Paul and Rome
Paul wrote Romans from Corinth, at the close of his third missionary journey. He was preparing to take a love offering from Macedonia to the poor believers in Jerusalem. He was at Philippi during the Feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread, and wanted to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost. He expected opposition when he got there, and specifically asked for prayer to be delivered from the unbelieving Jews, Rom. 15:31.
At this point he fully intended to go visit Rome. There were many Jews in Rome, and Jews who had been at Pentecost probably started the several churches there. Paul tried to open up new territory, but since Rome already had active churches, he wanted to be sure they were well grounded. This is why he presented the Gospel so thoroughly; made it clear that it was for Jews and Gentiles alike, and encouraged proper relationship of believers. His intention was to visit Rome, encourage the church and move quickly on to Spain
Paul was warned by several believers, and possibly by revelation to himself, that he would be bound at Jerusalem, but he felt compelled to go, even if he had to die there. He did not expect imminent death, because God had told him he would minister to kings, but he had not expected all this to be as a prisoner
Failure to be vindicated in Judea as he should have been was not a neglect by God, but an opportunity for Paul to give the word to Felix, Festus, King Agrippa, Bernice, and many Roman soldiers and officials. On the way he was able to witness to the ruler of the Island of Melita, and many others along the way.
In Rome Paul was able to witness to many unbelievers and believers. At last he was able to witness to the head of Rome, Caesar. In addition to Paul witnessing in prison, God enabled him to write epistles to several of the churches, well as to individuals.
Paul’s imprisonment in Judea had delayed his going to Rome, and his imprisonment there prevented him going to Spain at that time. It is uncertain whether or not he was released and got to visit Spain before a second imprisonment.
Romans 01
Romans was written from Corinth about 57 AD in Paul’s third missionary journey. It was not to an individual church because there were probably several there. It is to both Jews and Gentiles, but probably the majority was Gentile. The gospel was no doubt first carried by some who became believers at Pentecost, but many were also Paul’s converts from other places he had been.
v1. At time Rome is the largest city in the world, up to 4 million. Paul wrote the epistle to the Romans during his third visit to Corinth. Probably took the occasion to write so he could send it by Phoebe, 16:1, who was on her way from Cenchrea to Rome. He considers himself first of all, a servant belonging to Christ, secondarily his call to be an apostle. In this capacity he was separated, or set apart to tell the good news of salvation which God provided.
v2. This was proclaimed in advance by prophets and others of the O.T.
v3. The good news is about God’s Son, who through David’s descendant, Mary, He was born as a man.
v4. But He was still the Son of God, as proven by His resurrection from the dead which was by the power of the Holy Spirit.
v5. In his apostleship Paul was obedient in taking the gospel to all surrounding nations, even though the Jews were like Jonah in wanting to neglect the Gentiles.
v6,7. God loves everyone but only believers are beloved. Since this is not addressed to an individual church, it is to both Jewish and Gentile believers in all of Rome. They were not called to become saints but are saints by belief in Christ. This is a common Christian greeting with Grace meaning greeting, and peace (Jewish shalom), or wishes of prosperity, health and success. Peace through Christ.
v8. Paul follows his advice to in all things give thanks. Here it is because these people at the crossroads of the Roman world have a faith that is recognized every where in the known world.
v9. We sometimes promise to pray for someone and we do - for a few days or weeks. But Paul has them constantly in his prayerful concern.
v10-12. Even from Corinth he is praying that it may be God’s will for him to go there,not expecting to go as a prisoner at that time. This group started, possibly from travelers who had been saved at Pentecost. They had great faith but needed someone to get them established in all the doctrines. This fellowship would be a mutual blessing to them as well as Paul.
v13. So far God had not opened the door for Paul to go there in spite of his great desire to see the fruit of his missionary work there as in so many Gentile cities.
v14,15. Any one not a Greek was considered barbarian, not crude and primitive, but simply foreigners. He was not concerned about cultural or intelligence levels, he just felt he was a obligated and ready to preach the gospel wherever there was opportunity. He wanted to give, not see how much he could get out of life. He was a debtor, ready and unashamed.
v16. If we are any place where we are ashamed of the gospel, we should either be telling it or we shouldn’t be there. Here we might consider the three tenses of salvation. 1, We are saved from the guilt and penalty of sin. 2, We are being saved from the habit and dominion of sin. 3, We will be saved at Christ’s return from the presence and results of sin. The Jews were called to evangelize the world but they rejected salvation, so God is now using Gentiles. In the Tribulation this responsibility goes back to the Jews to reach the Gentiles.
v17. This stand by Martin Luther first came from Hab. 2:4, and is vital yet today. We are saved by faith and must live by faith. This shows (1) the righteousness of God
v18. (2)The wrath of God is not personal anger but His judicial attitude toward sin. Ex 34:14 tells us He is a jealous God, and 20:5 places it right in the midst of warning about other gods, and to break this commandment breaks His heart. To look around is to see there is a supreme creator. It is revealed in our consciences (till they are seared) and in the Word, which tells of the sacrifice of Christ, judged in our place. The down and out and the apparent upright are both unrighteous. These men and those in v 23 know the truth but try t0 smother it by changing it to evolution etc.
v19,20. God is and His power is shown in nature and His Word. Gen. 1:1; Ps. 14:1; 19:1; Jn. 1:1. Everyone is without excuse, if heathen truly call upon God He sends a missionary to tell the Word.
v21-23. Men must have an object of worship, so if they glorify not God, their hearts become darkened and they foolishly turn to idols of a. corruptible man b. birds c. four footed beasts d. creeping things.
v24. The Holy Spirit can help believers to resist sin, but those who love sin, God gives them up to live in their corruption. This verse begins the subject of sexual evil.
v25. By exchanging the truth for a lie, people begin to worship the things created instead of the God who created them.
v26,27. This is one of many Scriptural condemnations of homosexuality and is fitting for the culture of today where people flaunt that which is shameful.
v28-31. As in v 24, God turns this corrupt list over to their depraved minds. Notice that envy, gossip, pride and disobedience to parents are listed right along with murderers and the sexually immoral - that’s scary. One without natural affection may put their new baby in a garbage bag and throw in the dumpster, where does the abortionist fit in here?
v32. Some commit evil while others enjoy their filthy talk, their pornography and R rated movies. Believers need to be careful not to enjoy these things either. What about believers voting for gay rights, gambling, abortion etc.? At the end of World War 2 there was plenty of immorality over seas but not too many perverted types. I would never have supposed I would see the day when our president would be a sexual pervert while in office. I would much less have supposed that the American people would support him in his corrupt morals and condemn the man who exposed them.
