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Romans 1

Romans 1:1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, an Apostle by the selection of God, given authority as a preacher of the good news,

Romans 1:2

Of which God had given word before by his prophets in the holy Writings,

Romans 1:3

About his Son who, in the flesh, came from the family of David,

Romans 1:4

But was marked out as Son of God in power by the Holy Spirit through the coming to life again of the dead; Jesus Christ our Lord,

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Through whom grace has been given to us, sending us out to make disciples to the faith among all nations, for his name:

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Among whom you in the same way have been marked out to be disciples of Jesus Christ:

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To all those who are in Rome, loved by God, marked out as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:8

First of all, I give praise to my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because news of your faith has gone into all the world.

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For God is my witness, whose servant I am in spirit in the good news of his Son, that you are at all times in my memory and in my prayers,

Romans 1:10

And that I am ever making prayers that God will give me a good journey to you.

Romans 1:11

For I have a strong desire to see you, and to give you some grace of the spirit, so that you may be made strong;

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That is to say, that all of us may be comforted together by the faith which is in you and in me.

Romans 1:13

You may be certain, my brothers, that it has frequently been in my mind to come to you (but till now I was kept from it), so that I might have some fruit from you in the same way as I have had it from the other nations.

Romans 1:14

I have a debt to Greeks and to the nations outside; to the wise and to those who have no learning.

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For which reason I have the desire, as far as I am able, to give the knowledge of the good news to you who are in Rome.

Romans 1:16

For I have no feeling of shame about the good news, because it is the power of God giving salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first, and then to the Greek.

Romans 1:17

For in it there is the revelation of the righteousness of God from faith to faith: as it is said in the holy Writings, The man who does righteousness will be living by his faith.

Romans 1:18

For there is a revelation of the wrath of God from heaven against all the wrongdoing and evil thoughts of men who keep down what is true by wrongdoing;

Romans 1:19

Because the knowledge of God may be seen in them, God having made it clear to them.

Romans 1:20

For from the first making of the world, those things of God which the eye is unable to see, that is, his eternal power and existence, are fully made clear, he having given the knowledge of them through the things which he has made, so that men have no reason for wrongdoing:

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Because, having the knowledge of God, they did not give glory to God as God, and did not give praise, but their minds were full of foolish things, and their hearts, being without sense, were made dark.

Romans 1:22

Seeming to be wise, they were in fact foolish,

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And by them the glory of the eternal God was changed and made into the image of man who is not eternal, and of birds and beasts and things which go on the earth.

Romans 1:24

For this reason God gave them up to the evil desires of their hearts, working shame in their bodies with one another:

Romans 1:25

Because by them the true word of God was changed into that which is false, and they gave worship and honour to the thing which is made, and not to him who made it, to whom be blessing for ever. So be it.

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For this reason God gave them up to evil passions, and their women were changing the natural use into one which is unnatural:

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And in the same way the men gave up the natural use of the woman and were burning in their desire for one another, men doing shame with men, and getting in their bodies the right reward of their evil-doing.

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And because they had not the mind to keep God in their knowledge, God gave them up to an evil mind, to do those things which are not right;

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Being full of all wrongdoing, evil, desire for the goods of others, hate, envy, putting to death, fighting, deceit, cruel ways, evil talk, and false statements about others;

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Hated by God, full of pride, without respect, full of loud talk, given to evil inventions, not honouring father or mother,

Romans 1:31

Without knowledge, not true to their undertakings, unkind, having no mercy:

Romans 1:32

Who, though they have knowledge of the law of God, that the fate of those who do these things is death, not only go on doing these things themselves, but give approval to those who do them.

Detailed Analysis of Romans Chapter 1

Introduction to the Book of Romans

The Book of Romans, authored by the Apostle Paul, is one of the most profound and theologically rich letters in the New Testament. Written to the Christian community in Rome, its messages resonate deeply with themes of sin, salvation, grace, and faith. Chapter 1 sets the stage by establishing fundamental doctrines that lay the groundwork for understanding the human condition and the necessity of the Gospel.

Key Themes in Romans Chapter 1

1. The Purpose of Paul's Letter

Paul begins Romans with an introduction that outlines his mission to spread the Gospel. He emphasizes his identity as a servant of Christ and the urgency of proclaiming the message of salvation. This serves to prepare the readers for the theological insights that will follow.

2. The Gospel Revealed

In verses 16-17, Paul declares his unashamed stance on the Gospel. He posits that the Gospel is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." This proclamation highlights the universal nature of the Gospel, transcending cultural and social barriers.

3. Human Rebellion and Sin

As Paul progresses through the chapter, he addresses the theme of human sinfulness and rebellion against God. He discusses how creation reveals God’s qualities, yet people choose to suppress this truth, leading to idolatry and moral decay. Paul compellingly illustrates the consequences of turning away from God.

4. God's Wrath Against Ungodliness

Paul's discourse introduces the concept of God’s wrath against all forms of unrighteousness. He argues that the rejection of God's revelation results in a life steeped in sin. The use of the term "wrath" underscores the seriousness with which God views humanity's depravity.

5. The Exchange of Truth for Lies

In verses 25-32, Paul describes a society that has exchanged the truth of God for lies. This pivotal passage highlights the dangers of societal decay when divine truth is ignored. Instead of honoring God, individuals turn to lust and immorality, leading to further estrangement from God.

6. Moral Decline of Society

Paul catalogues various sins, illustrating the extent of humanity's rebellion. The list includes envy, murder, strife, deceit, and more. This moral decline serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God and His laws.

Theological Significance

Romans Chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of understanding both the nature of humanity and the character of God. It showcases the critical starting point for theological discussions regarding sin and salvation. By acknowledging humanity's fallen state, readers can better appreciate the profound grace offered through Jesus Christ.

Call to Reflection

This chapter invites readers to reflect on their relationship with God and the truths of creation. It compels believers to examine areas where they may have suppressed God's truth in their lives and challenges them to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

Chapter 1 of Romans serves as a foundation for understanding the complexities of sin and the necessity of God's grace. It presents a compelling argument on the state of humanity while affirming the hope found in the Gospel. By exploring the themes and lessons within this chapter, individuals can better grasp the overall message of Romans and its relevance to modern life.

In summary, Romans Chapter 1 is not just a theological discourse; it is a call to personal and communal transformation through the acknowledgment of God's truth and the acceptance of His grace. Embrace the insights of this chapter to deepen your faith and understanding of the Christian message.