T.O.D. taught from the book of Romans at Paran Baptist Church on Highway 341 / Johnsonville Hwy in Lake City, South Carolina. This commentary is based on the notes he wrote in preparation for the lessons.
The author was licensed to preach the Gospel by Paran on May 26, 1979. He has been a student of Scripture since 1972. He was an art teacher for over 30 years in Florence School District 3.
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Johnston, T.O.D.
A Layman's Commentary on The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans/Religious Non-fiction
1st Edition 2012
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Dedication:
Dedicated for knowledge, understanding, and inspiration as we seek to follow Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
After reading many scholarly commentaries on different books of Scripture, it became my mental habit to sift through the minute discussions of individual words and/or phrases, and the quoting of various scholars of the past of many differing opinions, and center on the most logical and inspirational truths that remained. Thus I relied on the studied scholarship of those who had learned the original languages and had read all the previous scholars that had written to get the best possible understanding of Scripture that I, as a non-scholar, could. It seemed that most church members would not attempt to read scholarly works - but would benefit from their knowledge if presented in a plain and straightforward manner, the truths they had perceived. The following commentary is my attempt to do this. May God bless my efforts to the extent that they increase the understanding and faith of the reader.
T.O.D. Johnston
2005
When Paul wrote this letter, he had not visited there. He knew about the group of believers. His communication was intended to give a full account of his experience, and knowledge, and understanding of all aspects of the Gospel which he preached among the Gentiles. Included also was the direct revelation he received from the risen Savior, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In addition, he was completely familiar with the Jews' system of religion and tradition, since he had been educated by the best teachers and had been a most zealous advocate for Judaism. At this point, he had frequently disputed with the Jews in every detail of their arguments against his.
His letter to the Romans was sent to the center of the ruling power of the 'civilized' world at that time. It was a great metropolis where a large and very mixed population lived. Christians, Jews, pagans, heathens, slaves, soldiers, politicians, philosophers, and the emperor. Paul was aware of this and kept this in mind when composing this letter. He wanted to clearly and carefully instruct the believing Jews in the central truths of Christianity, which would disprove the points that the disbelieving Jews held onto. This truth would convince idolatrous Gentiles unto conversion and faith in Christ.
In short, he argues and opposes the unbelieving Jews, and strongly proclaims the Gospel. It also insists upon principles of service unto God, and Christian fellowship. This was especially important for believing Jews to correctly and equally treat believing Gentiles with brotherly love. Each and every one who professes faith in Christ, and service to Him, is accepted as a member of the true visible Church, and is equal to all others, with all of the same privileges and rights.
The letter consists of 4 divisions.
Part I:
In the first five chapters, he explains the riches of Divine grace, free to all mankind. Jews and Gentiles are equally sinful. This was shown as the way that Abraham was justified – by faith. All men became sinners as consequence of Adam's sin. Christ's obedience redeemed mankind from the death penalty of sin, providing the way for eternal life to all who believe. This is what the Law of Moses could not do – for no one (except Christ) could fulfill it.
Part II:
Paul explains the obligations of the believer to new life of piety and virtue. Chapter 6 relates to Gentile Christians. In chapter 8, and part of 9, he addresses the Jewish Christians. In the rest of chapter 9 he addresses both groups. He brings out the resulting difficulties they would be exposed to – persecution and suffering – which would be strong influences to deter them from their duty as believers, following Christ. Paul asserts strongly the certain perseverance of all who love God, in spite of any infirmities or trials in this world. God will provide the strength.
Part III.
Paul clearly delineates the correct way to interpret the rejection of the Jews – and how this was God's plan, so that the rest of mankind could be offered His Salvation. This made the Gentiles as equal to Jewish believers.
Part IV.
Paul encourages (exhorts) certain Christian duties. He concludes with greetings to and from particular people.
To correctly grasp this epistle, we must keep readily in mind the beliefs and attitudes and traditions of the Jews, in their complete and utter aversion to Gentiles, as base, coarse, idolatrous heathens. The Jews claimed Abraham, circumcision, their religious laws and worship, and their own righteousness as reasons for having any right to God's favor.