Man’s downward plunge in this chapter could be illustrated by stair steps:
Rejects Revelation v 18-20
Becomes Foolish v 21-23
Body Debased v 24-27
Mind Depraved v 28-32
Romans 02
v1. These moralists are not condemned by Paul for judging sin, but for doing the same things they were judging in others.
v2. God judges these things with righteous unbiased judgment.
v3. The Jews felt that God would not judge them according to their real merits but according to their favored position as Jews, but they will be judged same as Gentiles.
v4. Because God mercifully delays judgment to give time for repentance does not mean He will not judge in due time.
v5. We can choose between the treasures of God’s mercy and pardon or the accumulated treasure of His wrath.
v6-11. These verses do not tell how to be saved, but show the character of those who are saved and those who are lost. God’s standard is perfection, so no matter how “good” or whether Jew or Gentile, all must be saved by faith. Obedience to the law is a test of faith to some extent.
12,13. Those who sinned without law were Gentiles and those who sinned in law were Jews. Both are condemned, but those who have had knowledge are held to a greater degree of accountability due to their lack of obedience.
v14,15. God gave all men a conscience so that unless they have dulled their conscience, they know to conduct themselves according to what is in the law. If their conscience either accuses them or makes excuse, it still shows their sin.
v16. This goes back before the parenthesis to verse 12. Christ will judge even the secret thoughts of the heart and whether it was true faith, not just what our actions have been according to the law or our conscience. We see we are judged:
According to Truth v 1
According to Works v 6
According to Opportunity v 12
According to The Gospel v16
v17-20. Many Jews thought that to be born a Jew meant they were God’s elect and there could be no salvation out of rites and sacrifices. Like some church members of today they are self satisfied and bigoted.
v21-24. Their money lenders were considered thieves by others. Adultery was common among many of them and they had actually become sacrilegious.
v25-29. Many of the Jews had neglected faith in God and had placed their faith in circumcision for their salvation. Circumcision was only to symbolize their dedication to God, so if an uncircumcised person was dedicated to God, he was better in God’s sight than one who is circumcised. The same applies today, church membership, baptism etc. do not save, only faith in the redeeming work of Christ. Outward show may win the praise of men, but God only looks at what is in the heart. 1 Sam. 16:7.
Romans 03
v1. Occasionally a foreign ambassador to the United States or their children will violate our law and be released for diplomatic immunity. Some of the Jews felt they had a sort of diplomatic immunity before God as children of Abraham. The first question here deals with the issues raised in Rom. 2:17-24 and the second question with verses 25-29.
v2. It was an immense privilege to be entrusted with the Scriptures. Whereas the Gentiles had only nature and conscience to enlighten them, the Jews had the very revelation of God. It has been said the pagan had the witness of creation, the moralist had the witness of conscience, but the Jew had the witness of Scripture. The Jews however failed to use the oracles as they should. Likewise, why have a road map if we don’t use it, or why have the Bible and gospel if we don’t use them.
v3,4. If some Jews did not have faith, (or better translation were unfaithful) did that nullify the faithfulness of God? Absolutely not, even if all men were liars, Ps. 116:11. Paul quotes from Ps. 51:4.
v5-8. In 5a and 7a Paul indicates to what Jews were questioning about his teaching, “if our wickedness advertises and magnifies God’s integrity, why don’t we do evil so that His righteousness will be all the more apparent? The answer of course is absolutely not, evil only results in more evil. (This could be illustrated by a person stealing money to pay a fine for his wrong doing.)God is right in judging Jews or He could not rightly judge Gentiles or any of the world. It was a false accusation that Paul taught that, and he agreed such teaching would be wrong.
v9. While the Jews had advantages, they are not better off than Gentiles because all are under sin.
v10-18. These verses are a comprehensive indictment of the entire human race. Verse 10 is a vital truth in leading souls to Christ. Years ago I talked with a neighbor who declared, “But I’ve never sinned.” People must know that in spite of their attempts to be good, they are not good enough to merit salvation, and the following verses reveal their true condition. v13, as a doctor looks in the mouth to determine other ailments, our mouths show the condition of our hearts, Matt 15:18. Whether in the home, classroom or street, problems are compounded when people have no reverential fear of God.
There are 14 charges against both Jews and Gentiles in v 10-18. 1 There is none righteous 2 There is none that understands 3 None that seeks after God 4 They are all gone out of the way 5 They are together become unprofitable 6 There is none that does good 7 Their throat is an open sepulcher 8 With their tongues they used deceit 9 The poison of asps is under their lips 10 Mouth is full of cursing and bitterness 11 Their feet are swift to shed blood 12 Destruction and misery are in their way 13 Way of peace they haven't known 14 No fear of God before their eyes.
v19. Verse 10 was a quote from Ps. 14:2; v13 from Ps 5:9 & 140:3; v14 from Ps. 10:7; v17 from Isa. 59:7,8; and v18 from Ps. 36:1.
v20. No one can keep the Law, it just shows us where we sin, a mirror of our lives or school master to show us we need a Savior, Gal. 3:24. (A schoolmaster was a very strict trusted slave who was the totalitarian guardian and guide of sons of the well to do. To illustrate how the law gives the knowledge of sin so that we can recognize our guilt, a pastor put a smudge on his daughter’s face, then gave her a mirror at the service. The mirror showed her what she did not know about herself. Another put a mirror in an empty coffin so as people looked in they could see themselves dead in sin.
v21. An important “But now”. What we can’t do for ourselves, God does for us. The righteousness of God is not something new, but has been preached by the old prophets, Acts 10:43,illustrated in Jer. 23:5,6. Many times throughout the N. T. the term “law and prophets” refers to the entire O. T. see Acts 13:15; 24:12 etc..
v22-26. What is sin? v23
1 Jn. 3:4,5 Sin is the transgression of the law
1 Jn. 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin
James 2:10 Keep the law but offend in one point
Matt. 22:37,38 Must love the Lord with all the heart, soul and mind
Righteousness of God v21, is all that God demands and approves. God’s requirement is that everyone be completely righteous, which is an impossibility because everyone without exception has sinned. The death of Christ was the answer to the problem “How can God declare sinful men to be righteous and yet remain righteous Himself?” God did not pass over sins but dealt with them by providing Christ to be our substitute. Animal sacrifices of the O. T. looked forward in faith to the death of Christ, just as we look back in faith to His atoning sacrifice. A simple slogan for justified v24, is “Just as if I’d never sinned”, but that is not totally correct. Sin may have left it’s mark in many ways. It is better to understand it as a judicial act whereby God has declared and treats us as just or righteous because of our faith in Christ and His work on the cross. Christ’s righteousness is imputed, (assigned, reckoned or credited) to our account.) Justification is in v20, not by deeds of the flesh; v24, freely by grace; v26 to those who believe in Jesus; v28, by faith without the deeds of the law.
