The Gospel in Romans part 2

Here is the second study on Romans chapter one:

Romans 1:8-17

Text

Romans 1:8-17 ESV:

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Study Notes

Verse 8

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. Notice what comes first—thanksgiving! Who does Paul thank? Who does he thank him through? Who does he thank him for? Why does he thank him for them? All thanksgiving goes to God through Jesus Christ (see also Rom. 7:25, 16:27). It is only through Christ that there is peace with God and reconciliation (Rom. 5:1,11). And, no one can come to God in any other way than through Jesus Christ (John 14:6, 1 Tim. 2:5). Notice Paul did not thank the Romans because their faith was being proclaimed, but he thanked God, because it was God who was working in them through Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6, 2:13; 1 Thes 2:13).

Verses 9-10

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. Paul earnestly desired to see the Romans. He had not yet been to Rome to preach the gospel. Notice how Paul served God, “with my spirit in the gospel [good news] of his Son”. This shows his whole-hearted devotion to the Lord. Also, notice how earnestly he prayed for these saints, “without ceasing I mention you always”. What was Paul’s request? How did he hope to succeed in coming to the saints at Rome?

Verses 11-12

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Remember, Paul’s commission from God was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, including those at Rome (v5-6). Therefore, he longed to see them. This also shows his loving affection for all the saints (see 1 John 3:14,18). What was Paul’s gift intended to do? How are believers able to be mutually encouraged?

Verse 13

I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. What were Paul’s intentions to do? What happened? Why was he prevented? (For further study, see also Acts 16:6-10).

Verses 14-15

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. The word obligation means to be in debt or to owe something. Who did Paul say he owes this obligation to? Note: Greeks were considered to be sophisticated and wise, while barbarians were considered as non-Greeks and foolish. What did Paul say he is eager to do? Notice how the gospel is something to be preached. It is to be proclaimed and told to people. Since Paul was commissioned with this task, he was therefore eager to do it. The same gospel is to be preached to every type of person with every type of social status, including the believers at Rome. This is how Paul serves God with his spirit (v9). Are you somebody smart, wealthy, healthy or wise? Are you unlearned, broke, disadvantaged or underprivileged? Whoever you are and whatever you are like, this gospel is relevant for you!

Verse 16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Why did Paul say he is not ashamed of the gospel? To whom is the gospel the power of God for salvation? Should anyone be ashamed of good news? How about the best news in the world? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24, “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Notice to whom Christ is the power and wisdom of God—to those who are called. And they are both Jews and Greeks (or non-Jews). This includes people of every ethnic race and status. Is Christ crucified and risen good news to you? Do you trust in what Christ Jesus has done as God’s power to save you?

Verse 17

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” What is the righteousness of God? How is the righteousness of God revealed? First of all, we know that God is righteous, as it is written, “The LORD is righteous.” (2 Chronicles 12:6); and “God is a righteous judge,…” (Psalm 7:11); and also, “The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge.” (Psalm 50:6). So we know that the righteousness of God is revealed (or made known) in the gospel. God’s righteousness is displayed in saving people who believe the good news, or gospel of His Son (v9). It is “revealed from faith for faith.” We will better understand this concept in the last part of chapter three, but now, we know that the Old Testament Scriptures declare, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (see Habakkuk 2:4). Galatians 3:11 says, “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” So we know that being justified, or declared righteous, does not come by obedience to the law, but by faith. This faith is belief in the promises of God, “Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” (Galatians 3:21,22). Are you living by faith (trust) in Christ Jesus, or are you trying to live by law? What is the only way the righteous shall live according to all these verses?