Book Of Romans: Commentary

By Jim Hollingsworth

Without a doubt, the book of Romans is the most important New Testament book for those who seek to understand simple biblical principles as well as something to use in leading others to Christ.

The book displays in dynamic relief the work of Christ who died on the cross of Calvary for sinners.

Not only is the salvation of the sinner clearly presented, but a limited history of Israel is also in view.

There is also plenty of practical information on the Christian's daily walk with Christ.

No Christian can say he is well taught unless he has made a careful study of the book of Romans. This book is written for those who want to know the truth about Christ as well as those Christians who want their faith increased. There is also plenty of original language material for the serious Bible scholar.

Romans is a book for everyone, unsaved and saved alike. Everyone who reads the book and this commentary will be greatly enriched.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886447903

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Credits

The Greek Alphabet

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Conclusion

About the Author

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Book Of Romans: Commentary

Jim Hollingsworth

ISBN 979-8-88644-791-0 (Hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88644-790-3 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 Jim Hollingsworth

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

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Credits

This book has primarily consulted the following documents:

The Greek-English New Testament by George Ricker Berry

The Analytical Greek Lexicon of the New Testament by George V. Wigram

Barnes' Notes on the Old and New Testaments by Albert Barnes

An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W. E. Vine

The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the New Testament by George V. Wigram

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament by Gerhard Friedrich and Gerhard Kittel

Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament by Joseph Henry Thayer, DD

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament by William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich

The Greek Alphabet

With English Equivalents

With most of the commentaries, one English letter is used for more than one Greek letter. We have chosen a revised alphabet with only one Greek letter for each English letter or combination (two letters). This makes it easier to find the original word in the various lexicons.

You may notice that some words begin with the letter h. This is because of a rough breathing mark at the beginning of the word, a small symbol, something like (‘).

Some Greek letters were taken from the Rapid Tables (https://www.rapidtables.com/math/symbols/greek_alphabet.html).

Introduction

There is no question that the book of Romans is the most foundational book of the New Testament. In this great book, we read of the history of Israel and the great truths concerning the Gospel of Christ. In verse after verse, we are reminded that salvation for sinners is a great work of God alone. While the importance of righteous living is brought forth, the most important teaching of the book is simply how to have saving faith in Christ.

Nowhere in the book is that teaching made clearer than in Romans 10:9–10, which says:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Man has a tendency to want to add something to this simple Gospel message. We, by our nature, must be doing, and we cannot believe that we can do nothing to earn our salvation. Although the Bible has a lot to say about righteous living, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, none of that has anything to do with our personal salvation. The Ten Commandments (Exodus, chapter 20) were given to teach us how to live, not to show us the way of salvation.

Writer and Date

The writer is the Apostle Paul (Romans 1:1).

Paul called himself an apostle, one born out of due time (1 Corinthians 15:8, 1 Corinthians 9:1).

He was not numbered with the Twelve who had walked with Jesus but took training after he was converted (Galatians 1:11–18).

It was probably written on his third missionary Journey (Acts 20:1–6).

The date is probably AD 57–58, winter.

It was written to all the saints in Rome (Romans 1:7).

At the time, he was headed to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21, Romans 15:25).

He hoped to visit Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:22–28).

Paul really wanted to visit the church at Rome (Romans 1:13, 15:22).

All through the book of Romans, it is evident that the Apostle Paul had a very tender relationship with the church at Rome, even though he had not spent time with them.

Chapter 1

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

(Any words in italics are words supplied by the translators of the King James Bible that were not in the original language.)

Exposition

The word for servant is doulos which means bondslave.

The word for called is klētos and means called.

The word for apostle is apostolos which means apostle.

The word for separated is aphorizō and means separated, divided.

The word for gospel is euaggelion and means good news, gospel.

Commentary

Romans was written by Paul who was an apostle, not called to be or become an apostle, but he was a called apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9).

Paul was not one of the original Twelve (see Matthew 10:2–4) but one born out of due time; one called later than the rest (1 Corinthians 15:8).

To be an apostle, he had to have seen the Lord, and Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, first detailed in Acts 9:1–31. (See also Acts, chapters 22 and 26.)

