I've been studying the book of Romans for quite some time, taking notes on each verse. I'd like to share what I've found and my comments along with it on a chapter by chapter basis. As always, don't just take my words as truth. Search the scriptures to make sure it lines up with what God's Word says. Here is chapter 1.
Romans 1:1
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Paul introduces himself as a servant. In the Greek, that is the word doulos, which can be translated as "someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own" [1]. Interesting word choice for us to realize. Paul knew that he was bought with a price (1 Cor 6:20, 7:23) and that he belonged to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ in this verse is in the Genitive case, which shows ownership.
One other word study to point out is the word "separated," which is aphōrismenos in the Greek. This word has the same root that is used in Acts 13:2 where Paul (Saul at that time) is separated for the work that God calls him to, which is giving the message of the gospel of God's Grace, also known as the gospel of the uncirucmcision (Gal 2:7). For more on that, see my blog on When the Body of Christ Began. The word aphorismenos has the meaning of "separate from a boundary, i.e. a previous condition/situation" [1]. You see, at the time of Acts 13:1, Saul of Tarsus was preaching that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and that for someone to be saved, they needed to believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and keep the Law of Moses. It was the same message as in the gospel of the circumcision. But in Acts 13:2, the boundary is set by God for Saul and Barnabas to proceed with the message of reconciliation, that to be saved, someone need only to believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. But what is being referenced here? When we see the word "gospel" we need to ask "which gospel?" While it is true that Paul was separated to the message of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18), in the larger context he also was separated to what is titled here: the gospel of God. What is the gospel of God? I believe we go all the way back to Genesis 3:15, which is God's fix for the world before circumcision or uncircumcision meant anything. It was that He was going to send a special child to this world through a woman who would crush Satan's head. We know Him today as Christ Jesus. I will expound on that in the ensuing verses.
One more thing to point out before we leave this verse is that the words "to be" are not in the Greek. More literally, it reads: Paul, a bond-slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated to the Gospel of God.
Romans 1:2
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Thinking along the lines alluded to in verse 1 about the "gospel of God," this verse must be referring to Jesus Christ Himself and His death, burial and resurrection. It is NOT referring to salvation by faith in Jesus' death burial and resurrection, and here is why: The first question to ask is "What had God promised before by His prophets in the holy scriptures?" It couldn't be the gospel of God's grace and corresponding doctrine revealed to the apostle Paul beginning in Acts 13:2, because that is untraceable (2 Cor 12:1, Eph 3:8). The only other thing mentioned in verse 1 that Paul could be referring to is Jesus Christ as the Christ. Again, correlating this with Genesis 3:15 and the plethora of prophecies concerning the Messiah in the prophetic scriptures, including the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah, we see that the good news from God is that He would send the world a child to fix the sin and death problem. It was just not until God separated the apostle Paul in Acts 13:2 that the way of salvation was through belief in that death, burial, and resurrection. I would just advise against connecting this verse with the doctrine given to Paul since it was not promised before Paul was called an apostle. We get additional clarification in the next verse.
A point on word study before leaving this verse: the word "had" is not in the Greek. More literally, it's "which he promised beforehand..." because the Aorist tense is used. The Aorist tense of a verb means that the action has occurred at some point in the past, but the timing is not of importance compared to the action itself having been done.
Romans 1:3
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
So here we have the clarification of what was promised beforehand through the prophets in the holy scriptures and what part it has in the good news of God. Jesus Christ is the promised seed of David according to the flesh. Paul is stating the truth in that Jesus is the Christ, and the one promised in 2 Samuel 7:8-17. These genealogies are expounded in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 to prove this. Also, this verse would appeal to the Jewish audience or anyone that knew of the holy scriptures. As we'll see in this epistle, Paul did not meet this church in Rome before writing this epistle. He needed to address everyone that may read the letter, and so make the gospel he was given understood by both Jew and Gentile, learned and unlearned in the scriptures.
An interesting note here is that the words "Jesus Christ our Lord" do not appear in the Greek in this verse. Rather, they appear in verse 4 at the very end, so that verse 4 ends with "...by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord." I'll put both verses together after going through verse 4 to see how it looks in the Greek. So here in verse 3 we literally have "Concerning His (God's) Son, having come out of the seed of David according to the flesh." The words "which was made" in this verse is the root Greek word "ginomai" which means "to emerge, become, transitioning from one point (realm, condition) to another [1].
