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Bible #45
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Take extended notes alongside passages of Scripture, with lined blank pages interspersed throughout complete books of the Bible. “An excellent set for notes, thoughts, prayers, and even just reading.” ―Randy A. Brown, Bible Buying Guide ESV Scripture Journals pair the entirety of individual books of the Bible with lightly lined blank pages opposite each page of Bible text, allowing readers to take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture. These thin, portable notebooks are great for personal Bible reading and reflection, small-group study, or taking notes through a sermon series.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 58
About the author
Paul the Apostle
609 books50 followersPaul commonly known as Paul the Apostle and Saint Paul, was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world Generally regarded as one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age, he founded several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe from the mid-40s to the mid-50s AD.
The main source of information on Paul's life and works is the Acts of the Apostles book in the New Testament, with approximately half of its content documenting them. According to the Acts, Paul lived as a Pharisee and participated in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, possibly Hellenised diaspora Jews converted to Christianity, in the area of Jerusalem, prior to his conversion. Some time after having approved of the execution of Stephen, Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus so that he might find any Christians there and bring them "bound to Jerusalem". At midday, a light brighter than the sun shone around both him and those with him, causing all to fall to the ground, with the risen Christ verbally addressing Paul regarding his persecution. Having been made blind, along with being commanded to enter the city, his sight was restored three days later by Ananias of Damascus. After these events, Paul was baptized, beginning immediately to proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish messiah and the Son of God. He made three missionary journeys to spread the Christian message to non-Jews communities in Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia, Cyprus, Judea and Syria, as narrated in the Acts.
Fourteen of the 27 books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul. Seven of the Pauline epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder. Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews is not asserted in the Epistle itself and was already doubted in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. It was almost unquestioningly accepted from the 5th to the 16th centuries that Paul was the author of Hebrews, but that view is now almost universally rejected by scholars. The other six are believed by some scholars to have come from followers writing in his name, using material from Paul's surviving letters and letters written by him that no longer survive. Other scholars argue that the idea of a pseudonymous author for the disputed epistles raises many problems.
Today, Paul's epistles continue to be vital roots of the theology, worship and pastoral life in the Latin and Protestant traditions of the West, as well as the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox traditions of the East. Paul's influence on Christian thought and practice has been characterized as being as "profound as it is pervasive", among that of many other apostles and missionaries involved in the spread of the Christian faith.
The main source of information on Paul's life and works is the Acts of the Apostles book in the New Testament, with approximately half of its content documenting them. According to the Acts, Paul lived as a Pharisee and participated in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, possibly Hellenised diaspora Jews converted to Christianity, in the area of Jerusalem, prior to his conversion. Some time after having approved of the execution of Stephen, Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus so that he might find any Christians there and bring them "bound to Jerusalem". At midday, a light brighter than the sun shone around both him and those with him, causing all to fall to the ground, with the risen Christ verbally addressing Paul regarding his persecution. Having been made blind, along with being commanded to enter the city, his sight was restored three days later by Ananias of Damascus. After these events, Paul was baptized, beginning immediately to proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish messiah and the Son of God. He made three missionary journeys to spread the Christian message to non-Jews communities in Asia Minor, Greece, Macedonia, Cyprus, Judea and Syria, as narrated in the Acts.
Fourteen of the 27 books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul. Seven of the Pauline epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder. Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews is not asserted in the Epistle itself and was already doubted in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. It was almost unquestioningly accepted from the 5th to the 16th centuries that Paul was the author of Hebrews, but that view is now almost universally rejected by scholars. The other six are believed by some scholars to have come from followers writing in his name, using material from Paul's surviving letters and letters written by him that no longer survive. Other scholars argue that the idea of a pseudonymous author for the disputed epistles raises many problems.
Today, Paul's epistles continue to be vital roots of the theology, worship and pastoral life in the Latin and Protestant traditions of the West, as well as the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox traditions of the East. Paul's influence on Christian thought and practice has been characterized as being as "profound as it is pervasive", among that of many other apostles and missionaries involved in the spread of the Christian faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
June 11, 2024
”For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ 🙌🏽💞
Romans 8:38-39 NKJV
Romans 8:38-39 NKJV
December 29, 2022
I highly recommend this book to all. I shall give a full review at a later date.
July 13, 2020
I love the book f Romans so much. There is so much in here! Packed with such goodness. Ah, the Word of God is alive, and powerful, and active!