Paul also spent time away from the crowd learning directly from Jesus (Galatians 1:11–24). (See also 1 Corinthians 9:1.)

The word servant indicates that Paul was a slave or bondslave to Jesus Christ, not just a willing servant or even a household servant.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

(Note: Underlined words indicate the same original language word as in the verse quoted.)

The word called is used several ways in Scripture.

Called was used for giving someone a name. The word for called is the noun. The verb is kaleō and is used for giving someone a name.

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)

The word called was used to call someone to come to you.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (Matthew 2:7)

The word called or calling also has a deeper spiritual meaning. It means to be given a special office or position.

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling [klēsis] and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2 Peter 1:10)

The word apostle meant one sent forth with a commission, like an ambassador or missionary.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. (John 13:16)

The word separated is where we get our word horizon. Just as the earth is separated from the sky at the horizon, so Paul was called and separated to the Gospel. This was a definite separation, placing one thing away from another.

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, (Galatians 1:15; see more detail in the context Galatians 1:15–19)

The word gospel means the good message, good news.

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

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

Exposition

The word for had promised afore is proepaggellomai which means to promise beforehand. This is the only place this word is used in the New Testament.

The word for prophets is prophētēs which means prophet.

The word for holy is hagios and means holy, saint, set apart. The word means to be set apart to God.

The word for scriptures is graphē which means scripture, writing. It usually applies to the Old Testament writings, but not always. Our word graph comes from this word.

Commentary

The word scripture stood for all the writings of the Old Testament as well as a few from the New Testament.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)

That the word of God, the Gospel, would go out to all people was foretold by the Old Testament prophets. This included the work that the Apostle Paul would be called to do.

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

Exposition

The word for son is huios and means son.

The word for Lord is kurios and means Lord, master.

The word for which was made is ginomai and means do, fulfill, become, make, come to pass, to be.

The word for seed is sperma and means seed. Our word sperm comes from this word.

The word for flesh is sarx and means flesh, carnal.

Commentary

The word son is used for the physical son, the son of your father.

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:25)

The word son also stands for someone who was descended from a person who lived before him.

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1)

The word made is a broad word meaning to be or do something.

And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: (Mark 2:27)

The word seed is used for the seed of a plant that is planted in the ground to grow a plant.

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) (2 Corinthians 9:10)

The word seed was used for the children of a certain person.

Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. (Matthew 22:24)

The word seed was also used for the offspring of a certain person, even those in a family back many generations.

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (Luke 1:55; see also John 7:42, 8:33, 37, Acts 7:6)

The word flesh stands for the meaty part of the body, the flesh.

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39)

And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

The word flesh was also used for the negative draw of the human condition, for the attractions of the things of the world.

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:8)

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

Jesus became flesh so we could live eternally with Him.

Jesus was God in the flesh (Philippians 2:5–11). Jesus was always God, but He became man so He could pay for our sins. God cannot die, nor could God be in one place, but man could, and Jesus became man so that He could die, in my place, on the cross of Calvary, to pay the penalty for my sin.

Jesus was a Son of King David (Luke 3:23–31). David wrote many things about Jesus, especially in the book of Psalms.

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

Exposition

The word for declared is horizō and means determined, ordained, declared. The word means to be marked out some way. Our word horizon comes from this word.

The word for son is huios and means son, child.

The word for power is dunamis and means power, mighty power. It is translated as virtue in Luke 6:19 and 8:46. It is the word from which our word dynamite is taken.

The word for holiness is hagiōsunē and means holiness. The term means to be separated to God.

The word for resurrection is anastasis and means resurrection.

And Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:25–26)

Commentary

Jesus was our Resurrection. Although Jesus died while bearing our sin on the cross of Calvary and was buried, the real power comes by His resurrection.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He is the Son of God with power. He overcame the grave, and He will ensure that we are also raised by his own power (1 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 4:14)

This is true power; Jesus actually created the world and holds it together.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16–17)

The word consist means to be held together. Jesus not only created everything, but He keeps everything running on schedule and held together.

The resurrection of the dead is a resurrection from among the dead; Jesus rose first, and those who have trusted in Him for salvation will rise in their time.

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

Exposition

The word for have received is lambanō and means receive, take.

