The Faith of Jesus

ROMANS CHAPTER ONE

A Detailed and Comprehensive Overview

Romans Chapter One is a foundational chapter in the New Testament of the Bible, written by the Apostle Paul. It serves as both an introduction to his letter to the Romans and a theological exposition of humanity's need for the Gospel. Below is a detailed breakdown of the chapter:

Introduction and Greeting (Verses 1-7)

Paul, a slave of Jesus the Messiah, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God - Yehovahwhich He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning His Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, the lord Messiah Jesus, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nation, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus the Messiah; To all God’s – Yehovah’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Paul opens his letter with a formal greeting, introducing himself and summarizing his mission.

Paul's Identity and Mission:

Paul identifies himself as a "slave of the lord Messiah Jesus" and an "apostle," called to spread the Gospel.
He describes the Gospel as being promised beforehand through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures, fulfilled in the lord Messiah Jesus.

The Gospel's Focus:

Jesus is portrayed as the Son of God, both "descended from David according to the flesh" and "declared to be the Son of God - Yehovah in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead."
Paul emphasizes the Messiah Jesus' role as lord.

Paul's Apostolic Mission:

He has been tasked to bring about "the obedience of faith" among all nations for the sake of the lord Messiah Jesus.
Paul includes the Roman believers in this mission, calling them the "called to belong to the lord Messiah Jesus" and "saints – holy ones."

Greeting:

Thanksgiving and Paul's Desire to Visit Rome (Verses 8-15)

First, I thank my God - Yehovah through Jesus the Messiah for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God - Yehovah is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s – Yehovah’s I will now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know, brethren, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), so that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish: so I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Paul expresses his gratitude for the Roman believers and his eagerness to visit them.

Thanksgiving:

Paul thanks God - Yehovah for the faith of the Roman followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, which is "proclaimed in all the world."
He emphasizes his constant prayers for them and his longing to visit them.

Purpose of His Visit:

Paul desires to impart some "spiritual gift" to strengthen the believers and to be mutually encouraged by their faith.
He mentions that he has often planned to visit them but has been prevented.

Paul's Obligation:

Paul expresses his sense of obligation to preach the Gospel [the message about the coming Kingdom of God] to all people, both Greeks and non-Greeks, wise and foolish.
He declares his eagerness to preach the Gospel to those in Rome.

The Power of the Gospel (Verses 16-17)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God - Yehovah is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “He who through faith is righteous shall live.”

These verses serve as the thematic statement of the entire letter.

Paul's Confidence in the Gospel:

Paul proclaims, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God - Yehovah for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
The Gospel is how God - Yehovah saves people, regardless of their background.
The Righteousness of God - Yehovah Revealed:
In the Gospel, the "righteousness of God - Yehovah" is revealed, a righteousness that is accessed by faith: "The righteous shall live by faith" (a reference to Habakkuk 2:4).

God's – Yehovah’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity (Verses 18-32)

For the wrath of God - Yehovah is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God – Yehovah is plain to them, because God - Yehovah has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world, His invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God - Yehovah they did not honor Him as God - Yehovah or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal men or birds or animals, or reptiles.

Therefore, God - Yehovah gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to
impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God - Yehovah for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator - Yehovah, who is blessed forever! Amen.

For this reason, God - Yehovah gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error.

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God - Yehovah, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct. They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, and malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malignity, they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God’s – Yehovah’s decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practice them.

Paul transitions to the universal need for the Gospel by addressing humanity's sinful condition and God's righteous judgment.

A. God's – Yehovah’s Wrath Revealed (Verses 18-20)

God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness because people suppress the truth.
Creation itself reveals God's eternal power and divine nature, leaving humanity "without excuse."

B. Humanity's Rejection of God - Yehovah (Verses 21-23)

Despite knowing God through creation, humans failed to honor Him or give thanks.
Their thinking became futile, and their hearts were darkened.
They exchanged the glory of God for images resembling humans, animals, and other created things, falling into idolatry.

C. Consequences of Rejecting God - Yehovah (Verses 24-32)

God "Gave Them Up":

Paul uses the phrase "God gave them up" three times, highlighting that God allowed humanity to follow their sinful desires as a result of their rejection of Him:

"God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity" (v. 24): This refers to sexual immorality and dishonoring their bodies.

"God gave them up to dishonorable passions" (v. 26): This includes unnatural sexual relations, described as contrary to God's design.

"God gave them up to a debased mind" (v. 28): This led to doing things that ought not to be done, filled with all manner of unrighteousness.

The List of Sins (Verses 29-31):

o Paul provides a comprehensive list of sins that characterize humanity's rebellion against God, including greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, arrogance, and disobedience to parents.

Humanity's Guilt:

o Paul concludes that humans are not only guilty of committing these sins but also encouraging and approving others to do the same, despite knowing God's judgment.

Key Themes in Romans Chapter One

1. The Gospel as God's – Jehovah’s Power:

o The Gospel is the central message of salvation, revealing God's righteousness and offering salvation through faith.

2. Humanity's Accountability to God - Yehovah:

o God's existence and attributes are evident in creation, leaving humanity without excuse for rejecting Him.

3. God's – Yehovah’s Judgment on Sin:

o Humanity's rejection of God leads to moral and spiritual decay, and God's judgment is just and deserved.

4. Faith as the Means of Righteousness:

o The righteous shall live by faith, highlighting the importance of trusting in God for salvation.

Conclusion

Romans Chapter 1 sets the stage for the rest of the epistle by introducing the Gospel's power and humanity's need for it. Paul begins with a greeting and thanksgiving, establishes the universal relevance of the Gospel, and confronts the reality of human sinfulness. Romans chapter one emphasizes God's – Yehovah’s righteousness, humanity's accountability, and the transformative power of faith.

ROMANS CHAPTER TWO

Chapter Two serves as a critical continuation of Paul's argument in his letter to the Romans, addressing the issue of God's righteous judgment and the guilt of both Gentiles and Jews. This chapter can be divided into two main sections:

The Hypocrisy of the Self-righteous (verses 1-16)

Therefore, you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. We know that the judgment of God - Yehovah rightly falls upon those who do such things. Do you suppose, O man, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God - Yehovah? Or do you presume upon the riches of His kindness and forbearance, and patience? Do you not know that God’s – Yehovah’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s – Yehovah’s righteous judgment will be revealed. For He will render to every man according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God - Yehovah shows no partiality.

All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified – declared righteous. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by the Messiah Jesus.

Paul begins by addressing those who judge others while committing the same sins themselves. He emphasizes that God's – Yehovah’s judgment is impartial and based on one's deeds. Key points include:

God's righteous judgment applies to everyone, regardless of their religious background.

Those who pass judgment on others are condemning themselves, as they practice the same things.

God - Yehovah will render to each person according to their deeds, offering eternal life to those who persistently do good and wrath to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth.

God - Yehovah shows no partiality in His judgment, treating Jews and Gentiles alike.

Paul also addresses the situation of Gentiles who, despite not having the written Law, naturally do what the Law requires. Their consciences will bear witness on the day of judgment, demonstrating that they, too, are accountable to God - Yehovah.

The Guilt of the Self-confident (verses 17-29)

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely upon the law and boast of your relation to God - Yehovah and know His will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed in the law, and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, you then who teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God - Yehovah by breaking the law? For, as it is written, “The name of God - Yehovah is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if an uncircumcised man keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then, those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. He is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal. His praise is not from men but from God.

In this section, Paul focuses specifically on the Jews and their reliance on the Law:

He challenges those who boast in their possession of the Law but fail to keep it perfectly.

Paul points out that their failure to obey the Law fully has led to dishonoring God and causing His name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles.

He introduces the concept of true circumcision being of the heart, not merely physical. This idea emphasizes that genuine faithfulness to God is internal and spiritual, not just external and ritualistic.

Significance and Themes

Universal guilt: Paul establishes that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and in need of salvation.

Impartiality of God's - Yehovah's judgment: God judges all people by the same standard, regardless of their religious or cultural background.

Works-based judgment: While Paul will later emphasize salvation by faith, he here stresses that God's judgment is based on one's deeds to show that no one can be justified by their own works.

True righteousness: Paul begins to develop the idea that true righteousness is a matter of the heart, not just outward observance of the Law.

This chapter serves as a crucial bridge in Paul's argument, moving from the guilt of the Gentiles (Chapter 1) to the universal need for salvation through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus, which he will develop in the following chapters.

ROMANS CHAPTER THREE

Romans chapter three is pivotal in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans. It addresses key issues, such as the universal sinfulness of humanity, the righteousness of God - Yehovah, and the means of justification [righteousness] through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Below is a breakdown of the passage:

The Faithfulness of God - Yehovah Despite Human Unfaithfulness (Verses 1–8)

Romans 3:1-8 is part of Paul’s letter to the Roman church, addressing some important questions. In this passage, Paul tackles two main concerns: the value of being a Jew and the problem of human sin.

Romans 3:1-2:

"What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God - Yehovah."

Paul starts by addressing the question of what benefit there is to being Jewish, especially if Jews and Gentiles both stand under God's – Yehovah’s judgment due to sin.
He responds that there is great value in being Jewish because God - Yehovah gave the Jews His revelation—His “spirit-filled words” (the Scriptures). This means that Jews have a privileged position in terms of receiving God's – Yehovah’s law and His covenant.

Romans 3:3-4:

"What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's – Yehovah’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God - Yehovah be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: 'So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.'"

Paul acknowledges that Jews have been unfaithful to God - Yehovah, but he stresses that this doesn’t undermine God's – Yehovah’s faithfulness.
God’s – Yehovah’s promises remain true, even if people fail to keep their side of the covenant. Paul quotes Psalm 51:4: Against you, you only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be justified when you speak, And be clear when you judge.
Psalm 51:4 emphasizes that God - Yehovah is always right and just in His judgments, even when human beings fail.

Romans 3:5-6:

"But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s – Yehovah’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God – Yehovah is unjust in bringing His wrath on us? I am using a human argument. Certainly not! If that were so, how could God - Yehovah judge the world?"

Paul anticipates an argument that might arise: if human sin highlights God’s – Yehovah’s righteousness (by contrast), does that mean God - Yehovah is unjust in judging us?
Paul rejects this argument strongly, saying that if this reasoning were true, God - Yehovah could not rightly judge the world.
He uses a rhetorical argument to show that God’s – Yehovah’s judgment remains valid, regardless of human sinfulness.

Romans 3:7-8:

"Someone might argue, 'If my falsehood enhances God’s – Yehovah’s truthfulness and so increases His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?' Why not say, 'As some slanderously claim that we say, 'Let us do evil that good may result'? Their condemnation is just!"

Paul responds to the twisted reasoning some people might use, suggesting that since sin highlights God’s – Yehovah’s glory, they could continue sinning so that God’s – Yehovah’s goodness would shine brighter.
He rejects this argument outright, declaring that such reasoning is slanderous and wicked. Those who make such claims deserve condemnation.

Key Themes:

God’s – Yehovah’s Faithfulness: Despite human unfaithfulness, God - Yehovah remains faithful to His promises. He keeps His word, and His covenant with Israel still holds.
God’s – Yehovah’s Righteous Judgment: Paul argues that God's – Yehovah’s judgment is always just, even when human sin highlights God's – Yehovah’s righteousness. Sin does not invalidate God's – Yehovah’s justice.
Misunderstanding God’s – Yehovah’s Grace: Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding of God's - Yehovah’s grace - some might think that continuing in sin to magnify God's – Yehovah’s glory is acceptable. Paul emphatically denies this.

In summary, Romans 3:1-8 is Paul’s response to questions about the role of the Jews and the apparent problem of human sin. He affirms that God’s – Yehovah’s faithfulness is not dependent on human faithfulness and that God's – Yehovah’s justice is always righteous, even in the face of sin.

Universal Sinfulness of Humanity (Verses 9–20)

Romans 3:9-20 is a pivotal passage in the Apostle Paul’s argument about the universal need for salvation through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus. This section concludes his earlier arguments that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and that no one is righteous by their own efforts. Here's a breakdown of the passage:

Context:

Paul is addressing a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles within the early community of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus. In the preceding chapters, Paul has demonstrated that:

The Gentiles are guilty of sin because they have rejected God - Yehovah and pursued unrighteousness (Romans 1).
The Jews, despite having the Law, are also guilty because they fail to keep it perfectly (Romans 2).

Romans 3:9-20 Summary:

Verses 9-10: Universal Guilt

"What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one.'"

Key Point: Paul emphasizes that no group - neither Jews nor Gentiles - is exempt from sin. All humanity is "under sin," meaning sin dominates and enslaves them. This levels the playing field and sets the stage for the need for God’s grace.

Verses 11-18: Quotations from Scripture

no one understands, no one seeks for God. All have turned aside, together they have gone wrong; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave, and they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth are full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood, in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God - Yehovah before their eyes.”

Paul strings together several Old Testament passages (from Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah) to illustrate humanity’s fallen condition:

Spiritual blindness and rebellion (v. 11): "No one understands; no one seeks for God - Yehovah."
Universal corruption (v. 12): "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless."
Sinful speech (vv. 13-14): Descriptions of deceit, poison, and cursing highlight the sinful nature of human communication.
Sinful actions (vv. 15-17): "Their feet are swift to shed blood," pointing to violence and destruction.
Lack of reverence for God - Yehovah (v. 18): "There is no fear of God - Yehovah before their eyes.

Key Point

These quotes emphasize the depth and breadth of human sinfulness. No aspect of human life - thought, speech, or action - is untouched by sin.

Verses 19-20: The Role of the Law

"Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God - Yehovah. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."

Key Point

The Law cannot save anyone; its purpose is to reveal sin and hold people accountable. It acts as a mirror, showing humanity its inability to achieve righteousness on its own. The Law silences any claims of self-righteousness and underscores the need for divine intervention.

Main Themes

1. Universal Sinfulness: Both Jews and Gentiles are equally guilty of sin.

2. Inability to Achieve Righteousness: Human effort, including adherence to the Law, cannot make anyone righteous before God - Yehovah.

3. Purpose of the Law: The Law exposes sin but does not provide a means of justification.

Implications for the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus:

This passage sets up the necessity of grace, which Paul elaborates on in the next section (Romans 3:21-26), where he explains that righteousness comes through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus.
It humbles believers, reminding them that salvation is not earned but freely given by God - Yehovah.
It emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s – Yehovah s mercy rather than on personal merit.

