About Romans

Romans is Paul's masterwork explaining the gospel, showing that all people need salvation, which comes only through faith in Christ, and leads to transformed living.

Author: Paul the ApostleWritten: c. AD 57Reading time: ~4 minVerses: 32
Justification by FaithRighteousnessGraceSanctificationIsraelChristian Living

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King James Version

Romans 1

32 verses with commentary

Greeting

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,</strong><br><br>Paul's self-identification begins with <em>doulos</em> (δοῦλος, 'bond-servant'), not a term of degradation but of honored service and complete devotion. This word emphasizes total ownership and obedience to Christ as <em>kurios</em> (κύριος, Lord/Master). The passive voice <em>klētos...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1-7) In writing to the Romans, a Church to which he was personally unknown, and which might be supposed, so far as it was Jewish, to be prejudiced against him, the Apostle delivers with somewhat more than usual solemnity his credentials and commission. A divinely appointed minister of a system of things predicted by the prophets, and culminating in the revelation, divinely ordained and attested, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14-15. when there many--**"several" **days, Festus declared Paul's cause--**taking advantage of the presence of one who might be presumed to know such matters better than himself; though the lapse of "several days" ere the subject was touched on shows that it gave Festus little trouble.

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)</strong><br><br>The parenthetical nature of verses 2-4 shows Paul immediately grounding the gospel in redemptive history. The verb <em>proepēngeilato</em> (προεπηγγείλατο, 'promised beforehand') emphasizes the antiquity and divine orchestration of salvation—this is not a novel religion but the fulfillment of ancient prom...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Which he had promised.**—More correctly, *which He promised before by His prophets in holy writ.* There is a nicety of meaning expressed by the absence of the article before this last phrase. A slight stress is thus thrown upon the epithet “holy.” It is not merely “in certain books which go by the name of holy scriptures,” but “in certain writings the character of which is holy.” They are “h...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14-15. when there many--**"several" **days, Festus declared Paul's cause--**taking advantage of the presence of one who might be presumed to know such matters better than himself; though the lapse of "several days" ere the subject was touched on shows that it gave Festus little trouble.

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;</strong><br><br>The content of the gospel is not a philosophy or ethical system but a Person: <em>Iēsou Christou tou kuriou hēmōn</em> (Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν, 'Jesus Christ our Lord'). Each title carries theological weight: <em>Iēsous</em> (Joshua) means 'Yahweh saves,' <em>Christo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3, 4) Who, on the human side—as if to show that the prophecies were really fulfilled in Him—was born of the seed of David, the rightful lineage of the Messiah; who, on the divine side, by virtue of the divine attribute of holiness dwelling in His spirit, was declared to be the Son of God, by that mighty demonstration, the resurrection of the dead. **According to the flesh.**—The word is here used...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-21. to deliver any man to die--**On the word "deliver up," see on Ac 25:11.

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: declared: Gr. determined

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:</strong><br><br>The verb <em>horisthentos</em> (ὁρισθέντος, 'declared/appointed/marked out') indicates powerful demonstration, not that Jesus became the Son of God at the resurrection but that He was publicly vindicated as such. <em>Huiou theou en dunamei</em> (υἱοῦ θεοῦ ἐν...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **With power.**—That is, in a transcendent and superhuman manner. **According to the spirit of holiness.**—In antithesis to “according to the flesh,” and therefore coming where we should expect “in His divine nature.” And yet there is a difference, the precise shade of which is not easy to define. What are we to understand by the “spirit of holiness”? Are we to regard it as simply convertible ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-21. to deliver any man to die--**On the word "deliver up," see on Ac 25:11.

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:</strong><br><br><em>Di' hou elabomen charin kai apostolēn</em> (δι' οὗ ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολήν, 'through whom we received grace and apostleship') shows that Paul's apostolic authority and salvation are both unmerited gifts from the risen Christ. <em>Charis</em> (χάρις, grace) is...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) Through Him—through Christ the Son—he, Paul, had received his own special’ endowment and commission to bring over the Gentiles into that state of loyal and dutiful submission which has its root in faith; all which would tend to the glory of His name. **We have received.**—The Apostle means himself alone, but the plural is used (as frequently in Greek) with delicate tact, so as to avoid an appe...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-21. to deliver any man to die--**On the word "deliver up," see on Ac 25:11.

