Chasing Truth: A Detailed Discussion of Paul’s Letter to the Romans Chapters 1–8

By JOEL ZAO

The manuscript that follows is a line-by-line discussion of the first eight chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans. The goal is to keep the discussion in line with the verses and to expand on words or phrases where appropriate.

As I have studied the letter over the past twenty-five years, I have sought to understand the words from the perspective of those who were at Rome at the time of Paul’s ministry. Their access to supplementary material was surely limited. But there were Jewish believers in Rome who could provide background material for the truths Paul sought to teach.

This small work is not intended as an exhaustive commentary of Paul’s monumental masterpiece. Romans is viewed by many scholars as the foundation and truth source for the study of the scripture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543448870

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Copyright © 2017 by Joel Zao.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2017913630

ISBN:                  Hardcover                  978-1-5434-4885-6

                            Softcover                    978-1-5434-4886-3

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Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

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Rev. date: 09/12/2017

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CONTENTS

Preface and Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments to the Revised Version Chasing Truth

Paul’s Letter to the Romans Introduction and Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Epilogue

About the Author

This revised version of Chasing Truth is dedicated to my family, including my faithful wife, Bette; my son, Brett Butler; and his wife, Glenda, my grandson, Chase Butler; and my granddaughter, Nicole Butler, my daughter, Shannon Knight, and my son-in-law, Ian Knight, and my son-in-law, Ian Knight, and my granddaughter, Renee,.

It is my prayer that they study God’s Word to become faithful attendants to God by first receiving the divine revelations of Paul’s letter to the Romans and then sharing the truths with others. Genuine spiritual growth occurs as the truth learned is communicated.

July 15, 2017

Preface and Acknowledgments

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All things begin with words.

God’s first act of creation was to speak a word—"light". And when he spoke, light came forth.

Words are heard when spoken or seen when read from a page or text.

Jesus, God’s Son, is the Word of God. All that is God is understood by seeing his Word, his only begotten Son. John the Apostle said that all came into existence by the Word.

Words are also numbers, and numbers are words. The number 1 is a word, one, in the English language. The word one is also a number, 1.

Music is written as letters of words placed in a scale of sounds.

Hearing words begins as a baby listens to the voices nearby, some say even before birth. Speaking words comes somewhat later, when young children seek to have their needs communicated and understood. Writing words is a skill developed even later in childhood when the skills of communication are more advanced.

To those who are hearing-impaired, the spoken word must be either seen as formed on the lips or communicated by other means, primarily through an interpreter by the visual voice of sign language. In their case, the words are heard by other means than through their ears.

My wife, Bette, and I recall the first utterance of our baby son, Brett. As we sat at the dining room table at lunch with Brett in his high chair nearby, the television entertained in the background. An advertisement for a popular form of potato chip aired, and as soon as it ended, Brett’s first words were clearly spoken to our dismay, Ruffles have ridges!

Later, when Brett was still an infant in his crib, we experienced a near fatal dose of carbon monoxide in our small rental house. The heater malfunctioned, returning undetected noxious fumes into the house. As a tiny baby in his crib, Brett awakened and cried out—not with words but with a sound of alarm that awakened us from a carbon monoxide–induced stupor to survive the poison that could have taken us. His shriek in the night saved us.

Somewhat later still, Brett’s words were used to save us in yet another way. Bette was bathing our five-year-old son as I, preparing to shave, stood before the mirror a few feet from Brett and his mom.

Brett looked at me from the tub, and his five-year-old voice spoke these penetrating words, Daddy, when are you going to take me to church? My heart was pierced through as if a knife had penetrated its stony exterior. At that moment, I knew that as his father, I must lead him to God. But first, Bette and I must find God before we could lead him or anyone else. How could we lead when we were lost?

Brett was used to save our lives from the poisonous gas. Now he was used in another way. From that moment on, we began to chase the truth.

There is a more fundamental meaning for the title of this manuscript. Brett has a son, our grandson, Chase. I pray that he has opportunity to hear these words when he is ready. At present, he is twelve going on twenty-one. Hopefully, his sister Nicole, two years his junior, and his cousin Renee, two years Nicole’s junior, will find truth in the words when God is ready to reveal to them.

As you may recall, Jesus was twelve years old when his family visited Jerusalem, the holy city of Israel. When their trip at the time of an annual festival came to an end, as they turned homeward, they discovered that their Son, Jesus, was not with them.

He was located in the temple, conversing with the elders and teachers of Israel. When asked why he tarried, his reply was that he was about his Father’s business.