Romans 1:4
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead
Further explanation of this good news of God is that Jesus was declared God's Son with power and proven as God's Son by being raised from the dead. Studying the Greek in this verse is absolutely fascinating. First, the word "declared" is the root word horizo, of which we saw it being used with the preposition apo in verse 1. While not as emphatic without the apo prefix, this word means setting a boundary, and if you look at it closely, is where we get our word "horizon." Jesus was separated, as a set boundary to all other men, as the Son of God. Only He can have that title, as proven by the Holy Spirit raising Him from the dead. That would be good reason for the KJV translators to use the word "declared." The words "with power" are "en dynamei" in the Greek, which more literally means "in power." To get an idea of what kind of power, the Greek dynamei is where we get our word dynamite from. The word "by" in the phrase "by the resurrection from the dead" is the Greek "ek" which has the translation "out of". It would more accurately read "out of the resurrection of the dead."
To follow up with what I said in my comments of verse 3, here are verses 1,3, and 4 next to each other, taking out the parenthetical verse, with a more literal translation from the Greek:
1 Paul, a bond-slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, railed off to the gospel of God
3 concerning his Son, having come out of the seed of David according to the flesh
4 and having been railed off [as] the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of holiness, out of the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isn't this amazingly emphatic that Jesus is the Christ? Jesus is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. Fascinating when you think where Saul of Tarsus came from, as being the chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15) and breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord (Acts 9:1). He was so radically changed in his encounter on the road to Damascus that he which persecuted this faith then preached that which once he destroyed (Gal 1:23). What faith was he destroying? The gospel of the circumcision. And then of course in Acts 13:2, Saul was given the commission that we have today of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18), also known as the gospel of the uncircumcision, and he wouldn't let anything get in his way to spread the good news (Acts 20:24). It is important to note that in both of these gospels is the central gospel of God, that Jesus is the Christ.
Romans 1:5
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name
Here too, we have a sister verse to 2 Cor 5:18. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, WE lay hold of grace and apostleship. I think the "we" there becomes clear in the next verse, because the only persons mentioned so far is Paul, Jesus Christ, and God. It doesn't make sense that Jesus would send Himself through Himself as an apostle. Rather, the "we" would refer to all who trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.
I want to take a look at the word in the Greek for "received" because it is much stronger in the Greek. It is defined this way: lay hold of to take or receive (see NAS dictionary) – properly, to lay hold by aggressively (actively) accepting what is available (offered). 2983 /lambánō ("accept with initiative") emphasizes the volition (assertiveness) of the receiver. This is the grace in which believers stand. Christians ought to aggressively lay hold on how awesome the gospel of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection is, and to regulate their lives around it. This leads to the "obedience to the faith among all nations for His name."
Romans 1:6
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ
Again, here is the reason for the "we" in verse 5. It's all the saints acting as ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:18) as we ought to be imitators of Paul (1 Cor 11:1). Those who put their faith and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross are called saints by God, also referred to here as "the called." Now that you are a saint, understand that you are created unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10). Note carefully these works have nothing to do with salvation from sin and death. Rather, they are a privilege to take part in now that Jesus Christ has saved you and you are sealed with the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption (Eph 1:13-14).
Romans 1:7
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
After that wonderful introduction, solidifying Paul as an authoritative apostle through Jesus Christ, and who Jesus is, that He is the very Christ, we finally get to the point of who the letter is addressed to. The first part of this verse is more literally: "To all those being in Rome, beloved of God, called (adjective, not verb) saints..." It could even be translated as "To all those beloved, called saints of God being in Rome..." I get this by looking at each case of the words of the Greek. Everything is in the dative except for "be" and "in" up until the word "saints" in verse 7. I also wanted to be clear that the word "called" is an adjective, describing the word "saints." The words "to be" are improperly applied here as they do not appear in the original text.
The rest of the verse is straightforward, yet has deep meaning to it. What is this grace and peace from God our father and of the Lord Jesus Christ? It is the wonderful news that we are made saints by putting our faith in His finished work, that we are made right with God, restored to the relationship we all lost since Adam in the garden of Eden. We were enemies of God (Rom 5:10), but through faith in the gospel of His grace, we, that is, all saints, now have peace (Eph 2:1-6). It was God's choice to offer peace to mankind, and He does so through His grace in Christ Jesus.