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:</strong><br><br>Paul now applies the global mission of verse 5 specifically to Roman believers: <em>en hois este kai humeis klētoi Iēsou Christou</em> (ἐν οἷς ἐστε καὶ ὑμεῖς κλητοὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, 'among whom you also are called of Jesus Christ'). The adjective <em>klētoi</em> (κλητοί, 'called ones') echoes verse 1 where Paul identified him...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Among whom are ye also.**—It is, perhaps, best not to put a comma at “also.” Among these Gentile churches, to which I am specially commissioned, you Romans too are called to the same obedience of faith, and therefore I have the more right to address you. **Called** **of Jesus Christ**—*i.e.,* not “called *by* Jesus Christ,” but “called and so belonging to Jesus Christ,” “your Master’s own el...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-21. to deliver any man to die--**On the word "deliver up," see on Ac 25:11.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul's greeting identifies the recipients: <em>pasin tois ousin en Rhōmē agapētois theou</em> (πᾶσιν τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Ῥώμῃ ἀγαπητοῖς θεοῦ, 'to all who are in Rome, beloved of God'). <em>Agapētois theou</em> (beloved of God) is staggering—those who...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **In** **Rome.**—It is to be observed that one MS. of some importance, the Codex Boernerianus, omits these words. The same MS., with some others, alters the next phrase, “beloved of God” to “in the love of God,” thus substituting for the special address to the Romans a general address to all “who are in the love of God.” Traces of a similar reading appear to be found in the two earliest commen...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-21. to deliver any man to die--**On the word "deliver up," see on Ac 25:11.

Paul's Desire to Visit Rome

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.</strong><br><br>Paul's thanksgiving establishes relational warmth before theological instruction. <em>Prōton men eucharistō tō theō mou</em> (πρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου, 'first, I thank my God') shows Paul's habitual gratitude and personal relationship with God. The phrase ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8-17) The Apostle congratulates the Romans on the good report of them that he had heard. He had long and earnestly desired to visit them in person. Yes, even in Rome he must preach the gospel—of which he is not ashamed, but proud. It is fraught with nothing less than salvation itself alike to Jew and Gentile. In it is revealed that great plan or scheme of God by which man is made just before Him....
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-21. to deliver any man to die--**On the word "deliver up," see on Ac 25:11.

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; with: or, in

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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;</strong><br><br>Paul invokes divine testimony: <em>martus gar mou estin ho theos</em> (μάρτυς γάρ μού ἐστιν ὁ θεός, 'for God is my witness'). Since Paul had not visited Rome, he needed to establish his genuine care for them. Calling God as witness is...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) Proof that the Apostle takes this lively interest in the Roman Church conveyed through a solemn adjuration. **Whom I serve.**—The word for “serve” is strictly used for voluntary service paid to God, especially in the way of sacrifice and outward worship. Here it is somewhat metaphorical: “Whom I serve, not so much with outward acts as with the ritual of the spirit.” **With my spirit.**—“Spirit...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. I would also hear--**"should like to hear." **the man myself--**No doubt Paul was fight when he said, "The king knoweth of these things ... for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner" (Ac 26:26). Hence his curiosity to see and hear the man who had raised such commotion and was remodelling to such an extent the whole Jewish l...
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Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.</strong><br><br>The content of Paul's persistent prayer (v. 9) is now specified: <em>pantote epi tōn proseuchōn mou deomenos</em> (πάντοτε ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου δεόμενος, 'always in my prayers making request'). <em>Deomenos</em> (making request/petition) indicates specific a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **If** **by any means now at length.**—Note this accumulation of particles, denoting the earnestness of his desire. “All this time I have been longing to come to you, and now at last I hope that it may be put in my power.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. I would also hear--**"should like to hear." **the man myself--**No doubt Paul was fight when he said, "The king knoweth of these things ... for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner" (Ac 26:26). Hence his curiosity to see and hear the man who had raised such commotion and was remodelling to such an extent the whole Jewish l...
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For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;</strong><br><br>Paul explains his motivation for visiting: <em>epipotheō gar idein humas</em> (ἐπιποθῶ γὰρ ἰδεῖν ὑμᾶς, 'for I long to see you'). <em>Epipotheō</em> (long for/yearn) expresses intense desire, not casual interest. The purpose is <em>hina ti metadō charisma humin pneumatiko...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **That I may impart unto you some spiritual gift.**—Such gifts as would naturally flow to one Christian (or to many collectively) from the personal presence and warm sympathy of another; in St. Paul’s case, heightened in proportion to the wealth and elevation of his own spiritual consciousness and life. His head and his heart alike are full to overflowing, and he longs to disburthen himself a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. I would also hear--**"should like to hear." **the man myself--**No doubt Paul was fight when he said, "The king knoweth of these things ... for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner" (Ac 26:26). Hence his curiosity to see and hear the man who had raised such commotion and was remodelling to such an extent the whole Jewish l...
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That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. with: or, in

