Romans 1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1

In this chapter we may observe, I. The preface and introduction to the whole epistle, to Acts 1:1-16. II. A description of the deplorable condition of the Gentile world, which begins the proof of the doctrine of justification by faith, here laid down at Acts 1:17. The first is according to the then usual formality of a letter, but intermixed with very excellent and savoury expressions. read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1

IF we may compare scripture with scripture, and take the opinion of some devout and pious persons, in the Old Testament David's Psalms, and in the New Testament Paul's Epistles, are stars of the first magnitude, that differ from the other stars in glory. The whole scripture is indeed an epistle from heaven to earth: but in it we have upon record several particular epistles, more of Paul's than of any other, for he was the chief of the apostles, and laboured more abundantly than they all.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1:1-7

In this paragraph we have, I. The person who writes the epistle described (Rom. 1:1): Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ; this is his title of honour, which he glories in, not as the Jewish teachers, Rabbi, Rabbi; but a servant, a more immediate attendant, a steward in the house. Called to be an apostle. Some think he alludes to his old name Saul, which signifies one called for, or enquired after: Christ sought him to make an apostle of him, Acts 9:15. He here builds his authority upon his call;... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1:8-15

We may here observe, I. His thanksgivings for them (Rom. 1:8): First, I thank my God. It is good to begin every thing with blessing God, to make that the alpha and omega of every song, in every thing to give thanks.?My God. He speaks this with delight and triumph. In all our thanksgivings, it is good for us to eye God as our God; this makes every mercy sweet, when we can say of God, ?He is mine in covenant.??Through Jesus Christ. All our duties and performances are pleasing to God only through... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1:16-18

Paul here enters upon a large discourse of justification, in the latter part of this chapter laying down his thesis, and, in order to the proof of it, describing the deplorable condition of the Gentile world. His transition is very handsome, and like an orator: he was ready to preach the gospel at Rome, though a place where the gospel was run down by those that called themselves the wits; for, saith he, I am not ashamed of it, Rom. 1:16. There is a great deal in the gospel which such a man as... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1:19-32

In this last part of the chapter the apostle applies what he had said particularly to the Gentile world, in which we may observe, I. The means and helps they had to come to the knowledge of God. Though they had not such a knowledge of his law as Jacob and Israel had (Ps. 147:20), yet among them he left not himself without witness (Acts 14:17): For that which may be known, etc., Rom. 1:19, 20. Observe, 1. What discoveries they had: That which may be known of God is manifest, en autois?among... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 1:1-7

1:1-7 This is a letter from Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart to serve the good news of God. This good news God promised long ago, through his prophets, in the sacred writings. It is good news about his Son, who in his manhood was born of David's lineage, who, as a result of his Resurrection from the dead, has been proved by the Holy Spirit to be the mighty Son of God. It is of Jesus Christ, our Lord, of whom I am speaking, through whom we have received grace,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 1:8-15

1:8-15 To begin with, I thank my God for you all through Jesus Christ. I thank him that the story of your faith is told throughout the whole world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in the work of spreading the good news of his Son, is my witness that I continually talk to him about you. In my prayers I am always asking that somehow, soon, at last, I may by God's will succeed in finding a way to come to you. For I yearn to see you, that I may give you a share of some gift which the Spirit gives,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 1:16-17

1:16-17 I am proud of the good news, for it is the power of God which produces salvation for every one who believes, to the Jew first and to the Greek. The way to a right relationship with God is revealed in it when man's faith responds to God's fidelity, just as it stands written, "It is the man who is in a right relationship with God as a result of his faith who will live." When we come to these two verses, the preliminaries are over and the trumpet call of Paul's gospel sounds out. Many... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 1:18-23

1:18-23 For the wrath of God is being revealed from Heaven, directed against all impiousness and wickedness of men, who, in their wickedness, wilfully suppress the truth that is struggling in their hearts, for, that which can be known about God is clear within them, for God has made it clear to them, because, from the creation of the world, it has always been possible to understand the invisible things by the created things--I mean his invisible power and divinity--and things have been so... read more

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