Summary
Romans 1:1–7 – Greeting and gospel summary
What happens: Paul introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He says the gospel is promised in the Scriptures and centers on God’s Son. Jesus is David’s descendant according to the flesh and declared Son of God in power by the resurrection. Paul receives grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations. He greets the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints.
What it means: The gospel is God’s long-planned work, not a new idea. Jesus is fully human and fully divine, and his resurrection proves his lordship. God calls people into grace and then into obedient faith, showing both mercy and authority. The church is marked by God’s love and holy calling, highlighting covenant faithfulness and a purpose for mission.
Romans 1:8–15 – Paul’s thanksgiving and desire to visit
What happens: Paul thanks God for the Roman believers whose faith is known worldwide. He prays for them and longs to visit to strengthen them and be encouraged together. He feels a duty to preach to Greeks and non-Greeks, wise and foolish. He is eager to preach the gospel in Rome.
What it means: Christian fellowship builds mutual faith and courage. The gospel is a trust we owe to all kinds of people, showing God’s impartial love. Desire to serve and be strengthened together reflects the unity of the body and God’s mission to the nations.
Romans 1:16–17 – The theme of the letter
What happens: Paul declares he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew and also to the Greek. In it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as Scripture says, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
What it means: Salvation is God’s work, received by faith, not by human effort. God’s righteousness means his saving faithfulness and the status he gives to believers. Faith is the way in, the way on, and the way through, revealing grace as the heart of the covenant.
Romans 1:18–23 – God’s wrath against suppressing the truth
What happens: God’s wrath is revealed against ungodliness because people suppress the truth. God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen in creation, so people are without excuse. Though they know God, they do not honor or thank him. Their thinking becomes futile, and they exchange God’s glory for images.
What it means: Creation gives enough light to demand worship and gratitude. Sin is not only breaking rules; it is refusing to honor God. God is just to judge, and idolatry corrupts the mind and heart. This shows God’s holiness and human responsibility.
Romans 1:24–32 – God gives them over
What happens: Because people exchange the truth for a lie, God gives them over to impurity, dishonorable passions, and a debased mind. Paul lists sins that spread through society, including sexual sins, envy, murder, strife, deceit, and disobedience to parents. People know God’s decree yet approve what is evil.
What it means: Judgment sometimes takes the form of God letting people run toward what they choose. Sin deforms desires, relationships, and communities. God’s law is written enough on the heart that guilt is real. This reveals God’s justice and the depth of human fallenness, preparing the need for grace.
Application
- Honor God as creator today with specific thanks for his gifts.
- Reject idols of success, pleasure, or approval and worship God alone.
- Share the gospel with courage, trusting God’s power to save.
- Ask God to renew your mind where sin has twisted desires.