I have read that “set forth” v25, in Greek were words to describe the exposure of dead bodies or bones. When God “set forth” Christ, He exposed Him on the cross to atone for our sins. Redemption v24, means to deliver by paying a price. As a slave was bought in the market place, men are slaves, sold under sin, and are bought out by the price of the blood of Christ. We are removed from further sale and set free in the finality of our redemption. Propitiation v25, means to appease or atone. This does not mean placating a vengeful God, but satisfying the righteous demands of a Holy God. God was not showing how good and merciful He was but how just He was.
V27,28. No matter how perfect we try to be, we can not boast of our good deeds. We are only justified by faith, which is totally apart from the deeds of the law. We can not even boast of our faith which is the gift of God, Eph. 2:8,9. We simply take God at His word.
v29,30. The Jews Paul was addressing believed there is only one God. So that meant one God would be the God for all the human race. Therefore He would be the God of both Jews and Gentiles. This truth was hard for Jonah to swallow too.
v31. The law was established when a violator paid the penalty for disobedience, for instance he was stoned for picking up sticks on the Sabbath. Faith does not set this aside, because Christ established it when He went to the cross and took the penalty in our place.
Romans 04
v1-5. In 3:28 Paul stated that we are justified by faith, but the question arises, what about Abraham? The wise answer, v3, is “What does the Scripture say about it?” Abraham lived centuries before the law was given to Moses, but even then justification was by faith. Faith is taking God at His word. He might boast of his works before men, but not before God. Twelve times in chapters 4 & 5 some form of the word impute, reckon, or put to account occurs. Faith justifies the ungodly and counts them to be righteous. If one is rewarded for their works it is an obligation or debt owed them. Justification is not a debt God owes us but a gift he gives us because of our faith. We can neither work to gain or to keep our salvation.
v6-8. Here are three aspects of forgiveness.
1, We are not made righteous, but we are treated as righteous because Christ’s righteousness is placed to our account, v6.
2, Our iniquities are forgiven and our sins are covered v7.
3, God will not charge sin against us, all our sins have been laid on Christ, v8.
Our sins have been placed upon Christ, His righteousness was placed on us.
v9-12. Justification is not through ordinances. The heir apparent to a throne does not become a prince because of the royal advantages he has, it is because of his birth that he is named royalty. We are not Christians because we have the Word of God, the Holy Spirit and have the ceremonies of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We are Christians because we are born into Gods family through faith. Abraham is the father of the Jewish race, but the spiritual father of all who believe, and only of believers. v 12 rekates back to 2:19-23, the universality of sin. Sin, a universal curse, is man’s nature. Sins are the manifestation of that nature.
v13-15. “Heir to the world is a summary of blessings God promised to Abraham and his descendants. The Messianic Kingdom will be for all his spiritual children. If the blessing is based upon the law, then first, faith is void. Secondly, the law is made of no effect because men cannot keep the law.
v16. Two factors have a part in justification. Grace, God’s part, and faith, man’s part. Through faith all are eligible outside of the law.
v17. God called him the father of many nations as though it was already an accomplished fact.
v18-22. Abraham accepted God at His word and believed the impossible would take place simply on the basis of God’s promise. This faith God put to his account as righteousness.
v23-25. The record of Abraham’s faith is not merely for a biographical sketch of that man. It is to show that the promises are also for all who believe. It was because of our offenses that Christ died. His resurrection is proof that our sins are gone and we have been justified. v 25 ‘For” better translated “on account of”.
Romans 05
v1. Verses 1-11 show the results of justification. The first is, we have peace with God. Through temptations of the flesh we may not have the peace of God, but every believer has peace with God because Christ has made peace through the blood of His cross, Col. 1:20. Real peace in the things of this world.
v2. Some places require a certain type of dress before being allowed entrance. By justification which is through faith in Christ we have direct undeserved access to the very throne of God and confident expectation of sharing the glory of God.
v3-5. Justification changes our relationship to God and that changes everything else. Our attitude toward tribulation is changed, and produces patience, experience or character and a hope that is secure in the abundant love of God. Be victorious.
v6-8. The world had exhausted all efforts of man to save himself, so in due time, or at the proper time, Christ came to die to save them. On occasion a person may choose to die for one they love, but God’s love for sinners was such that Christ died for his enemies.
v9,10. The Christ who saved us from Hell as enemies by His death, will, by His resurrected life, keep us as friends, bringing us into full conformity to Him.
v11. Drastic events or deaths sometimes bring about reconciliation between opposing family members or friends. It took the death of Christ to reconcile us to God.
v12. Some say sin entered the universe at the fall of Satan, but sin entered the world at the fall of Adam. Others take this to be simultaneous, because sin brought death, and there was no death till Adam sinned. That day Adam died a spiritual death and began the slow process of dying a physical death. Through the sin of Adam a universal sin nature passed to all his descendants, the result being that we also sin individually.
v13,14. Till the law was given, men could not be charged with breaking a specific law, but the fact that they died showed they were under the curse of sin. Their actions proved their own sins, and faith was shown by their blood sacrifices.
v15-21. This is a series of great contrast between:
Condemnation Justification.
Beginning From one, First Adam From one,Second Adam
To All All (by faith)
Cause Disobedience, Trespass Obedience, Grace
Nature Judgment deserved Free gift undeserved
Quantity Abounded Abounds much more
Result Sin, Death Righteousness, Eternal Life
Verse 20 reminds us of the question in Rom. 3:8 of doing evil that good may come. It is just as foolish to deliberately sin more so there can be more of God’s grace. This merely shows that the law brought awareness of sin. No sin is too great, God’s grace is sufficient to cover that sin. See the question raised in 6:1.