Romans 1:8
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
These saints in Rome at that time chose to live out the good works that God had preordained for them (Eph 2:10). No wonder that Paul would commend them and thank God for that obedience in prayer. How I wish that Christians would see the beauty and freedom in the knowledge and wisdom of God (Rom 11:33, Phil 3:8) and become a peculiar people, zealous for good works after being saved by faith (Titus 2:14)!
The text is more emphatic in the Greek. It starts off "First, indeed, I thank..." Other than that it is pretty true to the original. Look at what this says though. Want to make an impact in the world? Just live out your faith in the finished work of Christ.
Romans 1:9
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers
Wow, what a statement! God would vouch that Paul mentions or recalls in memory these saints in prayer all the time. How impactful any saint can be simply by living out the faith in the gospel of God's grace! I encourage anyone that calls themselves a Christian to really understand what it means to be in Christ and then to walk worthy of the calling (Eph 4:1). No, you don't have to do any work to obtain salvation. It is by faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But what a difference you can make in the world when you are obedient to this calling! An interesting note is that there is a conjunction and definite article in the Greek at the beginning of this verse. It more literally says "For, indeed, the God is my witness..."
Romans 1:10
10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
As part of his prayers, Paul yearns to be in the presence of these saints. Don't we all feel more at home in the presence of other believers? Really, that concept works with any belief, not just faith in God. We are naturally edified around others of like beliefs. Here we see Paul's personal compassion for the saints, desiring greatly to be with these fellow believers in Rome.
The words "Making request" in the Greek is deomai, and be defined this way: déomai (from the root deō, "having deep personal need, to be in want," see also 1162 /déēsis, "felt-need") – properly, to feel pressing need because of lack – hence, to make urgent appeal; to have deep personal need causing one to beseech (make earnest, specific request) [1]. So we see that it is a bit more than just making a request. Paul sincerely desires that God would put him on the path to see these saints in Rome, if God should deem that wise.
Romans 1:11
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established
Ah, the spiritual gift dilemma. There are many in Christianity today that are confused by a verse like this one. They believe that the sign gifts are still available to us today if we have enough faith. This is where right division is crucial to coming to the complete knowledge of the Word of Truth (1 Tim 2:4, 2 Tim 2:15). We know that God gave sign gifts for the purpose of establishing this change of doctrine. If you study the two gospels as mentioned in my blog called The Two Gospels, you will see that before Paul was commissioned in Acts 13:2, salvation was through faith that Jesus is the Son of God and keeping the Law of Moses. As of Acts 13:2, salvation is through faith that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the third day to save us from our sin, no works required. I would pose that God is saying through the apostle Paul that he longs to see them and show them a spiritual gift of grace (charisma in the Greek) to the point they are fixed firmly in the faith that Jesus did all the work on the cross for us to save from sin and death.
We have some interesting word studies here that merit pointing out. First, the word "impart" is a compound word in the Greek: meta and didomi. Meta is a preposition that can have this definition: properly, with ("after with"), implying "change afterward" (i.e. what results after the activity). As an active "with," 3326 (metá) looks towards the after-effect (change, result) which is only defined by the context [1]. Didomi has this definition: I offer, give; I put, place. So we can look at this as Paul would like to offer or give a gift of spiritual grace with a look to the after effect. What is that effect? It is that these saints are "established" which is sterizo in the Greek, meaning "a support that fixes, plants down" [1]. May we all be fixed firmly in the faith of God and the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Now Paul was desiring to do this at that time, but we would note well what the bible says in 1 Cor 13:8. The sign gifts would pass after the purpose was completed. That purposed was to complete the word of God through the doctrine given to the apostle Paul (Col 1:25-26). We see the sign gifts no longer active in Paul's later epistles (1 Tim 5:23, 2 Tim 4:20, etc). There was no need because God established the doctrine we are to live by if we are faithful to Him. There are no sign gifts, nor Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled today, according to the Word of God. It is filled up full with the doctrine of the apostle Paul. Now I challenge each one of us, are we obeying what God is telling us to obey today? Are we listening to the instructions of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ given through the apostle Paul?
Romans 1:12
12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
God doesn't ever leave us with too many questions. For a bit more detail on what the spiritual gift was in verse 11, we have this verse here. The spiritual gift was to have the purpose of comforting together the saints and Paul in the faith they share. Again, what faith was that? That Jesus died according to the scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Cor 15:1-4).
