Romans 5

Romans 5:1

Second Discussion With the Jews

After the acquaintance meeting, an appointment is made to go deeper into the matter. On that occasion even more people come to Paul in his lodging. He explains to them what the kingdom of God is and declares its importance. This is the sixth time in this book that reference is made to the kingdom. Speaking about and living in the kingdom means speaking about and living under the reign of the Lord Jesus. That kingdom will be established in glory when the Lord Jesus comes to reign on earth.

Now that He has been rejected, the kingdom of God is not visible, yet it is there. For it is everywhere where people confess the Lord Jesus as Lord and show that in the power of the Holy Spirit in the practice of every day in their lives (Romans 14:17). If every believer in his life would realize more of what it is to be a subject in the kingdom, the truth of the church would be better put into practice. Many divisions in the church would then not have taken place.

Paul ‘is explaining’, which means making its meaning known, and ‘testifying’, which means that he speaks insistently about the fact that it must also be lived according to it. He does that all day long. There was no one watching the clock. It must have been breathtaking to hear him speak about the Lord Jesus from the law of Moses and from the prophets. He put his whole heart into it because he was so eager to persuade them concerning “Jesus”. If they would acknowledge in Him the Messiah sent from God, they would be saved and that was what he was all about. Here we see that intensive Bible study with explanation is also a possibility to win people for Christ.

The reactions are not lacking. As always, the preaching of the Word brings a division among the hearers. Some are persuaded, but others do not believe. They go away discussing after Paul has quoted a serious word of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10). Isaiah spoke this word to the unbelieving people as a whole, and Paul now applies it to the unbelieving Jews he spoke to. The Lord Jesus also used this word for the purpose of the people in His days (Matthew 13:14-16).

The great question whether the people will still come to faith is clearly answered by this quotation. It seems a hard word, but it is fully applicable to them because of their rejection. It is the final and definitive judgment of the hardening observed by Paul. They have closed their hearts so that they cannot absorb the Word of God. They are of “those who shrink back to destruction” (Hebrews 10:39).

This observation of their hardening leads Paul to the last words we have of him in this book. Those words contain the point we have been led to in this book that because of the rejection of salvation by the Jews, the door of salvation has opened to the nations (Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6; Romans 11:25-32). To them the Word will not go in vain. They will also hear. Although not all nations have accepted the gospel, over the centuries many of the nations have heard and accepted it (1 Timothy 3:16).

Romans 5:2

Second Discussion With the Jews

After the acquaintance meeting, an appointment is made to go deeper into the matter. On that occasion even more people come to Paul in his lodging. He explains to them what the kingdom of God is and declares its importance. This is the sixth time in this book that reference is made to the kingdom. Speaking about and living in the kingdom means speaking about and living under the reign of the Lord Jesus. That kingdom will be established in glory when the Lord Jesus comes to reign on earth.

Now that He has been rejected, the kingdom of God is not visible, yet it is there. For it is everywhere where people confess the Lord Jesus as Lord and show that in the power of the Holy Spirit in the practice of every day in their lives (Romans 14:17). If every believer in his life would realize more of what it is to be a subject in the kingdom, the truth of the church would be better put into practice. Many divisions in the church would then not have taken place.

Paul ‘is explaining’, which means making its meaning known, and ‘testifying’, which means that he speaks insistently about the fact that it must also be lived according to it. He does that all day long. There was no one watching the clock. It must have been breathtaking to hear him speak about the Lord Jesus from the law of Moses and from the prophets. He put his whole heart into it because he was so eager to persuade them concerning “Jesus”. If they would acknowledge in Him the Messiah sent from God, they would be saved and that was what he was all about. Here we see that intensive Bible study with explanation is also a possibility to win people for Christ.

The reactions are not lacking. As always, the preaching of the Word brings a division among the hearers. Some are persuaded, but others do not believe. They go away discussing after Paul has quoted a serious word of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10). Isaiah spoke this word to the unbelieving people as a whole, and Paul now applies it to the unbelieving Jews he spoke to. The Lord Jesus also used this word for the purpose of the people in His days (Matthew 13:14-16).

The great question whether the people will still come to faith is clearly answered by this quotation. It seems a hard word, but it is fully applicable to them because of their rejection. It is the final and definitive judgment of the hardening observed by Paul. They have closed their hearts so that they cannot absorb the Word of God. They are of “those who shrink back to destruction” (Hebrews 10:39).

This observation of their hardening leads Paul to the last words we have of him in this book. Those words contain the point we have been led to in this book that because of the rejection of salvation by the Jews, the door of salvation has opened to the nations (Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6; Romans 11:25-32). To them the Word will not go in vain. They will also hear. Although not all nations have accepted the gospel, over the centuries many of the nations have heard and accepted it (1 Timothy 3:16).

Romans 5:3

Second Discussion With the Jews

After the acquaintance meeting, an appointment is made to go deeper into the matter. On that occasion even more people come to Paul in his lodging. He explains to them what the kingdom of God is and declares its importance. This is the sixth time in this book that reference is made to the kingdom. Speaking about and living in the kingdom means speaking about and living under the reign of the Lord Jesus. That kingdom will be established in glory when the Lord Jesus comes to reign on earth.

Now that He has been rejected, the kingdom of God is not visible, yet it is there. For it is everywhere where people confess the Lord Jesus as Lord and show that in the power of the Holy Spirit in the practice of every day in their lives (Romans 14:17). If every believer in his life would realize more of what it is to be a subject in the kingdom, the truth of the church would be better put into practice. Many divisions in the church would then not have taken place.

Paul ‘is explaining’, which means making its meaning known, and ‘testifying’, which means that he speaks insistently about the fact that it must also be lived according to it. He does that all day long. There was no one watching the clock. It must have been breathtaking to hear him speak about the Lord Jesus from the law of Moses and from the prophets. He put his whole heart into it because he was so eager to persuade them concerning “Jesus”. If they would acknowledge in Him the Messiah sent from God, they would be saved and that was what he was all about. Here we see that intensive Bible study with explanation is also a possibility to win people for Christ.

The reactions are not lacking. As always, the preaching of the Word brings a division among the hearers. Some are persuaded, but others do not believe. They go away discussing after Paul has quoted a serious word of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10). Isaiah spoke this word to the unbelieving people as a whole, and Paul now applies it to the unbelieving Jews he spoke to. The Lord Jesus also used this word for the purpose of the people in His days (Matthew 13:14-16).

The great question whether the people will still come to faith is clearly answered by this quotation. It seems a hard word, but it is fully applicable to them because of their rejection. It is the final and definitive judgment of the hardening observed by Paul. They have closed their hearts so that they cannot absorb the Word of God. They are of “those who shrink back to destruction” (Hebrews 10:39).

This observation of their hardening leads Paul to the last words we have of him in this book. Those words contain the point we have been led to in this book that because of the rejection of salvation by the Jews, the door of salvation has opened to the nations (Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6; Romans 11:25-32). To them the Word will not go in vain. They will also hear. Although not all nations have accepted the gospel, over the centuries many of the nations have heard and accepted it (1 Timothy 3:16).