Romans 3:9-20 is foundational in Paul’s argument that all humans are equal in their need for salvation, making the gospel, the good news about the coming kingdom of God - Yehovah and of the lord Messiah Jesus the only solution for humanity’s problem of sin.

The Righteousness of God - Yehhovah Through Faith in the lord Messiah Jesus (Verses 21–26)

But now the righteousness of God - Yehovah has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God - Yehovah through faith in Jesus the Messiah for all who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Yehovah, they are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in the Messiah Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood [his sin-offering sacrifice], to be received by faith. This was to show God’s - Yehovah's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins; it was to prove at the present time that He himself is righteous and that He justifies - declares righteous him who has faith in Jesus.

Paul introduces the solution to humanity's sinfulness:

A righteousness from God - Yehovah is revealed apart from the law, though it is testified to by the Law and the Prophets (v. 21).

This righteousness is available through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus to all who believe, without distinction (v. 22–23).

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Yehovah but are justified, made righteous freely by His grace through the redemption that comes through the sin-offering sacrifice of the lord Messiah Jesus (v. 24).

Jesus gave himself to his God and his Father Yehovah as a sacrifice of atonement, a sin-offering sacrifice when he shed his blood on the stake, so that God – Yehovah could reconcile all humanity to Himself, to demonstrate His justice in forgiving sins while maintaining His righteousness (v. 25–26).

Note: When Jesus shed his blood as a sin-offering sacrifice on the stake, all those who would become his followers committed to obeying the words his God and his Father Yehovah gave him to give to them. At their baptism they died to self and came out of the water in newness of life, becoming “new creations” in the lord Messiah Jesus, and those were purchased by his blood became his slaves and were to live their lives as slaves to righteousness, enabled to do so by his indwelling spirit.

Romans 3:21-26 is a foundational passage in the New Testament that explains how humanity is made right with God - Yehovah through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus. This section addresses themes of righteousness, justification, and redemption and is often regarded as the heart of the gospel message. Below is an explanation of these verses:

Verse 21:

"But now apart from the law the righteousness of God - Yehovah has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify."

Meaning: Paul introduces a significant shift, emphasizing that God's – Yehovah’s righteousness (His perfect moral standard) is revealed independently of the Law (the system of rules given to Israel). This righteousness is consistent with what the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament) pointed toward, showing that this was part of God's – Yehovah’s plan all along.

Verse 22:

"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus the Messiah to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile."

Meaning: The righteousness of God - Yehovah is not achieved by human effort but is a gift received through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus. It is available to everyone - both Jews and Gentiles - because salvation is based on belief - faith, not ethnicity, status, or adherence to the Law.

Verse 23:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Yehovah."

Meaning: Paul underscores the universal problem of sin. Every human being has sinned (missed God's standard of holiness) and is therefore unable to achieve the glory (perfection and presence) of God on their own.

Verse 24:

"And all are justified [made righteous] freely by his grace through the redemption that came by the Messiah Jesus."

Meaning: Despite humanity's sinfulness, people are "justified" (declared righteous) freely by God's – Yehovah’s grace (unearned favor). This justification [righteousness] comes through "redemption" (the act of being set free from the bondage of sin), which Jesus accomplished through His sacrificial sin-offering death.

Verse 25:

"God - Yehovah presented the Messiah as a sin-offering sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood - to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished."

Meaning: Jesus' death on the cross is described as a "sin - offering sacrifice of atonement" (or "propitiation"), meaning it satisfied God's – Yehovah’s righteous wrath against sin. His blood was shed as the price for sin, and this gift is received by faith. Through this act, God - Yehovah demonstrated His justice, showing that He does not ignore sin but has provided a way to deal with it.

Verse 26:

"He did it to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, to be just and the one who justifies – makes righteous those who have faith in Jesus."

Meaning: God’s – Yehovah’s character is perfectly balanced: He is both just (maintaining His moral integrity by addressing sin) and the justifier (providing forgiveness of sin through the lord Messiah Jesus). This means God - Yehovah upholds justice while offering mercy to those who trust in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Key Takeaways

God's – Yehovah’s Righteousness: Salvation is not based on human efforts or adherence to the Law but is a gift from God - Yehovah revealed through the lord Messiah Jesus.
Faith as the Basis: Faith in the lord Messiah Jesus is how people receive justification [are declared righteous], regardless of background.
Universal Need: All people are sinners and in need of redemption, so God – Yehovah has made salvation equally accessible to all.
God's – Yehovah’s Justice and Grace: God - Yehovah addresses sin through the sin-offering sacrifice of the lord Messiah Jesus, demonstrating both His justice and His love.

This passage profoundly highlights the core belief of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus: salvation is by grace through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Justification by Faith, Not by Works (Verses 27–31)

Romans 3:27–31 is a passage in which the Apostle Paul explains the relationship between faith, the law, and justification. Here's an explanation of these verses:

Romans 3:27

"Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith."

Paul addresses the issue of human pride or boasting about earning righteousness through works. He explains that boasting is excluded because justification [being made righteous] comes through faith, not by adhering to the works of the law. The "law of faith" refers to the principle that righteousness is obtained through trust in God s – Yehovah’s provision, rather than through human efforts.

Romans 3:28

"For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."

This verse summarizes Paul's central argument: Justification (being declared righteous before God - Yehovah) comes through faith alone and not through works of the law. This was a radical departure from the prevailing Jewish understanding at the time, which emphasized adherence to the Mosaic Law as a means to attain righteousness.

Romans 3:29-30

"Or is God - Yehovah the God - Yehovah of Jews only? Is He not the God - Yehovah of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD - YEHOVAH, who justifies the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith."

Paul emphasizes the universality of God - Yehovah and salvation. God - Yehovah is not only the God - Yehovah of the Jews but also of the Gentiles. SINCE THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD - YEHOVAH, He justifies both Jews ("the circumcised") and Gentiles ("the uncircumcised") through faith. This underscores the inclusivity of the gospel: Salvation has been made available to all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

Romans 3:31

"Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."

Paul anticipates a possible objection: Does faith in the lord Messiah Jesus render the law meaningless? He strongly denies this. Instead, he asserts that faith upholds the law. This can be understood in several ways:

Faith fulfills the true purpose of the law, which is to point people to their need for God's – Yehovah’s grace.
The moral principles of the law are affirmed and upheld by those who live by faith.
Through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live following God's – Yehovah’s will.

Summary

Romans 3:27 - 31 teaches that justification [to become righteous] comes by faith, not by works of the law, and that salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles. While the law cannot save, faith in the lord Messiah Jesus upholds its true purpose by revealing humanity's need for God's – Yehovah’s grace and enabling a life aligned with God's – Yehovah’s will. This passage emphasizes God's – Yehovah’s impartiality and the unity of His plan of salvation for all people.

Key Themes in Romans 3

The Universality of Sin: Everyone, regardless of ethnicity or background, is guilty before God - Yehovah.

The Righteousness of God - Yehovah: God's – Yehovah’s character is perfectly holy and just, and He provides a way for humanity to be righteous through faith.

Justification by Grace Through Faith: Salvation is a gift of God's – Yehovah’s grace, received through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus, not through human effort.

The Role of the Law: The law reveals sin and points to the need for a Savior, but of and by itself, it cannot save.

Practical Takeaways

Humility: Recognize that all people are equally in need of God's – Yehovah’s grace.

Faith: Trust in the lord Messiah Jesus as the only means of being made right with God - Yehovah.

Gratitude: Be thankful for God's – Yehovah’s faithfulness and the gift of redemption through the lord Messiah Jesus.

Unity: Acknowledge that salvation is available to everyone, breaking down divisions between people groups.

Romans chapter three lays the foundation for the gospel message, about the kingdom of God and the name of the lord Messiah Jesus, explaining why humanity needs salvation and how God - Yehovah provides it.

ROMANS CHAPTER FOUR

Romans Chapter Four is a profound chapter in the New Testament, written by the Apostle Paul, focusing on the themes of faith, justification, and righteousness. This chapter is pivotal in Paul's argument that salvation comes through faith, not by works or adherence to the law. Here's an overview and explanation:

Romans Chapter Four (vv. 1-25)

What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified – declared righteous by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God - Yehovah. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God - Yehovah, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift but as his due. And to one who does not work but trusts Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also, David pronounces a blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom Yehovah will not reckon his sin.”

Is this blessing pronounced only upon the circumcised or also upon the uncircumcised? We say that faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it reckoned to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after but before he was circumcised. He received circumcision as a sign or seal of the righteousness which he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised and who thus have righteousness reckoned to them, and likewise the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but also follow the example of the faith which our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

God’s – Yehovah’s Promise Realized through Faith

The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null, and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law, there is no transgression.

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations” - in the presence of the God - Yehovah in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope, he believed against hope that he should become the father of many nations; as he had been told, “So shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God - Yehovah, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God - Yehovah, fully convinced that God - Yehovah was able to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was “reckoned to him as righteousness.” But the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in Him - Yehovah that raised from the dead Jesus our lord, who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Key Themes in Romans 4:

Faith and Justification: Paul begins by referencing Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, as an example of justification – being declared righteous before God - Yehovah by faith. He emphasizes that Abraham was not justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah by works, but by his faith in God - Yehovah. This is grounded in Genesis 15:6, where it says, "Abraham believed God - Yehovah, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Key Verse: Romans 4:3: “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God - Yehovah, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’”

This demonstrates that righteousness - to be declared righteous before God - Yehovah is a gift from God - Yehovah, not something earned through human effort.

Note: Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah by faith, we have peace with God - Yehovah because of the lord Messiah Jesus."

Works vs. Faith: Paul contrasts the concept of earning righteousness through works with being declared righteous through faith. He argues that if Abraham were justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah by works, he would have reason to boast, but not before God - Yehovah. Instead, faith is the key that allows people to receive God’s grace.

Illustration: Paul uses the metaphor of wages (4:4-5: Now to him that works, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. But, to him that works not, but believe on Him that justifies – makes righteous the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness).

Wages are owed to a worker, but righteousness before God - Yehovah is not something owed; it is granted freely to those who believe.

David’s Example: Paul cites King David to reinforce his point. In Psalm 32, David speaks of the blessing of having sins forgiven and not having sins counted against him. This reinforces the idea that righteousness is not about human effort but about God’s grace and forgiveness.

Key Verse: Romans 4:7-8: “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord - Yehovah will never count against them.”

Circumcision and the Law: Paul addresses the question of whether circumcision (a symbol of the Jewish covenant with God) is necessary for righteousness. He points out that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. Therefore, circumcision is not a requirement for justification – being declared righteous before God – Yehovah, it is a sign of the faith Abraham already had.

Implication: This argument opens the door for Gentiles (non-Jews) to also be justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah through faith, making salvation universally accessible.

Faith Beyond the Law: The promise to Abraham that he would be the heir of the world was not through the law but through the righteousness of faith. Paul emphasizes that the law brings wrath because it reveals human sinfulness, but faith brings grace.

Key Verse: Romans 4:16: “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring - not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.”

Abraham’s Faith as a Model: Abraham’s faith is described as unwavering. Despite his and Sarah’s advanced age and the seeming impossibility of having a child, he believed God’s – Yehovah’s promise. This faith was credited to him as righteousness.

Key Verse: Romans 4:20-21: “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Application to the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus: The chapter concludes by connecting Abraham’s faith to believers in the lord Messiah Jesus and the message of the kingdom of God that he preached. Just as Abraham was justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah by faith, so are all who believe in God - Yehovah, who raised the lord Messiah Jesus from the dead. Faith in the lord Messiah Jesus' death and his resurrection is the basis for our justification – being declared righteous before God – Yehovah.

Key Verse: Romans 4:25: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification – being declared righteous before God- Yehovah.”

Note: The lord Messiah Jesus gave himself up to his God and his Father Yehovah as a sin-offering sacrifice in order the God – Yehovah could reconcile humanity to Himself. Those who believe in the lord Messiah Jesus and are baptized going into the water and are baptized unto his death and raised up out of the water in newness of life as new creations in the lord Messiah Jesus!

Dead to Sin, But Alive to God - Yehovah

Romans 6:3-11: …do you not know that all we who were baptized into the Messiah Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that as the Messiah was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; for he that hath died is justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah from sin. But if we died with the Messiah, we believe that we shall also live with him; knowing that the Messiah being raised from the dead dies no more; death no more has dominion over him. For the death that he died, he died unto sin once: but the life that he lives, he lives unto God - Yehovah. Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in the Messiah Jesus.

Summary:

Romans Chapter 4 is a cornerstone that highlights faith as the means of being declared righteous before God. By using Abraham as a model, Paul shows that justification is available to all -- Jews and Gentiles alike—through faith, apart from works or the law. This chapter emphasizes the universality of God’s – Yehovah’s promise, and the transformative power of grace accessed through belief in the lord Messiah Jesus.

ROMANS CHAPTER FIVE

Romans Chapter 5 is a powerful and rich section of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on the themes of justification – declaration of righteousness before God - Yehovah by faith, peace with God - Yehovah, and the transformative power of grace. Below is an explanation of its key sections:

Verses 1-2: Peace and Access through Justification

Now that we have God’s – Yehovah’s approval by faith, let us have peace with God - Yehovah because of what the lord Messiah Jesus has done. Through the Messiah, we can approach God – Yehovah through faith and stand in His grace. So let us boast because of our confidence that we will receive glory from God - Yehovah.

Paul begins by summarizing the effects of justification by faith:

Peace with God: Justification – a declaration of righteousness before God - Yehovah brings reconciliation, removing enmity between humanity and God. Believers are no longer under divine wrath but are at peace with Him.
Access to Grace: Through the lord Messiah Jesus, believers have continual access to God's – Yehovah’s grace, which empowers and sustains them in their spiritual journey.
Hope of Glory: This peace and grace lead to a confident hope in the glory of God – Yehovah – a future when believers will fully experience God's – Yehovah’s presence and transformation.

Verses 3-5: Joy in Suffering

But that’s not all. We also boast when we are suffering. We know that suffering creates endurance, endurance creates character, and character creates confidence. We are not ashamed to have this confidence, because God’s – Yehovah’s love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us.