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.</strong><br><br>Paul immediately qualifies his statement in verse 11 to avoid appearing condescending: <em>touto de estin sunparaklēthēnai en humin dia tēs en allēlois pisteōs humōn te kai emou</em> (τοῦτο δέ ἐστιν συμπαρακληθῆναι ἐν ὑμῖν διὰ τῆς ἐν ἀλλήλοις πίστεως ὑμῶν τε καὶ ἐμοῦ, 'that is, that I...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **That is, that I may be comforted.**—A beautiful touch of true courtesy. He is anxious to see them, that he may impart to them some spiritual gift. But no! He hastily draws back and corrects himself. He does not wish it to be implied that it is for him only to impart, and for them only to receive. He will not assume any such air of superiority. In the impulse of the moment, and in the expans...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. I would also hear--**"should like to hear." **the man myself--**No doubt Paul was fight when he said, "The king knoweth of these things ... for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner" (Ac 26:26). Hence his curiosity to see and hear the man who had raised such commotion and was remodelling to such an extent the whole Jewish l...
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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. among: or, in

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul uses a characteristic phrase: <em>ou thelō de humas agnoein</em> (οὐ θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, 'I do not want you to be ignorant'), which he employs to introduce important information (c...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) In the previous verses the Apostle has been speaking of his *desire;* here he speaks of his *purpose,* which is one step nearer to the realisation. He had intended to add the Roman Church to the harvest that he was engaged in gathering in. **Let.**—This is, of course, an archaism for “hindered,” “prevented.” The Greek is literally, “*and* was prevented hitherto.” It is hardly worth while to s...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. I would also hear--**"should like to hear." **the man myself--**No doubt Paul was fight when he said, "The king knoweth of these things ... for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner" (Ac 26:26). Hence his curiosity to see and hear the man who had raised such commotion and was remodelling to such an extent the whole Jewish l...
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I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.</strong><br><br>Paul's sense of mission is framed as obligation: <em>Hellēsin te kai barbarois, sophois te kai anoētois opheiletēs eimi</em> (Ἕλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις, σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις ὀφειλέτης εἰμί, 'both to Greeks and barbarians, both to wise and foolish, I am debtor'). <em>Opheiletēs</em> ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14, 15) Why is the Apostle so eager to come to them? Because an obligation, a duty, is laid upon him. (Comp. 1Corinthians 9:16, “necessity is laid upon me.”) He must preach the gospel to men of all classes and tongues; Rome itself is no exception. (14) **To the Greeks, and to the Barbarians.**—The Apostle does not intend to place the Romans any more in the one class than in the other. He merely m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22-27. I would also hear--**"should like to hear." **the man myself--**No doubt Paul was fight when he said, "The king knoweth of these things ... for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner" (Ac 26:26). Hence his curiosity to see and hear the man who had raised such commotion and was remodelling to such an extent the whole Jewish l...
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So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.</strong><br><br>Paul concludes his introductory remarks with personal readiness: <em>houtō to kat' eme prothymon kai humin tois en Rhōmē euangelisasthai</em> (οὕτω τὸ κατ' ἐμὲ πρόθυμον καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ εὐαγγελίσασθαι, 'thus, as much as is in me, I am eager also to preach the gospel to you who are in...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) Accordingly, so far as depends upon his own will, and not upon the external ruling of events by God, the Apostle is ready to preach the gospel, as to the other Gentiles, so also at Rome. **So, as much as in me is.**—There are three ways of taking this sentence, though the meaning remains in any case the same:—(1) “I (literally, *that which concerns me*) am ready.” But it is doubtful whether t...
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The Power of the Gospel