Romans 5:4

Second Discussion With the Jews

After the acquaintance meeting, an appointment is made to go deeper into the matter. On that occasion even more people come to Paul in his lodging. He explains to them what the kingdom of God is and declares its importance. This is the sixth time in this book that reference is made to the kingdom. Speaking about and living in the kingdom means speaking about and living under the reign of the Lord Jesus. That kingdom will be established in glory when the Lord Jesus comes to reign on earth.

Now that He has been rejected, the kingdom of God is not visible, yet it is there. For it is everywhere where people confess the Lord Jesus as Lord and show that in the power of the Holy Spirit in the practice of every day in their lives (Romans 14:17). If every believer in his life would realize more of what it is to be a subject in the kingdom, the truth of the church would be better put into practice. Many divisions in the church would then not have taken place.

Paul ‘is explaining’, which means making its meaning known, and ‘testifying’, which means that he speaks insistently about the fact that it must also be lived according to it. He does that all day long. There was no one watching the clock. It must have been breathtaking to hear him speak about the Lord Jesus from the law of Moses and from the prophets. He put his whole heart into it because he was so eager to persuade them concerning “Jesus”. If they would acknowledge in Him the Messiah sent from God, they would be saved and that was what he was all about. Here we see that intensive Bible study with explanation is also a possibility to win people for Christ.

The reactions are not lacking. As always, the preaching of the Word brings a division among the hearers. Some are persuaded, but others do not believe. They go away discussing after Paul has quoted a serious word of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10). Isaiah spoke this word to the unbelieving people as a whole, and Paul now applies it to the unbelieving Jews he spoke to. The Lord Jesus also used this word for the purpose of the people in His days (Matthew 13:14-16).

The great question whether the people will still come to faith is clearly answered by this quotation. It seems a hard word, but it is fully applicable to them because of their rejection. It is the final and definitive judgment of the hardening observed by Paul. They have closed their hearts so that they cannot absorb the Word of God. They are of “those who shrink back to destruction” (Hebrews 10:39).

This observation of their hardening leads Paul to the last words we have of him in this book. Those words contain the point we have been led to in this book that because of the rejection of salvation by the Jews, the door of salvation has opened to the nations (Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6; Romans 11:25-32). To them the Word will not go in vain. They will also hear. Although not all nations have accepted the gospel, over the centuries many of the nations have heard and accepted it (1 Timothy 3:16).

Romans 5:5

Paul Continues to Preach, Unhindered

The duration of this imprisonment of Paul, which he is allowed to spend “in his own rented quarters”, is fixed by Luke at “two full years”. It seems that he was released after that time because his prosecutors did not appear. In order for a trial to happen, both the accused and the plaintiffs had to appear in court (Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16). It is therefore not justified that Paul was not released after having been detained for two years (Acts 24:27). If the plaintiffs do not appear, Roman law prescribes that the accused must be released. The Jews will have found the journey to Rome too great an undertaking. They may have been satisfied that Paul was captured and put on transport to Rome.

The fact that Paul was released after two years, without appearing before the emperor, need not contradict the statement that he had to go to Rome precisely for this purpose. As far as the text makes clear, it is not necessary that his appearance before the emperor takes place during this imprisonment. A second imprisonment will follow and then he will appear before the emperor.

Paul had an unknown number of unknown people visiting him during this first imprisonment. These may have been brethren, Jews and also pagans (1 Corinthians 10:32). Among them is also a runaway slave named Onesimus, of whom we know that he was converted by the service of Paul (Philemon 1:10). He gave to this Onesimus the letter to Philemon which he wrote during his imprisonment on the occasion of the conversion of Onesimus. During these two years he also wrote the letter to the Ephesians, the letter to the Philippians and the letter to the Colossians.

To all who come to him, he preaches the kingdom of God, in which the Lord Jesus Christ is involved. The book starts with the preaching of the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3), and here, where it is mentioned for the seventh and last time, the book ends with it. Paul preaches the Lord of that kingdom in the city of the emperor, the great lord of the earth. He does so “unhindered”, the last word of the book of Acts.

The book ends with an open ending because the acts of the Spirit, Who is not bound, have not ended. The history of the church goes on in the life of each member. Thus the Word has reached the far corners of the Roman empire. Christendom has turned from a Jewish sect into a world religion. From Jerusalem the gospel has gone out to the end of the earth and will also go out to the end of the present dispensation. We may make our contribution to passing on that message, that there is another King than the rulers of the world: the glorified Lord in heaven. Until He returns, we wish for daybreak.

Romans 5:6

Paul Continues to Preach, Unhindered

The duration of this imprisonment of Paul, which he is allowed to spend “in his own rented quarters”, is fixed by Luke at “two full years”. It seems that he was released after that time because his prosecutors did not appear. In order for a trial to happen, both the accused and the plaintiffs had to appear in court (Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16). It is therefore not justified that Paul was not released after having been detained for two years (Acts 24:27). If the plaintiffs do not appear, Roman law prescribes that the accused must be released. The Jews will have found the journey to Rome too great an undertaking. They may have been satisfied that Paul was captured and put on transport to Rome.

The fact that Paul was released after two years, without appearing before the emperor, need not contradict the statement that he had to go to Rome precisely for this purpose. As far as the text makes clear, it is not necessary that his appearance before the emperor takes place during this imprisonment. A second imprisonment will follow and then he will appear before the emperor.

Paul had an unknown number of unknown people visiting him during this first imprisonment. These may have been brethren, Jews and also pagans (1 Corinthians 10:32). Among them is also a runaway slave named Onesimus, of whom we know that he was converted by the service of Paul (Philemon 1:10). He gave to this Onesimus the letter to Philemon which he wrote during his imprisonment on the occasion of the conversion of Onesimus. During these two years he also wrote the letter to the Ephesians, the letter to the Philippians and the letter to the Colossians.

To all who come to him, he preaches the kingdom of God, in which the Lord Jesus Christ is involved. The book starts with the preaching of the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3), and here, where it is mentioned for the seventh and last time, the book ends with it. Paul preaches the Lord of that kingdom in the city of the emperor, the great lord of the earth. He does so “unhindered”, the last word of the book of Acts.

The book ends with an open ending because the acts of the Spirit, Who is not bound, have not ended. The history of the church goes on in the life of each member. Thus the Word has reached the far corners of the Roman empire. Christendom has turned from a Jewish sect into a world religion. From Jerusalem the gospel has gone out to the end of the earth and will also go out to the end of the present dispensation. We may make our contribution to passing on that message, that there is another King than the rulers of the world: the glorified Lord in heaven. Until He returns, we wish for daybreak.

Romans 5:7

Paul Continues to Preach, Unhindered

The duration of this imprisonment of Paul, which he is allowed to spend “in his own rented quarters”, is fixed by Luke at “two full years”. It seems that he was released after that time because his prosecutors did not appear. In order for a trial to happen, both the accused and the plaintiffs had to appear in court (Acts 23:35; Acts 25:16). It is therefore not justified that Paul was not released after having been detained for two years (Acts 24:27). If the plaintiffs do not appear, Roman law prescribes that the accused must be released. The Jews will have found the journey to Rome too great an undertaking. They may have been satisfied that Paul was captured and put on transport to Rome.

The fact that Paul was released after two years, without appearing before the emperor, need not contradict the statement that he had to go to Rome precisely for this purpose. As far as the text makes clear, it is not necessary that his appearance before the emperor takes place during this imprisonment. A second imprisonment will follow and then he will appear before the emperor.