Paul emphasizes the paradoxical joy believers can have even in suffering:

Suffering produces endurance: Trials develop perseverance.
Endurance builds character: Perseverance refines and strengthens the believer's moral and spiritual integrity.
Character fosters hope: A proven character strengthens the believer's confident expectation of God's – Yehovah’s promises.
God’s – Yehovah’s love poured into hearts: This hope is grounded in the assurance of God's – Yehovah’s love, which the Holy Spirit pours into the hearts of believers.

Verses 6-8: The Messiah’s Sacrificial Love

Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were helpless, the Messiah died for ungodly people. Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. The Messiah died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates Jesus’ love and God’s – Yehovah’s love for us.

Paul highlights the depth of God’s love, demonstrated through the Messiah’s death:

The Messiah died for the ungodly: Jesus gave his life for sinners.
God’s love is incomparable: Human love might lead someone to die for a good person, but the Messiah died as a sin-offering sacrifice for humanity while they were still sinners, showing the magnitude of his love and his Father’s love who accepted his sin-offering sacrifice and as a result humanity was reconciled to Him.

Verses 9-11: Assurance of Salvation

Since the Messiah’s blood has now given us God’s – Yehovah’s approval, we are even more certain that the Messiah will save us from God’s – Yehovah’s anger. If the death of His Son restored our relationship with God - Yehovah while we were still His enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of his Son will save us. In addition, the lord Messiah Jesus lets us continue to boast about God - Yehovah. After all, it is through the Messiah that we now have this restored relationship with God - Yehovah.

Paul assures believers of the certainty of their salvation:

Justified by His blood: Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, believers are declared righteous before God - Yehovah.
Saved from God’s – Yehovah’s wrath: Justification – a declaration of righteousness before God - Yehovah not only reconciles but ensures deliverance from judgment.
Rejoicing in God- Yehovah: This reconciliation restores a joyful relationship with God.

Verses 12-21: Adam and the Messiah Jesus - Two Representatives

Therefore, as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin; and so, death passed unto all men, for that all sinned: for until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is a figure of him that was to come. But not as the trespass, so also is the free gift. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God -Yehovah, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus the Messiah, abound unto the many.

And not as through one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto justification – a declaration of righteousness before God - Yehovah. For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus the Messiah.

So then as through one trespass the judgment came unto all men unto condemnation; even so through one act of righteousness the free gift came unto all men to justification of life. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one shall the many be made righteous. And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly: that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through the lord Messiah Jesus.

Paul contrasts Adam’s act of disobedience with the lord Messiah Jesus act of obedience:

Adam’s Sin and Its Consequences:

Sin entered the world through Adam, and death followed as a consequence for all humanity.
Adam’s disobedience resulted in condemnation and the spread of sin to all his descendants.

The Messiah’s Obedience and Its Blessings:

Jesus’ act of righteousness (His life, death, and resurrection) brings justification and life to all who believe.
Just as Adam’s sin resulted in condemnation for many, the lord Messiah’s Jesus obedience leads to grace abounding for many.
Where sin increased, grace abounded even more, emphasizing the overwhelming sufficiency of God’s grace.

Reigning in Life through Grace:

Believers are not only saved but are empowered to reign in life through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness given through the lord Messiah Jesus.

Key Themes in Romans Chapter 5:

Justification by Faith: The chapter builds on Paul’s earlier arguments that justification is a gift received through faith, not by works.
God’s – Yehovah’s Love and Grace: God's – Yehovah’s love is the foundation of salvation, demonstrated through the lord Messiah Jesus sacrificial death and the outpouring of God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit.
Victory over Sin and Death: the lord Messiah Jesus' work overturns the consequences of Adam’s sin, providing eternal life and triumph over death for believers.
Hope and Assurance: The believer’s hope is secure because it rests on God’s – Yehovah’s faithfulness, love, and the transformative power of grace.

Romans Chapter 5 offers encouragement and profound insight into the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus life, showing how God’s – Yehovah’s grace transforms every aspect of existence, from suffering to salvation, and leads to eternal glory.

ROMANS CHAPTER SIX

Romans Chapter 6 addresses the relationship between sin, grace, and the believer's new life in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Here's an explanation of the chapter's key themes and messages:

Dead to Sin, Alive in the lord Messiah Jesus (Verses 1-14)

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into the Messiah Jesus were baptized into his death?We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as the Messiah was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin [by his sin-offering sacrifice]. But if we have died with the Messiah, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that the Messiah, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God - Yehovah. So, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God - Yehovah in the Messiah Jesus.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness but yield yourselves to God - Yehovah as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God - Yehovah as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Key Idea

The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are no longer slaves to sin but are alive to God - Yehovah through the lord Messiah Jesus.

Verses 1-2: Paul begins by addressing a potential misunderstanding of grace: "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" He emphatically answers, "Certainly not!" Grace is not a license to sin; rather, it transforms believers.
Verses 3-4: Paul uses the metaphor of baptism to illustrate the believer's union with the Messiah. Just as the Messiah died and rose again, believers are symbolically buried with him in baptism and raised to walk in "newness of life."
Verses 5-7: The "old self" or sinful nature is crucified with the Messiah, when they enter into the waters of baptism. This means believers are no longer under the dominion of sin.
Verses 8-11: Paul calls believers to recognize themselves as "dead to sin but alive to God - Yehovah in the lord Messiah Jesus." This is a shift in identity and focus.
Verses 12-14: Paul encourages the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies. Instead, they should offer themselves to God - Yehovah as instruments of righteousness.

2. Freedom from Sin's Dominion (Verses 15-23)

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you yield yourselves to any one as obedient slave, you are the slave of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God - Yehovah, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once yielded your members to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your members to righteousness for sanctification.

When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God – Yehovah [purchased by the shed blood of the lord Messiah Jesus, when he became a sin-offering on the stake], the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God - Yehovah is eternal life in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Key Idea

Being under grace does not lead to lawlessness but to obedience and righteousness.

Verse 15: Paul again addresses a potential objection: "Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?" He rejects this idea, emphasizing that grace leads to transformation, not permissiveness.
Verses 16-18: Paul explains that everyone serves a master - either sin, which leads to death, or obedience, which leads to righteousness. Through the lord Messiah Jesus, believers have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Verses 19-20: I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification – being set apart to God - Yehovah.For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Just as they once offered themselves to impurity, believers should now offer themselves to righteousness.
Verses 21-23: Paul contrasts the outcomes of sin and righteousness. Sin leads to shame and death, while righteousness leads to sanctification and eternal life. He concludes with a powerful summary in verse 23:

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God - Yehovah is eternal life in the lord Messiah Jesus."

Main Themes

Union with the Messiah: Believers share in the lord Messiah Jesus death and resurrection, symbolized by baptism. This union means they are dead to sin and alive to God – Yehovah, as new creations in the lord Messiah Jesus.
Freedom and New Identity: Salvation frees believers from the power of sin, giving them a new identity as instruments of righteousness.
Grace and Responsibility: Grace empowers believers to live in obedience and holiness.
Eternal Consequences: The choices between sin and righteousness have eternal ramifications - death versus eternal life.

Romans 6 challenges believers to live out their new identity in the lord Messiah Jesus as new creations in him and by rejecting sin and embracing a life devoted to God - Yehovah. It highlights the transformative power of grace and the call to holiness in response to God's – Yehovah’s gift of salvation.

ROMANS CHAPTER ONE

A Detailed and Comprehensive Overview

Introduction and Greeting (Verses 1-7)

Paul, a slave of Jesus the Messiah, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God - Yehovahwhich He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning His Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, the lord Messiah Jesus, 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, ⁶including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus the Messiah; To all God’s – Yehovah’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Paul opens his letter with a formal greeting, introducing himself and summarizing his mission.

Paul's Identity and Mission:

Paul identifies himself as a "slave of the lord Messiah Jesus" and an "apostle," called to spread the Gospel.
He describes the Gospel as being promised beforehand through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures, fulfilled in the lord Messiah Jesus.

The Gospel's Focus:

Jesus is portrayed as the Son of God, both "descended from David according to the flesh" and "declared to be the Son of God - Yehovah in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead."
Paul emphasizes the Messiah Jesus' role as lord.

Paul's Apostolic Mission:

He has been tasked to bring about "the obedience of faith" among all nations for the sake of the lord Messiah Jesus.
Paul includes the Roman believers in this mission, calling them the "called to belong to the lord Messiah Jesus" and "saints – holy ones."

Greeting:

Paul blesses them with the words: "Grace to you and peace from God - Yehovah our Father and the Lord Messiah Jesus."

2. Thanksgiving and Paul's Desire to Visit Rome (Verses 8-15)

Paul expresses his gratitude for the Roman believers and his eagerness to visit them.

Thanksgiving:

Paul thanks God - Yehovah for the faith of the Roman followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, which is "proclaimed in all the world."
He emphasizes his constant prayers for them and his longing to visit them.

Purpose of His Visit:

Paul desires to impart some "spiritual gift" to strengthen the believers and to be mutually encouraged by their faith.
He mentions that he has often planned to visit them but has been prevented.

Paul's Obligation:

Paul expresses his sense of obligation to preach the Gospel [the message about the coming Kingdom of God] to all people, both Greeks and non-Greeks, wise and foolish.
He declares his eagerness to preach the Gospel to those in Rome.

The Power of the Gospel (Verses 16-17)

These verses serve as the thematic statement of the entire letter.

Paul's Confidence in the Gospel:

Paul proclaims, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God - Yehovah for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."
The Gospel is how God - Yehovah saves people, regardless of their background.
The Righteousness of God - Yehovah Revealed:
In the Gospel, the "righteousness of God - Yehovah" is revealed, a righteousness that is accessed by faith: "The righteous shall live by faith" (a reference to Habakkuk 2:4).

God's – Yehovah’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity (Verses 18-32)

Therefore, God - Yehovah gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to

impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God - Yehovah for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator - Yehovah, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Paul transitions to the universal need for the Gospel by addressing humanity's sinful condition and God's righteous judgment.

A. God's – Yehovah’s Wrath Revealed (Verses 18-20)

God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness because people suppress the truth.
Creation itself reveals God's eternal power and divine nature, leaving humanity "without excuse."

B. Humanity's Rejection of God - Yehovah (Verses 21-23)

Despite knowing God through creation, humans failed to honor Him or give thanks.
Their thinking became futile, and their hearts were darkened.
They exchanged the glory of God for images resembling humans, animals, and other created things, falling into idolatry.

C. Consequences of Rejecting God - Yehovah (Verses 24-32)

1. God "Gave Them Up":

o Paul uses the phrase "God gave them up" three times, highlighting that God allowed humanity to follow their sinful desires as a result of their rejection of Him:

1. "God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity" (v. 24): This refers to sexual immorality and dishonoring their bodies.

2. "God gave them up to dishonorable passions" (v. 26): This includes unnatural sexual relations, described as contrary to God's design.

3. "God gave them up to a debased mind" (v. 28): This led to doing things that ought not to be done, filled with all manner of unrighteousness.

The List of Sins (Verses 29-31):

Humanity's Guilt:

o Paul concludes that humans are not only guilty of committing these sins but also encouraging and approving others to do the same, despite knowing God's judgment.

Key Themes in Romans Chapter One

1. The Gospel as God's – Jehovah’s Power:

o The Gospel is the central message of salvation, revealing God's righteousness and offering salvation through faith.

2. Humanity's Accountability to God - Yehovah:

o God's existence and attributes are evident in creation, leaving humanity without excuse for rejecting Him.

3. God's – Yehovah’s Judgment on Sin:

o Humanity's rejection of God leads to moral and spiritual decay, and God's judgment is just and deserved.

4. Faith as the Means of Righteousness:

o The righteous shall live by faith, highlighting the importance of trusting in God for salvation.

Conclusion

ROMANS CHAPTER TWO

God - Yehovah will render to each person according to their deeds, offering eternal life to those who persistently do good and wrath to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth.

God - Yehovah shows no partiality in His judgment, treating Jews and Gentiles alike.

Paul points out that their failure to obey the Law fully has led to dishonoring God and causing His name to be blasphemed among the Gentiles.

Significance and Themes

Universal guilt: Paul establishes that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and in need of salvation.

Impartiality of God's - Yehovah's judgment: God judges all people by the same standard, regardless of their religious or cultural background.

Works-based judgment: While Paul will later emphasize salvation by faith, he here stresses that God's judgment is based on one's deeds to show that no one can be justified by their own works.

True righteousness: Paul begins to develop the idea that true righteousness is a matter of the heart, not just outward observance of the Law.

ROMANS CHAPTER THREE

Below is a breakdown of the passage:

The Faithfulness of God - Yehovah Despite Human Unfaithfulness (Verses 1–8)

Romans 3:1-2:

"What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God - Yehovah."

Paul starts by addressing the question of what benefit there is to being Jewish, especially if Jews and Gentiles both stand under God's – Yehovah’s judgment due to sin.
He responds that there is great value in being Jewish because God - Yehovah gave the Jews His revelation—His “spirit-filled words” (the Scriptures). This means that Jews have a privileged position in terms of receiving God's – Yehovah’s law and His covenant.

Romans 3:3-4:

Paul acknowledges that Jews have been unfaithful to God - Yehovah, but he stresses that this doesn’t undermine God's – Yehovah’s faithfulness.
God’s – Yehovah’s promises remain true, even if people fail to keep their side of the covenant. Paul quotes Psalm 51:4: Against you, you only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be justified when you speak, And be clear when you judge.
Psalm 51:4 emphasizes that God - Yehovah is always right and just in His judgments, even when human beings fail.

Romans 3:5-6:

Paul anticipates an argument that might arise: if human sin highlights God’s – Yehovah’s righteousness (by contrast), does that mean God - Yehovah is unjust in judging us?
Paul rejects this argument strongly, saying that if this reasoning were true, God - Yehovah could not rightly judge the world.
He uses a rhetorical argument to show that God’s – Yehovah’s judgment remains valid, regardless of human sinfulness.

Romans 3:7-8:

Paul responds to the twisted reasoning some people might use, suggesting that since sin highlights God’s – Yehovah’s glory, they could continue sinning so that God’s – Yehovah’s goodness would shine brighter.
He rejects this argument outright, declaring that such reasoning is slanderous and wicked. Those who make such claims deserve condemnation.