One interesting note to point out is the unique word used in the Greek for "comforted together with." It is a compound word consisting of the roots syn and parakaleo. Syn simply means "with" and "parakaleo" literally means "to call alongside," but is translated "comfort" or "encourage" often times. I say this is a unique word because this is the only place in the New Testament that we find symparaklēthēnai. Anyone who is of the one true faith for today may all be built up together in the body of Christ by sharing our faith with one another.
Romans 1:13
13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
To prove his sincerity, Paul explains that he wants those saints in Rome to know that he tried several times to visit, yet was hindered. He wanted to build them up and help them grow in the faith, or to "bear fruit," as we saw in the previous verses.
The word for "I would" is the Greek thelo. Thelo means to desire (wish, will), wanting what is best (optimal) because someone is ready and willing to act [1]. Note the conditional aspect of the word. The same word is used in 1 Timothy 2:4 where God's will (thelo) is that all men be saved and come to the complete knowledge (epignossis) of the truth. Contrast that to the word boulomai, which means "to plan with full resolve" [1] or is absolutely determined. This word is used in Acts 15:37, 1 Cor 12:11, 1 Tim 2:8 and several others. So here we see that Paul desires them to know that he tried coming several times but wasn't able for whatever reasons.
Romans 1:14
14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
This is a quite interesting use of words. I see four groups or categories of Gentiles set forth here. The first two are Greeks and Barbarians. These would be people who were considered educated and uneducated Gentiles. More literally, it's Greek speaking people (Hellēsin - Hellenists) and non-Greek speaking people (barbaros). Does that leave anyone out? The next two are the wise and the unwise. The Greeks seek after wisdom (1 Cor 1:22), some being more apt than others. Regardless, if we're looking at the range of wise to unwise, does that leave anybody out? No, not at all. Paul was so zealous to share the message of reconciliation that he was given, that he felt he owed it to the world to let them know (2 Cor 5:19, Gal 1:11-12, cf 1 Cor 9:16-27).
Romans 1:15
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Paul gave his reason in verse 14 that he will take this message anywhere, and he is ready do to so in Rome and establish their faith by laying the foundation of Jesus Christ. He has made his prayers to God and has been restrained up until now, but Paul is looking forward to the time where he will get to preach to the saints at Rome.
The Greek is slightly different than the English here, although the meaning is pretty accurate. A literal interpretation may look like this: Thus, according to me, the readiness [is there] also to preach the gospel to you who [are] in Rome.
Romans 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Paul is almost answering a question that wasn't asked in verse 15. Why is he ready to preach the gospel at Rome? Because he is not shamed by it, knowing that it is the power (dunamis = where we get our word dynamite) of God that brings everyone to salvation. It is only through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that one may obtain that deliverance from sin and death. But to realize that power, to take a sinner and change them to a saint in the very instant of true faith, is wonderful to behold.
The words "of Christ" are not in the Greek. It simply reads that Paul is not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation. Again, we should ask, what is the gospel that he's talking about? At this time, it is the gospel of God's grace through faith apart from works (Eph 2:8-9).
There are two uses of the word "gar" here in the Greek, which add connection to the previous statement in verse 15. It's a conjunction that can typically be translated "for" as it is here both times. It connects verse 15 with Paul not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, then it connects Paul not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ with the fact that it is that gospel that all are saved who believe. In the Greek, "Jew" is an adjective, so it is actually "to both the Jewish one first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 1:17
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Again, we have a "gar" here connecting the power of God unto salvation to the Jew and the Greek to this verse. In the gospel, God's righteousness is revealed out of (ek) faith to (eis) faith, as it is written, the righteous shall live out of (ek) faith. Maybe another way to think of this is that God's righteousness is revealed on a faith principle and is operative only for those who believe. Life flows out of God's faith to those that have faith. I think of verses 2 Cor 5:21 and Eph 2:5-6 in that God is faithful to provide life the moment anyone shows true faith in Him.
Romans 1:18
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness
Now we have a contrast. In verse 17 we see the righteous of God revealed out of His faith to the faithful. Now we have the wrath of God revealed from (apo) Heaven upon (epi) those that have no faith, described here as all ungodliness and unrighteousness and chalk up truth to unrighteousness. We can connect the previous verse to this one because of the "gar" that is present again at the beginning of the verse.