Paul had an unknown number of unknown people visiting him during this first imprisonment. These may have been brethren, Jews and also pagans (1 Corinthians 10:32). Among them is also a runaway slave named Onesimus, of whom we know that he was converted by the service of Paul (Philemon 1:10). He gave to this Onesimus the letter to Philemon which he wrote during his imprisonment on the occasion of the conversion of Onesimus. During these two years he also wrote the letter to the Ephesians, the letter to the Philippians and the letter to the Colossians.

To all who come to him, he preaches the kingdom of God, in which the Lord Jesus Christ is involved. The book starts with the preaching of the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3), and here, where it is mentioned for the seventh and last time, the book ends with it. Paul preaches the Lord of that kingdom in the city of the emperor, the great lord of the earth. He does so “unhindered”, the last word of the book of Acts.

The book ends with an open ending because the acts of the Spirit, Who is not bound, have not ended. The history of the church goes on in the life of each member. Thus the Word has reached the far corners of the Roman empire. Christendom has turned from a Jewish sect into a world religion. From Jerusalem the gospel has gone out to the end of the earth and will also go out to the end of the present dispensation. We may make our contribution to passing on that message, that there is another King than the rulers of the world: the glorified Lord in heaven. Until He returns, we wish for daybreak.

Romans 5:10

Introduction

Outline of the Letter to the Romans

I Romans 1-8 God’s righteousness by faith (doctrinal part)

1. Romans 1:1-17 Introduction

2. Romans 1:18-3:20 The need for justification

–1:18-32 The godless heathen: sinners –2:1-16 The self-righteous people: sinners –2:17-3:8 The Jews: sinners conclusion: all are sinners –3:9-20 There is none who does good

3. Romans 3:21-5:11 The justification by faith

–3:21-26 The righteousness of God –3:27- 4:25 Only by faith –5:1-11 Peace with God

4. Romans 5:12-8:39 In Adam – in Christ

–5:12-21 Two families –6:1-7:14 Grace and law –7:15-25 Experiences –8:1-39 In Christ: no condemnation

II Romans 9-11 The problem of Israel (historical part)

Romans 9:1-33 The sovereignty of God

–10:1-21 The failure of Israel –11:1-36 Israel accepted again

III Romans 12-16 The efficacy in the Christian life (practical part)

1. Romans 12:1-15:13 Christian responsibility

–12:1-21 Service and life –13:1-14 Relationship to the government –14:1-15:13 Strong ones and weak ones

2. Romans 15:14-16:27 Closing words

–15:14-33 The personal service of Paul –16:1-27 Greetings and praise

The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1. Romans is the first letter of the New Testament. If you have just started your journey to read through the Bible with Romans, you have made a good choice. In it you’ll discover how God saw you while you were unsaved and how He sees you now that you know Him. This knowledge will give you assurance of having made the right choice. You will still have to learn how to walk on the Christian pathway, but at least you will know the pathway itself is correct.

Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) was chosen by God to speak to you about this pathway in this letter. In Romans 1:1 he tells what he is going to talk about – the gospel of God. The gospel you accepted was not devised by man, but it went out from God. It is His gospel.

Romans 1:2. In the past God spoke of this gospel through His prophets. You can read about it in the Old Testament, called “the holy Scriptures” in this verse. During the time of the Old Testament, God tested people repeatedly to see if they would serve Him, but they failed each time. Finally, God made it known that He Himself would act. This happened when He sent His Son.

Romans 1:3. The contents of the gospel of God are centered in the Son of God. It is the gospel of God “concerning His Son”. This gospel is not a religion, but rather about a Person with Whom you now have a living relationship through faith. Much can be found regarding the Son of God in the Bible. You can only begin to grasp the real meaning of any portion of Scripture if you are able to see what it has to say about the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:3-4 mention two things regarding Him that are important to be able to understand the contents of this letter. First, He was “born of a descendant [lit. seed] of David”. As the Son of David, He was entitled to the throne of Israel in Jerusalem. Since Israel has rejected Him, His ascent to the throne has been delayed. In Romans 9-11 you will see how God will fulfill all the promises He made to David.

Romans 1:4. Secondly, what is spoken of the Lord Jesus comes from the rejection of Him by His people, Israel. He, Who as Man died on the cross, “was declared the Son of God with power” when He rose from the dead. That He is Son of God with power not only was made clear by His own resurrection, but already during His life on earth, when He raised up other persons who died. Think of Lazarus, the young man of Nain and the daughter of Jairus.

His resurrection from among the dead (since everyone else has remained dead) was “according to the Spirit of holiness”. This is an important addition. Everything the Lord Jesus did during His life was in total agreement with the Holy Spirit. Since all was in harmony with the will of God, we know He committed no evil in His life.

But in the three hours of darkness He certainly did come into contact with evil. He was made sin and bore our sins in His body. Therefore God judged Him for our sins and gave Him the wages of sin, which is death. When He rose from the dead, the Spirit of holiness could unify Himself completely with Him since all sin and wrong deeds were completely judged by Him. If you can now see Who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done, it will not be difficult to acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life, as Paul says at the end of Rom 1:4.

Romans 1:5-7. Paul was so impressed by this Person that he wanted to go out to all nations to bring people to obedience of faith to Him. I hope something will radiate from your life and mine, both in our words and deeds, so others will come to obedience of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Now read Romans 1:1-7 again.

Reflection: Tell God in your words Who the Lord Jesus is to you.

Romans 5:11

Introduction

Outline of the Letter to the Romans

I Romans 1-8 God’s righteousness by faith (doctrinal part)

1. Romans 1:1-17 Introduction

2. Romans 1:18-3:20 The need for justification

–1:18-32 The godless heathen: sinners –2:1-16 The self-righteous people: sinners –2:17-3:8 The Jews: sinners conclusion: all are sinners –3:9-20 There is none who does good

3. Romans 3:21-5:11 The justification by faith

–3:21-26 The righteousness of God –3:27- 4:25 Only by faith –5:1-11 Peace with God

4. Romans 5:12-8:39 In Adam – in Christ

–5:12-21 Two families –6:1-7:14 Grace and law –7:15-25 Experiences –8:1-39 In Christ: no condemnation

II Romans 9-11 The problem of Israel (historical part)

Romans 9:1-33 The sovereignty of God

–10:1-21 The failure of Israel –11:1-36 Israel accepted again

III Romans 12-16 The efficacy in the Christian life (practical part)

1. Romans 12:1-15:13 Christian responsibility

–12:1-21 Service and life –13:1-14 Relationship to the government –14:1-15:13 Strong ones and weak ones

2. Romans 15:14-16:27 Closing words

–15:14-33 The personal service of Paul –16:1-27 Greetings and praise

The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1. Romans is the first letter of the New Testament. If you have just started your journey to read through the Bible with Romans, you have made a good choice. In it you’ll discover how God saw you while you were unsaved and how He sees you now that you know Him. This knowledge will give you assurance of having made the right choice. You will still have to learn how to walk on the Christian pathway, but at least you will know the pathway itself is correct.

Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) was chosen by God to speak to you about this pathway in this letter. In Romans 1:1 he tells what he is going to talk about – the gospel of God. The gospel you accepted was not devised by man, but it went out from God. It is His gospel.