Before our grandchildren learn things of this world, I earnestly desire that Chase, Nicole, and Renee have the opportunity to hear the gospel from Paul’s perspective and gain an understanding of what may be the most important words ever spoken to those who are chasing truth.

I have been honored to teach God’s Word to others, attempting to put into words that express the most accurate meaning of what is provided in the Bible. Paul’s letter to the Romans is the most cohesive summary of gospel truth proclaimed to the world today. That is my personal opinion.

The gospel is not presented as a list of things to commit to memory. It is not contained in a formula or set of laws or rules.

The gospel, as presented by Paul in his letter to believers in ancient Rome, is formatted much like any other letter that may be received by a friend. There is news in the letter. The news is personal, and it is revolutionary.

Without a clear understanding of Paul’s systematic presentation of truth in Romans, a search for truth in the scripture may take many different directions by a meandering path. If you are like me, I prefer the most direct route to any destination. Getting there is fun, but arriving is special.

When acting as group facilitator during the study of the Romans truths with a group of believers in Niceville, Florida, during 2006 to 2008, I was pressed upon by them, primarily through Gary, to put our study material into book form. Gary, an engineer by trade, is a precise kind of fellow. I especially appreciate his openness concerning the gospel.

It is because of his insistence, over time, that I decided to follow through and put much of our group discussion in manuscript. I extend a personal thank you, Gary, for your valuable encouragement and support. We studied together in Body Dynamics, a physical fitness facility owned and operated by Lee and Monica. The primary attendees were Lee’s brother Sylvester, George and Jeanne, Jimmy, Fred, Greg, and Jeffrey, both a friend and business associate. Also, those who participated over the past three years on a semiregular basis were Barclay, Brad, Daryl, Elmer, Kevin, and Tom.

Two special members who came to visit the Niceville area from Germany were Ursula and Willi.

The most recent participant in our study, Greg, joined the study at the perfect time. We had finished an in-depth series, and it was time to review it again. Greg expressed that he wanted to know the specifics of the faith in more detail so that he could live more to the glory of God. What a blessing! That is exactly why the book has been written. As a boat captain, Greg was a man accustomed to chasing the wind. Now it was his time to chase the truth.

Gary, Greg, George, and Jeanne assisted in the final editing process, to whom I extend my sincere gratitude. I could not have completed the final text editing without you.

This manuscript that follows is a line-by-line discussion of the first eight chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans. The goal was to keep the discussion in line with the verses and to expand on words or phrases where appropriate.

As I have studied the letter over the past twenty-five years, I have sought to understand the words from the perspective of those who were at Rome at the time of Paul’s ministry. Their access to supplementary material was surely limited. But there were Jewish believers in Rome who could provide background material for the truths Paul sought to teach.

This small work is not intended as an exhaustive commentary of Paul’s monumental masterpiece. Romans is viewed by many scholars as the foundation truth source for the study of scripture.

The widely read King James Version is the source text. The simple reason is that the KJV is linked into the Strong’s Concordance, a valuable tool in gaining the meaning of both Greek and Hebrew words. Numerous references to the Strong’s Concordance are made throughout the comments.

The Romans spoke and understood the Greek language. We today, however, are limited in our knowledge and are indebted to those, like Dr. Strong, who dedicated themselves to the study of the ancient language, providing Bible students who have no formal language training a tool of great value.

I am profoundly honored that you would spend some time with me studying Paul’s letter.

A special word of thankfulness is extended to my daughter, Shannon, as she provided a quiet haven in her home where I could finalize the manuscript. Her loving support helped me complete the text.

Bette, my wife and lifelong companion, has provided invaluable assistance as a proofreader and general critic of the manuscript. Without her dedicated support, the book would still be unfinished.

She and I have chased the truth together since we were first introduced to the Lord more than thirty years ago. Chasing truth, in our opinion, is one of life’s highest privileges. Finding it is a glorious reward.

Note: This revised version marks eight years since the original Chasing Truth manuscript was completed. The truth remains the same, and faith built upon the truth grows with the passing of time. Understanding the truth and the application of truth to the life lived by faith should develop as the truth is caught. Accordingly, I have chosen a method of revision that will allow the original text to remain but will include author’s notes at the end of each chapter to clarify this updated understanding.

These revised notes and comments came forth from discussions of the original book, Chasing Truth, between myself and participants of a Bible study group culminating in July, 2017. In addition to my wife, Bette, among those participating were the owner of Christiano’s Italian restaurant, Chris Chirum, Pat Boone, Johnnie and Vickie Johnson, Jimmy and Hilery Taylor, Allen Blythe, Steve and Lynn Bruce, and Jeff and Peggy Murell.

