Paul in this passage answer the likely objections of his readers who might point to their Father Abraham and ask how then was he saved? Surely by his works, his flesh? Without the law, which could not have saved him anyway and because Jesus had not come yet – how could he be saved? Paul […]
1. “R” stands for “Righteousness.” 2. “P” stands for “Propitiation”. 3. “F” stands for “faith”. 4. “B” stands for “Boasting”. • We human beings need “a righteousness” apart from the law. A righteousness that doesn’t depend on our flawed efforts. That is what is so wonderful about the salvation Paul is talking about it. It […]
Paul has spent the best part of chapters 1 and 2 building up a case of guilt, of sin against, first the gentiles and then the Jews. So that he can get to the key verse of chapter 3. Verse 9 says all are under sin. The weight of the realisation that this includes and […]
In this complex passage, Paul is debating with some first century Jewish people who are arguing that on the basis of the ritual of circumcision that they have their eternal security. Paul would seek to demolish this argument and urges everyone to put their hope and trust in the work of Jesus Christ our Lord. […]
Are you a true Jew? Do you want to be? Should you be? The first Jews were given every privilege and opportunity by God and yet it seemed to make no difference to them. Paul writes to tell them that they too are sinners who need a saviour and that the gospel is for them […]
A person could be tempted to think that because of their background or history that God might judge them differently to others. Paul goes out of his way to say that God judges us by what we do. This is of course something that needs to be explained because I am not talking about salvation […]
Romans 2 begins in a striking way, “Not to judge”. Paul in chapter one of Romans has been commenting on the spirally into immorality by those who reject God. He however knows that we can feel pretty good about ourselves by looking at others and therefore he warns us not to judge. What Paul means […]
It is possible to know the truth and yet not act on that truth. So knowing God is all-powerful, all-wise, good, loving and sovereign when carefully considered should allow us not to be anxious. Yet knowing these things, we still often are. Romans 1:16-32 speaks of people suppressing the truth. That everyone because of creation […]