Romans 1:2. In the past God spoke of this gospel through His prophets. You can read about it in the Old Testament, called “the holy Scriptures” in this verse. During the time of the Old Testament, God tested people repeatedly to see if they would serve Him, but they failed each time. Finally, God made it known that He Himself would act. This happened when He sent His Son.

Romans 1:3. The contents of the gospel of God are centered in the Son of God. It is the gospel of God “concerning His Son”. This gospel is not a religion, but rather about a Person with Whom you now have a living relationship through faith. Much can be found regarding the Son of God in the Bible. You can only begin to grasp the real meaning of any portion of Scripture if you are able to see what it has to say about the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:3-4 mention two things regarding Him that are important to be able to understand the contents of this letter. First, He was “born of a descendant [lit. seed] of David”. As the Son of David, He was entitled to the throne of Israel in Jerusalem. Since Israel has rejected Him, His ascent to the throne has been delayed. In Romans 9-11 you will see how God will fulfill all the promises He made to David.

Romans 1:4. Secondly, what is spoken of the Lord Jesus comes from the rejection of Him by His people, Israel. He, Who as Man died on the cross, “was declared the Son of God with power” when He rose from the dead. That He is Son of God with power not only was made clear by His own resurrection, but already during His life on earth, when He raised up other persons who died. Think of Lazarus, the young man of Nain and the daughter of Jairus.

His resurrection from among the dead (since everyone else has remained dead) was “according to the Spirit of holiness”. This is an important addition. Everything the Lord Jesus did during His life was in total agreement with the Holy Spirit. Since all was in harmony with the will of God, we know He committed no evil in His life.

But in the three hours of darkness He certainly did come into contact with evil. He was made sin and bore our sins in His body. Therefore God judged Him for our sins and gave Him the wages of sin, which is death. When He rose from the dead, the Spirit of holiness could unify Himself completely with Him since all sin and wrong deeds were completely judged by Him. If you can now see Who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done, it will not be difficult to acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life, as Paul says at the end of Rom 1:4.

Romans 1:5-7. Paul was so impressed by this Person that he wanted to go out to all nations to bring people to obedience of faith to Him. I hope something will radiate from your life and mine, both in our words and deeds, so others will come to obedience of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Now read Romans 1:1-7 again.

Reflection: Tell God in your words Who the Lord Jesus is to you.

Romans 5:12

Introduction

Outline of the Letter to the Romans

I Romans 1-8 God’s righteousness by faith (doctrinal part)

1. Romans 1:1-17 Introduction

2. Romans 1:18-3:20 The need for justification

–1:18-32 The godless heathen: sinners –2:1-16 The self-righteous people: sinners –2:17-3:8 The Jews: sinners conclusion: all are sinners –3:9-20 There is none who does good

3. Romans 3:21-5:11 The justification by faith

–3:21-26 The righteousness of God –3:27- 4:25 Only by faith –5:1-11 Peace with God

4. Romans 5:12-8:39 In Adam – in Christ

–5:12-21 Two families –6:1-7:14 Grace and law –7:15-25 Experiences –8:1-39 In Christ: no condemnation

II Romans 9-11 The problem of Israel (historical part)

Romans 9:1-33 The sovereignty of God

–10:1-21 The failure of Israel –11:1-36 Israel accepted again

III Romans 12-16 The efficacy in the Christian life (practical part)

1. Romans 12:1-15:13 Christian responsibility

–12:1-21 Service and life –13:1-14 Relationship to the government –14:1-15:13 Strong ones and weak ones

2. Romans 15:14-16:27 Closing words

–15:14-33 The personal service of Paul –16:1-27 Greetings and praise

The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1. Romans is the first letter of the New Testament. If you have just started your journey to read through the Bible with Romans, you have made a good choice. In it you’ll discover how God saw you while you were unsaved and how He sees you now that you know Him. This knowledge will give you assurance of having made the right choice. You will still have to learn how to walk on the Christian pathway, but at least you will know the pathway itself is correct.

Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) was chosen by God to speak to you about this pathway in this letter. In Romans 1:1 he tells what he is going to talk about – the gospel of God. The gospel you accepted was not devised by man, but it went out from God. It is His gospel.

Romans 1:2. In the past God spoke of this gospel through His prophets. You can read about it in the Old Testament, called “the holy Scriptures” in this verse. During the time of the Old Testament, God tested people repeatedly to see if they would serve Him, but they failed each time. Finally, God made it known that He Himself would act. This happened when He sent His Son.

Romans 1:3. The contents of the gospel of God are centered in the Son of God. It is the gospel of God “concerning His Son”. This gospel is not a religion, but rather about a Person with Whom you now have a living relationship through faith. Much can be found regarding the Son of God in the Bible. You can only begin to grasp the real meaning of any portion of Scripture if you are able to see what it has to say about the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:3-4 mention two things regarding Him that are important to be able to understand the contents of this letter. First, He was “born of a descendant [lit. seed] of David”. As the Son of David, He was entitled to the throne of Israel in Jerusalem. Since Israel has rejected Him, His ascent to the throne has been delayed. In Romans 9-11 you will see how God will fulfill all the promises He made to David.

Romans 1:4. Secondly, what is spoken of the Lord Jesus comes from the rejection of Him by His people, Israel. He, Who as Man died on the cross, “was declared the Son of God with power” when He rose from the dead. That He is Son of God with power not only was made clear by His own resurrection, but already during His life on earth, when He raised up other persons who died. Think of Lazarus, the young man of Nain and the daughter of Jairus.

His resurrection from among the dead (since everyone else has remained dead) was “according to the Spirit of holiness”. This is an important addition. Everything the Lord Jesus did during His life was in total agreement with the Holy Spirit. Since all was in harmony with the will of God, we know He committed no evil in His life.

But in the three hours of darkness He certainly did come into contact with evil. He was made sin and bore our sins in His body. Therefore God judged Him for our sins and gave Him the wages of sin, which is death. When He rose from the dead, the Spirit of holiness could unify Himself completely with Him since all sin and wrong deeds were completely judged by Him. If you can now see Who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done, it will not be difficult to acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life, as Paul says at the end of Rom 1:4.

Romans 1:5-7. Paul was so impressed by this Person that he wanted to go out to all nations to bring people to obedience of faith to Him. I hope something will radiate from your life and mine, both in our words and deeds, so others will come to obedience of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Now read Romans 1:1-7 again.

Reflection: Tell God in your words Who the Lord Jesus is to you.

Romans 5:13

Introduction

Outline of the Letter to the Romans

I Romans 1-8 God’s righteousness by faith (doctrinal part)

1. Romans 1:1-17 Introduction

2. Romans 1:18-3:20 The need for justification

–1:18-32 The godless heathen: sinners –2:1-16 The self-righteous people: sinners –2:17-3:8 The Jews: sinners conclusion: all are sinners –3:9-20 There is none who does good

3. Romans 3:21-5:11 The justification by faith

–3:21-26 The righteousness of God –3:27- 4:25 Only by faith –5:1-11 Peace with God

4. Romans 5:12-8:39 In Adam – in Christ

–5:12-21 Two families –6:1-7:14 Grace and law –7:15-25 Experiences –8:1-39 In Christ: no condemnation

II Romans 9-11 The problem of Israel (historical part)

Romans 9:1-33 The sovereignty of God

–10:1-21 The failure of Israel –11:1-36 Israel accepted again

III Romans 12-16 The efficacy in the Christian life (practical part)

1. Romans 12:1-15:13 Christian responsibility

–12:1-21 Service and life –13:1-14 Relationship to the government –14:1-15:13 Strong ones and weak ones

2. Romans 15:14-16:27 Closing words

–15:14-33 The personal service of Paul –16:1-27 Greetings and praise

The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1. Romans is the first letter of the New Testament. If you have just started your journey to read through the Bible with Romans, you have made a good choice. In it you’ll discover how God saw you while you were unsaved and how He sees you now that you know Him. This knowledge will give you assurance of having made the right choice. You will still have to learn how to walk on the Christian pathway, but at least you will know the pathway itself is correct.

Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) was chosen by God to speak to you about this pathway in this letter. In Romans 1:1 he tells what he is going to talk about – the gospel of God. The gospel you accepted was not devised by man, but it went out from God. It is His gospel.

Romans 1:2. In the past God spoke of this gospel through His prophets. You can read about it in the Old Testament, called “the holy Scriptures” in this verse. During the time of the Old Testament, God tested people repeatedly to see if they would serve Him, but they failed each time. Finally, God made it known that He Himself would act. This happened when He sent His Son.

Romans 1:3. The contents of the gospel of God are centered in the Son of God. It is the gospel of God “concerning His Son”. This gospel is not a religion, but rather about a Person with Whom you now have a living relationship through faith. Much can be found regarding the Son of God in the Bible. You can only begin to grasp the real meaning of any portion of Scripture if you are able to see what it has to say about the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:3-4 mention two things regarding Him that are important to be able to understand the contents of this letter. First, He was “born of a descendant [lit. seed] of David”. As the Son of David, He was entitled to the throne of Israel in Jerusalem. Since Israel has rejected Him, His ascent to the throne has been delayed. In Romans 9-11 you will see how God will fulfill all the promises He made to David.

Romans 1:4. Secondly, what is spoken of the Lord Jesus comes from the rejection of Him by His people, Israel. He, Who as Man died on the cross, “was declared the Son of God with power” when He rose from the dead. That He is Son of God with power not only was made clear by His own resurrection, but already during His life on earth, when He raised up other persons who died. Think of Lazarus, the young man of Nain and the daughter of Jairus.

His resurrection from among the dead (since everyone else has remained dead) was “according to the Spirit of holiness”. This is an important addition. Everything the Lord Jesus did during His life was in total agreement with the Holy Spirit. Since all was in harmony with the will of God, we know He committed no evil in His life.

But in the three hours of darkness He certainly did come into contact with evil. He was made sin and bore our sins in His body. Therefore God judged Him for our sins and gave Him the wages of sin, which is death. When He rose from the dead, the Spirit of holiness could unify Himself completely with Him since all sin and wrong deeds were completely judged by Him. If you can now see Who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done, it will not be difficult to acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life, as Paul says at the end of Rom 1:4.

Romans 1:5-7. Paul was so impressed by this Person that he wanted to go out to all nations to bring people to obedience of faith to Him. I hope something will radiate from your life and mine, both in our words and deeds, so others will come to obedience of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Now read Romans 1:1-7 again.

Reflection: Tell God in your words Who the Lord Jesus is to you.

Romans 5:14

Introduction

Outline of the Letter to the Romans

I Romans 1-8 God’s righteousness by faith (doctrinal part)

1. Romans 1:1-17 Introduction

2. Romans 1:18-3:20 The need for justification

–1:18-32 The godless heathen: sinners –2:1-16 The self-righteous people: sinners –2:17-3:8 The Jews: sinners conclusion: all are sinners –3:9-20 There is none who does good

3. Romans 3:21-5:11 The justification by faith

–3:21-26 The righteousness of God –3:27- 4:25 Only by faith –5:1-11 Peace with God

4. Romans 5:12-8:39 In Adam – in Christ

–5:12-21 Two families –6:1-7:14 Grace and law –7:15-25 Experiences –8:1-39 In Christ: no condemnation

II Romans 9-11 The problem of Israel (historical part)

Romans 9:1-33 The sovereignty of God

–10:1-21 The failure of Israel –11:1-36 Israel accepted again

III Romans 12-16 The efficacy in the Christian life (practical part)

1. Romans 12:1-15:13 Christian responsibility

–12:1-21 Service and life –13:1-14 Relationship to the government –14:1-15:13 Strong ones and weak ones

2. Romans 15:14-16:27 Closing words

–15:14-33 The personal service of Paul –16:1-27 Greetings and praise

The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1. Romans is the first letter of the New Testament. If you have just started your journey to read through the Bible with Romans, you have made a good choice. In it you’ll discover how God saw you while you were unsaved and how He sees you now that you know Him. This knowledge will give you assurance of having made the right choice. You will still have to learn how to walk on the Christian pathway, but at least you will know the pathway itself is correct.

Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) was chosen by God to speak to you about this pathway in this letter. In Romans 1:1 he tells what he is going to talk about – the gospel of God. The gospel you accepted was not devised by man, but it went out from God. It is His gospel.

Romans 1:2. In the past God spoke of this gospel through His prophets. You can read about it in the Old Testament, called “the holy Scriptures” in this verse. During the time of the Old Testament, God tested people repeatedly to see if they would serve Him, but they failed each time. Finally, God made it known that He Himself would act. This happened when He sent His Son.

Romans 1:3. The contents of the gospel of God are centered in the Son of God. It is the gospel of God “concerning His Son”. This gospel is not a religion, but rather about a Person with Whom you now have a living relationship through faith. Much can be found regarding the Son of God in the Bible. You can only begin to grasp the real meaning of any portion of Scripture if you are able to see what it has to say about the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:3-4 mention two things regarding Him that are important to be able to understand the contents of this letter. First, He was “born of a descendant [lit. seed] of David”. As the Son of David, He was entitled to the throne of Israel in Jerusalem. Since Israel has rejected Him, His ascent to the throne has been delayed. In Romans 9-11 you will see how God will fulfill all the promises He made to David.

Romans 1:4. Secondly, what is spoken of the Lord Jesus comes from the rejection of Him by His people, Israel. He, Who as Man died on the cross, “was declared the Son of God with power” when He rose from the dead. That He is Son of God with power not only was made clear by His own resurrection, but already during His life on earth, when He raised up other persons who died. Think of Lazarus, the young man of Nain and the daughter of Jairus.

His resurrection from among the dead (since everyone else has remained dead) was “according to the Spirit of holiness”. This is an important addition. Everything the Lord Jesus did during His life was in total agreement with the Holy Spirit. Since all was in harmony with the will of God, we know He committed no evil in His life.

But in the three hours of darkness He certainly did come into contact with evil. He was made sin and bore our sins in His body. Therefore God judged Him for our sins and gave Him the wages of sin, which is death. When He rose from the dead, the Spirit of holiness could unify Himself completely with Him since all sin and wrong deeds were completely judged by Him. If you can now see Who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done, it will not be difficult to acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life, as Paul says at the end of Rom 1:4.

Romans 1:5-7. Paul was so impressed by this Person that he wanted to go out to all nations to bring people to obedience of faith to Him. I hope something will radiate from your life and mine, both in our words and deeds, so others will come to obedience of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Now read Romans 1:1-7 again.