Our mutual chase continues as we await his arrival. Thanks again for joining me in this quest.

July 15, 2017

Acknowledgments to the Revised Version Chasing Truth

Eight years have passed since Chasing Truth was published. During the time elapsed, I have experienced the blessing of meeting and discussing with another group of believers. The first group met in Niceville, Florida, at a facility owned by a dear Christian friend Lee Ellison.

The recent group, who met at Christiano’s restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, has made considerable contributions to the text of this revised version.

I want to recognize them simply because the additional text of the author’s notes and comments would not have been possible without their contribution.

I extend profound thanks to my wife, life partner, and most trusted support person, Bette. We have been married for fifty years. This profound fact says that we have come to know each other and to trust each other. She has provided such important insight to this revision because she is so practical and insightful. She is truly my helper.

Additionally, I want to thank all the participating believers of our Destin area Bible study support group: Chris and Rene Chirum, Pat Boone, Jimmy and Hilery Taylor, Allen Blythe, Bill Doyle, Johnny and Vickie Johnson, Jeff and Peggy Murrell, Ken and Carolyn Drez, and Steve and Lynn Bruce.

A special thank you is needful for Chris and Rene Chirum. They have graciously opened their restaurant Christiano’s in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, to our Bible study these past few years. And there were other Christian groups welcomed at their establishment as well. They are special servants in God’s kingdom, supporters of what we believe is our most important role—extending God’s Word in a dark and lost world. God bless them.

In addition to the study group’s helpful suggestions, they allowed and participated in an open discussion concerning these very important matters of spiritual truth. Such discussions clarify and solidify the elements of faith each is struggling to grasp.

This revised version of Chasing Truth is presented with that very goal of clarifying and solidifying faith by expanding the discussion of the 2009 version.

I sincerely solicit your prayers that intercede in the heavens for the grace and insight to complete the third and final manuscript of the project of studying and discussing Paul’s letter to the Romans. The pending installment, The Victory of the New Life, focusing on chapters 12–16 of Romans, will be the labor of love for the remainder of 2017.

Thanks again for taking this journey of Chasing Truth with us.

July 15, 2017

Paul’s Letter to the Romans Introduction and Prologue

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Before we embark upon this journey together through Paul’s letter to the Romans, let me extend a sincere welcome to you as a fellow traveler. Paul’s letter introduces his friends living in an ancient city. He not only cared for their spiritual life but also continued to care for others hearing the call of God and coming to know him as their savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you have taken this Romans journey before, or maybe this is new and unexplored territory. I pray that this experience may help you navigate any future journey on your quest for truth. If you encounter a passage that is unclear, take the time to examine and understand the passage. The ultimate goal of this journey is to glorify God and thank him for the saving work of Christ his Son.

This discussion focuses on the first eight chapters of Romans with a verse-by-verse presentation. As was the custom in the first century following Christ’s death, his followers would gather in local homes to hear the reading of Paul’s letters. In this informal setting, I am sure the listeners would interrogate the readers for clarification or explanation.

This manuscript of Chasing Truth is presented from the perspective of the reader. As the reader of this manuscript, I suggest that you role-play as a member of the audience. Comments concerning the text follow each verse and are the views of the author. However, they are not to replace the words of Paul’s letter.

Due to the impermanence of the material upon which the original scripture text was written, the original manuscript would have been subject to exposure to time and the elements. The text would have been copied many times to ensure its permanence. It is not difficult to imagine that under these conditions, changes in words or phrases would occur in spite of the greatest care. Human weakness almost guarantees it.

Later, manuscripts were subject to translation into other languages. In the following centuries, as the translations were fashioned, word meanings and phrases from the original Greek language of Paul’s letters were adjusted to the new languages.

Within the commentary sections of Chasing Truth, you will find a continual emphasis to present correct English words to match Greek words used in the original letter. The author disclaims any detailed or exhaustive knowledge of ancient Greek. This disclaimer is presented so that no misunderstanding arises regarding the scholarly credentials customary for such an endeavor. The author possesses no credentials of training, being merely a common man who speaks the common English tongue.

Comments contained within the body of the following manuscript are the result of self-study of the Romans text aided by tools available to anyone seeking a similar approach. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is an important tool to utilize.