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul's declaration <em>ou gar epaischunomai to euangelion</em> (οὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, 'for I am not ashamed of the gospel') uses litotes—understatement expressing strong positive conviction. In Greco-Roman...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) The Apostle will not be ashamed of his mission, even in the metropolis of the world. He cannot be ashamed of a scheme so beneficent and so grand. The gospel that he preaches is that mighty agency which God Himself has set in motion, and the object of which is the salvation of all who put their faith in it, to whatever nation or race they may belong. He has, perhaps, in his mind the reception ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 26 Ac 26:1-32. Paul's Defense of Himself before King Agrippa, Who Pronounces Him Innocent, but Concludes That the Appeal to Cæsar Must Be Carried Out. This speech, though in substance the same as that from the fortress stairs of Jerusalem (Ac 22:1-29), differs from it in being less directed to meet the charge of apostasy from the Jewish faith, and giving more enlarged views of his remark...
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For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.</strong><br><br>This verse introduces the epistle's central theme. <em>Dikaiosynē gar theou en autō apokaluptetai</em> (δικαιοσύνη γὰρ θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται, 'for the righteousness of God is revealed in it') is the theological linchpin. <em>Dikaiosynē theou</em> (δικαι...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) The gospel attains its end, the salvation of the believer, by revealing the righteousness of God, *i.e.,* the plan or process designed by Him for men to become just or righteous in His sight. The essential part on man’s side, the beginning and end of that plan, is Faith. For which there was authority in the Old Testament, where it is said, “The just shall live by faith.” **The righteousness o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 26 Ac 26:1-32. Paul's Defense of Himself before King Agrippa, Who Pronounces Him Innocent, but Concludes That the Appeal to Cæsar Must Be Carried Out. This speech, though in substance the same as that from the fortress stairs of Jerusalem (Ac 22:1-29), differs from it in being less directed to meet the charge of apostasy from the Jewish faith, and giving more enlarged views of his remark...
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God's Wrath Against Sin

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;</strong><br><br>Having established God's righteousness revealed in the gospel (v. 17), Paul now contrasts it with God's wrath revealed against sin. <em>Apokaluptetai gar orgē theou ap' ouranou</em> (ἀποκαλύπτεται γὰρ ὀργὴ θεοῦ ἀπ' οὐρανοῦ, 'for the wrath o...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) As a preliminary stage to this revelation of justification and of faith, there is another, which is its opposite—a revelation and disclosure of divine wrath. The proof is seen in the present condition both of the Gentile and Jewish world. And first of the Gentile world, Romans 1:18-32. **Revealed.**—The revelation of righteousness is, while the Apostle writes, being made in the Person of Chri...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 26 Ac 26:1-32. Paul's Defense of Himself before King Agrippa, Who Pronounces Him Innocent, but Concludes That the Appeal to Cæsar Must Be Carried Out. This speech, though in substance the same as that from the fortress stairs of Jerusalem (Ac 22:1-29), differs from it in being less directed to meet the charge of apostasy from the Jewish faith, and giving more enlarged views of his remark...
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Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. in them: or, to them

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.</strong><br><br>Paul explains why suppression of truth is culpable: <em>dioti to gnōston tou theou phaneron estin en autois</em> (διότι τὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ θεοῦ φανερόν ἐστιν ἐν αὐτοῖς, 'because what may be known of God is manifest in them'). <em>To gnōston</em> (τὸ γνωστόν, what is knowable) indicates...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) The Apostle goes on to show how the Gentiles came to have such a knowledge of right, and how they repressed and contravened it. They had it, because all the knowledge that mankind generally possessed of God they also possessed. So much as could be known without special revelation they knew. **That which may be known.**—Rather, *that which is* (generally and universally) *known*—the truths of ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. from my youth, which was at the first ... at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; which knew me from the beginning--**plainly showing that he received his education, even from early youth, at Jerusalem. See on Ac 22:3.

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: so: or, that they may be

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:</strong><br><br>Paul elaborates on God's self-revelation through creation: <em>ta gar aorata autou apo ktiseōs kosmou tois poiēmasin nooumena kathoratai</em> (τὰ γὰρ ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ κτίσεως κόσμο...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) For, though there were parts of God’s being into which the eye could not penetrate, still they were easily to be inferred from the character of His visible creation, which bore throughout the stamp of Omnipotence and Divinity. **The invisible things of him.**—His invisible attributes, afterwards explained as “His eternal power and Godhead.” **Are clearly seen . . . by the things that are made...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. from my youth, which was at the first ... at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; which knew me from the beginning--**plainly showing that he received his education, even from early youth, at Jerusalem. See on Ac 22:3.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul traces the devolution from knowledge to idolatry. <em>Dioti gnontes ton theon ouch hōs theon edoxasan</em> (διότι γνόντες τὸν θεὸν οὐχ ὡς θεὸν ἐδόξασαν, 'because, although they knew God, they did not glorif...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) They knew enough of God to know that thanks and praise were due to Him; but neither of these did they offer. They put aside the natural instinct of adoration, and fell to speculations, which only led them farther and farther from the truth. The new knowledge of which they went in quest proved to be fiction; the old knowledge that they had was obscured and lost by their folly. Starting with tw...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-7. I ... am judged for the hope of the promise made ... to our fathers--**"for believing that the promise of Messiah, the Hope of the Church (Ac 13:32; 28:20) has been fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth risen from the dead."