Reflection: Tell God in your words Who the Lord Jesus is to you.

Romans 5:15

Introduction

Outline of the Letter to the Romans

I Romans 1-8 God’s righteousness by faith (doctrinal part)

1. Romans 1:1-17 Introduction

2. Romans 1:18-3:20 The need for justification

–1:18-32 The godless heathen: sinners –2:1-16 The self-righteous people: sinners –2:17-3:8 The Jews: sinners conclusion: all are sinners –3:9-20 There is none who does good

3. Romans 3:21-5:11 The justification by faith

–3:21-26 The righteousness of God –3:27- 4:25 Only by faith –5:1-11 Peace with God

4. Romans 5:12-8:39 In Adam – in Christ

–5:12-21 Two families –6:1-7:14 Grace and law –7:15-25 Experiences –8:1-39 In Christ: no condemnation

II Romans 9-11 The problem of Israel (historical part)

Romans 9:1-33 The sovereignty of God

–10:1-21 The failure of Israel –11:1-36 Israel accepted again

III Romans 12-16 The efficacy in the Christian life (practical part)

1. Romans 12:1-15:13 Christian responsibility

–12:1-21 Service and life –13:1-14 Relationship to the government –14:1-15:13 Strong ones and weak ones

2. Romans 15:14-16:27 Closing words

–15:14-33 The personal service of Paul –16:1-27 Greetings and praise

The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1. Romans is the first letter of the New Testament. If you have just started your journey to read through the Bible with Romans, you have made a good choice. In it you’ll discover how God saw you while you were unsaved and how He sees you now that you know Him. This knowledge will give you assurance of having made the right choice. You will still have to learn how to walk on the Christian pathway, but at least you will know the pathway itself is correct.

Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) was chosen by God to speak to you about this pathway in this letter. In Romans 1:1 he tells what he is going to talk about – the gospel of God. The gospel you accepted was not devised by man, but it went out from God. It is His gospel.

Romans 1:2. In the past God spoke of this gospel through His prophets. You can read about it in the Old Testament, called “the holy Scriptures” in this verse. During the time of the Old Testament, God tested people repeatedly to see if they would serve Him, but they failed each time. Finally, God made it known that He Himself would act. This happened when He sent His Son.

Romans 1:3. The contents of the gospel of God are centered in the Son of God. It is the gospel of God “concerning His Son”. This gospel is not a religion, but rather about a Person with Whom you now have a living relationship through faith. Much can be found regarding the Son of God in the Bible. You can only begin to grasp the real meaning of any portion of Scripture if you are able to see what it has to say about the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:3-4 mention two things regarding Him that are important to be able to understand the contents of this letter. First, He was “born of a descendant [lit. seed] of David”. As the Son of David, He was entitled to the throne of Israel in Jerusalem. Since Israel has rejected Him, His ascent to the throne has been delayed. In Romans 9-11 you will see how God will fulfill all the promises He made to David.

Romans 1:4. Secondly, what is spoken of the Lord Jesus comes from the rejection of Him by His people, Israel. He, Who as Man died on the cross, “was declared the Son of God with power” when He rose from the dead. That He is Son of God with power not only was made clear by His own resurrection, but already during His life on earth, when He raised up other persons who died. Think of Lazarus, the young man of Nain and the daughter of Jairus.

His resurrection from among the dead (since everyone else has remained dead) was “according to the Spirit of holiness”. This is an important addition. Everything the Lord Jesus did during His life was in total agreement with the Holy Spirit. Since all was in harmony with the will of God, we know He committed no evil in His life.

But in the three hours of darkness He certainly did come into contact with evil. He was made sin and bore our sins in His body. Therefore God judged Him for our sins and gave Him the wages of sin, which is death. When He rose from the dead, the Spirit of holiness could unify Himself completely with Him since all sin and wrong deeds were completely judged by Him. If you can now see Who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done, it will not be difficult to acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life, as Paul says at the end of Rom 1:4.

Romans 1:5-7. Paul was so impressed by this Person that he wanted to go out to all nations to bring people to obedience of faith to Him. I hope something will radiate from your life and mine, both in our words and deeds, so others will come to obedience of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Now read Romans 1:1-7 again.

Reflection: Tell God in your words Who the Lord Jesus is to you.

Romans 5:16

Introduction

Outline of the Letter to the Romans

I Romans 1-8 God’s righteousness by faith (doctrinal part)

1. Romans 1:1-17 Introduction

2. Romans 1:18-3:20 The need for justification

–1:18-32 The godless heathen: sinners –2:1-16 The self-righteous people: sinners –2:17-3:8 The Jews: sinners conclusion: all are sinners –3:9-20 There is none who does good

3. Romans 3:21-5:11 The justification by faith

–3:21-26 The righteousness of God –3:27- 4:25 Only by faith –5:1-11 Peace with God

4. Romans 5:12-8:39 In Adam – in Christ

–5:12-21 Two families –6:1-7:14 Grace and law –7:15-25 Experiences –8:1-39 In Christ: no condemnation

II Romans 9-11 The problem of Israel (historical part)

Romans 9:1-33 The sovereignty of God

–10:1-21 The failure of Israel –11:1-36 Israel accepted again

III Romans 12-16 The efficacy in the Christian life (practical part)

1. Romans 12:1-15:13 Christian responsibility

–12:1-21 Service and life –13:1-14 Relationship to the government –14:1-15:13 Strong ones and weak ones

2. Romans 15:14-16:27 Closing words

–15:14-33 The personal service of Paul –16:1-27 Greetings and praise

The Gospel of God

Romans 1:1. Romans is the first letter of the New Testament. If you have just started your journey to read through the Bible with Romans, you have made a good choice. In it you’ll discover how God saw you while you were unsaved and how He sees you now that you know Him. This knowledge will give you assurance of having made the right choice. You will still have to learn how to walk on the Christian pathway, but at least you will know the pathway itself is correct.

Paul (as inspired by the Holy Spirit) was chosen by God to speak to you about this pathway in this letter. In Romans 1:1 he tells what he is going to talk about – the gospel of God. The gospel you accepted was not devised by man, but it went out from God. It is His gospel.

Romans 1:2. In the past God spoke of this gospel through His prophets. You can read about it in the Old Testament, called “the holy Scriptures” in this verse. During the time of the Old Testament, God tested people repeatedly to see if they would serve Him, but they failed each time. Finally, God made it known that He Himself would act. This happened when He sent His Son.

Romans 1:3. The contents of the gospel of God are centered in the Son of God. It is the gospel of God “concerning His Son”. This gospel is not a religion, but rather about a Person with Whom you now have a living relationship through faith. Much can be found regarding the Son of God in the Bible. You can only begin to grasp the real meaning of any portion of Scripture if you are able to see what it has to say about the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:3-4 mention two things regarding Him that are important to be able to understand the contents of this letter. First, He was “born of a descendant [lit. seed] of David”. As the Son of David, He was entitled to the throne of Israel in Jerusalem. Since Israel has rejected Him, His ascent to the throne has been delayed. In Romans 9-11 you will see how God will fulfill all the promises He made to David.

