The Book of Romans - Chapter 1 vs 1 - 7
Recently, I posted a synopsis on Romans 1. I received requests for more so I have decided to walk the Roman road here. A few years ago I attended a very thorough and in-depth study on Romans taught by Pastor Eric VanRhee of the Adventure Four Square Church in Draper Utah. My eyes and mind were opened so much that it totally changed how I read the Bible and how I study it. Even more, it gave me a richer, deeper, new, and humbler understanding of my own salvation.
I am far from a PhD. theological scholar and I am not as knowledgeable as Eric but what I have learned I will share with you.
Some ground rules:
1. I welcome all comments even disagreements; however, all must be posted with respect towards me and other readers/posters.
2. I ask that you read the chapter we are discussing before posting.
3. If you do disagree with me or have been taught differently, again respect is required, but I would also ask that you use biblical scripture to support your position.
4. I believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God and am not open to debate that in this blog series.
5. I will be using the NIV, ESV, NASB versions and some other versions from time-to-time. I am willing to view other versions as you or if you present them but this blog series is not, again, the time or place to debate bible version validity.
6. Our God is triune. God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. 3 who are 1.
So...
Romans 1: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Notice the word called in vs 1, 6, and 7.
Vs 1. Who was called? Paul. Who called him? Jesus Christ who is God.
Acts 9:3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Vs 6 Who was called? You, me, those who believe. Who called us? God. Did we call him? No mention of us doing the calling.
Vs 7. Who was called? All those who are loved by God. Who called? God. Did those who God loved call him? Again no mention of them doing the calling.
MW definition: Apostle - one sent on a mission: as a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system
So Paul was called by God, and sent on a mission ("apostle") to preach only ("set apart") the good news ("gospel"). The good news was that God kept his promise that he made through his prophets and his Word. The promise (Isaiah 9: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.) was fulfilled by Jesus Christ who was descended from their greatest king David (see Matthew 1:1-17). God declared Jesus as his Son by his Spirit (Matt 3:16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”) and through his resurrection from the dead (support of the necessity of his death) Jesus Christ is elevated to Lord of Lords (Mark 16:19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.) Therefore, through his death on the cross and his resurrection we received grace.
MW Def grace : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
OK. More to come! Feel free to post comments and thoughts in accordance with my ground rules.
Blessings!
-Pete
One of my gifts is that of teacher (it remains to be seen if I am a gifted teacher). I have taught Chemistry, Physics, Math, Biology, and other science courses for over 20 years. Why my resume`? I am used to relating complex and difficult subjects to people who normally would not choose (unless threatened with death) to learn them. Romans is not an easy book. I love to write. I love the Word of God. I love to teach the Word of God. I would like to help you, my readers, gain the insight that I have.
I am far from a PhD. theological scholar and I am not as knowledgeable as Eric but what I have learned I will share with you.
Some ground rules:
1. I welcome all comments even disagreements; however, all must be posted with respect towards me and other readers/posters.
2. I ask that you read the chapter we are discussing before posting.
3. If you do disagree with me or have been taught differently, again respect is required, but I would also ask that you use biblical scripture to support your position.
4. I believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God and am not open to debate that in this blog series.
5. I will be using the NIV, ESV, NASB versions and some other versions from time-to-time. I am willing to view other versions as you or if you present them but this blog series is not, again, the time or place to debate bible version validity.
6. Our God is triune. God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. 3 who are 1.
So...
Romans 1: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Notice the word called in vs 1, 6, and 7.
Vs 1. Who was called? Paul. Who called him? Jesus Christ who is God.
Acts 9:3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Vs 6 Who was called? You, me, those who believe. Who called us? God. Did we call him? No mention of us doing the calling.
Vs 7. Who was called? All those who are loved by God. Who called? God. Did those who God loved call him? Again no mention of them doing the calling.
MW definition: Apostle - one sent on a mission: as a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system
So Paul was called by God, and sent on a mission ("apostle") to preach only ("set apart") the good news ("gospel"). The good news was that God kept his promise that he made through his prophets and his Word. The promise (Isaiah 9: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.) was fulfilled by Jesus Christ who was descended from their greatest king David (see Matthew 1:1-17). God declared Jesus as his Son by his Spirit (Matt 3:16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”) and through his resurrection from the dead (support of the necessity of his death) Jesus Christ is elevated to Lord of Lords (Mark 16:19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.) Therefore, through his death on the cross and his resurrection we received grace.
MW Def grace : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
Paul states we received grace and apostleship he includes all of us who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. This means that we are all called to be apostles. (See above def. of apostle) What were we called to do? Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In order to make disciples they would have to hear the good news. Right? Would you agree that verse 20 here, is the obedience of faith? Baptizing in his name is for his names sake as in vs 5 of Rom 1. In vs 5, the NASB and NIV use the word gentiles instead of all the nations which is in the ESV. I do not disagree with the use of gentiles since it was Paul's specific target but all the nations includes the converted jews living abroad as well and we will see in later chapters Paul addresses that issue. So there is no valid discrepancy between versions.
So his letter was addressed to the believers in Rome. How do we know that they are believers? He states that he is talking to those who were loved by God and called to be saints. AND not OR. Food for thought. Remember, God does the calling. All him.
OK. More to come! Feel free to post comments and thoughts in accordance with my ground rules.
Blessings!
-Pete
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