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,</strong><br><br>The irony is stark: <em>phaskontes einai sophoi emōranthēsan</em> (φάσκοντες εἶναι σοφοὶ ἐμωράνθησαν, 'claiming to be wise, they became fools'). <em>Phaskontes</em> (φάσκω, claiming/professing) indicates self-assessment, not divine verdict. They esteemed themselves <em>sophoi</em> (σοφοί, wise)—philosophers, sages, cultur...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22, 23) Relying upon their own wisdom, they wandered further and further from true wisdom, falling into the contradiction of supposing that the eternal and immutable Essence of God could be represented by the perishable figures of man, or bird, or quadruped, or insect. (22) **They became fools.**—They *were made fools.* It is not merely that they expose their real folly, but that folly is itself ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-7. I ... am judged for the hope of the promise made ... to our fathers--**"for believing that the promise of Messiah, the Hope of the Church (Ac 13:32; 28:20) has been fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth risen from the dead."

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul describes the essence of idolatry: <em>kai ēllaxan tēn doxan tou aphthartou theou en homoiōmati eikonos phthartou anthrōpou kai peteinōn kai tetrapodōn kai herpetōn</em> (καὶ ἤλλαξαν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ ἀφθάρτου θεοῦ ἐν ὁμοιώματ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Into an** **image** **made like to.**—*For the* *likeness of the image of mortal man.* This anthropomorphism applies more especially to the religions of Greece and Rome. Representations of the Deity under the form of beasts were most common in Egypt. “Worship was universally paid to cattle, lions, cats, dogs, weasels, and otters; among the birds, to the sparrow-hawk, the hoopoe, the stork, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible ... that God should raise the dead?--**rather, "Why is it judged a thing incredible if God raises the dead?" the case being viewed as an accomplished fact. No one dared to call in question the overwhelming evidence of the resurrection of Jesus, which proclaimed Him to be the Christ, the Son of God; the only way of getting rid of it, therefore, was t...
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Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:</strong><br><br>Paul now details God's judicial response to idolatry: <em>dio paredōken autous ho theos en tais epithumiais tōn kardiōn autōn eis akatharsia</em> (διὸ παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς ἐν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τῶν καρδιῶν αὐτῶν εἰς ἀκαθαρσίαν, 'therefore G...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24-32) Hence they fell into a still lower depth; for, in anger at their perversion of the truth, God refrained from checking their downward course. He left them to follow their own evil bent. Their idolatry developed into shameless immorality and unnatural crimes. At last the extreme limit was reached. As they voluntarily forsook God, so He forsook them. They ran through the whole catalogue of si...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-15. (See on Ac 9:1, &amp;c.; and compare Ac 22:4, &amp;c.)

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. more: or, rather

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul reiterates the root of the problem: <em>hoitines metēllaxan tēn alētheian tou theou en tō pseudei</em> (οἵτινες μετήλλαξαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν τῷ ψεύδει, 'who exchanged the truth of God for the lie'). <em>Metēllaxan</em> (μετήλλαξαν...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Who changed the truth of God into a lie.**—They ceased to worship God as He is—in His own true essential nature, and worshipped false gods instead. The phrase “into a lie,” is literally, *with a lie,* the “lie” being regarded as the instrument by which the substitution is made. By “a lie” is meant here “false gods,” who are the supreme embodiment of falsehood. (Comp. Isaiah 44:20; Jeremiah ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-15. (See on Ac 9:1, &amp;c.; and compare Ac 22:4, &amp;c.)

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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:</strong><br><br>The second <em>paredōken</em> (παρέδωκεν, gave them over) intensifies the judgment: <em>dia touto paredōken autous ho theos eis pathē atimias</em> (διὰ τοῦτο παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς ὁ θεὸς εἰς πάθη ἀτιμίας, 'for this reason God gave them over to ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-15. (See on Ac 9:1, &amp;c.; and compare Ac 22:4, &amp;c.)