Romans 1:4. Secondly, what is spoken of the Lord Jesus comes from the rejection of Him by His people, Israel. He, Who as Man died on the cross, “was declared the Son of God with power” when He rose from the dead. That He is Son of God with power not only was made clear by His own resurrection, but already during His life on earth, when He raised up other persons who died. Think of Lazarus, the young man of Nain and the daughter of Jairus.

His resurrection from among the dead (since everyone else has remained dead) was “according to the Spirit of holiness”. This is an important addition. Everything the Lord Jesus did during His life was in total agreement with the Holy Spirit. Since all was in harmony with the will of God, we know He committed no evil in His life.

But in the three hours of darkness He certainly did come into contact with evil. He was made sin and bore our sins in His body. Therefore God judged Him for our sins and gave Him the wages of sin, which is death. When He rose from the dead, the Spirit of holiness could unify Himself completely with Him since all sin and wrong deeds were completely judged by Him. If you can now see Who the Lord Jesus is and what He has done, it will not be difficult to acknowledge Him as the Lord of your life, as Paul says at the end of Rom 1:4.

Romans 1:5-7. Paul was so impressed by this Person that he wanted to go out to all nations to bring people to obedience of faith to Him. I hope something will radiate from your life and mine, both in our words and deeds, so others will come to obedience of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Now read Romans 1:1-7 again.

Reflection: Tell God in your words Who the Lord Jesus is to you.

Romans 5:17

Paul’s Longing

Romans 1:8. “First, I thank my God.” One of the first things Paul conveys in almost every letter he wrote is to thank God for the believers. We live in a world full of unthankful people. We even allow ourselves to become influenced by this thankless attitude and forget that God knows of it. This is why He often reminds us in the Bible to give thanks. Giving thanks is an expression of joy and happiness. We thank God for things we receive from Him because we know He only gives us good things.

I once read of a man who fractured his spine during a fall and ended up in a wheelchair. At first he cursed God for it, but after he was saved he said: ”When I stand before God’s throne, I will thank Him for breaking my back. If God would have let me live the way I was living, I would have gone to hell.” The things God does will at last always make us thankful. Have you ever thanked God for your brothers and sisters? You certainly know some believers. You now belong to them. Your former friends have abandoned you, but others have taken their place.

Romans 1:9. Paul heard about the believers in Rome because their faith was being spoken about in the whole world. The thoughts that occupied his mind were connected with their faith. His spirit and his thought-life were saturated with one thing: serving God in the preaching of the “gospel of His Son”. If you have just been saved, many thoughts of your previous life may still occupy your mind. This is why it’s good to think on things that have to do with the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:10-11. Paul longed to go to the believers in Rome. He had never seen them, but he was interested in them. He constantly remembered them in his prayers. They needed encouragement and he could give it to them by imparting “some spiritual gift” to them.

Romans 1:12. After this he immediately presents an explanation: “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you [while] among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” We also need this strengthening of our faith. This is why we should seek to come together and share the experiences of our faith with each other. It is a comfort for both, and it doesn’t matter where you or the other believers are in spiritual growth, whether newborn or mature. This was true of Paul and the Roman believers. Paul had much experience in the faith, but was still able to receive comfort from the believers in Rome who had fewer experiences. So visit your fellow believers; you need them and they need you.

Romans 1:13-15. Paul had often wanted to go to Rome because he wanted to have “some fruit” among them. He wasn’t looking for glory, but was indebted to God because He had called him to this service and responsibility. He could only discharge this debt if he fulfilled his service by preaching the gospel. But didn’t these people already know the Lord Jesus? Yes, but the gospel implies more than preaching repentance and faith.

The word gospel means ‘good news’. It’s called “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) since the heart of God is expressed in it. God has much more to say to us than: ”Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus.” In fact, it is not until we have repented from our sins that we are capable of discovering all He wants us to know from His heart.

It’s good for us that Paul wasn’t able to go to Rome since he then wrote this letter to the Christians there, and therefore we can now be better acquainted with the gospel he wanted to preach to them.

Now read Romans 1:8-15 again.

Reflection: Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Mention their names to Him.

Romans 5:18

Paul’s Longing

Romans 1:8. “First, I thank my God.” One of the first things Paul conveys in almost every letter he wrote is to thank God for the believers. We live in a world full of unthankful people. We even allow ourselves to become influenced by this thankless attitude and forget that God knows of it. This is why He often reminds us in the Bible to give thanks. Giving thanks is an expression of joy and happiness. We thank God for things we receive from Him because we know He only gives us good things.

I once read of a man who fractured his spine during a fall and ended up in a wheelchair. At first he cursed God for it, but after he was saved he said: ”When I stand before God’s throne, I will thank Him for breaking my back. If God would have let me live the way I was living, I would have gone to hell.” The things God does will at last always make us thankful. Have you ever thanked God for your brothers and sisters? You certainly know some believers. You now belong to them. Your former friends have abandoned you, but others have taken their place.

Romans 1:9. Paul heard about the believers in Rome because their faith was being spoken about in the whole world. The thoughts that occupied his mind were connected with their faith. His spirit and his thought-life were saturated with one thing: serving God in the preaching of the “gospel of His Son”. If you have just been saved, many thoughts of your previous life may still occupy your mind. This is why it’s good to think on things that have to do with the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:10-11. Paul longed to go to the believers in Rome. He had never seen them, but he was interested in them. He constantly remembered them in his prayers. They needed encouragement and he could give it to them by imparting “some spiritual gift” to them.

Romans 1:12. After this he immediately presents an explanation: “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you [while] among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” We also need this strengthening of our faith. This is why we should seek to come together and share the experiences of our faith with each other. It is a comfort for both, and it doesn’t matter where you or the other believers are in spiritual growth, whether newborn or mature. This was true of Paul and the Roman believers. Paul had much experience in the faith, but was still able to receive comfort from the believers in Rome who had fewer experiences. So visit your fellow believers; you need them and they need you.

Romans 1:13-15. Paul had often wanted to go to Rome because he wanted to have “some fruit” among them. He wasn’t looking for glory, but was indebted to God because He had called him to this service and responsibility. He could only discharge this debt if he fulfilled his service by preaching the gospel. But didn’t these people already know the Lord Jesus? Yes, but the gospel implies more than preaching repentance and faith.

The word gospel means ‘good news’. It’s called “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) since the heart of God is expressed in it. God has much more to say to us than: ”Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus.” In fact, it is not until we have repented from our sins that we are capable of discovering all He wants us to know from His heart.

It’s good for us that Paul wasn’t able to go to Rome since he then wrote this letter to the Christians there, and therefore we can now be better acquainted with the gospel he wanted to preach to them.

Now read Romans 1:8-15 again.

Reflection: Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Mention their names to Him.

Romans 5:19

Paul’s Longing

Romans 1:8. “First, I thank my God.” One of the first things Paul conveys in almost every letter he wrote is to thank God for the believers. We live in a world full of unthankful people. We even allow ourselves to become influenced by this thankless attitude and forget that God knows of it. This is why He often reminds us in the Bible to give thanks. Giving thanks is an expression of joy and happiness. We thank God for things we receive from Him because we know He only gives us good things.

I once read of a man who fractured his spine during a fall and ended up in a wheelchair. At first he cursed God for it, but after he was saved he said: ”When I stand before God’s throne, I will thank Him for breaking my back. If God would have let me live the way I was living, I would have gone to hell.” The things God does will at last always make us thankful. Have you ever thanked God for your brothers and sisters? You certainly know some believers. You now belong to them. Your former friends have abandoned you, but others have taken their place.

