Romans 1
Romans 1 begins with Paul’s letter to the Roman church and is a very important section that introduces the core of the gospel and humanity’s fundamental problem. First, Paul presents himself, revealing his gratitude and deep longing for the Roman believers and his calling to proclaim the gospel (verses 1–15). Then, in verses 16–17, he summarizes the truth of the gospel: “The righteous shall live by faith.” In the latter part (verses 18–32), Paul describes humanity’s sinful condition and universal decline, and discusses why God’s wrath is revealed.
1versePaul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,
2versewhich he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
3verseconcerning his Son, who was born of the offspring of David according to the flesh,
4versewho was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
5versethrough whom we received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations for his name’s sake;
6verseamong whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;
7verseto all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8verseFirst, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.
9verseFor God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers,
10verserequesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.
11verseFor I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established;
12versethat is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
13verseNow I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (and was hindered so far), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
14verseI am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.
15verseSo as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.
16verseFor I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
17verseFor in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”
18verseFor the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19versebecause that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.
20verseFor the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse.
21verseBecause knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, and didn’t give thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
22verseProfessing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23verseand traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things.
24verseTherefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves;
25versewho exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26verseFor this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.
27verseLikewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
28verseEven as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29versebeing filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,
30versebackbiters, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31versewithout understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32versewho, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
Summary of the Main Contents
- Greetings and the Mission of the Gospel: Paul states that he is an apostle entrusted with the gospel and explains why he is writing to the believers in the Roman church.
- The Essence of the Gospel: He emphasizes that the gospel is God’s power that brings salvation to everyone who believes, and highlights the message that righteousness is given through faith.
- Human Sin and God’s Wrath: Paul describes humanity’s fall into idolatry—people know God but do not give Him glory. As a result, various kinds of unrighteousness and evil deeds are mentioned in detail.
Meditation Points
- You can engrave in your heart that the message of salvation, which the gospel brings, is equally necessary for everyone.
- Reflect on what outcomes follow a life that knows God but does not worship Him.
- Check yourself to see whether there is any attitude in your life that ignores God’s truth.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Like Paul, consider how you can put into practice today—in your own place—the certainty and mission you have regarding the gospel.
- If there are ways you do not give glory to God in everyday life, begin restoring it with small steps.
- Decide to live by relying on God’s grace, which declares you righteous through faith.