Key Themes:

God’s – Yehovah’s Faithfulness: Despite human unfaithfulness, God - Yehovah remains faithful to His promises. He keeps His word, and His covenant with Israel still holds.
God’s – Yehovah’s Righteous Judgment: Paul argues that God's – Yehovah’s judgment is always just, even when human sin highlights God's – Yehovah’s righteousness. Sin does not invalidate God's – Yehovah’s justice.
Misunderstanding God’s – Yehovah’s Grace: Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding of God's - Yehovah’s grace - some might think that continuing in sin to magnify God's – Yehovah’s glory is acceptable. Paul emphatically denies this.

Universal Sinfulness of Humanity (Verses 9–20)

Context:

Paul is addressing a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles within the early community of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus. In the preceding chapters, Paul has demonstrated that:

The Gentiles are guilty of sin because they have rejected God - Yehovah and pursued unrighteousness (Romans 1).
The Jews, despite having the Law, are also guilty because they fail to keep it perfectly (Romans 2).

Romans 3:9-20 Summary:

Verses 9-10: Universal Guilt

"What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one.'"

Key Point: Paul emphasizes that no group - neither Jews nor Gentiles - is exempt from sin. All humanity is "under sin," meaning sin dominates and enslaves them. This levels the playing field and sets the stage for the need for God’s grace.

Verses 11-18: Quotations from Scripture

Paul strings together several Old Testament passages (from Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah) to illustrate humanity’s fallen condition:

Spiritual blindness and rebellion (v. 11): "No one understands; no one seeks for God - Yehovah."
Universal corruption (v. 12): "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless."
Sinful speech (vv. 13-14): Descriptions of deceit, poison, and cursing highlight the sinful nature of human communication.
Sinful actions (vv. 15-17): "Their feet are swift to shed blood," pointing to violence and destruction.
Lack of reverence for God - Yehovah (v. 18): "There is no fear of God - Yehovah before their eyes.

Key Point

These quotes emphasize the depth and breadth of human sinfulness. No aspect of human life - thought, speech, or action - is untouched by sin.

Verses 19-20: The Role of the Law

Key Point

Main Themes

1. Universal Sinfulness: Both Jews and Gentiles are equally guilty of sin.

2. Inability to Achieve Righteousness: Human effort, including adherence to the Law, cannot make anyone righteous before God - Yehovah.

3. Purpose of the Law: The Law exposes sin but does not provide a means of justification.

Implications for the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus:

This passage sets up the necessity of grace, which Paul elaborates on in the next section (Romans 3:21-26), where he explains that righteousness comes through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus.
It humbles believers, reminding them that salvation is not earned but freely given by God - Yehovah.
It emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s – Yehovah s mercy rather than on personal merit.

The Righteousness of God - Yehhovah Through Faith in the lord Messiah Jesus (Verses 21–26)

But now the righteousness of God - Yehovah has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God - Yehovah through faith in Jesus the Messiah for all who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Yehovah, they are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in the Messiah Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood [his sin-offering sacrifice], to be received by faith. This was to show God’s - Yehovah's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins; it was to prove at the present time that He is righteous and that He justifies - declares righteous him who has faith in Jesus.

Paul introduces the solution to humanity's sinfulness:

A righteousness from God - Yehovah is revealed apart from the law, though it is testified to by the Law and the Prophets (v. 21).

This righteousness is available through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus to all who believe, without distinction (v. 22–23).

Verse 21:

"But now apart from the law the righteousness of God - Yehovah has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify."

Meaning: Paul introduces a significant shift, emphasizing that God's – Yehovah’s righteousness (His perfect moral standard) is revealed independently of the Law (the system of rules given to Israel). This righteousness is consistent with what the Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament) pointed toward, showing that this was part of God's – Yehovah's plan all along.

Verse 22:

"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus the Messiah to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile."

Meaning: The righteousness of God - Yehovah is not achieved by human effort but is a gift received through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus. It is available to everyone - both Jews and Gentiles - because salvation is based on belief - faith, not ethnicity, status, or adherence to the Law.

Verse 23:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Yehovah."

Meaning: Paul underscores the universal problem of sin. Every human being has sinned (missed God's standard of holiness) and is therefore unable to achieve the glory (perfection and presence) of God on their own.

Verse 24:

"And all are justified [made righteous] freely by his grace through the redemption that came by the Messiah Jesus."

Meaning: Despite humanity's sinfulness, people are "justified" (declared righteous) freely by God's – Yehovah’s grace (unearned favor). This justification [righteousness] comes through "redemption" (the act of being set free from the bondage of sin), which Jesus accomplished through His sacrificial sin-offering death.

Verse 25:

Meaning: Jesus' death on the cross is described as a "sin - offering sacrifice of atonement" (or "propitiation"), meaning it satisfied God's – Yehovah’s righteous wrath against sin. His blood was shed as the price for sin, and this gift is received by faith. Through this act, God - Yehovah demonstrated His justice, showing that He does not ignore sin but has provided a way to deal with it.

Verse 26:

"He did it to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, to be just and the one who justifies – makes righteous those who have faith in Jesus."

Meaning: God’s – Yehovah’s character is perfectly balanced: He is both just (maintaining His moral integrity by addressing sin) and the justifier (providing forgiveness of sin through the lord Messiah Jesus). This means God - Yehovah upholds justice while offering mercy to those who trust in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Key Takeaways

God's – Yehovah’s Righteousness: Salvation is not based on human efforts or adherence to the Law but is a gift from God - Yehovah revealed through the lord Messiah Jesus.
Faith as the Basis: Faith in the lord Messiah Jesus is how people receive justification [are declared righteous], regardless of background.
Universal Need: All people are sinners and in need of redemption, so God – Yehovah has made salvation equally accessible to all.
God's – Yehovah’s Justice and Grace: God - Yehovah addresses sin through the sin-offering sacrifice of the lord Messiah Jesus, demonstrating both His justice and His love.

This passage profoundly highlights the core belief of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus: salvation is by grace through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Justification by Faith, Not by Works (Verses 27–31)

Romans 3:27–31 is a passage in which the Apostle Paul explains the relationship between faith, the law, and justification. Here's an explanation of these verses:

Romans 3:27

"Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith."

Romans 3:28

"For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law."

Romans 3:29-30

Romans 3:31

"Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."

Faith fulfills the true purpose of the law, which is to point people to their need for God's – Yehovah’s grace.
The moral principles of the law are affirmed and upheld by those who live by faith.
Through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live following God's – Yehovah’s will.

Summary

Key Themes in Romans 3

The Universality of Sin: Everyone, regardless of ethnicity or background, is guilty before God - Yehovah.

The Righteousness of God - Yehovah: God's – Yehovah’s character is perfectly holy and just, and He provides a way for humanity to be righteous through faith.

Justification by Grace Through Faith: Salvation is a gift of God's – Yehovah’s grace, received through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus, not through human effort.

The Role of the Law: The law reveals sin and points to the need for a Savior, but of and by itself, it cannot save.

Practical Takeaways

Humility: Recognize that all people are equally in need of God's – Yehovah’s grace.

Faith: Trust in the lord Messiah Jesus as the only means of being made right with God - Yehovah.

Gratitude: Be thankful for God's – Yehovah’s faithfulness and the gift of redemption through the lord Messiah Jesus.

Unity: Acknowledge that salvation is available to everyone, breaking down divisions between people groups.

ROMANS CHAPTER FOUR

Romans Chapter Four (vv. 1-25)

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom Yehovah will not reckon his sin.”

God’s – Yehovah’s Promise Realized through Faith

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations” - in the presence of the God - Yehovah in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope, he believed against hope that he should become the father of many nations; as he had been told, “So shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God - Yehovah, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God - Yehovah, fully convinced that God - Yehovah was able to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was “reckoned to him as righteousness.” But the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in Him - Yehovah that raised from the dead Jesus our lord, who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Key Themes in Romans 4:

Key Verse

Romans 4:3: “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God - Yehovah, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’”

This demonstrates that righteousness - to be declared righteous before God - Yehovah is a gift from God - Yehovah, not something earned through human effort.

Note: Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah by faith, we have peace with God - Yehovah because of the lord Messiah Jesus."

Wages are owed to a worker, but righteousness before God - Yehovah is not something owed; it is granted freely to those who believe.

Implication: This argument opens the door for Gentiles (non-Jews) to also be justified – declared righteous before God - Yehovah through faith, making salvation universally accessible.

Key Verse: Romans 4:25: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification – being declared righteous before God- Yehovah.”

Dead to Sin, But Alive to God - Yehovah

Summary:

ROMANS CHAPTER FIVE

Verses 1-2: Peace and Access through Justification

Paul begins by summarizing the effects of justification by faith:

Peace with God: Justification – a declaration of righteousness before God - Yehovah brings reconciliation, removing enmity between humanity and God. Believers are no longer under divine wrath but are at peace with Him.
Access to Grace: Through the lord Messiah Jesus, believers have continual access to God's – Yehovah’s grace, which empowers and sustains them in their spiritual journey.
Hope of Glory: This peace and grace lead to a confident hope in the glory of God – Yehovah – a future when believers will fully experience God's – Yehovah’s presence and transformation.

Verses 3-5: Joy in Suffering

Paul emphasizes the paradoxical joy believers can have even in suffering:

Suffering produces endurance: Trials develop perseverance.
Endurance builds character: Perseverance refines and strengthens the believer's moral and spiritual integrity.
Character fosters hope: A proven character strengthens the believer's confident expectation of God's – Yehovah’s promises.
God’s – Yehovah’s love poured into hearts: This hope is grounded in the assurance of God's – Yehovah’s love, which the Holy Spirit pours into the hearts of believers.

Verses 6-8: The Messiah’s Sacrificial Love

Paul highlights the depth of God’s love, demonstrated through the Messiah’s death:

The Messiah died for the ungodly: Jesus gave his life for sinners.
God’s love is incomparable: Human love might lead someone to die for a good person, but the Messiah died as a sin-offering sacrifice for humanity while they were still sinners, showing the magnitude of his love and his Father’s love who accepted his sin-offering sacrifice and as a result humanity was reconciled to Him.

Verses 9-11: Assurance of Salvation

Paul assures believers of the certainty of their salvation:

Justified by His blood: Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, believers are declared righteous before God - Yehovah.
Saved from God’s – Yehovah’s wrath: Justification – a declaration of righteousness before God - Yehovah not only reconciles but ensures deliverance from judgment.
Rejoicing in God- Yehovah: This reconciliation restores a joyful relationship with God.

Verses 12-21: Adam and the Messiah Jesus - Two Representatives

Paul contrasts Adam’s act of disobedience with the lord Messiah Jesus act of obedience:

Adam’s Sin and Its Consequences:

Sin entered the world through Adam, and death followed as a consequence for all humanity.
Adam’s disobedience resulted in condemnation and the spread of sin to all his descendants.

The Messiah’s Obedience and Its Blessings:

Jesus’ act of righteousness (His life, death, and resurrection) brings justification and life to all who believe.
Just as Adam’s sin resulted in condemnation for many, the lord Messiah Jesus obedience leads to grace abounding for many.
Where sin increased, grace abounded even more, emphasizing the overwhelming sufficiency of God’s grace.

Reigning in Life through Grace:

Believers are not only saved but are empowered to reign in life through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness given through the lord Messiah Jesus.

Key Themes in Romans Chapter 5:

Justification by Faith: The chapter builds on Paul’s earlier arguments that justification is a gift received through faith, not by works.
God’s – Yehovah’s Love and Grace: God's – Yehovah’s love is the foundation of salvation, demonstrated through the lord Messiah Jesus sacrificial death and the outpouring of God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit.
Victory over Sin and Death: the lord Messiah Jesus' work overturns the consequences of Adam’s sin, providing eternal life and triumph over death for believers.
Hope and Assurance: The believer’s hope is secure because it rests on God’s – Yehovah’s faithfulness, love, and the transformative power of grace.

ROMANS CHAPTER SIX

Romans Chapter 6 addresses the relationship between sin, grace, and the believer's new life in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Here's an explanation of the chapter's key themes and messages:

Dead to Sin, Alive in the lord Messiah Jesus (Verses 1-14)

Key Idea

The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are no longer slaves to sin but are alive to God - Yehovah through the lord Messiah Jesus.

Verses 1-2: Paul begins by addressing a potential misunderstanding of grace: "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" He emphatically answers, "Certainly not!" Grace is not a license to sin; rather, it transforms believers.
Verses 3-4: Paul uses the metaphor of baptism to illustrate the believer's union with the Messiah. Just as the Messiah died and rose again, believers are symbolically buried with him in baptism and raised to walk in "newness of life."
Verses 5-7: The "old self" or sinful nature is crucified with the Messiah, when they enter into the waters of baptism. This means believers are no longer under the dominion of sin.
Verses 8-11: Paul calls believers to recognize themselves as "dead to sin but alive to God - Yehovah in the lord Messiah Jesus." This is a shift in identity and focus.
Verses 12-14: Paul encourages the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies. Instead, they should offer themselves to God - Yehovah as instruments of righteousness.

2. Freedom from Sin's Dominion (Verses 15-23)

When you were slaves of sin, you were free concerning righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God – Yehovah [purchased by the shed blood of the lord Messiah Jesus, when he became a sin-offering on the stake], the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God - Yehovah is eternal life in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Key Idea

Being under grace does not lead to lawlessness but to obedience and righteousness.

Verse 15: Paul again addresses a potential objection: "Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?" He rejects this idea, emphasizing that grace leads to transformation, not permissiveness.
Verses 16-18: Paul explains that everyone serves a master - either sin, which leads to death, or obedience, which leads to righteousness. Through the lord Messiah Jesus, believers have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Verses 19-20: I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification – being set apart to God - Yehovah.For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Just as they once offered themselves to impurity, believers should now offer themselves to righteousness.
Verses 21-23: Paul contrasts the outcomes of sin and righteousness. Sin leads to shame and death, while righteousness leads to sanctification and eternal life. He concludes with a powerful summary in verse 23:

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God - Yehovah is eternal life in the lord Messiah Jesus."

Main Themes

Union with the Messiah: Believers share in the lord Messiah Jesus death and resurrection, symbolized by baptism. This union means they are dead to sin and alive to God – Yehovah, as new creations in the lord Messiah Jesus.
Freedom and New Identity: Salvation frees believers from the power of sin, giving them a new identity as instruments of righteousness.
Grace and Responsibility: Grace empowers believers to live in obedience and holiness.
Eternal Consequences: The choices between sin and righteousness have eternal ramifications - death versus eternal life.