The word for grace is charis and means grace, unmerited favor.

The word for apostleship is apostolē which means apostleship.

The word for obedience is hupakoē and means obedience. The word means to hear and obey.

The word for faith is pistis and means faith. Faith is the noun. The verb is pisteuō and means to believe. The word believe is used about ninety-four times in the book of John. It nearly always means believe and be saved.

The word for nations is ethnos and means nations, Gentiles. It is anyone who is not a Jew.

The word for name is onoma and means name.

Commentary

Paul was a recipient of the grace of God, and so are we.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Paul speaks of his apostleship; God called him out of monumental darkness into His light on the road to Damascus. He became an apostle of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1).

The word nations stands for those who are not Jews, the Gentiles. The word for Greek is also used for some who are not Jews (see Galatians 3:28).

The name of Jesus stands for all He is, His person and His work. There is tremendous power in the name of Jesus.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10–11)

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

Exposition

The word for called is klētos and means called.

Commentary

Paul was writing to the church at Rome, and those believers in the church were children of God and the called of Jesus Christ. They were also called saints, those set apart to God. God calls all to be saved, but many turn away.

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:16)

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

Exposition

The word for beloved is agapētos and means beloved, dearly beloved.

The word for saints is hagios and means holy, saint.

The word for grace is charis and means grace.

The word for peace is eirēnē which means peace.

Commentary

Use of the word beloved indicates that Paul had a very tender relationship with these Christians, even though he had not yet personally met them.

Paul wrote this Letter to the Christians in Rome. They were not called to be saints, they were not called to become saints, but they were saints who were called of God. God called them and placed His hand on them and called them saints.

Saints are simply holy ones, those separated to God. A Christian is also a saint, one set apart to God. He does not have to wait until fifty years after death to be declared a saint. Since God is holy, and Jesus Christ is holy, that character is given to the Christian who is said to be in union with Christ, or simply in Christ. This is the major theme of the book of Ephesians.

Paul wished them grace and peace: He opens each of his Letters with the same grace and peace. (The only exceptions are the Letters to Timothy and Titus in which he says grace, mercy, and peace.) These men were both fairly young, and the apostle no doubt felt they needed more mercy to help with their many challenges.

Grace is unmerited favor. God gives us His grace based on His character, not on our own action or lack thereof.

Peace is the absence of conflict. Some get peace by killing their opposition. That is not the peace that God provides.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1

This grace and peace is from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. This demonstrates the very close relationship between the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Exposition

The word for thank is eucharisteō and means to thank.

The word for is spoken of is kataggellō which means preach, shew, teach, declare, speak of.

The word for whole is holos and means the whole, all. Our word whole comes from this word.

The word for world is kosmos and means world.

Commentary

Having a thankful heart is a characteristic of a Christian. People who are not thankful for what they have or for what God has given them find it hard to walk the Christian life. Being unthankful is one characteristic of the present age.

The words whole world can mean a whole geographic location, the whole world (Matthew 4:23–24—all Galilee, all Syria). It can mean all as in loving God with the whole heart (Matthew 22:37). It can mean a length of time as in they rowed the whole night (Luke 5:5). It can mean all of something as in the leaven leavened the whole dough (1 Corinthians 5:6). It is used for the whole world (Matthew 16:26). It can mean restored to health (John 7:23). There are other meanings.

The word world means the world as in Earth. It also stands for the world system, which is usually spoken of in negative terms. The word stands for order, and our word cosmetics comes from this word.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)

Paul was thankful for every saint in every church with which he dealt. He was especially thankful for these saints in Rome because no matter where they went, they shared the good news that Jesus Christ died to save sinners. Everywhere that Paul went, the folk asked if he had heard about what was happening with the men and women of faith in Rome. It was a message that held a particular delight for him.

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

Exposition

The word for witness is martus and means witness. Our word martyr comes from this word.

The word for serve is latreuō and means serve, worship. It is the service of the priest at the altar.

The word for gospel is euaggelion which means good news, gospel.

The word for without ceasing is adialeiptōs and means not ceasing, without ceasing.

The word for mention is mneia and means mention, remembrance. It comes from the words to remember.

The word for prayers is proseuchē and means prayer.