Righteous-------right, just, justified by God
Justified---------declared righteous by God through faith in Christ
Redemption-----buy back by paying a price (As bought out of the slave market of sin)
Propitiation-----Not appease an angry God.(Not simply overlook sin) but atone, and satisfy His righteousness.
Impute-----------Reckon or put to one’s account ---Faith was put to Abraham’s account as righteousness. Forgiven sins won’t be imputed to ours.
Sin---------------See comments on 3:23
Romans 06
The Christian’s relationship to sin as seen in this chapter:
A. Dead to sin , 6:11-13
B. Victorious over sin, 6:14
C. Slave to sin in the past, 6:16-17
D. Freed from sin in the present, 6:18-23
These seemingly glib statements of being dead and free from sin causes us as struggling Christians to protest, “Then why do I find myself sinning again and again?” Part of the answer is in understanding that death, whether physical or spiritual, means separation, not extinction. Death to sin is separation from sin’s power, not the extinction of sin. We have been set free from it, but we may still choose to serve it.
v1,2. The absurdity of sinning more so there can be more grace of forgiveness. To say I must sin denies basic truth, Rom. 6:14. To say I cannot sin deceives myself, 1 John 1:8. To say I need not sin is to realize we are dead to sin, Rom. 6:2.
v3-5. What is spoken of here is the baptism by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. Water baptism is a picture or symbol of the baptism by the Holy Spirit into the death of Christ which already took place when we were saved. We were united with Him in both the death and resurrection. Those baptized by sprinkling or pouring may sincerely feel that they have followed the command to be baptized and we respect their feelings, but being immersed and coming up out of the water is the only way that the death, burial and resurrection can truly be pictured.
v6. Old man-- the corrupt human nature, the inborn tendency to evil left by Adam. Is Crucified -- was crucified; Destroyed -- rendered inoperative; Is dead -- has died. Positionally, God considers the old man crucified. It died with Christ on the cross when we were united with him. It is up to the believer to make this good in experience by putting off the old man and putting on the new, Col. 3:8-14.
v7-10. We are dead to sin, freed from sin, delivered from it’s rule, but sin is very definitely not dead to us. When Christ was raised from the dead he was victorious over death and lives unto God. Christ died unto sin once, eliminating the doctrine and practice of perpetual sacrifice of Christ in the Roman Catholic Mass. Being united to Him, our response should be as in v.11-13.
v11. We are to rely upon the fact that negatively we are dead to sin and positively we are alive to Christ. I can recall as a child unexpectedly stepping on a huge bull snake. I felt like I jumped about waist high before I realized it was dead. It affected me just as if it was alive. We are dead to sin and should account it to be so. For dead to sin we might say dead to self. An illustration has been given of the captain on a ship became very ill, and was replaced by the first mate. We don’t have to obey the old captain, although he is still on the ship.
v12. This is an imperative,“Don’t continue to let sin reign as it did before salvation.” We are to actively resist sin, otherwise it will still reign over our desires.
v13. We must stop yielding to sin, using our faculties as weapons against righteousness. Instead we must present ourselves to God, using our weapons against sin and for doing right.
v14. Under the law every sin would be laid to our account and sin would be our master, because God requires perfect obedience.
v15-18. Being under grace instead of law does not give us license to sin, not even now and then as some like to do. We were servants of sin, but being freed from that, we are now servants of righteousness. We may do as we like, but we have a choice, our desire should be to do what Christ wants.
v19-22. When we yielded ourselves to be servants to uncleanness and iniquity, that led to more iniquity and it produced the fruit of death. When we yield ourselves to be servants of righteousness and God, that leads to holiness and produces the fruit of holiness and everlasting life. We can sin whenever we want to, but if we are living for the Lord, we won’t want to sin.
v23. Summarized, when we work for sin we get wages, death, eternal separation from God in hell. In contrast God offers a free gift, eternal life through Christ.
“Know” v 3, 6, 9, 16. In chapter 6 victory is achieved by knowing. In chapter 7 it is achieved by failure.
07 Romans
v 1-3. In chapter six we were to account ourselves dead to sin. In this chapter we have death as it affects a marriage relationship. This is an important truth, that in God’s plan, a woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if he dies she is free to remarry. For her to remarry while he lives places her as an adulteress in God’s sight. Likewise, we feel great compassion for a man whose wife has divorced him and left him with children to raise, and for him to remarry would seem to be such a help to the children, but again, if his wife still lives, this would make him an adulterer. That is not a painful, critical judgment on our part, that is a quote from God’s Word.
v4-6. The key impact of these verses is not a lesson on marriage, but to show how a proper marriage relationship is an illustration of our marriage to Christ. By her husband’s death a woman ceases to be a wife, but she remains a woman. She has become dead to the law which bound her to her husband, and her death to the law was brought about by her husband’s death. Death terminates a marriage relationship, and death, in this case our death with Christ, ends our relationship to the law. The law is never binding on the dead. The purpose behind our death to the law is to make a marriage relationship with Christ possible for us. Now we should bring forth fruit to God, not fruit to evil and death. The law required us to serve in every minute detail, now we are free to serve Christ out of love.
v7,8. Paul again uses the method of asking a question, then answering it emphatically. Of course the law cannot justify, but that does not make it sin. It simply reveals what sin is. Neither does the law increase our desire to do what is wrong, but reveals or makes those desires apparent.
v9-14. Paul now begins to speak of his own personal experience. Paul once considered himself blameless concerning the law and lived with all good conscience, Acts 23:1. After conversion he had a better insight and recognized the law as condemning him to death. He saw the law as holy, just, good, and spiritual, and instead of having kept it, he was condemned by it. What he had not considered sin now became exceedingly sinful to him. From time to time Paul uses three terms:
Carnal - Fleshly, the Adamic nature and the believer who lives under it’s power.
Natural - The unrenewed man.
Spiritual - The renewed man living in the Spirit.
v15-25. These verses express the conflict raging within Paul which we too as believers many times experience. They are not just an autobiography, but because we too have the conflicts. We want to do what is right, but find ourselves doing things we know we ought not. Likewise, many things we know we ought to do, we find ourselves neglecting or even doing the opposite. He and we are trying to justify ourselves by our own actions, our own flesh. (v 24 Deliver from this death refers to Roman custom of tying a dead man to the back of his killer until he rots away and falls off.) Deliverance and victory over this dilemma is only through being yielded to Christ. To try to suppress our old nature is hopeless legalism. To think that sin is eradicated is unrealistic, because if it was, we couldn’t sin if we wanted to. In chapter six we saw that God considers us positionally dead to sin, so we need to accept it by faith as an experiential reality.