We find a definite article in the Greek that isn't present in the English here. It's not just the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, but ungodliness and unrighteousness of the men who hold suppress the truth in unrighteousness. That article is important, otherwise it looks like any ungodliness and unrighteousness of any person might get a taste of that wrath. But God promised to save His saints from His wrath through faith in the gospel of His grace (1 Thess 1:10, 4:16-17). So it is important to note that this wrath is revealed to those that suppress or hold fast the truth.
This might be a silly thing, but I feel it needs to be said. Ladies, don't think you're off the hook since the word in the English is "men." In the Greek, it is anthropon, where we get our word anthropology from, and entails all of mankind. There is a definite word for man (aner) and woman (gune) in the Greek, but God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34, Rom 2:11), and it is clear here that anyone who rejects the truth is subject to God's wrath.
Now a tougher question: How is God's wrath revealed? How do those that hold the truth in unrighteousness know that they wrath of God is upon them? The answer is surprisingly simple. These things are spiritually discerned. When someone hears the gospel of God, they have truth revealed to them and now have a choice. Either they accept the truth, the free gift of God's grace which takes away their sins, or the "hold fast" the truth and reject the free gift of God's grace. Those believe know full well that they are saved through faith apart from works (Eph 2:8-9). Those that reject the truth know full well that they deserve the wrath of God (2 Thess 1:6-10). Even though they deny the gospel, God is faithful, He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). He will do what He says He will do.
That's why it's so important to consider our destination after death. God says there are only two choices: Heaven or Hell. God tells us that because of man's choice, all of mankind is destined for Hell because of sin (Rom 5:12). But God doesn't want any single person to go to Hell (1 Tim 2:4). He made a way to be both just and the justifier of the ungodly sinner (Rom 3:26). That way is through Jesus Christ and His shed blood being the atonment of sin, that whoever puts their faith and trust in that finished work WILL go to Heaven (1 Cor 15:1-4). It's a guarantee with God's Holy Spirit stamp of approval (Eph 1:13-14). There is no guessing according to the bible. Everyone may know which destination will be theirs after this life or this age is over (1 Thess 4:13-5:11). I do hope everyone would choose life in Christ and in Heaven.
Romans 1:19
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Now we get to the indictment and justification of God pouring out His wrath on these ungodly people. God showed Himself to them. God let them know of the truth. It was they who rejected it and in essence wanted nothing to do with salvation from sin and death. It seems absurd when you think of it that way, why anyone would make that choice. Yet, I would venture to say that the majority of the world's population fall under this category.
The English here again neglects to include a definite article two times. It may be a bit clunky for us in English, but it says "Because that which may be known of the God is manifest in them; for the God made it clear to them. People have no excuse for the choice they make to reject salvation through faith in Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross.
Romans 1:20
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse
As if verse 19 wasn't clear enough, it is expanded here in verse 20 just what was made clear to those rejecting the truth of God. God made Himself clear to them from (apo) the creation of the world. Everything that is in existence points back to originating with the God of the bible. Compare verses Col 1:15-16, 1 Tim 1:17, Heb 11:27 for additional uses of these "invisible things." God is clearly real, and those that reject the truth will get the wrath they deserve, but don't think for a moment that that is what God wants. His will is that all men (anthropos) are saved (1 Tim 2:4).
The Greek here would slightly change the last part of this verse and is more emphatic. It says "being understood by the things that are made, both His eternal power and divinity, to the point (eis) that the them are without excuse." God is making clear here that these are the same people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness in verse 18
Romans 1:21
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
This is further reason why God is just in pouring out His wrath on those that reject Him. They knew He was God, but chose not to acknowledge Him as God. They were not thankful for all that God gave them. What is the result of this? Their speculations or imaginations became futile or vain, and their foolish heart was darkened. Compare to 1 Cor 2:5-16.
Romans 1:22
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
The definition of rebellion. God states clearly what the truth is. These people reject that truth and say they have a better idea. Whether that idea is that water fell on rocks and out came life, or that we will die and come to life again in another form, or whatever else, at its simplest, it is rebellion. By thinking they are wiser than God, they show themselves fools.
Romans 1:23
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
The case for these people gets worse and worse, doesn't it? So, God tells them the truth and they reject it. They say they have a better idea and start worshiping whatever they can find. Why? Because we were made to be in relationship with God, and if they suppress the truth, they need to fill that void with something. So, they start giving those things they find in creation the glory that God deserves, which would be the one who actually made those things they are worshiping.