Commentary

The word serve is the service of the priest at the altar. It is a Jewish concept. Paul served as a matter of worship; his thoughts were with God, Christ, and His Church.

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. (Hebrews 13:10)

The phrase without ceasing is found in a number of places. It does not mean that Paul sat around all day with his head bowed praying for them but that he had not made any conscious decision to stop praying for them. Praying for them is something he would do for them daily, day by day.

When people ask us to pray for them, it is always best to stop right then and pray for them, even on the phone; otherwise, we are apt to forget to pray.

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

The word mention generally means mentioning someone in prayer.

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, (Philemon 4)

Paul made it clear that these folk were important to him, and he would constantly be in prayer for them.

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

Exposition

The word for making request is deomai and means beseech, pray, make request.

The word for by any means is pōs and means by any means.

The word for now is ēdē and means now, already.

The word for at length is pote and means at length, aforetime, once, sometime.

The word for have a prosperous journey is euodoumai and means prosper, have a prosperous journey. The word is only found here, in 1 Corinthians 16:2 and in 3 John 2, in the New Testament.

The word for will is thelēma and means will. What was God's will for him at the present time?

The word for to come is erchomai and means to come.

Commentary

Paul had to use means to get anywhere. Many times he walked where he needed to go, but some of the places he went were close to the ocean, so he often traveled by ship. He had many harrowing experiences as ships were lost, but he and the other passengers were saved (Acts 27:9–44).

Notice his heart in the matter: He really wanted to see these saints, but he would depend on the will of God. He would go when God wanted him to go; otherwise, he had work to do wherever he might be.

The apostle was often prevented from going places he had chosen because going there was not God's will for him at that moment.

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. (Acts 16:6–7)

Later, Paul would learn why God delayed his trip as he was called to go elsewhere.

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:8–10)

There was the evidence of God's will: assuredly gathering. He understood the will of God perfectly at that point.

Many times God's will for us is somewhat cloudy; we are really not sure. In that case, it is often beneficial to move ahead with something you see that needs to be done and trust the Lord to guide you as you go. This was the message of the servant of Abraham as he sought a wife for Isaac.

I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren. (Genesis 24:27B)

This met his prayer which he had prayed earlier. Someone has observed that God cannot guide a ship at anchor. Many people sit around waiting for God to make His will clear—when they just need to get busy helping with the work—and expect God to guide them.

Paul had heard so much about these Roman Christians that he just wanted to be where they were, to enjoy their fellowship. But he was far from Rome, and a lot would happen before he actually got there.

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

Exposition

The word long is epipotheō and means long for, earnestly desire.

The word for to see is eideō and means to see. It is a very common word in the New Testament used for seeing something or someone.

The word for may impart is metadidōmi which means to give, impart.

The word for spiritual is pneumatikos which means spiritual. The word means having to do with the Holy Spirit.

The word for gift is charisma which means free gift.

The word for be established is stērizō which means establish, stedfast, strengthen.

Commentary

Paul loved these Christians in Rome, and he must have thought of them constantly as to what he would say when he saw them. He believed they were saved, but he needed to give them a lot more information so they would be grounded in their faith. There was a lot of false teaching during that time, and this teaching was leading many away from the true faith. This was part of that spiritual gift he spoke of. He wanted them protected from false doctrine, false teaching.

It is important to know what your spiritual gift is. However, if you do not really know what your gift or gifts are, just go with what is in front of you. If you have a heart to do certain things, then continue with them until God shows you that He has something else He wants you to do.

The word gift is used for spiritual gifts that are given to every Christian.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:4)

The word is also used as an appointment to a particular office.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14)

The word established simply meant that they were to be set up with sound doctrine, understanding what the will of God was for them personally. To be established was to have a firm foundation and to progress unmovable in the faith. (See 1 Corinthians 15:58.)

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (Revelation 3:2)

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

Exposition

The word for be comforted together is sumparakaleomai and means comforted together. The word is only used here in the New Testament.

The word for mutual is allēlōn which means one another, mutual.

Commentary

Paul saw the Christian life as more than just a one-way street. It was not just him always giving, but he was encouraged when he saw the faith of other Christians. It was a mutual faith, the faith of one another. He had the faith in Christ, and they had it, so it was mutual encouragement.