Romans 08
V1. The last 10 words are not in the best manuscripts and appear properly in v4 only. However they are true, as in v4. This has to do with the power of sin or we would be under constant condemnation for daily sins.
v2-4. The law of gravity causes an object to fall to earth, but we can raise are arm because a stronger law is put into effect. So the law of sin that produces evil in our members is not set aside, but a new law, the power of the Holy Spirit is more powerful and makes holy living possible.
Three laws mentioned are Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus; Law of sin and death; Law (10 commandments and Moses).
Six titles applied to the Holy Spirit: v2 Spirit of Life, v4 Spirit, v9 Spirit of God, v9 Spirit of Christ, v11 Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, v11 Spirit that dwells in you, v15 Spirit of adoption.
Nine things the Holy Spirit does for believers: v2 Makes free from the law of sin and death, v9 Dwells in us, v11 Dwells in you, v11 Quickens your mortal bodies, 13-16 Mortifies deeds of the flesh, 13-16 Leads us, 13-16 Bears witness that we are the children of God, v27 Makes intercession for us, v27 & that according to the will of God.
v5-8. A spiritual man refuses the desires and dictates of the flesh nature. The carnal Christian has the resource of the Holy Spirit but is dominated by the mind of the flesh (Prov. 23:7) Unsaved people are living in the flesh and cannot please God.
v9-11. We receive the Spirit when we are saved, so if we don’t we are still lost. This does not mean we must talk in tongues or even at all times act in the Spirit. Even our bodies will receive new life and be resurrected by the Holy Spirit.
v12-13. We owe the flesh nature nothing but the Spirit much. As an athlete trains relentlessly, the more we follow the things of the Spirit we become stronger spiritually.
v14-16. We are born into a family and are children, but as we mature we want to be called adult son or daughters, not a mere child. In Rome a child was under tutors and was not classed as a son until they were of age. The ceremony at this time was called an adoption,”placing one as son”. When we are saved we become children of God, but at the same time we receive the adoption of sons. All the blessings and advantages of son ship is ours if we only take advantage of them. Many people witness of their own spirit that they are good. The Holy Spirit witnesses with our spirit in conformity with the Word of God that we are children of God. We should be as conscious of this as of our own parents. Verse 14 speaks of maturity, 16, salvation.
v17,18. As sons of God we are joint heirs with Christ, the Son of God. Not all the privileges of this are right now, but we are like the son of a company owner. He may be willing to work for a pittance with other workers because he knows some day the company will all be his. However in many parts of the world there are those suffering great persecution until that day comes. Muslim terrorists look forward to having 72 virgins in heaven after they die. All believers look forward to being joint heirs reigning with Christ.
19-22. In Gen. 1:17 the ground was cursed for man’s sake, resulting in some of the waste land and chaotic upheavals of the earth. It is waiting for the new heaven and the new earth mentioned in Isa. 65 and Rev. 21.
v26,27. Sometimes we don’t know how to pray in a situation and we are a like a baby in a crib. To make our wishes known all we can do is cry. Here the Holy Spirit, the one called along to help, intercedes for us.
v28. This is a certainty. Sometimes it may seem that things are going drastically haywire, but in God’s plan or permission, eventual good will result. Till that time, we may not see it, just have the confidence to accept it.
v29,30. Five important things in these verses.
1 Foreknow- He knew beforehand, before the foundation of the earth. 1 Pet. 1-20.
2 Predestinate- God decreed from eternity - believers would become like Christ.
3. Called- Urgently by God to eternal salvation or to discharge a duty
4. Justified- Declared or pronounced us righteous (by faith in Christ).
5. Glorified- Held in honor or made glorious.
These were all in the past tense that God has done for a believer, glorified stated as in the past because it is as sure as if it had already happened.
v31,32. Many time we see God’s deliverance from difficult situations and claim that promise. Missionaries murdered or held hostage for years may certainly feel that there are those against them, but ultimately God’s purpose will be fulfilled, victorious. As God delivered Christ, he will do so for us in His time.
v33. Will God accuse us, His elect.? Certainly not because he has justified us.
v34. Will Christ who died for us condemn us? Certainly not, see 8:1. In fact in His present position at the right hand of God, He makes intercession for us. Four things He has done for us: Died; Rose again; Ascended to the right hand of God; Intercedes.
v35-39. A final question is raised. This may be “What” as in some translations which follow with the various things, or “Who” as in the KJV. That is, can Satan, who uses all the trials listed? We can be more than conquerors and turn these things to advantage in serving the Lord. Whether we do or not, we are secure in our eternal salvation with nothing whatsoever being able to separate us from God. See a similar promise in John 10:28,29.
Some doctrines and vital truths in this chapter:
v1. No condemnation for believers
v9. We receive the Holy Spirit at the time we are saved
v11. Trinity. Christ- Son; his- Father; Spirit- Holy Spirit
v23-25. We have first fruits, or only the beginning part of the blessings of the Spirit now, but we eagerly anticipate the Rapture, the redemption of our bodies. Persecuted believers and older ones think of this great alternative to suffering or a nursing home.
v15. We are adopted as mature sons of God
v23. The Rapture, when that adoption is complete
v26. Intercession of Holy Spirit
v28. God’s omniscience, He knows what is best for us
v30. Foreknowledge, Predestination, Calling, Justification, Glorification
V34. Christ intercedes for us
v38,39. Eternal Security
Romans 09
v1-3. Chapter 9 is dealing with Jews. His great concern is the salvation of Israel, his fellow kinsmen. We have seen how the Jewish system did not love him. He “could wish”, but knows it is no more possible than for Moses to be cursed. Ex. 32:31,32.
v4,5. The Jews enjoyed eight advantages over the Gentiles:
The adoption - their nation was chosen to be God’s family.
The glory - honor; the Shekinah glory of God’s present as in the pillar of fire etc.
The giving of the law - various Old Testament commands from God.
The covenants - Abrahamic, Gen. 12:2; Mosaic Ex. 19:5; Palestinian Dt.. 30;3 Davidic 2 Sam. 7:16. See Schofield notes. God’s compacts with Israel.