The purpose and effect of the Gospel message was accompanied with the working and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Spread by a few men of low estate in that world of Roman power, deep-rooted prejudices, pagan religion, and idolatry, the best education and philosophy. And yet the truth, dignity, and virtue of the message confronted and gained victory upon victory in the hearts of those who heard and believed. The truth of the love of God to all men was never before so clearly taught, and experienced – bringing the joy, hope, faith, and peace that the world cannot. The resulting writings of the New Testament of Jesus Christ was, is, and ever shall be the only writings with that promise and power to change lives, always for each individual's greatest life and future.
The year of the writing of this epistle was around 58 A.D.
Romans 1:1-7.
Salutation
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy Scriptures,)
3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
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.
Verse 1.
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ. The Greek word here translates to servant – more correctly, it means a slave, one who belongs to, is the property of his master. He was expressing that as far as he was
concerned, his life and energy belonged to his Lord, and would be spent in doing His will. 'I am wholly the Lord's.'
Called to be an apostle – an exceptional, special messenger sent by God Himself to deliver the most important message: to preach the Gospel of Salvation through Christ to all people (nations). Paul was claiming Divine authority to set straight the matters that were in dispute, concerning that beginning Church. This was especially true with the Roman group because their beliefs had not been founded and guided by an apostle.
Before, Paul had been separated not only as a Jew, but also a Pharisee. Now, he was separated unto the Gospel of God.
Verse 2.
The Gospel that God had promised afore time, in the law, and the Prophets, was a more perfect and glorious state of things. This would take place through the Messiah, Who would bring spiritual life and eternity by His Good News.
Verse 3.
The Messiah was God's Son, of the royal line in His humanity, son of David, rightful heir of the throne of Israel.
Verse 4.
He was undeniably shown to be the Son of God, through His conception, birth, preaching, miracles, passion, death, His resurrection – His life, His teaching – all were true. Also, the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and prophecies was further proof.
The uniqueness of Christ's resurrection was the greatest proof: only the power of God, His miraculous energy, spiritual and holy, could accomplish this. This same power (the Holy Spirit) was sent to Christ's followers with gifts and graces in His Name. This same Holy Spirit, from that time to this time, influences people – convinces of sin, righteousness and judgment; by faith, people are converted and set apart unto a new life, as children of God with an eternal inheritance.
Verse 5.
Without the special favor and unique help of God, Paul could never have been an apostle. His conversion was extraordinary, as was his call to preach the Gospel. Obedience to the faith – his job, by call and power of God – had one purpose: to proclaim the faith in the truth of the Gospel of Jesus. He was responsible to proclaim this way of salvation to all nations. Obedience was the necessary consequence of genuine faith. All people were to be granted the opportunity to hear and choose to believe and be saved.
Verse 6.
Paul here identifies these Romans as having been invited to believe in Christ Jesus, for the salvation of their souls. His mission is directed to them.
Verse 7.
They are also identified as 'beloved of God, called to be saints'. They accepted the Gospel and received the Holy Spirit and the gifts thereof. Paul wishes them grace – divine favor, the source of every blessing. Grace being unmerited or earned favor. This is in stark contrast to the Law, where favor could only be acquired by perfect obedience, which no one could attain. Jesus fulfilled this for us, and only through Him do we receive God's grace. We also receive peace, signifying harmony and the bond of unity, reconciliation, friendship, and good order. This includes working to preserve peace and against confusion. It also signifies the Gospel and its blessings. This peace brings contentment and happiness, through confidence in believing in Jesus as Savior. The source of this peace is God the Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Next, Paul commends them for their faith, and expresses his heartfelt desire to visit them, to import to them spiritual gifts, and give them the most complete description of Christ's Good News.
Romans 1:8-32. Paul's Desire to See Them, and a Description of their Condition without God.
Paul's Desire to Visit Rome
8 ¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
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;
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.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
12 that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
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.
14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
The Power of the Gospel
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.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The Guilt of Mankind
18 ¶ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
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:
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.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
24 ¶ Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:
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.
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:
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 recompense of their error which was meet.
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;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
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.
Verse 8.
After warm greetings, Paul now expresses that he is grateful to God, that through Jesus Christ, that they have such a faith that he has heard about them in his travels.