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul turns to male homosexuality: <em>homoiōs te kai hoi arsenes aphentes tēn physikēn chrēsin tēs thēleias exekauthēsan en tē orexei autōn eis allēlo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **In themselves**—*i.e.,* upon themselves, upon their own persons thus shamefully dishonoured. **That recompence of their error which was meet.**—The “error” is the turning from God to idols. The “recompence of the error” is seen in these unnatural excesses to which the heathen have been delivered up.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-15. (See on Ac 9:1, &amp;c.; and compare Ac 22:4, &amp;c.)

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; to retain: or, to acknowledge a reprobate: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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;</strong><br><br>The third <em>paredōken</em> (παρέδωκεν, gave them over) brings the climax: <em>kai kathōs ouk edokimasan ton theon echein en epignōsei, paredōken autous ho theos eis adokimon noun</em> (καὶ καθὼς οὐκ ἐδοκίμασαν τὸν θεὸν ἔχειν ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Even as.**—Rightly translated in the Authorised version: “as” is not here equivalent to “because,” but means rather, *just in like proportion as.* The degree of God’s punishment corresponded exactly to the degree of man’s deflection from God. **Did not like.**—There is a play upon words here with “reprobate” in the clause following which cannot be retained in English. “As they reprobated th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-15. (See on Ac 9:1, &amp;c.; and compare Ac 22:4, &amp;c.)

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,</strong><br><br>Paul catalogs vices resulting from a reprobate mind: <em>peplērōmenous pasē adikia ponēria pleonexia kakia</em> (πεπληρωμένους πάσῃ ἀδικίᾳ πονηρίᾳ πλεονεξίᾳ κακίᾳ, 'filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29, 30) **Whisperers, backbiters.**—In the Greek the idea of secresy is contained chiefly in the first of these words. “Secret backbiters and slanderers of every kind.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-15. (See on Ac 9:1, &amp;c.; and compare Ac 22:4, &amp;c.)

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,</strong><br><br>The vice list continues: <em>katalalous theostygeis hubristās hyperēphanous alazonas</em> (καταλάλους θεοστυγεῖς ὑβριστὰς ὑπερηφάνους ἀλαζόνας, 'backbiters, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful'). <em>Katalalous</em> (κατάλαλος, backbiters/slanderers) are public ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Haters of God.**—Rather, perhaps, *hated by God.* There seem to be no examples of the active sense. The Apostle apparently throws in one emphatic word summing up the catalogue as far as it has gone; he then resumes with a new class of sins. Hitherto he has spoken chiefly of sins of malice, now he turns to sins of pride. **Despiteful, proud, boasters.**—The three words correspond to the dist...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9-15. (See on Ac 9:1, &amp;c.; and compare Ac 22:4, &amp;c.)

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: without natural: or unsociable

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:</strong><br><br>Paul concludes the vice list: <em>asynētous asynthetous astorgous anelēmonas</em> (ἀσυνέτους ἀσυνθέτους ἀστόργους ἀνελεήμονας, 'without understanding, faithless, heartless, ruthless'). <em>Asynētous</em> (ἀσύνετος, without understanding) echoes verse 21—moral stupidity resulting from...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **Without understanding**—*i.e.,* without moral or spiritual understanding; incapable of discriminating between right and wrong, expedient and inexpedient. St. Paul prays that the Colossians may possess this faculty (Colossians 1:9). **Without natural affection.**—The affection founded upon natural relationship—*e.g.,* between parent and child, husband and wife, brother and sister. In illustr...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-18. But rise, &amp;c.--**Here the apostle appears to condense into one statement various sayings of his Lord to him in visions at different times, in order to present at one view the grandeur of the commission with which his Master had clothed him [Alford]. **a minister ... both of these things which thou hast seen--**putting him on a footing with those "eye-witnesses and ministers of the w...
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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. have: or, consent with

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Paul concludes the indictment with shocking escalation: <em>hoitines to dikaiōma tou theou epignontes</em> (οἵτινες τὸ δικαίωμα τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπιγνόντες, 'who, knowing the righteous decree of God'). <em>Dikaiōma</em> (δικαίωμα, ri...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **Knowing.**—Again the word for “full or thorough knowledge.” With full knowledge of the sentence of eternal death which is in store for them. They show that it is no mere momentary yielding to the force of temptation or of passion, but a radical perversion of conscience and reason, by the fact that they not only practise such things themselves, but in cold blood commend and applaud those who...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-18. But rise, &amp;c.--**Here the apostle appears to condense into one statement various sayings of his Lord to him in visions at different times, in order to present at one view the grandeur of the commission with which his Master had clothed him [Alford]. **a minister ... both of these things which thou hast seen--**putting him on a footing with those "eye-witnesses and ministers of the w...
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