The word mutual indicates that Paul would encourage the Romans, but their faith would also encourage him. There was benefit both ways. It is a very profitable relationship when we help each other. One may be strong in one way, and the other have strength in another, so between them, they both benefit more than they would ever benefit being alone.

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

Exposition

The word for ignorant is agnoeō and means to not understand, to be ignorant.

The word for brethren is adelphos and means brother. It is often used in a general sense to include everyone, brother and sister. There is, however, a separate word for sister.

The word for oftentimes is pollakis and means often, frequently.

The word for purposed is protithēmi and means purpose, set forth. The word is used only here, in Romans 3:25 and in Ephesians 1:9, in the New Testament.

The word for to come is erchomai and means to come.

The word for was let is kōluō and means forbid, hinder, was let.

The word for might have is echō and means to have.

The word for fruit is karpos and means fruit.

The word for Gentiles is ethnos and means Gentiles, nations. The word was used for any person who was not a Jew.

Commentary

The word ignorant means not to know or understand something.

More than anything else, Paul did not want them to be ignorant concerning the Christian doctrines and the Christian life. He wanted them to be grounded in the faith.

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

The word oftentimes means something that happens frequently.

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. (Matthew 17:15)

The word purposed means a conscious decision to do something.

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Ephesians 1:9)

The words was let mean to hinder, to prevent something from happening.

Paul wanted to be where they were, but he was hindered [was let].

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us.

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. (Mark 9:38–39)

Paul wanted to see spiritual fruit among them, to see them growing in their understanding of the doctrines of God. He wanted to see the will of God working in their lives, personally.

The word fruit is used for fruit from a fruit tree.

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:13–14)

It is also used for spiritual fruit, fruit which is the result of walking controlled by the Spirit.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:8)

Paul wanted to see fruit among them just like he saw it with other Gentiles.

Remember that Jesus was a Jew, the twelve apostles were Jews, and much of the early church was Jewish; but the church at Rome was a Gentile church.

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (1 Corinthians 12:2)

Paul knew that he could not be with these Romans, so the best he could do was send this Letter, and he tried to get as much packed into the Letter as he thought would help these Romans in their walk with Christ. His main goal in life was fruitfulness, at all levels.

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

Exposition

The word for debtor is opheiletēs and means debtor, sinner, owed.

The word for Greeks is Hellēn and means Greek, Gentile.

The word for Barbarians is barbaros and means Barbarian. A Barbarian was anyone with a rough speech. Our word barbarian comes from this word.

The word for wise is sophos and means wise. The word signifies deep understanding.

The word for unwise is anoētos and means fool, unwise.

Commentary

This marks the beginning of a new section in which Paul mentions being I am. There are three I ams in this section:

I am debtor (verse 14).

I am ready (verse 15).

I am not ashamed (verse 16).

First off, Paul is a debtor.

Paul was very sensitive to the fact that he was saved and taught by Christ, and he saw this as a debt. Now all this was by grace; it was a free gift. Still he felt he had to do something; he had a commission to fulfill, and he had to stay at it until it was complete.

That mission was not only to the Greek world but to the Barbarians. The word Barbarians is a word that simply means a people of a rough speech, speech that many would not understand, kind of a bar, bar, bar sort of people.

Paul spent a lot of time thinking about wisdom. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom (Proverbs 8). Paul distinguished between the Gentiles and the Jews depending on wisdom. (See also 1 Corinthians 1:17–31.) Paul had a tremendous training in the Bible, but it did not reach his heart. Still, after he was saved, and God gave him a new heart, then he had the wisdom of the many hours he had spent studying the Old Testament Jewish books.

He was sensitive to those who had some understanding but were on the wrong track; much of what they believed was true, but some of it was not. Remember that Paul once persecuted Christians thinking that in doing so, he was serving the Lord.

He was also sensitive to the fact that there would be many in the world who had no understanding at all of spiritual things. He would have to lead them gently along until they truly understood the truth.

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

Exposition

The word for ready is prothumos and means ready, willing. The word is only found here, in Matthew 26:41 and in Mark 14:38, in the New Testament.