God’s revelation contained in Paul’s letter to the Romans can be compared to a foundation upon which a house is built. A firm foundation supports a house to withstand the tests of time. However, a house built upon a weak and faulty foundation may not survive a stormy season.

Paul’s letter to the Romans provides the spiritual material to set in place a strong Christian faith. Armored with the gospel truths, a believer’s faith is strengthened to face the trials that assault those that are the called of Jesus Christ. In contrast, a believer’s faith based on a random and haphazard search for truth may not produce a healthy, storm-resistant faith. The winds of trials that test the materials of faith will prove whether a strong, overcoming faith has been established.

The four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—will provide the student of scripture a multifaceted view of the life of Jesus Christ during his short lifespan on earth. The Acts of the Apostles adds a historic perspective of the first-century Christians during the time of the first disciples. In Acts, they proclaimed the truths concerning Jesus to those of their generation soon after he departed to heaven with a promise to return.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is the first letter in the order of canon of the scripture accepted by the majority of Bible scholars known as the New Testament. The Romans’ letter follows immediately after the Acts of Apostles. It contains vital Christian truth presented to the first-century believers who lived in Rome who were both Jews and Gentiles.

There are truths in Romans, presented by Paul in a concise manner, found nowhere else in the scripture. Following the opening greeting, Paul identifies the condition of mankind from his unique spiritual perspective. He emphatically discloses that the human condition exposes a profound need for God’s healing gifts. He reveals that God’s healing power is contained in the gospel message. The heart of the message focuses on the details concerning Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Deliverer, whose life, death, and resurrection is a well message for all.

As the letter continues, Paul’s discussion moves from general issues to specific details of the truths accomplished by Christ and its effect on an individual. Paul concludes his presentation of the gospel truths at the end of chapter 8. These guidelines for the life of faith, lived out in harmony with others, complete the foundation he sought to place.

The spiritual truths contained in this letter form the base upon which truths of other scripture may be utilized. It is necessary that a godly building be erected on a firm foundation.

In the first three chapters, Paul systematically details the condition of humanity. His description is comprehensive as he provides a detailed overview that is true of all people at all times. The condition that Paul describes is meant to change lives, and God is causing the change. The agent of change is the truth found in the gospel.

God is leading humanity through a transition—from where it is to where it will be. Paul must first explain, in rather graphic detail, where man is. He will expand the revelation to provide a view of man’s destiny as he unfolds the balance of his gospel in the letter to the Romans.

This transition that God has brought about has been accomplished through his Son, Jesus Christ. Profound changes affecting all humanity occasioned by God’s dealings with mankind through Christ are contained in the gospel message presented by Paul. His Romans’ letter is the beginning of the revelation of truths concerning the changes concerning God’s plan for the ages.

Paul uses a word early in his letter to characterize what God has accomplished. He calls this message the gospel. This word, gospel, is a message of wellness. It is a well message. The gospel is a message of what God has accomplished in Christ. The accomplishments have brought a positive change in the reality of life that is hidden from our understanding until it is revealed. The well message is a testimony of Christ. It is like medicine to the sick person. It makes one well.

To advance the analogy concerning wellness forward, Paul describes in his letter to the Romans just how sick humanity has become.

Using the Old Testament as background in the discussion, we know that God in his creation has chosen man to be an important participant in his plan. However, events occurred, which occasioned changes in God’s dealings with humanity.

We know from the Old Testament oracles that God chose a specific people out from humanity through which he would deal in behalf of all. The people chosen were the descendants of Abraham, through his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca. Jacob became Israel, the father of twelve sons, the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, prince of God.

The people known as Israel were unique from all other people of human history. God chose them for a relationship not enjoyed by others. He gave them his law and made a covenant that bound them together with him.

The balance of the Old Testament is the historical perspective of the descendants of Israel, the people known as the Jews. God wasn’t finished with humanity when he called out Israel. His plan included using them to reach out to all humanity in his process of change.

As the scripture student moves into the New Testament, the Jewish people are now in their promised land. Their Messiah has come to fulfill the task of completing them as a people and, through them, to go into all the world to bring humanity into a new segment of its history.

Paul teaches that what they expected of the one promised, however, was radically different from who he came to be. They rejected him and found him guilty under their law as one who is worthy of death and had him crucified. That which was wrong with humanity was evidenced in their betrayal and occasioned the extreme act of murdering the Son of God.

Paul, who was not initially aligned with Jesus, was a zealous persecutor of those who were joined with Christ. In the Acts of the Apostles, one comes forth, known as Saul of Tarsus. He was a zealous Jew who brought extreme judgment upon the followers of Christ known as Christians.