ROMANS CHAPTER SEVEN

Romans 7 is a deep and complex chapter of the New Testament, written by the Apostle Paul. It explores the relationship between the Law, sin, and the believer's struggle with sin. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and verses:

The Law and Its Authority (Romans 7:1-6)

Or do you not know, brothers and sisters - for I am speaking to those who know the law - that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? A married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning her husband. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man, she is not an adulteress.

Likewise, my brothers and sisters, you also have died to the law through the body of the Messiah, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, so that we may bear fruit for God – Yehovah For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written words of the law.

Paul begins by using the analogy of marriage to explain the believer’s relationship to the Law:

Verses 1-3: The Law is binding only as long as a person lives. Paul uses the example of a married woman who is bound to her husband while he is alive but is free to remarry if he dies.
Verse 4: Similarly, believers "died to the Law" through the Messiah, so they are no longer bound by its authority. Instead, they belong to the lord Messiah Jesus and are free to "bear fruit for God - Yehovah."
Verses 5-6: Paul contrasts life under the Law (characterized by sin and death) with the new life of serving God - Yehovah in the Spirit.

2. The Purpose and Limitations of the Law (Romans 7:7-13)

What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” ⁸But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive, and I died. The commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin seized an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me. So, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, so that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.

Paul clarifies that the Law itself is not sinful but reveals sin:

Verse 7: The Law identifies sin; for example, Paul wouldn't have known what coveting was without the commandment "You shall not covet."
Verses 8-11: Sin takes advantage of the Law by inciting sinful desires and ultimately leads to death.
Verses 12-13: The Law is holy, righteous, and good. However, sin uses the Law to show its true nature - utter sinfulness.

3. The Struggle with Sin (Romans 7:14-25)

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

So, I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God - Yehovah, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. ²⁴Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – Yehovah through the lord Messiah Jesus! So then, I serve the law of God - Yehovah with my mind, but with my flesh, I serve the law of sin.

Note: Jeremiah 17:9-10: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I Yehovah search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Paul vividly describes the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the power of sin:

Verse 14-16: Although the Law is spiritual, Paul recognizes his own "flesh" (sinful nature) as weak and enslaved to sin. He desires to obey the Law but often fails.

Verses 17-20: Paul explains that this struggle reveals a deeper issue: sin living within him.
Verses 21-23: There is a constant war between the "law of the mind" (desiring to do good) and the "law of sin" (the sinful nature).
Verse 24: Paul cries out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" acknowledging his helplessness in overcoming sin on his own.
Verse 25: He concludes with gratitude, pointing to the lord Messiah Jesus as the one who delivers him. Paul acknowledges that while he serves the Law of God - Yehovah with his mind, his sinful nature remains a challenge for himself and all the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.

Themes in Romans 7

The Function of the Law: The Law reveals sin but cannot save anyone from it.
Human Weakness: Even believers struggle with sin, demonstrating the limits of human effort.
Deliverance Through the lord Messiah Jesus: Victory over sin is found not in the Law or self-effort, but by the lord Messiah Jesus because of the enabling power of his spirit indwelling his followers to overcome sin.

Conclusion

Romans 7 emphasizes the believer's ongoing struggle with sin and the inadequacy of the Law to bring about righteousness. It sets the stage for the triumphant message of Romans 8, where Paul declares the freedom and life that come through God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit. The chapter reminds believers of their dependence on God's – Yehovah’s grace and the transformative power of the lord Messiah Jesus.

ROMANS CHAPTER EIGHT

Romans Chapter 8 is one of the most profound and uplifting chapters in the Bible. Written by the Apostle Paul, it focuses on the life, power, and victory believers have through the Holy Spirit. Here's an explanation of its key themes and sections:

Freedom from Condemnation (Verses 1-4)

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in the Messiah Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in the Messiah Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God - Yehovah has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as a sin-offering sacrifice, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Paul begins by declaring that there is "no condemnation" for those who are in the lord Messiah Jesus. This means that believers are no longer under the penalty of sin because of the Messiah's sin-offering sacrifice has set them free. The law of the Spirit, which gives life, has overcome the law of sin and death.

Life in the Spirit (Verses 5-11)

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God - Yehovah, for it does not submit to God's – Yehovah’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God - Yehovah.

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God - Yehovah dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of the Messiah does not belong to him. But if the Messiah is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised the Messiah Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit that dwells in you.

Paul contrasts two ways of living:

Living according to the flesh leads to death, as it focuses on sinful desires and separation from God - Yehovah.
Living according to the Spirit brings life and peace, as it focuses on God's – Yehovah’s will and empowers followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to overcome sin.

Paul emphasizes that the Spirit of God - Yehovah dwells in the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, giving them the power to live righteously and ensuring their resurrection to eternal life.

Adoption as God’s – Yehohvah’s Children (Verses 12-17)

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God – Yehovah are sons and daughters of God - Yehovah. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God - Yehovah, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God - Yehovah and fellow heirs with the Messiah, provided we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are not debtors to the flesh but are called to live by the Spirit. Through the Spirit of God - Yehovah, they are adopted as children of God - Yehovah and can call Him "Abba, Father." This intimate relationship assures them of being co-heirs with the Messiah, sharing in both his suffering and his glory.

Hope Amid Suffering (Verses 18-25)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope, we were saved. Now, hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Paul acknowledges the reality of suffering but places it in perspective. The sufferings of this present time are insignificant compared to the glory that will be revealed in the future. Creation itself is waiting for redemption, groaning for the day it will be liberated from decay. Believers, too, groan inwardly as they eagerly await their adoption—the redemption of their bodies. This hope sustains them.

The Spirit’s Intercession (Verses 26-27)

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. For He who searches hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints – holy ones according to the will of God - Yehovah.

The Spirit helps the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus in their weakness, especially in prayer. When the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus do not know what to pray for, the Spirit intercedes with groans too deep for words, aligning their prayers with the will of God- Yehovah.

Assurance of God’s – Yehovah’s Sovereignty (Verses 28-30)

For we know that all things work together for good for those who love God - Yehovah, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, he also predestined [marked out beforehand] to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those whom He predestined [marked out beforehand] He also called, and those whom he called he also justified – declared righteous, and those whom he justified – declared righteous He also glorified.

Paul assures the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus that God - Yehovah works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This promise highlights God’s sovereignty in salvation, from foreknowledge to predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.

The Victory of God’s Love (Verses 31-39)

What then shall we say to these things? If God - Yehovah is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave him up for us all [as a sin-offering sacrifice], how will He not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's – Yehovah’s elect? It is God who justifies – declares righteous. Who is to condemn? The Messiah Jesus is the one who died [as a sin-offering sacrifice] more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God - Yehovah, who indeed is interceding for us.Who shall separate us from the love of the Messiah? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake, we are being killed all day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God - Yehovah in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Paul concludes with a triumphant declaration of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus security in him:

God is for us, so no one can stand against us.
He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, proving His love.
Nothing can separate believers from the love of the lord Messiah Jesus - not trouble, persecution, or any power in heaven or earth.

Paul lists various challenges (death, life, angels, demons, etc.) to emphasize that God's love in Christ is unshakable and eternal.

Key Takeaways:

Freedom in the lord Messiah Jesus: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are free from sin’s condemnation and empowered to live by the enabling indwelling power of his Spirit.
Adoption into God’s – Yehovah’s Family: Through the Spirit, the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus enjoy an intimate relationship with God - Yehovah as His children.
Hope and Glory: Current suffering is temporary and cannot compare to the eternal glory awaiting the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.
The Spirit’s Help: God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit empowers, intercedes, and guides the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus on the difficult path that leads through the narrow gate to a glorified immortal life in the kingdom of God - Yehovah.
Unshakable Love: God’s – Yehovah’s love is constant, victorious, and eternal, securing followers of the lord Messiah Jesus forever.

Romans 8 is a celebration of the transformative power of the Spirit of God and of the lord Messiah Jesus and the assurance of God's – Yehovah’s love and purpose for the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus. It is a cornerstone of our faith and a source of hope and encouragement.

ROMANS CHAPTER NINE

In this chapter, Paul addresses the sovereignty of God - Yehovah in salvation, His covenant relationship with Israel, and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Below is a breakdown of its key themes and messages:

Paul's Sorrow for Israel (Verses 1-5)

I say the truth in the Messiah, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. For I pray that I myself were anathema from the Messiah for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God - Yehovah, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom is the Messiah as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God - Yehovah blessed unto the ages. Amen.

Note: When Paul says “the Messiah as concerning the flesh, who is over all, he is referring to the fact that his God and Father Yehovah has made him to be lord and Messiah over all things in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and that Jesus has God’s – Yehovah’s blessing forever – unto the ages.

Act 2: “Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God - Yehovah has made him - this Jesus whom you crucified - both Lord and Messiah.”

1 Corinthians 15: For Hi - Yehovah has put "al things" in subjection under his feet. But when it says, "all things" have be put in subjected, it is clear that the One who subjected all things to him is not included. This verse indicates that the lord Messiah Jesus has the heavens, earth, etc., under his complete control, with only his God and Father Yehovah excluded from the rulership given He gave to him.

Paul begins by expressing deep anguish over the spiritual condition of his fellow Israelites. Despite their unique privileges - such as being God's - Yehovah's chosen people, receiving the Law, and having the promises and patriarchs - they have largely rejected the lord Messiah Jesus. Paul affirms his love for his people and his desire for their salvation, even to the extent of wishing himself accursed if it could lead to their redemption.

God’s Sovereignty and Election (Verses 6-13)

But it is not as though the word of God - Yehovah ha come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall your seed be called (Genesis 21:12)That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God - Yehovah; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. For this is a word of promise (Genesis 8:10), according to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac, for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God - Yehovah according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls, it was said unto her, (Genesis 25:23) the elder shall serve the younger. Even as it is written, (Malachi 1:2-3) Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.

Paul explains that not all descendants of Israel are true Israel in a spiritual sense. God's – Yehovah’s promises are based on His sovereign choice.

He uses the example of Isaac and Ishmael to show that God's – Yehovah’s covenant lineage went through Isaac.
Paul also highlights Jacob and Esau to emphasize that God's – Yehovah’s election is based on His will and purpose, not human merit or actions ("Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated," referencing Malachi 1:2-3).

God’s Justice in Election (Verses 14-18)

What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God - Yehovah? God forbid. For he said to Moses (Exodus 33:19) I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So, then it is not of him those wills, nor of him that runs, but of God - Yehovah that has mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, (Exodus 9:16) For this very purpose did I raise you up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth. So, then He has mercy on whom He will, and whom He will He hardens.

Anticipating objections, Paul defends the justice of God - Yehovah. He asserts that God - Yehovah has the sovereign right to show mercy or harden hearts according to His purposes. He uses the example of Pharaoh, whose heart was hardened, to demonstrate God's – Yehovah’s power and proclaim His name - Yehovah throughout the earth. Paul emphasizes that God’s – Yehovah’s decisions are not arbitrary but serve His greater plan and glory.

God as the Potter (Verses 19-24)

You will say then unto me, why does He still find fault? For whom withstands His will? Nay, but, O man, who are you that replies against God - Yehovah? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, why did you make me thus? Or has not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God - Yehovah, although willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction: that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He beforehand prepared unto glory, even us, whom He also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?

Paul uses the metaphor of a potter and clay to illustrate God’s – Yehovah’s authority over creation. Just as a potter has the right to shape clay into different vessels for different purposes, God - Yehovah has the right to create some for honorable use and others for dishonorable use. This highlights His sovereignty in salvation and judgment while also pointing to His patience in enduring the sinfulness of humanity.

Inclusion of Gentiles and the Faithfulness of God (Verses 25-29)

As he also says in Hosea:

Hosea 2:23: I will call that my people, which was not my people; And her beloved, that was not beloved.

Hosea 1:10: And it shall be, that in the place where it was said unto them, you are not my people, there shall they be called sons/daughters of the living God - Yehovah.

And Isaiah 10:22 cries out concerning Israel, “If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved: for Yehovah will execute His word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short. And, as Isaiah 1:9 has said before, except Yehovah of Hosts had left us a seed, we had become as Sodom and had been made like unto Gomorrah.

Paul cites Old Testament prophecies (from Hosea and Isaiah) to show that God's – Yehovah’s plan always included the Gentiles and a remnant of Israel. These prophecies reveal that God would call a people who were not His people and preserve a faithful remnant within Israel. This demonstrates both His justice and His mercy.

Righteousness Through Faith (Verses 30-33)

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith: but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling; even as it is written Isaiah 28:16:

Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence: And he that believeth on him – the lord Messiah Jesus shall not be put to shame.

Paul concludes the chapter by contrasting Israel's pursuit of righteousness through the law with the Gentiles' attainment of righteousness through faith. Israel stumbled over the "stumbling stone" (a reference to the lord Messiah Jesus), because they sought salvation by works rather than by faith. Paul shows that faith in the lord Messiah Jesus is the true means of attaining righteousness.

Key Themes and Lessons:

God's Sovereignty: Romans 9 underscores God’s – Yehovah’s ultimate authority over salvation and His right to choose according to His will and purpose.
Human Responsibility: While God’s – Yehovah’s election is sovereign, the rejection of the lord Messiah Jesus by many Israelites is attributed to their refusal to pursue righteousness by faith.
Faith, Not Works: Paul emphasizes that salvation is not earned by works but received through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus.
God's Faithfulness: Despite Israel's unbelief, God - Yehovah remains faithful to His promises and extends His mercy to all who believe, Jews and Gentiles.
The Inclusion of All Nations: The chapter highlights the universality of God’s – Yehovah’s redemptive plan, showing that His mercy extends beyond ethnic Israel.

Romans 9 can be challenging to interpret as it deals with complex scriptural issues like election, predestination, and human responsibility. However, its central message is clear: God - Yehovah is sovereign, just, and merciful, and His plans for salvation transcend human understanding.

ROMANS CHAPTER TEN

This chapter focuses on the themes of salvation, faith, and the righteousness of God – Yehovah. Below is a summary and explanation of its key points:

Paul’s Desire for Israel’s Salvation (Verses 1-4)

Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God - Yehovah is for them Israel, that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of God’s – Yehovah’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For the Messiah is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believes.