The service of God - worship. The ceremonial rituals of the temple & Tabernacle.
The promises - the various blessings allowed to Israel;
The fathers - the Patriarchs
In the Flesh Christ came - the race through which Christ came.
v6-9. It is possible to be a descendant of Abraham without being a spiritual heir, (Most, but not all Arabs are his descendants). Isaac was the son of promise. Only those Jews with true faith of Abraham are the spiritual heirs. Likewise, we may have professors in churches that are not in the True Church. v10-13. Here is the difficult doctrine of election. God in his wisdom and mercy has made a choice before they were born and had no chance to do good or evil. It is not that God simply foresaw the potential for faith, which He did. It is just His choice and we should be content with what we do not understand. That Esau was hated only means he was loved or blessed less, and that was a quote from Mal. 1:2,3. But we have John 3:16 that God’s love is there for all who believe in Christ. No one is elected to be lost.
v14-16. Then was God unfair? As before, Paul answers his own question with a resounding, “God forbid.” None of these favors are deserved, God extends mercy. Only God makes the choice of what he will or will not do, Ex. 33:19.. We will understand later. 1 Cor. 13:12.
v17. God raised up rebellious Pharaoh in prominence to show His own power and that His name might be declared throughout the world.
v19,20,21 It is as ridiculous to criticize God for what He has done as it is for clay to criticize the potter for how it is shaped. We cannot understand Gods ways, see Isa. 55:8,9;Rom. 8:7; 11:33-36; 1 Cor. 2:14. It is His mercy that we are not consumed. Many times parents give gifts we may not desire, but they know what is best for us.
v23,24. Though Israel is God’s special people, He has called we Gentiles too.
v25,26 Hosea was referring to the wicked ten northern tribes who had become as alien as Gentiles, but both could receive son ship in God’s family.
v27-29. Paul refers to Isaiah’s prediction that though Israel might be innumerable, only a remnant would be saved. Other wise they would have all been destroyed as Sodom and Gomorra. “Lord of Sabaoth” is Lord of heavenly armies.
v30-31. The Gentiles were saved because of the righteousness which is by faith. The Jews had sought righteousness by works of the law instead of faith.
v32,33. Christ is that stumbling stone over whom many fall. 1 Pet. 2:4-10.
Romans 10
v.1 Though Paul was sent to the Gentiles, his overwhelming desire was that his own people, the Jews, would be saved. He backed this up with prayer.
v.2-4 The Jews had zeal for God, but were relying on their own righteousness instead of the righteousness that can only come through Christ, who fulfilled the law.
v.5-8 The appearance was that Moses taught a form of righteousness different from what Paul taught, but justification is always through faith. Man can not be perfect enough. Paul quotes from Deut. 30:11-14. The Jews looked for the Messiah and wished someone could go above or below to bring Him, but that is not necessary, H has been incarnated, dead and resurrected. That us to word Paul preached and leads to the following verses.
v 9-13 Before either Jew or Gentile can be saved, they must confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead. This is not mere knowledge of the Word and mental assent, but appropriating it to ourselves. The confessing is not mere professing, but as in Ps. 1116:10, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” This is the key to the “Romans’ Road” of soul winning. Any one who believes and calls upon God for salvation will be saved. They need to confess for their own strengthening as well as to witness.
v.14-17 Jews thought they had a monopoly on God and objected to preaching to Gentiles. Similar to Jonah. This objection is simply over ruled. They can’t call on God if they don’t believe. They can’t believe if they haven’t heard. Heard means hearkened to it. They can’t hear unless someone tells them. No one will tell them unless they are sent (whether someone sent as a missionary, or just some individual by leading of Holy Spirit, or someone gives them the Word and they read it.) In any event, faith can only come from the Word of God. The feet of the messenger who leads one to the Lord are, figuratively speaking, more beautiful than the best architecture or stained glass windows.
v.18-21 The Jews had the Word and were to be the missionaries. They consistently disobeyed and made God jealous by their turning from Him, so God turned to the Gentiles to reach the world and make the Jews jealous (Deut. 32:21 and Isa. 65:1,2. God continued though, to stretch out His hands to welcome the Jews.
Romans 11
v.1 In view of Israel’ disobedience shown in the 10:21, another of Paul’s questions is answered with “God forbid.” Of course God had not cast away his people, Paul was his own example of that.
v.2-5 He illustrates this with the 7,000 in Elijah’s day who had not bowed to Baal. Continuously, God has reserved a remnant, Noah, Job, even in Paul’s day.
v.6 In all time, the remnant is saved by Grace, not works.
v.7-12 Because of Israel’s rebellion God has given them a slumbering spirit, blind eyes and deaf ears. Actually they were hardened by God after they hardened themselves. The sun melts butter, hardens clay. They are temporarily set aside so God can bring them to jealousy by the Gentiles. Then He will bring them back to Himself. See comments 10:19.
v.13-15 As in 10:19, Paul wants to make the Jews jealous of the Gentiles taking their place, but their return to God would bring blessing to all the world.
v.16 Just as first fruits loaf sanctified the whole harvest, If the firstfruit dough (Abraham and the Patriarchs) is consecrated, then the rest of the dough mass (the nation of Israel) is consecrated. If the root (Abraham) is consecrated, so are the branches (Israel).
v.17-25 The olive tree of v 17 represents blessings to Abraham’s seed. Gentiles do not receive promises specific to Israel, but they do receive other blessings that pertain to all families of the earth, Gen. 12:3. Israel as branches were broken off the olive tree by God. Gentiles are warned that they are merely grafted into this olive tree, so they can certainly not expect any better treatment than the natural branches, but could be broken off too. Since the Gentiles were grafted in, how much easier for the Jews to be grafted in to their own tree. By belief, any can be grafted back into that tree. This in no way implies loss of salvation to individuals, It is loss of God’s dealing nationally.
The “fullness of the Gentiles” will be when God’s purpose for this age is completed and the Church is caught up to heaven. The “times of the Gentiles” is from the captivity of Judah under Nebuchadnezzar until Christ returns at the end of the Tribulation.
v.26-32 During the Tribulation Israel as a whole will be saved, yet still on an individual basis. Though they were basically all in unbelief, God extends mercy to call them to Him in that day.
v.33-36 That God can be so merciful is beyond our understanding. His wisdom and knowledge are beyond anything we can imagine.