The word for to preach the gospel is euaggelizō and means preach, preach the gospel, announce the glad tidings.

Commentary

This is the second I am Paul said: I am ready.

One thing about it, Paul was always ready. He was ready to go to Rome; he would get there one day, but not as he might have imagined. (He had a paid trip as a prisoner of the Roman government.) Paul gave everything he had to the work of the Gospel. He might have to go hungry, he would be tortured for Christ, he would wear down, but he would not give up. He would go at the drop of a pin, and even drop the pin, but he knew that God had other immediate plans for him.

The apostle was not only ready and willing to go to Rome, but he was prepared to preach the Gospel. He had careful training from God and was well prepared for the work of God.

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

Exposition

The word for ashamed is epaischunomai which means ashamed.

The word for power is dunamis and means power, miracle, virtue.

The word for salvation is sōtēria and means salvation.

The word for that believeth is pisteuō and means believe.

Commentary

This is the third I am Paul said: I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

Paul was excited about the Gospel and had no reason to be ashamed of it. He would gladly proclaim it no matter what happened.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)

The word for power is a very dynamic power, a power associated with dynamite, which comes from this word.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The word salvation means to be delivered, delivered from calamity in this life and delivered from eternal damnation.

And that from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

Paul was concerned about the salvation of the Jews, his own people. He was also concerned for those who were not Jews, the Gentiles and the Greeks. He used their own background and history to lead them to Christ,

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save [sōzō; this is the verb sozo meaning to save] some. (1 Corinthians 9:19–22)

The word believe is used many times in Scripture. This is the verb. The noun is pistis which is translated faith.

The word believe is almost always used to mean believe and be saved; believe in what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary, and be saved.

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)

This is a key verse in the New Testament. Paul said that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.

Why could he say so strongly that he was not ashamed? It was the fact that the Gospel alone was the power of God to salvation. The good news that Christ died for my sin is the power of salvation. This salvation was to everyone who believed, to all who believed that Christ had died in our place, that He paid for our sin, that He had opened the way to heaven for us.

This salvation first came to the Jews. Abraham, when God told him he would have many offspring, believed God, and God credited that to him for salvation. (See Genesis 15:6, John 8:56.)

The Jews were first simply because they had all the Old Testament Scriptures. But it was not limited to the Jews but for the Gentiles also. Job was probably a Gentile, and he had this to say:

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job 19:25–27)

Job is one of the oldest books in the Bible, and it is obvious from his statement above that he believed in the Christ, the Redeemer who would come.

Paul makes it clear in several places that there is no distinction with God; the Gospel is available to everyone no matter their race or condition. All are included.

Sometimes preachers feel they have to use strong arguments and flowery language to lead people to Christ. But the apostle makes it clear that the Gospel is the power unto salvation, not necessarily what we may say. Some great preachers, especially television evangelists, who have seen many souls saved, sometimes fall into sin. Some folk have questioned the salvation of those saved under such flawed ministries. Yet it is not the preacher who saves but God's word.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted sword, which is able to save [sōzō] your souls. (James 1:21)

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

Exposition

The word for righteousness is dikaiosunē and means righteousness.

The word for is revealed is apokaluptō which means revealed, revelation. It is the Greek name for the book of Revelation.

The word for faith is pistis which means faith.

The word for is written is graphō which means write, written. Our word graph comes from this word.

The word for just is dikaios which means just, righteous.

The word for shall live is zaō which means to live, quick.

Commentary

This quotation, the just shall live by his faith, is from Habakkuk 2:4.

Everything revolves around faith, faith unto salvation and faith to walk with God day by day, to walk understanding and doing His will. It is revealed because it is from the Old Testament. Abraham had a mighty faith, and God blessed him accordingly. (See Romans 4:19–22, Genesis 15:6, Hebrews 6:13–15.)

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

Exposition

The word for wrath is orgē and means wrath, anger.

The word for is revealed is apokaluptō which means revealed.

The word for heaven is ouranos and means heaven, air.

The word for ungodliness is asebeia and means impiety, ungodliness, ungodly.

The word for unrighteousness is adikia and means iniquity, unjust, unrighteous, iniquity, wrong.

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