1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
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.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
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.
14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
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.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 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.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
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.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Overview of Romans Chapter 1
Romans Chapter 1 serves as a foundational introduction to the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans. It establishes key themes that will be explored throughout the letter, including the nature of sin, the righteousness of God, and the universal need for salvation.
Structure of Romans Chapter 1
- Greeting (Verses 1-7)
- Thanksgiving and Prayer (Verses 8-15)
- Thematic Statement on the Gospel (Verses 16-17)
- The Wrath of God Against Sin (Verses 18-32)
Greeting (Verses 1-7)
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his apostolic authority and mission to spread the Gospel. He identifies the recipients of the letter as “all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people.”
- Paul’s Identity: Servant and Apostle
- Purpose: To proclaim the Gospel
- Audience: The Roman believers
Thanksgiving and Prayer (Verses 8-15)
In this section, Paul expresses gratitude for the faith of the Roman church, which is known throughout the world. He shares his desire to visit them and impart spiritual gifts, emphasizing the mutual encouragement that comes from fellowship.
- Faith of the Romans: Acknowledged globally
- Paul’s Desire: To visit and strengthen their faith
- Mutual Encouragement: The importance of community
Thematic Statement on the Gospel (Verses 16-17)
Paul boldly declares that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, as it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. He introduces the concept of righteousness that comes from God, which is revealed through faith.
- Power of the Gospel: Salvation for all
- Righteousness: A key theme of the letter
- Faith: The means by which righteousness is received
The Wrath of God Against Sin (Verses 18-32)
This section outlines the consequences of humanity’s rejection of God and the resulting moral decline. Paul describes how God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness, leading to a series of sinful actions and attitudes.
- Revelation of God’s Wrath: Against those who suppress truth
- Consequences of Rejection: Idolatry and immorality
- List of Sins: Includes envy, murder, strife, deceit, and more
Theological Implications
Romans Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for understanding human sinfulness and the need for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. It highlights the contrast between God’s righteousness and human unrighteousness, setting the stage for the subsequent arguments in the letter.
Conclusion
In summary, Romans Chapter 1 is a crucial part of Paul’s theological exposition, addressing both the nature of the Gospel and the dire state of humanity apart from God. It serves as a call to recognize the need for salvation and the transformative power of faith in Christ.