Teaching tip. Use two pies (or squares), one representing National Israel, the other, the Professing Church. Inside each have a small piece of the pie, one which represents the Israel of God, the other the True Church.
Romans 12
Chapters 12 and 13 are written to show Christians how to live.
v1. Therefore - in view of everything said in the first eleven chapters. 1-3, Man’s depravity; 4,5,Justification by grace; 6-8,Sanctification; 9-11,God’s sovereignty.
v1,2. Present ourselves first. Place ourselves at Gods disposal. God prefers obedience than sacrifice of blood or possessions. This is not unreasonable. The easy way is to conform to the patterns of the world, flow into it as jello in a mold. But we are to go against the current and be transformed, a metamorphosis, by our new outlook as Christians. By this we can see and do what is pleasing to God. We do the presenting, God does the transforming.
v3. Pride a stumbling stone even to those who are “proud of their humility”. How much Christian service is hoarded by those who think they are indispensable, superior
v4,5. As each body part has a useful function, so in the body of Christ.
v6. Gift of prophesy is past other than the sense of forth telling the Word.
v7. Some have a greater ability as a comforter in a sick room or other areas of service, others teaching. Godly teaching must be based on the Word of God.
v8. Exhorting may involve cheering and encouraging or admonishing. Some can exhort where others will offend. Giving by love but still generously for whatever your income level. Give total effort in positions of leadership, and not grudgingly when showing mercy.
v9. Not a two faced expression of love. delight in doing right.
v10. This does not put self first. Seek to build up the brethren.
v11. Too many times people are slothful in church business that would not be in other things. Serve the Lord whole heartedly.
v12. It is easier to rejoice when things are going well than to be patient when things are going wrong. Diligent, not neglectful in our prayer life.
v13. These are gifts outside the church budget, may involve concern for strangers or may involve opening our homes to missionaries and others.
v14. This is a real test to be able to do or speak well of our persecutors. This might even reduce negative political campaigning. When I was in a home demonstrating a vacuum cleaner I never brought up the name of a competing brand.
v15. Show genuine interest, not jealous of blessings or shunning their problems, even laughing at some one with a flat tire etc.
v16. Humbly seek to be of the same mind with other believers, recognizing there will be individual differences.
v17. Don’t try to get even. Be honest in life or in business, not showing favoritism.
v18. In some cases this is impossible, but at least do our part.
v19. Even if we are angry, subdue it and leave vengeance to God.
v20. Originally this provided coals in a pot carried on the head for some one whose fire had gone out. Don’t do this for the purpose of heaping coals of guilt up on his head, but that the result may be, he will be convicted and cease to be an enemy. Any other interpretation which indicates actual fire on their head or the wrath of God, is out of context and incorrect.
v21. The optimistic Christian reaction, compare verse 9.
Romans 13
v1-7. God instituted human government in Gen. 9:6 in capital punishment. (See also Dan. 2:21; 4:17,25, 32) Therefore, we are to be in subjection to our government. v5, Obey so we won’t get caught, and because our conscience tells us we should. To disobey govt. is to disobey God, exceptions listed at end of v7. Without our laws, police forces etc. their would be anarchy and terror. We should pray for our leaders recognizing them as ministers of God. It takes money to provide government and we should be willing to pay taxes to support it. We should show much more respect for our elected officials and leaders than is accorded most of them in these days.
Exceptions are when government demands immoral, anti-Christian acts. In those cases we must obey God rather than man. That line becomes fuzzy. War protesters pressured our leaders and caused us to lose in Viet Nam, and thousands of innocent people were murdered there and in Cambodia etc. because of it. Newspapers stirred up Americans to start the Spanish American War, even after Spain agreed to our major demands. The result was 4000 American soldiers killed. Political protesters are causing our constitution to be undermined today. On the other hand, Americans rebelled against English policies when we gained our independence. Many of the Loyalists thought they were doing the Biblical thing to continue to support England. The Patriots felt we had crossed the line because of the injustices. We should try to reform our government at this time, not overthrow it.
v8. Compare Lev. 19:13. We are not to withhold any one money which is due them. A loan does not come into this category until it becomes due. But the emphasis is to love our neighbor as ourselves, v9.
v9,10. Some of the commandments are listed, but if we have true love, we will not be committing them.
v11-14. Don’t disregard the imminence of Christ’s return, but our own lives are very short. We need to awake to that and refrain from the things which are evil. Instead put on Christ and do those things which are right while we have time. We need to provide for our lives and our families, but many people are holding down multiple jobs in order to provide for the lusts of life. It is noble to plan for retirement or for the college needs of our children etc. However we must each look at our own situation and see if our efforts to provide for future needs financially are overshadowing the spiritual and emotional needs of our families at his moment.
Romans 14
Rom. 14:1-15:3 Christians: [1] shouldn’t judge practice of other Christians in respect to doubtful things,v3; [2] are accountable to God for their actions,v12; [3] shouldn’t put a stumbling block before brethren,v12; [4] should use Christian liberty in what they do,v14,20; [5] do what will edify the brethren,v19; [6] for sake of weaker brethren, voluntarily abstain from certain practices,v21; [7] should refrain from self-condemning practices, v22 [8] follow the example of Christ, to please others, 15:1-3.
Verses 1-12 have to do with accepting the weaker brother.
v1. and 15:1 point out two kinds of believers: strong or weak in the faith. A weak brother is not wicked, merely ignorant. See 1 Cor. 8:7-13 and Rom. 10:17. We need to be gentle and help the weak believers, but wicked are to be put away, or removed from the church. 1 Cor. 5:1-5,13.
v1,2. The weak brother eats only vegetables, probably because he is afraid he might eat meat that had been offered to idols (Common in Rome to ask idol blessing on the meat before it was put on the market.) The strong believer knows it makes no difference as long as he isn’t offering it to idols. We are not to receive the weak brother for the purpose of argument and “setting him straight.”
v3,4. The weak brother has been received in God’s sight.
v4,6,8,10,12 Point out that any believer must give account of himself to God.
v1, 3,10,13,15,16,20,21, and 15;1 Things God forbids in dealing with weak believers: Doubtful disputations; judging the eating’ setting at nought/ putting a stumbling block or occasion to fall; let not our good be evil spoken of; for meat destroy not the work of God/ don't do anything to make a brother stumble, offended, or made weak’ we are to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves.
v5. It is no longer necessary to keep various Jewish festival days. The church at Jerusalem under James was legalistic and did, but they agreed that Gentiles only had to abstain from fornication, things strangled, blood, & meat offered to idols, Acts 15:29.
v6. The purpose of both sides is to serve the Lord.
v10. “Thou” addresses both groups.
v11. God is sovereign and the one to please, Isa. 45:23.
v12. Give account to God, Matt. 12:36. Judgment Seat of Christ,2 Cor. 5:10.