Paul begins by expressing his heartfelt desire for the salvation of Israel. He acknowledges their zeal for God but notes that their zeal is not based on true knowledge of God’s – Yehovah’s will. They try to establish their own righteousness through keeping the Law, rather than submitting to God's – Yehovah’s righteousness through faith in the lord Messiah Jesus.

Key Idea

Righteousness comes from God - Yehovah and is accessed through faith, not through works or adherence to the Mosaic Law. The lord Messiah Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, bringing righteousness to all who believe.

The Contrast Between the Righteousness of the Law and Faith (Verses 5-13)

For Moses writes in Leviticus 18:5: You must therefore keep my statutes and my ordinances, which if a person does, he will live by them; I am Yehovah.

But the righteousness which is of faith says thus, Deuteronomy 30:11-1: or this commandment that I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, nor is it far away. It is not in heaven, so that you have to say, ‘Who will go up for us to heaven and bring it to us and have us listen to it so that we can do it? For it is not beyond the sea, so that you have to say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us and have us listen to it so that we can do it?’ But the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

Say not in thy heart, who shall ascend into heaven? or, who shall descend into the abyss? But what does it say? Deuteronomy 30:14 The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach: that if you shall confess with you mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in your heart that God - Yehovah raised him from the dead, you shall be saved: for with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture says, Isaiah 28:16 whosoever believes on him shall not be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all and is rich unto all that call upon him: for, whosoever him: Joel 2:32 For whosoever shall call upon the name of Yehovah shall be saved.

Paul contrasts the righteousness based on the Law with the righteousness based on faith:

The Law says that righteousness comes through strict obedience (quoting Leviticus 18:5).
Faith speaks of believing in the message of the lord Messiah Jesus - acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Messiah and believing in his resurrection.

Paul explains that salvation is available to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, who calls on the name of the Lord. He emphasizes that this is not a complicated or distant task - it’s about belief in the heart and confession with the mouth.

Key Verses:

Romans 10:9-10: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God - Yehovah raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord - Yehovah will be saved.”

The Necessity of Preaching the Gospel (Verses 14-17)

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written in Isaiah 52:7: How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings – a gospel of good things!

But they did not all hearken to the gospel - glad tidings. For Isaiah 53:1 says, Lord - Yehovah, who has believed our report? So, belief comes of hearing, and hearing by the word of the lord Messiah Jesus.

Paul highlights the importance of spreading the Gospel:

People cannot call on the lord Messiah Jesus if they do not believe.
They cannot believe if they have not heard.
They cannot hear unless someone preaches.
Preachers must be sent to proclaim the message of the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of the lord Messiah Jesus.

This section underscores the role of evangelism and the need for believers to share the good news of Jesus.

Key Verse

Romans 10:17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about the Messiah.”

Israel’s Rejection of the Gospel (Verses 18-21)

But I say, did they not hear? Yea, verily, Psalm 19:4 their word went out into all the earth. But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses said: I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, with a nation void of understanding will I anger you. And Isaiah is very bold, and said, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me. But as to Israel he says, all day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Paul concludes by addressing Israel's rejection of the Gospel. He cites Old Testament scriptures (e.g., Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah) to show that God had made salvation available to the Gentiles, and Israel’s rejection of the lord Messiah Jesus is part of their disobedience.

Paul expresses God’s – Yehovah’s enduring patience and His willingness to welcome all who come to Him, even though Israel, as a nation, has largely turned away.

Key Verse

Romans 10:21: “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

Themes and Lessons:

Salvation by Faith Alone: Salvation is not earned through works or adherence to the Law but is a free gift accessed by faith in the lord Messiah Jesus and the message of salvation he brought about the coming kingdom of God. To be saved we must obey the words that his Father and his God Yehovah gave to him to give to us.
Universal Offer of Salvation: God’s – Yehovah’s righteousness is available to all - Jews and Gentiles alike - through belief in the lord Messiah Jesus message of salvation and obedience to his words.
The Role of Evangelism: Faith is sparked by hearing the Gospel message about the coming kingdom of God, emphasizing the necessity of preaching and sharing the message that the lord Messiah Jesus preached his entire ministry here on earth.
God’s Patience and Grace: Despite rejection, God - Yehovah remains patient and continues to offer salvation to all who turn to Him.

Romans 10 is a powerful reminder of the simplicity and accessibility of salvation and the inclusive nature of the Gospel message about the coming kingdom of God.

ROMANS CHAPTER ELEVEN

This chapter forms part of a larger section (Romans 9–11) where Paul explores the interplay of God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the inclusivity of salvation. Below is an in-depth breakdown of the chapter:

The Remnant of Israel (Romans 11:1–10)

I say then, has God - Yehovah cast away His people? Far be the thought. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God - Yehovah has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Know you not what the scripture says in the history of Elijah, how he pleads with God - Yehovah against Israel? Lord - Yehovah, they have killed your prophets, they have dug down your altars, and I have been left alone, and they seek my life. But what says the divine answer to him? I have left to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed knee to Baal. Thus, then, in the present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Now if by grace, it is no longer of works: since otherwise grace is no more grace. What is it then? What Israel seeks for he has not obtained; but the election has obtained it, and the rest have been blinded, according as it is written, God - Yehovah has given to them a spirit of slumber, eyes that do not to see, and ears that do not to hear, unto this day. And David says, let their table be for a snare, and for a gin, and for a fall-trap, and for a recompense to them: let their eyes be darkened so as not to see, and bow down their back always.

Paul begins by asking, "Has God - Yehovah rejected His people?" His emphatic answer is "By no means!" He supports this with personal and Scriptural evidence:

Paul as an Israelite (v. 1): Paul himself is proof that God - Yehovah has not abandoned Israel, as he is a descendant of Abraham and of the tribe of Benjamin.
The concept of a remnant (vv. 2–6): Paul references Elijah’s experience (1 Kings 19) to show that God - Yehovah has always preserved a faithful remnant. Even when Israel as a whole turned away, God maintained a group chosen by grace.
Hardening of Israel (vv. 7–10): Paul explains that while some of Israel has obtained righteousness through faith, others have been hardened. He quotes Isaiah and the Psalms to illustrate how their spiritual insensitivity is part of God’s – Yehovah’s judicial plan.

Key Themes:

God's – Yehovah’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.
The coexistence of divine grace and human responsibility.

The Inclusion of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11–24)

I say then, have they stumbled in order that they might fall? Far be the thought: but by their fall there is salvation given to the nations to provoke them - Israel to jealousy. But if their fall be for the world's wealth, and their loss for the wealth of the nations, how much rather their fulness? For I speak to you, the nations, since I am apostle of the nations, I glorify my ministry; if by any means I shall provoke to jealousy those which are my flesh and save some from among them. For if their casting away results in the world's reconciliation, what will their reception be, but life from among the dead? Now if the first fruit is holy, the lump also; and if the root is holy, the branches also.

Now if some of the branches have been broken out, and you, being a wild olive tree, have been grafted in amongst them, and have become a fellow-partaker of the root and of the fatness of the olive tree, boast not against the branches; but if you boast, it is not you that bares the root, but the root bares you.

You will say then, the branches have been broken out so that I might be grafted in. Right: they have been broken out through their unbelief, and you stand through your faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: if God - Yehovah indeed has not spared the natural branches; lest it might be He not spare you either.

Behold then the] goodness and severity of God - Yehovah: upon them who have fallen, severity; upon you the goodness of God - Yehovah, if you abide in goodness, otherwise you also will be cut away.

And they, if they do not continue in unbelief, shall be grafted in; for God - Yehovah is able again to graft them in. For if you have been cut out of the olive tree wild by nature, and contrary to nature, have been grafted into the good olive tree, how much rather shall they, who are according to nature be grafted into their own olive tree?

Paul shifts focus to the Gentiles and explains how Israel's stumbling serves a larger purpose in God’s – Yehovah’s redemptive plan.

Israel's stumble is not final (v. 11): Their transgression has led to salvation being offered to the Gentiles, which, in turn, is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy and ultimately bring them back to God - Yehovah.
The riches of salvation (vv. 12–15): Israel’s temporary rejection results in blessings for the world (the Gentiles). Paul argues that their full inclusion will bring even greater blessings.
The olive tree metaphor (vv. 16–24): Paul uses the imagery of an olive tree to explain the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles:

Israel is the natural olive tree.
The Gentiles are wild olive branches grafted in.
The root represents the patriarchs and the covenantal promises of God.
Gentile believers are warned not to boast over the natural branches, as their inclusion is by grace and can be reversed if they fall into unbelief.

Key Themes:

God’s - Yehovah’s sovereignty in using Israel’s failure to bring salvation to the Gentiles.
The interconnectedness of Jews and Gentiles in God’s – Yehovah’s redemptive plan.

The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation (Romans 11:25–32)

For I do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, of this mystery, that you may not be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fulness of the nations comes in; so all Israel shall be saved. According as it is written, the deliverer shall come out of Zion; he shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

And this is the covenant from me to them, when I shall have taken away their sins. As regards the glad tidings - gospel about the coming kingdom of God - Yehovah, they are enemies on your account; but as regards election, beloved on account of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God - Yehovah are not subject to repentance.

For as indeed you also once have not believed in God - Yehovah, but now have been objects of mercy through the unbelief of these - Israel; so these also have now not believed in your mercy, so that they also may be objects of mercy. For God - Yehovah has shut up together all in unbelief, so that He might show mercy to all.

Paul unveils a "mystery" regarding Israel’s future:

A partial hardening (v. 25): This hardening is temporary and will last until the "fullness of the Gentiles" has come in.
All Israel will be saved (v. 26): Paul cites Isaiah 59 to affirm that God - Yehovah will fulfill His covenant with Israel, bringing about their salvation.
God’s – Yehovah’s irrevocable gifts and calling (v. 29): Despite Israel's current disobedience, God’s – Yehovah’s promises to them remain steadfast.
God's – Yehovah’s mercy to all (vv. 30–32): Paul concludes that God - Yehovah has consigned all (Jews and Gentiles) to disobedience so that He may have mercy on all.

Key Themes:

The universality of God’s – Yehovah's mercy.
The faithfulness of God - Yehovah to His covenant promises.

The Doxology of God’s Wisdom (Romans 11:33–36)

O depth of riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God - Yehovah! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord - Yehovah, or who has been His counsellor? Or who has first given to him, and it shall be rendered to him? For of him, and through him, and for him are all things: to him be glory forever. Amen.

Paul ends this chapter with a doxology, marveling at the depth of God’s – Yehovah’s wisdom and knowledge:

God's – Yehovah’s judgments are unsearchable (v. 33): Paul acknowledges the incomprehensibility of God’s – Yehovah’s ways.
Quoting Scripture (vv. 34–35): Paul cites Isaiah and Job to emphasize that no one can fully grasp or repay God - Yehovah.
All things are from, through, and to God - Yehovah (v. 36): Paul concludes that God - Yehovah is the source, sustainer, and goal of all things, deserving all glory.

Key Themes:

The sovereignty and wisdom of God - Yehovah.
Worship as the appropriate response to understanding God’s – Yehovah’s plan.

Major Takeaways from Romans 11

God’s – Yehovah’s Faithfulness: God - Yehovah remains faithful to His promises despite human unfaithfulness. Israel’s rejection is not final.
The Role of Grace: Salvation is rooted in God’s – Yehovah’s grace, not human works or heritage.
The Mystery of Salvation: God’s – Yehovah’s plan includes both Jews and Gentiles, unfolding in ways beyond human comprehension.
Humility and Gratitude: Gentiles are reminded to approach their inclusion in God’s – Yehovah’s family with humility, recognizing their dependence on God’s – Yehovah’s mercy.
God’s – Yehovah’s Glory: The chapter highlights the grandeur of God’s – Yehovah’s redemptive plan, culminating in a call to worship.

Romans 11 showcases Paul’s deep theological insight, his pastoral heart for Israel, and his unwavering trust in God’s – Yehovah’s redemptive plan. It calls readers to marvel at the wisdom of God - Yehovah and to trust in His unfolding purposes.

ROMANS CHAPTER TWELVE

In this chapter, Paul outlines what it means to live as a follower of the lord Messiah Jesus in everyday life, emphasizing personal transformation, community, and Christian ethics.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Romans 12:

Verses 1-2: A Call to Total Commitment

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God - Yehovah, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God - Yehovah, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God - Yehovah, what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

"Offer your bodies as living sacrifices" (12:1):

Paul urges the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to dedicate themselves wholly to God - Yehovah. The term "living sacrifices" suggests a life of ongoing dedication and worship, contrasting with the dead sacrifices of the Old Testament. This act of surrender is described as "holy and pleasing to God - Yehovah."
This is called a "spiritual act of worship," indicating that true worship incudes every aspect of one's life.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (12:2):

Paul contrasts conformity to worldly values with transformation through a renewed mindset. Transformation comes through God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit and aligns the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus with God's – Yehovah’s will through faith obedience.
This renewal enables the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to discern and follow God’s – Yehovah’s "good, pleasing, and perfect will."

Verses 3-8: Humility and Service in the Body of the lord Messiah Jesus

For by the grace given to me I bid everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith which God - Yehovah has assigned him. For as in one body, we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in the Messiah, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Humility in Self-Perception (12:3):

Paul warns against pride, encouraging the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus believers to think of themselves with sober judgment based on the faith God - Yehovah has given them.
Humility is foundational for functioning effectively in the called-out Assembly.

Unity and Diversity in the Body (12:4-5):

The called-out Assembly is described as one body with many members, each having different functions. This metaphor emphasizes both unity and diversity in the called-out Assembly.
All followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are interconnected and belong to one another, reflecting a sense of mutual responsibility and care.

Using Spiritual Gifts (12:6-8):

Paul lists various spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy. These gifts should be exercised faithfully and diligently.
The diversity of gifts highlights the unique contributions each believer makes to the community.

Verses 9-21: Christian Ethics in Action

Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good. Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. Share what you have with God’s – Yehovah’s people who are in need. Be hospitable.

Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly to humble people. Don’t think that you are smarter than you really are.

Don’t pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble. As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s – Yehovah’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says Yehovah.” But “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.