They word "changed" there is ellaxan and is also used in Acts 6:14, 1 Cor 15:52, Gal 4:20, and Heb 1:12. It does mean to change, but I though it interesting to note the other times God had that word penned. Each time it is mentioned around a change that has quite the significant impact.
The old English of the King James version here may not be as clear. In modern English, we would have "And changed the glory of the imperishable/incorruptible God in a likeness of an image of perishable/corruptible man, and birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things (like things that slither, snakes and reptiles). In short, they were worshiping idols.
Romans 1:24
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves
Note that God gave these people that reject Him every opportunity to cchange their attitude, but after they made the decision to hold the truth in unrighteousness, God gave them over to the full extent of what that brings. A more literal translation of this verse would read: Wherefore the God gave them over to impurity, in the desires of the their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves. It wasn't God's choice for this condition, it was certainly on the heart of those individuals that rejected God to be disgraced. So, God let them have what they were asking for. Compare this with 2 Cor 7:1, how that saints are exhorted to be cleansed from any defilement, again, not that we have to for salvation, but of how it will impact the world around us.
Romans 1:25
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
The word for changed here is stronger than in verse 23. Instead of just ellaxan, it is joined with the preposition "meta" for the word metellaxan. Also, there are articles here that deserve attention. The beginning of this verse properly reads, "Who changed the truth of the God into the lie..." What is the lie? I believe it started way back in Genesis 3:5 where man can be his own god. In other words, exchange God for yourself, which is what we have described here in this verse.
The result of the change again leads to filling that God sized void with something, so those that reject God as God start worshiping or standing in awe of whatever they find among God's creation. Isn't that what we see today?
Romans 1:26
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature
Because of the attitude of the unbeliever who outright rejects God, He gave them up to vile affections. Again, God is just giving them what they're asking for. Here we get a clue of what God views as dishonoring their bodies in verse 24. In these next couple of verses it is impossible that God would ever approve of the act of homosexuality. Note carefully, though, that God's will is that all people are saved and come to the complete knowledge of the truth. God wants any sinner saved, but doesn't approve of the perverse actions. We're only introduced to the first part of the dishonor of their bodies here from verse 24. It says in the Greek "Both the women of them changed (metellaxan) the natural/physical function to that which is against nature..." The other side of the "both" appears in the next verse.
Again, we have the definite article in the Greek, signifying the God gave them up.
Romans 1:27
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
The men dishonored their bodies between themselves just like the women. Each time we see the word "natural" in verses 26 and 27, it is the same root word in the Greek, phusikos, where we get our word physical from. The Greek is even a bit more graphic than the English. It says the men in (Greek en) men working out lewd behavior and receiving in (en) themselves the fitting retribution of the their error. Note how these things are in the body where the retribution takes place. I also think that an appropriate cross reference to consider is 1 Cor 6:15-20.
Again, I feel the need to say that it is the behavior that God disapproves of. Anyone can be saved by placing their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Note was God says earlier in 1 Cor 6:9-11. In verse 11 there, it is so important to see that some of these saints were labeled as fornicators. But after placing their faith in the gospel of God's grace, they are now labeled as saints.
Romans 1:28
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient
In addition to rejecting God's truth and dishonoring themselves in their bodies, God also allows them their desire by giving them a reprobate mind. Now both mind and body are being dishonored by their actions. I think it's important to see the two things that are affected by the rejection of truth shown here. Both the body and the mind are doing improper things, and the consequences of that are devastating. In my experience, I think it's amazing that these things that are done in either mind or body that aren't proper, and people get hurt to the point of realizing that those consequences are not desirous, they end up full circle and seek God since they had known Him in some way before. And God is patient, eagerly awaiting any and all to come to Him, and offering salvation regardless of what was done in the past. For a definition of His love, read 1 Cor 13.
The Greek word for knowledge here is epignossis, which really says something. Epignossis is the fullness of knowledge, or complete knowledge, compared to the word gnossis which simply is any amount of experiential knowledge. So in all the fullness of their knowledge, they did not allow God in anywhere. As such, their mind was tainted and they desired to do inappropriate things. Also to note the definite article is present again, defining the God both times we see the word God.
