Bible Commentary

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 21. because that, when they knew God ] i.e. as primevally revealed, and then constantly witnessed to by the visible Creation as Eternal and Omnipotent. “ To know … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:21”

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 20. from the creation of the world ] i.e. “since the world was created.” The Gr. scarcely allows the interpretation … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:20”

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed [it] unto them. 19. that which may be known of God ] Lit. that which is known; i.e. ideally known; that which, under any circumstances, man has known. The E. V. is thus practically right. The word “knowable” has … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:19”

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 18 23. The necessity for the Gospel: Divine wrath; human (especially heathen) sin 18. For the wrath of God, &c.] The “for” marks the connexion as follows: “The Gospel is the secret of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:18”

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written. The just shall live by faith. 17. the righteousness of God ] A phrase occurring elsewhere seven times in this Epistle (Rom 3:5; Rom 3:21-22; Rom 3:25-26, Rom 10:3 twice), once in the Gospels (Mat 6:33), once in 2 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:17”

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. 16. For I am not ashamed ] The “ for ” links this verse to the last thought. At Rome, if anywhere, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:16”

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 15. as much as in me is, &c.] Lit. that which relates to me is ready, &c.; “ my side is ready.” Perhaps the point of this periphrasis for “I” is the hope of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:15”

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 14. I am debtor ] i.e. “I owe it to them to impart to them the Gospel.” See 1Co 9:16-17; where St Paul speaks as a “dispenser” or “steward” of the Gospel, who is absolutely bound … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:14”

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. 13. Now I would not have you ignorant ] A characteristic phrase. See Rom 11:25; 1Co 10:1 ; 1Co 12:1; 2Co … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:13”

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 12. that is, that I may be comforted together, &c.] We have here St Paul’s fine tact, to use a word “soiled by ignoble use,” because sometimes associated with insincerity. The tact of the Apostle is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 1:12”