Love in Action (12:9-13):

Paul begins with a call for sincere love, rejecting hypocrisy. Love should be genuine, hating what is evil and clinging to what is good.
Key qualities include devotion, honor, zeal, spiritual fervor, joy, patience, prayer, generosity, and hospitality.

Responding to Others (12:14-16):

Paul emphasizes blessing persecutors, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn. These commands foster empathy and compassion.
The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are encouraged to live in harmony, avoid pride, and associate with people of low position.

Overcoming Evil with Good (12:17-21):

Paul advises against repaying evil for evil and urges the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to live at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on them.
Vengeance belongs to God - Yehovah- so the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to leave retribution to Him.
Practical acts of kindness, such as feeding enemies, are a way of overcoming evil with good, reflecting the lord Messiah’s teachings.

Key Themes in Romans 12

Transformation and Renewal:

A believer’s life should be marked by continuous transformation through a renewed mind, leading to alignment with God’s – Yehovah’s will.

Humility and Interdependence:

Humility is essential for healthy relationships within the called-out Assembly, recognizing that everyone has a role in the body of the Messiah.

Genuine Love:

Authentic love is at the heart of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, guiding behavior toward both fellow believers and outsiders. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Non-Retaliation and Peace:

Followers of the lord Messiah jesus are called to respond to evil with good, trusting God - Yehovah to handle justice and aiming to live peacefully with others.

Service and Spiritual Gifts:

God - Yehovah equips the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus with diverse gifts, and they are expected to use them to serve those in the called-out Assembly and the world.

Practical Application

Romans 12 challenges believers to live out their faith practically:

Surrender to God fully in every aspect of life.
Actively renew the mind through Scripture, prayer, and God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit.
Embrace humility and contribute to the community of faith.
Practice love, even toward enemies, reflecting the lord Messiah Jesus example.
Engage in actions that promote peace and reconciliation.

In essence, Romans 12 is a guide to living a life that mirrors the character and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing both personal and communal aspects of faith.

ROMANS CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Romans 13 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul provides instructions regarding the follower of the lord Messiah Jesus relationship with governing authorities, ethical conduct, and love as the fulfillment of the law.

Here's a detailed breakdown and explanation of its contents

Verses 1–7: Submission to Governing Authorities

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God - Yehovah, and those that exist have been instituted by God - Yehovah. Therefore, he who resists the authorities resists what God - Yehovah has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s – Yehovah’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God - Yehovah to execute His wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore, one must be subject not only to avoid God’s - Yehovah’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God - Yehovah, attending to this very thing. Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.

Key Themes:

Authority is Established by God - Yehovah: Paul begins by asserting that all governing authorities are instituted by God - Yehovah (v. 1). This means that submission to authorities is, in essence, submission to God’s - Yehovah’s ordained order.

Rebellion Against Authority is Rebellion Against God - Yehovah: Paul warns that resisting legitimate authority invites judgment (v. 2). He implies that order in society is essential for the common good.
Role of Rulers: Authorities are described as God’s – Yehovah’s servants who are meant to promote good and punish wrongdoing (v. 3-4). This ideal role of government underscores justice and moral accountability.
Obedience Out of Conscience: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are urged to obey not just to avoid punishment but because it aligns with a clear conscience before God - Yehovah (v. 5).
Taxes and Respect: Paul emphasizes paying taxes and showing respect to authorities (v. 6-7). He sees these acts as part of fulfilling one’s duty to God - Yehovah since authorities are God’s – Yehovah’s instruments.

Interpretation:

Paul wrote this during the reign of Emperor Nero of the Roman Empire, which, while not always just, provided relative stability and order. His teaching is not a blind endorsement of tyranny but recognition of God’s – Yehovah’s sovereignty over human institutions. It is God - Yehovah who puts down and raises up among the basest of men, kings and princes.

The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are to submit to the rulers of the nations or municipalities they live in unless they are asked to do anything that they know to be against God's - Yehovah's will. When that happens, they must disobey and probably face uncertain consequences.

Verses 8–10: Love Fulfills the Law

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Key Themes:

The Debt of Love: Paul shifts focus to interpersonal moral conduct, urging the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to owe nothing to anyone except love (v. 8). Love is an ongoing obligation.
Love and the Commandments: He explains that love fulfills the requirements of the law because commandments like "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," and "Do not steal" are summed up in loving one’s neighbor as yourself (v. 9).
Love Does No Harm: Love is portrayed as inherently good and incapable of causing harm to others, making it the ultimate fulfillment of God’s – Yehovah’s moral law (v. 10).

Interpretation:

Paul’s emphasis on love reflects Jesus’ teaching that the greatest commandments are to love God - Yehovah and love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:28).
This section reminds the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus that moral behavior is not about rigid adherence to rules but about embodying a heart of love.

Verses 11–14: Living in the Light of the Coming Day

Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the lord Messiah Jesus, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Key Themes:

Urgency of Righteous Living: Paul calls the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to wake up and recognize the nearness of salvation (v. 11). This “salvation” refers to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s – Yehovah’s plan at the lord Messiah Jesus return.
Casting Off Darkness: He uses the metaphor of night and day, urging believers to abandon deeds of darkness (sinful behaviors) and embrace the light (v. 12).
Clothing Yourself with the lord Messiah Jesus: Paul exhorts the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to live honorably, avoiding indulgent or divisive behaviors, and instead to "put on the lord Messiah Jesus" (v. 13-14). This means embodying the lord Messiah Jesus character, allowing him to work in you and through you by his enabling spirit, and resisting sinful desires.

Interpretation:

The imagery of light and darkness conveys moral and spiritual transformation. The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to live as though the lord Messiah Jesus return is imminent, fostering a sense of accountability and hope.
The phrase “put on the lord Messiah Jesus” emphasizes the centrality of the Messiah in shaping the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus identity, priorities, and actions.

Overall Themes in Romans 13:

God’s Sovereignty: Paul’s teaching on government highlights that even human institutions operate under God’s Yehovah’s ultimate authority.
The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus Responsibility: Whether concerning authorities or others, the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to act in love, righteousness, and submission to God’s – Yehovah’s will.
Eschatological Perspective: The anticipation of the lord Messiah Jesus return shapes how the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus conduct themselves, encouraging them to live morally and ethically.

Modern Application:

Engagement with Authority: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are encouraged to respect laws and contribute positively to society while discerning when obedience to God - Yehovah may require challenging injustice.
The Role of Love: In a fractured world, living out love as the fulfillment of the law remains a central witness of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus.
Living in Readiness: The call to live as children of the light serves as a reminder to align daily actions with God's - Yehovah's eternal values.

Romans 13 provides timeless guidance for navigating relationships with society, authority, and fellow humans, grounded in the transformative power of love and the hope of the lord Messiah Jesus return.

ROMANS CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Romans Chapter 14 is a key chapter in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Roman church, addressing issues of the liberty of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, judgment, and unity within the body of the lord Messiah Jesus, the called-out Assembly.

Below is a detailed description:

Context

The chapter is part of Paul’s broader discussion on how the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus should live in harmony despite differences of convictions, particularly concerning matters that are not central to salvation. In the Roman church, tensions arose between Jewish and Gentile followers of the lord Messiah Jesus over dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and other non-essential practices

Summary of Key Themes

Accepting One Another Without Judgment (Verses 1–4)

Welcome people who are weak in faith, but don’t get into an argument over differences of opinion. Some people believe that they can eat all kinds of food. Other people with weak faith believe that they can eat only vegetables. People who eat all foods should not despise people who eat only vegetables. In the same way, the vegetarians should not criticize people who eat all foods, because God - Yehovah has accepted those people. Who are you to criticize someone else’s servant? The lord will determine whether his servant has been successful. The servant will be successful because the lord makes him successful.

Paul begins by urging the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus to welcome those who are "weak in faith" without arguing over "disputable matters."

Disputable matters refer to practices not explicitly commanded or forbidden by God – Yehovah under the New Covenant (e.g., dietary restrictions or observing certain days as holy as listed to be observed under the Old Covenant).
He emphasizes that individuals serve the lord Messiah Jesus, and his God and our God - Yehovah who alone is their judge. If someone abstains or partakes, it is ultimately to honor the lord Messiah Jesus and his God and Father Yehovah.

Living for the lord Messiah Jesus and his God and out God – Yehovah in Freedom (Verses 5–9)

One person decides that one day is holier than another. Another person decides that all days are the same. Every person must make his own decision. When people observe a special day, they observe it to honor the lord. When people eat all kinds of foods, they honor the lord as they eat, since they give thanks to God - Yehovah. Vegetarians also honor the lord when they eat, and they, too, give thanks to God - Yehovah. 7 It’s clear that we don’t live to honor ourselves, and we don’t die to honor ourselves. 8 If we live, we honor the lord, and if we die, we honor the lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the lord. For this reason, the Messiah died and came back to life so that he would be the lord of both the living and the dead.

Paul addresses differences in observing special days and eating habits:

Some believers consider certain days more sacred, while others see all days as equal.

Similarly, some eat everything, while others (perhaps Jewish Christians or ascetics) eat only vegetables. Both positions are acceptable if done with a heart to honor God - Yehovah.
Paul underscores that life and death are for the Lord, reinforcing the idea of living in service to God - Yehovah rather than pleasing others.

Avoiding Judgment and Causing Others to Stumble (Verses 10–13

Why do you criticize or despise another follower of the lord Messiah Jesus? Everyone will stand in front of God - Yehovah to be judged. Scripture says:

“As certainly as I live, says Yehovah,
everyone will worship me,
and everyone will praise God -- Yehovah.”

All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God – Yehovah. So, let’s stop criticizing each other. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make another follower of the lord Messiah Jesus have doubts or lose his/her faith. So, each of us shall give account of himself/herself to God - Yehovah.

Do Not Make Another Stumble

Then let us no more pass judgment on one another but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

Paul warns against judging fellow followers of the lord Messiah Jesus since all will stand before God’s – Yehovah’s judgment seat.
Quoting Isaiah, he reminds them that every knee will bow, and every tongue confess to God - Yehovah.
Instead of judging, the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to avoid putting obstacles or stumbling blocks in each other’s way.

Pursuing Peace and Building Up Others (Verses 14–19)

The lord Jesus has given me the knowledge and conviction that no food is unacceptable in and of itself. But it is unacceptable to a person who thinks it is. So, if what you eat hurts another follower of the lord Messiah Jesus, you are no longer living by love. Don’t destroy anyone by what you eat. The Messiah died for that person. Don’t allow anyone to say that what you consider good is evil.

God’s – Yehovah’s kingdom does not consist of what a person eats or drinks. Rather, God’s – Yehovah’s kingdom consists of God’s – Yehovah’s approval and peace, as well as the joy that the Holy Spirit gives. The person who serves the Messiah with this in mind is pleasing to God - Yehovah and respected by people. So let’s pursue those things that bring peace and which are good for each other.

Paul acknowledges that no food is inherently unclean, but if someone believes it is unclean, for them, it is. Love must guide actions; the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus should avoid causing distress to others through their freedom. The focus is on the kingdom of God - Yehovah, which is not about eating and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Personal Convictions and Consideration for Others (Verses 20–23

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God - Yehovah. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for any one to make others fall by what he eats; it is right to not eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother to be weakened.The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God - Yehovah; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves. But he who has doubts is condemned, if he eats, because he does not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Paul advises against letting food or personal freedoms destroy God’s – Yehovah’s work.
While all things may be permissible, not all things are beneficial if they harm another’s faith.
The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus should act according to their convictions, ensuring that their actions come from faith. Anything not done in faith is considered sin.

Key Principles and Takeaways

Unity in Diversity: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus should not let differences over non-essential matters divide them. The focus should be on mutual edification and unity in the lord Messiah Jesus.
Freedom Balanced with Responsibility: While the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus have liberty in the Messiah, this freedom should be exercised with love and sensitivity to another’s conscience.
God - Yehovah as the Ultimate Judge: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus should refrain from judging others on disputable matters, recognizing that each person is accountable to God - Yehovah.
Prioritize the Kingdom: Righteousness, peace, and joy in God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit are more important than disputes over external practices.

Practical Applications

Be gracious and accommodating toward those with different convictions.
Use your freedom in the lord Messiah Jesus to build up others, not to tear them down.
Focus on what truly matters - living a life of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Remember that love and consideration for others are central to the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus. It is how they should live their lives.

Romans Chapter 14 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of unity, love, and respect among believers, even amidst differences in opinions and practices.Top of Form

ROMANS CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Romans 15 is a rich and theologically significant chapter in Paul's letter to the Romans, offering guidance on unity among the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, service, and mission. Below is a detailed breakdown and account of the chapter:

Verses 1–6: Plea for Unity and Mutual Support

So, those of us who have a strong faith must be patient with the weaknesses of those whose faith is not so strong. We must not think only of ourselves. We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his/her faith. The Messiah did not think only of himself. Rather, as Scripture says: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”

God Gives Us Unity

Everything written long ago was written to teach us so that we would have confidence through the endurance and encouragement that the Scriptures give us. May God - Yehovah, who gives you this endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other by following the example of the Messiah Jesus. Then, having the same goal, you will praise the God and Father - Yehovah of the lord Messiah Jesus.

Paul begins by encouraging the strong to bear with the weaknesses of those who are weaker in faith, emphasizing the importance of pleasing others for their edification rather than focusing solely on personal desires.

Verses 1–2:

o The strong in faith should support the weak, not to please themselves but to build up others.

o Each follower of the lord Messiah Jesus should seek to please their neighbor for their good, aiming to edify them spiritually.

Verse 3:

o Paul cites the lord Messiah Jesus as the ultimate example of selflessness, referencing Psalm 69:9: "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me," to show the lord Messiah's endurance of suffering for the sake of others.

Verse 4:

o Scripture is highlighted as a source of encouragement and hope. Paul notes that what was written in the past was meant to teach the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus and give them perseverance and hope.

Verses 5–6:

o Paul prays for unity among the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, asking God - Yehovah to grant them a spirit of harmony so they may glorify God - Yehovah with one voice and heart.

Verses 7–13: The Messiah as the Hope for All People

Therefore, accept each other in the same way that the Messiah accepted you. He did this to bring glory to God - Yehovah. Let me explain. The Messiah became a slave for the Jewish people to reveal God’s – Yehovah’s truth. As a result, he fulfilled God’s – Yehovah’s promise to the ancestors of the Jewish people. People who are not Jewish praise God - Yehovah for His mercy as well. This is what the Scriptures say:

“That is why I will give thanks to you among the nations, and I will sing praises to your name.”