Verses 13-23 have to do with not causing a weaker brother to stumble.
v13, 15,21. Sometimes a believer may need to refrain from some things which he considers to be permissible, if it might make a weaker brother stumble or be offended or made weaker. ( One church served cookies after prayer meeting, and since I often hurried there without supper, it was refreshing. However another Christian was offended because we were to “Go to pray, not eat.” So I ate no more cookies.) (Also, because of the many abuses of the use of a cross I have convictions against it’s use on our church, but I had the church wired for it in case others wanted it.) In some of these things there may even be disagreement as to which is the weak brother. But see v.12.
v16-18. To be acceptable to God and approved of men, we are to serve Christ with love, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
v19-21. Through righteousness and peace we may edify others, but by giving offense in doubtful things, we may cause some to stumble. Good advice in any thing is, if in doubt, don’t do it, if it is not of faith it is sin.
Romans 15
Verses 1-13 have to do with building up a weaker brother.
v1-3. See comments on 14:1. We are to bear the infirmities or burdens of the weak, and they may be heavy. The goal is to please others, not ourselves. We are not to adopt them, but bear them, we can keep our own convictions.
v5,6. Some issues are divisive, but strive for unity.
v7. As in 14:1, we don’t just put up with some things, but accept them, because they are accepted by God.
v8-13. v8 commends the Jews, but each of the next four verses give a praise to Gentiles, so v13 reminds that to all of us, our hope is in God by power of Holy Spirit.
Verses 14-33 Paul discusses his philosophy of ministry and projected plans.
v14-16. Paul felt that other believers should also be able to admonish one another, but he felt God had led him to remind them in the preceding instructions. He is offering the Gentiles to God that Jew and Gentile might be one church, or Church.
v 17-19. Paul gives credit to God, but acknowledges God has worked through him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul had been a missionary in new territory of some 1500 miles from Jerusalem to Illyricum (or Dalmatia or Yugoslavia) and the circle past Corinth where he wrote this letter.
v20-24. Paul was happy to have laid a groundwork in new territory and feels it is time to move on to more new territory. For years he has wanted to also go to Rome, but they have been already reached by others. So his desire is to go to Spain, and stop off at Rome on the way to encourage them.
v25-29. Now Paul is going to impoverished Jerusalem with the offering from the Gentiles. They have been blessed by the words of salvation from Jerusalem, so it is only reasonable that they return a material favor, v27. He is confident that when that task is accomplished, the Lord will permit this visit when he goes to Spain.
v30-33. Nevertheless, Paul had been warned of dangers at Jerusalem, so he asks the Romans to pray earnestly for him:
1 For deliverance from unbelievers in Judea
2 That his ministry to Jerusalem may be accepted
3 That he could come to them at Rome (He didn’t realize as a prisoner.)
4 That he might be refreshed by them as he continued to Spain, v24.
Romans 16
Verses 1-16 are mainly personal greetings.
v1,2. Phoebe has been a great servant and deserves their support.
v3-5. Priscilla and Aquila, helpers, really got around. Apparently they have not only worked with Paul in ministry and tent making, but have risked their lives for him. They first met Paul on his second missionary journey, Acts 18;2 where they made tents together. They had come to Corinth after Claudius decreed all Jews must leave Rome. They were with Paul when he left Corinth, Acts 18:18, but stayed in Ephesus,18:19 when they all stopped there. There they ministered to Apollos, Acts 18:26, and to Paul on his third missionary journey, because they sent greetings to the Corinthian Christians, in 1 Cor. 16:19. Then they must have soon moved back to Rome to be there at his time, and later back to Ephesus, 2 Tim. 4:19.
v5-16. Beloved Epaenetus was Paul’s first convert in Asia, the western part of modern day Turkey on his third missionary journey, Acts 19:10. Andronicus and Junias, probably husband and wife are apparently tribal relatives, not necessarily family, and of note among the apostles and have suffered imprisonment with him. Also they were saved before he was. Ampliatus, beloved. Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis were laborers , meaning to the point of exhaustion.
Ten women are listed, Priscilla, Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus’ mother, Nereus’ sister, Junias and Julia.
v10,11. Aristobulus could have been a grandson of Herod the Great, and Herodian may have been from the Herod family, also tribally related to Paul.
v 13, It can not be determined that Rufus’ mother was Paul’s physical mother. More likely she had been as a mother to him. Rufus might be the son of Simon of Cyrene. Rufus was chosen and Appeles, v10 was approved.
v14. These five names are common names of slaves, and the others with them may have constituted one of the house churches.
v15. Philologus and Julia may have been a husband wife team, possibly of another house church.
v16. The holy kiss was a carry over from it’s use in the synagogue to express mutual love and equality. Early writers said it was after prayers but before communion. Men saluted men and women saluted women. Health wise and other wise, I prefer our custom of shaking hands. Paul must have spoken of these people in other churches, because they send greetings. Paul had a very personal interest in these people, not a “Hey you” relationship.
Verses 17-20 are words of exhortation warning to avoid those who cause divisions and by smooth talk introduce false doctrines. “Simple”, [not stupid], innocent and pure. He doesn’t believe these people will be deceived and gives comfort that Satan will be crushed. He said shortly, but it will actually be in the Tribulation.
Verses 21-23 are greetings from individuals to the Romans. Jason and Sosipater again were probably related by tribe. Along with Lucias, they may have been mentioned in Acts 13:1; 17:5-9; 20:4. Tertius was Paul’s stenographer. This was probably the Gaius Paul baptized in 1 Cor. 1:14, not the ones mentioned in Acts 19:29 or Acts 20:4. Quartus was a spiritual brother.
Verses 24- 27 are a benediction. The message of the gospel was hidden in Old Testament prophecies, but now in the Church Age they are made known. Reveals the mystery that people from all nations may come to Christ. v27, ultimately, all glory and praise goes to God the Father.
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In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking college courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. My wife and I have both joined the Catholic Church. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.
ANSWERS to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions by Pat RobertsonOUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen
08/19/2011