Romans 1:29
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Here we have definition of what it means to do dishonoring things with both mind and body, with the list continuing into the next two verses. As bad as this list is, I think it is important to see the first four words of this verse. These people who reject the truth of God are filled up full with this list of awful things, and they are filled up full with all of them. There are two words in the Greek for this, the first being the root pleroo, which means to fill up full or to completeness, and pas is the Greek root for all.
I think this list is self explanatory in how awful it is, but there is further definition in the Greek that some may find interesting. The word for wickedness is the root poneros, which has the idea of pain-spreading toil. The root Greek word translated "debate" is eris, which has the idea of being ready to quarrel. I feel that's a stronger definition than just debate. The words for maliciousness and malignity are quite similar in the Greek, but the difference is important. Maliciousness is the root word kakos, and is an accurate translation. The Greek root word for malignity is kakoetheia, which is a compound word of kakos and ethos. Ethos is a word meaning custom or habit. So not only is malice an attribute of these inappropriate mind and body actions, but it is the habit to be malicious. The word for whisperers has the idea of gossipers if that is clearer in English.
Romans 1:30
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
The list goes on and on, doesn't it? Backbiters is a compound word of kata and laleo, and has the idea of speaking evil. Literally, it is translated "against speaking." Despiteful is from the Greek word "hubristes" and has the idea of being insolent, or insulting and violent. It would sure look like we get our English word hubris from there. Proud is from the compound word huperephanos (huper and phaino) which literally means to over-shine. Isn't it interesting that God puts disobeying parents right up there with this list? Obedience is a big deal to God. The verse that comes to mind is 1 Sam 15:22
Romans 1:31
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful
As we look at this list, it is almost painful to read why anyone would choose to reject God. Unfortunately, it is a sad reality. And this is all part of this life. I don't want to think about how things would get worse in the lake of fire for those that reject God.
The Greek word for "without understanding" is the same word for "foolish" in verse 21, which is asunetos. The Greek for without natural affection is astorge, which is to be without familial love. I could really go off on a tangent here about how we see high divorce rates, parents abandoning children, parents and children saying hateful words toward each other, and abortions as things that are socially accepted. If they aren't accepted, no one does much about it so it is as good as accepted. God said this would happen and it is a sad reality today.
One more interesting note is I don't see a Greek word for "implacable" in the text here. The word in Greek would be aspondos which indeed means implacable, but the only place I see aspondos used is 2 Tim 3:3 where it is translated "trucebreakers." It would not be a stretch to include it here, as we can see that people who indulge in these inappropriate behaviors would never be satisfied, since true satisfaction can come from God. However, I would say we should be fair to the original text and not include that word here.
Romans 1:32
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Now this is one of the most heartbreaking things to see. These people who reject God know full well that God will judge them because He is just, not only continue doing these dishonoring activities but delight in doing so. On the spectrum of obedience to rebellion, these people are as rebellious as they can be.
The word for knowing here is epignossis again and the article is present to designate the God. Really, a better translation for knowing is "having known" because the word is in the Aorist tense, which has the idea of a past action continuing into the present. One more word to look at is suneudokeo, which is "have pleasure in them." This is a compound word of sun (pronounced soon and means with) and eudokeo (great pleasure). The same word is used in Acts 8:1 where Saul of Tarsus took great pleasure in persecuting the believing Jews of the gospel of the kingdom. See the connection there? At that time Saul was among the "those" of Romans 1:28-31. He took great pleasure in laying waste to the elect of Israel, and yet despite being the chief of sinners, God still saved him.
There is hope for anyone in the world, but the sad truth is still there that people who reject truth and reject the one true God are asking for horrible consequences. I must say too, that hope is only found in this life. If the choice is made to reject God and someone dies with that choice, they are judged worthy of death as we have here in verse 32, and will be resurrected to eternity in a lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15) and separated from God. Our hope is only found in God through Jesus Christ today. If we accept the truth of God and believe that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Cor 15:1-4), then God is faithful and will change our disposition from sinner to saint. We are changed from death to life. In essence, we experience Romans 1:16-17. So I challenge anyone reading this, where are you at in your faith? Do you trust that Jesus did all the work for you on the cross of Calvary? It is only by His grace that you are saved (Eph 2:8-9). There is no amount of work that can earn your place in Heaven. The very moment anyone places their trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross, they are eternally secured for salvation (Eph 1:13-14) and nothing will ever separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:38-39). I encourage everyone to not put this off until another day. Make the right choice and make it today.
References
1 - HELPS Word-studies
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