And Scripture says again:

“You nations, be happy together with His people!”

And again:

“Praise Yehovah, all you nations! Praise Him, all you people of the world!”

Again, Isaiah says:

“There will be a root from Jesse. He will rise to rule the nations, and he will give the nations hope.”

May God - Yehovah, the source of hope fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of His Holy Spirit.

Paul urges the Roman believers to accept one another, just as the Messiah accepted them, emphasizing the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in God's – Yehovah’s redemptive plan.

Verse 7:

The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are encouraged to welcome one another as the Messiah welcomed them, bringing glory to God - Yehovah.

Verses 8–9:

Paul describes the Messiah’s ministry to the Jews as a fulfillment of God’s – Yehovah’s promises to the patriarchs, while also emphasizing His mercy to the Gentiles.

Verses 9–12:

Paul supports his argument with Old Testament quotations:

Psalm 18:49: Gentiles are called to praise God.
Deuteronomy 32:43: All nations should rejoice with Yehovah’s people.
Psalm 117:1: All nations and peoples are called to praise Yehovah.
Isaiah 11:10: The Messiah will reign as a hope for the Gentiles.

Verse 13:

Paul offers a benediction, praying that God - Yehovah, the source of hope, fills followers of the lord Messiah Jesus with joy and peace as they trust Him, so they may overflow with hope by the power of God’s – Yehovah’s Holy Spirit.

Verses 14–21: Paul’s Ministry and Mission

I’m convinced, brothers and sisters, that you, too, are filled with goodness. I’m also convinced that you have all the knowledge you need and that you can instruct each other. However, I’ve written you a letter, parts of which are rather bold, as a reminder to you. I’m doing this because God - Yehovah gave me the gift to be a slave of the Messiah Jesus to people who are not Jewish. I serve as a priest by spreading the Good News of God - Yehovah. I do this so that I might bring the nations to God - Yehovah as an acceptable offering, made holy by the Holy Spirit. So, the Messiah Jesus gives me the right to boast about what I’m doing for God - Yehovah. I’m bold enough to tell you only what the Messiah has done through me to bring people who are not Jewish to obedience. By what I have said and done, by the power of miraculous and amazing signs, and by the power of God’s – Yehovah’s Spirit, I have finished spreading the Good News about the Messiah from Jerusalem to Illyricum.

My goal was to spread the Good News where the name of the Messiah was not known. I didn’t want to build on a foundation that others had laid. As Scripture says:

“Those who were never told about him will see, and those who never heard will understand.”

Paul reflects on his ministry and his role as a slave of the Messiah to the Gentiles, emphasizing his calling to preach the gospel in places where the Messiah has not been named.

Note: When Paul calls his role a slave of the Messiah, he is saying what all the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are slaves, bought and paid for by the shed blood of the lord Messiah Jesus when he gave himself up to his God and his Father Yehovah as a sin-offering sacrifice reconciling humanity to God – Yehovah. [Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Colossians 1:22]

Verses 14–16:

Paul expresses confidence in the Roman followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, acknowledging their goodness, knowledge, and ability to instruct one another.
He explains his boldness in writing to them, attributing it to his priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles.

Verses 17–19:

Paul takes pride in what the lord Messiah Jesus has accomplished through him, mentioning signs, wonders, and the power of the Holy Spirit as evidence of his effective ministry.

Verses 20–21:

Paul describes his ambition to preach where the Messiah is not known, quoting Isaiah 52:15 to highlight his commitment to reaching the unreached. As we should also!

Verses 22–33: Paul’s Travel Plans and Appeal for Prayer

This is what has so often kept me from visiting you. But now I have no new opportunities for work in this region. For many years I have wanted to visit you. Now I am on my way to Spain, so I hope to see you when I come your way. After I have enjoyed your company for a while, I hope that you will support my trip to Spain.

Right now, I’m going to Jerusalem to bring help to the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus there. Because the believers in Macedonia and Greece owe a debt to the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus in Jerusalem, they have decided to take up a collection for the poor among the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus in Jerusalem. These Macedonians and Greeks have shared the spiritual wealth of the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus in Jerusalem. So, they are obligated to use their earthly wealth to help them.

When the collection is completed and I have officially turned the money over to the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus in Jerusalem, I will visit you on my way to Spain. I know that when I come to you, I will bring the full blessing of the Messiah.

Brothers and sisters, I encourage you, through our lord Messiah Jesus and by the love that the Spirit creates, to join me in my struggle. Pray to God - Yehovah for me that I will be rescued from those people in Judea who refuse to believe. Pray that God’s – Yehovah’s people in Jerusalem will accept the help I bring. Also pray that by the will of God - Yehovah I may come to you with joy and be refreshed when I am with you. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Paul outlines his future travel plans, his desire to visit Rome, and his current mission to deliver aid to the saints in Jerusalem.

Verses 22–24:

Paul explains that his ministry work has delayed his visit to Rome but expresses his intention to come after completing his mission in Jerusalem.

Verses 25–27:

Paul mentions his plan to deliver financial contributions from the Gentile churches to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem, highlighting the mutual spiritual and material blessings between Jews and Gentiles.

Verses 28–29:

Paul anticipates visiting Rome after completing his mission, confident that he will come in the fullness of the Messiah’s blessing.

Verses 30–33:

Paul appeals for the Roman followers of the lord Messiah Jesus prayers, asking for deliverance from unbelievers in Judea and for acceptance of his service by the saints in Jerusalem.
He concludes with a prayer for peace, invoking the God of peace to be with them.

Themes in Romans 15

Christian Unity: Paul stresses the importance of unity among the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus, regardless of cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Service to Others: The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus are called to selflessness, modeled by the Messiah’s example.
Scriptural Fulfillment: Paul uses Old Testament references to demonstrate the inclusivity of God’s – Yehovah’s salvation plan.
Mission and Evangelism: Paul highlights the importance of spreading the gospel to unreached areas.
Prayer and Dependence on God - Yehovah: Paul values the role of prayer in sustaining his ministry and overcoming challenges.

This chapter serves as a powerful call for believers to live in harmony, support one another, and be united in their mission to glorify God.

ROMANS CHAPTER 16

In this chapter, Paul wraps up his epistle with personal greetings, commendations, final instructions, and a benediction. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Verses 1-2: Commendation of Phoebe

Paul begins by commending Phoebe, a servant (or deacon) of the church in Cenchrea. He asks the Roman believers to receive her in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever she needs.
Phoebe is described as a benefactor (or helper) to many, including Paul.

Verses 3-16: Greetings to Various Individuals

Paul extends personal greetings to various individuals and groups within the Roman church, highlighting their contributions to the ministry. This section demonstrates the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Christian community. Key figures include:

Priscilla and Aquila: Paul’s co-workers who risked their lives for him. They are also known for hosting a house church.
Epaenetus: Referred to as the first convert to Christ in Asia.
Mary: Praised for her hard work.
Andronicus and Junia: Described as notable among the apostles and fellow prisoners with Paul. They were believers before Paul’s own conversion.

Various others, including Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus, and his mother, are commended for their faith, labor, and contributions to the church.

Paul instructs them to greet one another with a holy kiss, symbolizing unity and affection among the believers.

I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our lord Messiah, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you wise as to what is good and guileless as to what is evil; then the God - Yehovah of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of the lord Messiah Jesus be with you.

Paul warns the Roman church to be vigilant against those who cause divisions or put obstacles contrary to the teaching they have learned. He advises them to avoid such people, describing them as self-serving and deceptive.
He praises the Romans for their obedience and encourages them to remain wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.
Paul expresses confidence that God - Yehovah will soon crush Satan under their feet, offering a message of victory and hope.

Verses 21-23: Greetings from Paul’s Associates

Paul includes greetings from his co-workers and companions who are with him. These include:

Timothy, his fellow worker.
Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, his kinsmen.
Tertius, the scribe who wrote down the letter, also adds his greeting.
Gaius, the host of Paul and the church, extends greetings.
Erastus, the city treasurer, and a brother named Quartus are also mentioned.

Verses 25-27: Doxology

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel [Act 28:30 – the same message the lord Jesus preached during his ministry on earth] and the preaching of Jesus the Messiah, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God - Yehovah, to bring about the obedience of faith - to the only wise God - Yehovah be glory for evermore through Jesus the Messiah! Amen.

The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God - Yehovah for the mystery of the gospel [about the kingdom of God] that has been revealed and made known to all nations through the prophetic writings.
Paul ascribes glory to God - Yehovah through Jesus the Messiah, emphasizing God’s – Yehovah’s wisdom and the eternal nature of the gospel.

Themes in Romans Chapter 16

Unity in Diversity: The chapter highlights the wide range of individuals within the early church, showcasing diversity in gender, social status, and ethnicity.
Personal Relationships in Ministry: Paul’s extensive list of greetings reflects the importance of personal connections and teamwork in advancing the gospel.
Warning Against Division: Paul underscores the need for vigilance against false teachers and divisive individuals, emphasizing purity in doctrine.
Encouragement and Hope: Paul reassures the believers of their ultimate victory over Satan.
God’s Glory Through the Gospel: The closing doxology points to the centrality of God’s wisdom and the gospel in His redemptive plan.

Romans 16 is a rich and personal conclusion to Paul’s scriptural masterpiece, blending practical encouragement with profound spiritual truths.

ROMANS CHAPTER 16

In this chapter, Paul wraps up his epistle with personal greetings, commendations, final instructions, and a benediction. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Verses 1-2: Commendation of Phoebe

With this letter I’m introducing Phoebe to you. She is our sister in the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus faith and a deacon of the church in the city of Cenchrea. Give her a welcome as a follower of the lord Messiah Jesus that shows you are God’s – Yehovah’s holy people. Provide her with anything she may need, because she has provided help to many people, including me.

Paul begins by commending Phoebe, a servant (or deacon) of the church in Cenchrea. He asks the Roman believers to receive her in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever she needs.
Phoebe is described as a benefactor (or helper) to many, including Paul.

Verses 3-16: Greetings to Various Individuals

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in the service of the Messiah Jesus. They risked their lives to save me. I’m thankful to them and so are all the churches among the nations. Also greet the church that meets in their house. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus. He was the first person in the province of Asia to become a believer in the Messiah. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, who are Jewish by birth like me. They are prisoners like me and are prominent among the apostles. They also were followers of the lord Messiah Jesus before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the service of the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our coworker in the service of Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, a true follower of the lord Messiah Jesus. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, who is Jewish by birth like me. Greet those followers of the lord Messiah Jesus who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard for the Lord. Greet dear Persis, who has worked very hard for the Lord.
Greet Rufus, that outstanding Christian, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all God’s people who are with them. Greet each other with a holy kiss.

All the churches of Christ greet you.

Paul extends personal greetings to various individuals and groups within the Roman church, highlighting their contributions to the ministry. This section demonstrates the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Christian community. Key figures include:

Priscilla and Aquila: Paul’s co-workers who risked their lives for him. They are also known for hosting a house church.
Epaenetus: Referred to as the first convert to Christ in Asia.
Mary: Praised for her hard work.
Andronicus and Junia: Described as notable among the apostles and fellow prisoners with Paul. They were believers before Paul’s own conversion.
Various others, including Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus, and his mother, are commended for their faith, labor, and contributions to the church.

Paul instructs them to greet one another with a holy kiss, symbolizing unity and affection among the believers.

Verses 17-20: Final Exhortations

Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for those people who create divisions and who make others fall away from the followers of the lord Messiah Jesus faith by teaching doctrine that is not the same as you have learned. Stay away from them. People like these are not serving the Messiah our Lord. They are serving their own desires. By their smooth talk and flattering words they deceive unsuspecting people.

Everyone has heard about your obedience, and this makes me happy for you. I want you to do what is good and to avoid what is evil. The God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. May the good grace of our lord Jesus be with you!

Paul warns the Roman church to be vigilant against those who cause divisions or put obstacles contrary to the teaching they have learned. He advises them to avoid such people, describing them as self-serving and deceptive.
He praises the Romans for their obedience and encourages them to remain wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.
Paul expresses confidence that God - Yehovah will soon crush Satan under their feet, offering a message of victory and hope.

Verses 21-23: Greetings from Paul’s Associates

Timothy, my coworker, greets you; so, do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, who are Jewish by birth like me. Tertius, who wrote this letter, send you greetings. Gaius greets you. He is host to me and the whole called-out Assembly.

Paul includes greetings from his co-workers and companions who are with him. These include:

Timothy, his fellow worker.
Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, his kinsmen.
Tertius, the scribe who wrote down the letter, also adds his greeting.
Gaius, the host of Paul and the church, extends greetings.
Erastus, the city treasurer, and a brother named Quartus are also mentioned.

Verses 25-27: Doxology

God - Yehovah can strengthen you by the Good News and the message I tell about Jesus the Messiah. He can strengthen you by revealing the mystery that was kept in silent for a very long time but now is publicly known. The everlasting God - Yehovah ordered that what the prophets wrote must be shown to the people of every nation to bring them to the obedience that is associated with faith. God - Yehovah alone is wise. Glory belongs to Him through Jesus the Messiah forever! Amen.

The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God - Yehovah for the mystery of the gospel [about the kingdom of God] that has been revealed and made known to all nations through the prophetic writings.

Paul ascribes glory to God - Yehovah through Jesus the Messiah, emphasizing God’s – Yehovah’s wisdom and the eternal nature of the gospel.

Themes in Romans Chapter 16

Unity in Diversity: The chapter highlights the wide range of individuals within the early church, showcasing diversity in gender, social status, and ethnicity.
Personal Relationships in Ministry: Paul’s extensive list of greetings reflects the importance of personal connections and teamwork in advancing the gospel.
Warning Against Division: Paul underscores the need for vigilance against false teachers and divisive individuals, emphasizing purity in doctrine.
Encouragement and Hope: Paul reassures the believers of their ultimate victory over Satan.
God’s Glory Through the Gospel: The closing doxology points to the centrality of God’s wisdom and the gospel in His redemptive plan.

Romans 16 is a rich and personal conclusion to Paul’s scriptural masterpiece, blending practical encouragement with profound spiritual truths.

The Faith of Jesus

Thursday, March 27, 2025

THE BOOK OF ROMANS

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