Index