Romans 1:9. Paul heard about the believers in Rome because their faith was being spoken about in the whole world. The thoughts that occupied his mind were connected with their faith. His spirit and his thought-life were saturated with one thing: serving God in the preaching of the “gospel of His Son”. If you have just been saved, many thoughts of your previous life may still occupy your mind. This is why it’s good to think on things that have to do with the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:10-11. Paul longed to go to the believers in Rome. He had never seen them, but he was interested in them. He constantly remembered them in his prayers. They needed encouragement and he could give it to them by imparting “some spiritual gift” to them.

Romans 1:12. After this he immediately presents an explanation: “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you [while] among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” We also need this strengthening of our faith. This is why we should seek to come together and share the experiences of our faith with each other. It is a comfort for both, and it doesn’t matter where you or the other believers are in spiritual growth, whether newborn or mature. This was true of Paul and the Roman believers. Paul had much experience in the faith, but was still able to receive comfort from the believers in Rome who had fewer experiences. So visit your fellow believers; you need them and they need you.

Romans 1:13-15. Paul had often wanted to go to Rome because he wanted to have “some fruit” among them. He wasn’t looking for glory, but was indebted to God because He had called him to this service and responsibility. He could only discharge this debt if he fulfilled his service by preaching the gospel. But didn’t these people already know the Lord Jesus? Yes, but the gospel implies more than preaching repentance and faith.

The word gospel means ‘good news’. It’s called “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) since the heart of God is expressed in it. God has much more to say to us than: ”Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus.” In fact, it is not until we have repented from our sins that we are capable of discovering all He wants us to know from His heart.

It’s good for us that Paul wasn’t able to go to Rome since he then wrote this letter to the Christians there, and therefore we can now be better acquainted with the gospel he wanted to preach to them.

Now read Romans 1:8-15 again.

Reflection: Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Mention their names to Him.

Romans 5:20

Paul’s Longing

Romans 1:8. “First, I thank my God.” One of the first things Paul conveys in almost every letter he wrote is to thank God for the believers. We live in a world full of unthankful people. We even allow ourselves to become influenced by this thankless attitude and forget that God knows of it. This is why He often reminds us in the Bible to give thanks. Giving thanks is an expression of joy and happiness. We thank God for things we receive from Him because we know He only gives us good things.

I once read of a man who fractured his spine during a fall and ended up in a wheelchair. At first he cursed God for it, but after he was saved he said: ”When I stand before God’s throne, I will thank Him for breaking my back. If God would have let me live the way I was living, I would have gone to hell.” The things God does will at last always make us thankful. Have you ever thanked God for your brothers and sisters? You certainly know some believers. You now belong to them. Your former friends have abandoned you, but others have taken their place.

Romans 1:9. Paul heard about the believers in Rome because their faith was being spoken about in the whole world. The thoughts that occupied his mind were connected with their faith. His spirit and his thought-life were saturated with one thing: serving God in the preaching of the “gospel of His Son”. If you have just been saved, many thoughts of your previous life may still occupy your mind. This is why it’s good to think on things that have to do with the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:10-11. Paul longed to go to the believers in Rome. He had never seen them, but he was interested in them. He constantly remembered them in his prayers. They needed encouragement and he could give it to them by imparting “some spiritual gift” to them.

Romans 1:12. After this he immediately presents an explanation: “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you [while] among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” We also need this strengthening of our faith. This is why we should seek to come together and share the experiences of our faith with each other. It is a comfort for both, and it doesn’t matter where you or the other believers are in spiritual growth, whether newborn or mature. This was true of Paul and the Roman believers. Paul had much experience in the faith, but was still able to receive comfort from the believers in Rome who had fewer experiences. So visit your fellow believers; you need them and they need you.

Romans 1:13-15. Paul had often wanted to go to Rome because he wanted to have “some fruit” among them. He wasn’t looking for glory, but was indebted to God because He had called him to this service and responsibility. He could only discharge this debt if he fulfilled his service by preaching the gospel. But didn’t these people already know the Lord Jesus? Yes, but the gospel implies more than preaching repentance and faith.

The word gospel means ‘good news’. It’s called “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) since the heart of God is expressed in it. God has much more to say to us than: ”Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus.” In fact, it is not until we have repented from our sins that we are capable of discovering all He wants us to know from His heart.

It’s good for us that Paul wasn’t able to go to Rome since he then wrote this letter to the Christians there, and therefore we can now be better acquainted with the gospel he wanted to preach to them.

Now read Romans 1:8-15 again.

Reflection: Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Mention their names to Him.

Romans 5:21

Paul’s Longing

Romans 1:8. “First, I thank my God.” One of the first things Paul conveys in almost every letter he wrote is to thank God for the believers. We live in a world full of unthankful people. We even allow ourselves to become influenced by this thankless attitude and forget that God knows of it. This is why He often reminds us in the Bible to give thanks. Giving thanks is an expression of joy and happiness. We thank God for things we receive from Him because we know He only gives us good things.

I once read of a man who fractured his spine during a fall and ended up in a wheelchair. At first he cursed God for it, but after he was saved he said: ”When I stand before God’s throne, I will thank Him for breaking my back. If God would have let me live the way I was living, I would have gone to hell.” The things God does will at last always make us thankful. Have you ever thanked God for your brothers and sisters? You certainly know some believers. You now belong to them. Your former friends have abandoned you, but others have taken their place.

Romans 1:9. Paul heard about the believers in Rome because their faith was being spoken about in the whole world. The thoughts that occupied his mind were connected with their faith. His spirit and his thought-life were saturated with one thing: serving God in the preaching of the “gospel of His Son”. If you have just been saved, many thoughts of your previous life may still occupy your mind. This is why it’s good to think on things that have to do with the Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:10-11. Paul longed to go to the believers in Rome. He had never seen them, but he was interested in them. He constantly remembered them in his prayers. They needed encouragement and he could give it to them by imparting “some spiritual gift” to them.

Romans 1:12. After this he immediately presents an explanation: “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you [while] among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” We also need this strengthening of our faith. This is why we should seek to come together and share the experiences of our faith with each other. It is a comfort for both, and it doesn’t matter where you or the other believers are in spiritual growth, whether newborn or mature. This was true of Paul and the Roman believers. Paul had much experience in the faith, but was still able to receive comfort from the believers in Rome who had fewer experiences. So visit your fellow believers; you need them and they need you.

Romans 1:13-15. Paul had often wanted to go to Rome because he wanted to have “some fruit” among them. He wasn’t looking for glory, but was indebted to God because He had called him to this service and responsibility. He could only discharge this debt if he fulfilled his service by preaching the gospel. But didn’t these people already know the Lord Jesus? Yes, but the gospel implies more than preaching repentance and faith.

The word gospel means ‘good news’. It’s called “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) since the heart of God is expressed in it. God has much more to say to us than: ”Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus.” In fact, it is not until we have repented from our sins that we are capable of discovering all He wants us to know from His heart.

It’s good for us that Paul wasn’t able to go to Rome since he then wrote this letter to the Christians there, and therefore we can now be better acquainted with the gospel he wanted to preach to them.

Now read Romans 1:8-15 again.

Reflection: Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Mention their names to Him.