Saul experienced a miraculous conversion during a mission to bring believers back to Jerusalem to be persecuted. The arisen Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus. The change in Saul was total. He, who was once the most aggressive opponent of Christ, became one of his most zealous supporters. Saul of Tarsus became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Upon the rejection of Christ by the nation of Israel, Paul turned to the nations (non-Jews) to bring the gospel, the well message, as the healing prescription for all mankind. As we move into Paul’s letter to the Romans, it is appropriate to emphasize that the healing is more than physical. It is a spiritual well message from God.

With this in mind, I humbly encourage role-playing while reading the text. If we were able to read Paul’s letter aloud in a small group gathered together in someone’s home, let us envision that this very activity has transpired countless times in the centuries after the letter was written.

You will surely have thoughts and ideas of your own, which will lead to separate study. Praise God if this happens.

Thanks again for joining me in Chasing Truth.

Note: As I began reading the original text of 2009, considering the current transition of my faith over the past eight years, I was challenged to make adjustments to the text, hoping to clarify some matters for the purpose of edification of the body of Christ. It is my sincere desire to fan the flames of any genuine pursuit of God’s truth in the hearts and minds of fellow seekers. Immediately following the original text and the corresponding author’s notes, I will include a summary section of the most important points, which will be found identified in each chapter titled Important Takeaways.

JZ

Chapter 1

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"Tell them what you are going to say, say it, and then tell them what you said."

This good advice may be helpful when preparing a public speech or writing a report for school. When attempting to communicate a group of related and interconnected ideas, this method acts as a trusted navigation aid in completing the course.

Paul used this valuable communication tool when he wrote the Romans’ letter.

In the first chapter, he states that his purpose in bringing the message contained in his letter is for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name (1:5).

In the final chapter, he repeats the goal by stating that the message given to him by God was made known to all nations for the obedience of faith (16:2).

Paul learned from the Master.

God used this plan as he fashioned the Word of God over a vast expanse of time to become the Bible, the most unique and important message of all.

Genesis is the Bible’s first book. He begins the narrative with the creation and the beginning of humanity.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is the last book.

In Genesis, appropriate to its name, God’s unfolding plan begins on the created earth in a garden in chapter 1, containing certain important trees, a river, and a man and his mate.

God’s relationship with man begins in the Garden of Eden.

The Bible story comes to a conclusion in Revelation 22 with a river, the tree of life, God and the Lamb, the Spirit, and the Bride of the Lamb.

God says what he is going to say in Genesis, tells his story throughout the next sixty-four books, and repeats and concludes his story in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, chapter 22.

God’s story in the portion that is commonly called the Old Testament concerns Israel, the nation separated from other nations to be in unique relationship with God. He revealed himself to them and provided both a land and coded law, which set the standards for their daily lives.

As his history with Israel concludes the Old Testament with the words of the prophet Malachi, a four-hundred-year period of silence follows until the arrival of Jesus Christ, Son of man and Son of God.

God’s story can be summarized in the term gospel. A gospel is a message of good news. It is a message that brings joy and hope through the glad tidings contained within it.

The standard use of the word gospel is applied to the first four books of what is commonly called the New Testament. These first books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are narrative accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. They are four different accounts of important events concerning him, some of which report identical facts and observances.

The four gospels report Jesus’s life and ministry, including the calling of the disciples, the miracles, the parables, the confrontation with the Jewish religious leaders, which led to his death through crucifixion, and his victorious resurrection.

The Acts of the Apostles follows the four gospels. The book contains a narrative history of the newly formed church immediately following the ascension of Jesus to heaven and continuing for the next early years of church history. Acts concludes with the apostle Paul explaining his specific ministry to the Jewish people in Rome as he has been specially ordained by God to take the message of God’s good news to the Gentiles, the citizens of the non-Jewish nations.

Paul’s ministry included letters to the various churches and individuals that were important to his mission. He wrote thirteen letters, which are presented immediately following the Acts of the Apostles.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is a summary of his gospel, the unique message given to Paul as the chief spokesperson of the gospel of God. It appears in the sequence of God’s revelation as his first letter, even though it was not the first letter written in chronological order.

Romans, as we shall discover, reveals the meaning of the events reported in the Genesis account in the first garden by means of an explanation of the Man, Jesus, who is the reality of the symbolism of the types begun in the garden with Adam. Paul’s Romans’ letter is somewhat of a centerpiece in God’s revelation and sets the stage