Verse 9.
Calling God as his witness, Paul – as God's servant – always includes these believers in his prayers – continually. He engages not only his physical energy, but his soul also – his whole being completely certain of the absolute truth of what he communicates about Christ. He may be contrasting this with the traditional worship of the Jews, in all their elaborate ceremonies.
Verse 10.
Paul has for some time been asking God that he could have a prosperous journey to meet with them. As we have seen in Acts 27, he does later, by the will of God, come to Rome, but his journey could be described as disastrous. This happens about 2 years after this letter was written.
Verse 11.
Apparently no apostle had yet been to Rome. The extraordinary spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit were only conferred by means of the apostles. Paul wishes that by his visit he may be the giver of such, that their faith in Christ's Gospel would be the more firmly established. In this way, they were yet different from all the churches that Paul had personally founded.
Verse 12.
He here explains that the joined faith of his and theirs would be greatly beneficial in receiving the blessings from God for their strength and encouragement in the Gospel.
Verse 13.
For a long time, he had wanted to come to them, but was prevented from doing so. His desire was the same as toward other Gentiles – to be of some spiritual benefit to them.
Verse 14.
The Greeks considered all others to be barbarians, foreigners, outsiders. Paul is suggesting that he is under obligation to carry the message of the Gospel to all people. He is only recognizing the inclusion of all nationalities and classes of society – the learned and the unlearned.
Verse 15.
In the time he is being prevented from coming to them by God's providence, he felt it would be beneficial to them if his writing would comfort, instruct, and encourage them.
Verse 16.
Isaiah 28:16 says, 'Whosoever believeth on him, shall not be ashamed.' This means that believers will not be disappointed in their faith and hope. This describes the opposite of what happened to the unbelieving Jews. They have been disappointed, ashamed, and confused. They rejected Christ and looked for some other Messiah, leaving themselves outside of God's will and blessing. Believers, on the other hand, have received God's grace in abundance, and the blessings mentioned by the prophets that would come through Christ – the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. And again, to the Jew first, Paul speaking to himself, and addressing the Jews at Rome that had become believers, as well as Greeks.
Verse 17.
God's righteousness is shown in the Gospel of Christ. Sinners are saved by faith, not by works of any law. Abraham, father and founder of the Jewish people, was justified by faith – long before the law was given through Moses. 'The just shall live by faith.' Even the manifold offerings and sacrifices and other religious observances were intended to indicate the true and glorious and final sacrifice for sin, which Christ would fulfill. The Jews put their trust in the observances, the rituals themselves, hoping to earn justification and final salvation by works. For this reason, they rejected Christ.
The just are here defined as those that believe God and act accordingly. Only by continual faith in our Lord can the just live a holy, set apart, useful life.
Verse 18.
Now Paul moves to the main subject of his letter. He is to show the absolute universal corruption of all mankind – therefore the absolute necessity of the Gospel of Christ. Man's sins shouted for God's justice and punishment of the world. The rest of this chapter describes this. All the heathen nations were utterly corrupt. The Jews, in spite of their privileges, were no better. Both of them were equally entitled to be offered God's salvation. God is the creator of all men, as well as the whole world.
God's wrath indicates that His righteousness is greatly displeased. This is expressed by His punishments upon the godless, and the profligate – whose lives are sinful in every way. This would included atheism, polytheism, idolatry of every kind. Also, everything contrary to all morals – things that are cruel and lawless.
To hold the truth in unrighteousness means to maliciously hinder the truth within their hearts and minds, not allowing it to guide their conduct. In this way, they also hinder the truth from being spread in general.
Verses 19,20.
In these two verses, Paul makes a profound observation about how God revealed Himself through the beauty, order, and purposeful operations in the manifest visible universe. In other words, although the Gentiles had no written revelation from God, what may be observed in the visible universe, everywhere, gives witness of Him. Everything – since the creation of the world, if attentively observed – reveal His eternal power and providence. This cancels their excuse of ignorance and their idolatry and wickedness.
God's invisible perfections are openly shown in His visible works – the vastness and variety and complexity, also all the beneficial provisions and adaptations for all life. His eternal power of creation and sustaining His creation show His Godhead –