***
June 2018 read-through
Awesome. The word of God is awesome! I seriously love Romans. Lots of amazing things about grace and love and sanctification in here.
***
I really loved reading through Romans this time around. I can't remember the last time I read it, but it truly meant more to me this time I think. So much wisdom! It was encouraging, heart-touching, convicting, and thought-provoking. I can't claim to understand all of Romans ... some parts had me rather confused. But overall, its incredible. Lots packed into this sixteen-chapter book. Must-read for all Believers! :)
Re-read again ... I love Romans! So much good stuff! I'm awed, convicted, renewed, and refreshed once again by the Word of the Lord!
***
June 2018 read-through
Awesome. The word of God is awesome! I seriously love Romans. Lots of amazing things about grace and love and sanctification in here.
***
I really loved reading through Romans this time around. I can't remember the last time I read it, but it truly meant more to me this time I think. So much wisdom! It was encouraging, heart-touching, convicting, and thought-provoking. I can't claim to understand all of Romans ... some parts had me rather confused. But overall, its incredible. Lots packed into this sixteen-chapter book. Must-read for all Believers! :)
Re-read again ... I love Romans! So much good stuff! I'm awed, convicted, renewed, and refreshed once again by the Word of the Lord!
August 2, 2024
The Apostle Paul had a great way with words, and Romans is a shining example of his writings. Every Christian should read or listen to this first epistle at least once a year.
September 17, 2020
Sidenote: The reason for such vague and short and "eh" words on each of these books, is because I wasn't challenging the study of the Bible when I read these. I was challenging myself to read the whole Bible in a year because I knew it would be discipline to keep at it daily. I do, however, plan to pick up a book and study what it is saying. Those will be longer reads and more notes.
So here is my review from my "Read the Bible in a Year" challenge. Usually just snippets of thoughts and random things I liked about the book itself. Nothing in-depth.
So here is my review of Romans!
This is one of the most encouraging and uplifting books of the Bible in my opinion. I feel as if Paul was writing it to me directly some of the time because the pieces given fall straight into my life perfectly. If you ever feel down or unloved or just defeated, you should read this book of the Bible.
So here is my review from my "Read the Bible in a Year" challenge. Usually just snippets of thoughts and random things I liked about the book itself. Nothing in-depth.
So here is my review of Romans!
This is one of the most encouraging and uplifting books of the Bible in my opinion. I feel as if Paul was writing it to me directly some of the time because the pieces given fall straight into my life perfectly. If you ever feel down or unloved or just defeated, you should read this book of the Bible.
January 31, 2018
Every time I read this book it's like I'm visiting an old friend. Paul had such a fiery spirit about him, and the way he shared the Gospel with others inspires me. Oh, to be so gutsy and brave for my Savior! This is a book I like to read a couple of times a year. It never gets old.
What stood out to me this time (January 2018) were all the mentions of God's free gift of grace. Could be because "grace" is my One Word this year. It's in there a lot, and I really liked that. It made me smile many times, often accompanied by a prayer of thanksgiving. God loves us an enormous amount, y'all. Romans documented that (along with all the other books of the Bible, of course).
I was not compensated for my honest review.
What stood out to me this time (January 2018) were all the mentions of God's free gift of grace. Could be because "grace" is my One Word this year. It's in there a lot, and I really liked that. It made me smile many times, often accompanied by a prayer of thanksgiving. God loves us an enormous amount, y'all. Romans documented that (along with all the other books of the Bible, of course).
I was not compensated for my honest review.
January 28, 2023
This book is one of my favourites. The first few chapters are all about salvation, and the immense LOVE God has for all people, as well as the immense need they have for him. The rest of the book is a clearcut guide to living daily life—serve God, love one another, follow the commandments of Christ, and be without reproach. A book each Christian should reread very often.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
“Let love be without dissimulation.”
“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
“Be of the same mind one toward another.”
“Be not wise in your own conceits.”
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
“Let love be without dissimulation.”
“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
“Be of the same mind one toward another.”
“Be not wise in your own conceits.”
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
September 19, 2017
"But we know this: that God works out all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."
May 22, 2024
one of my favourites! romans has reminded me of the boundless grace and unfailing love Jesus shows in his life on earth and his sacrifice for us. i'm once again in awe of the undeserving salvation and peace he freely offers.
"but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
- chapter 5 verse 8
as always, paul's letters are more relevant than ever, giving us instructions on how to act as christians today, clothed in love, selflessness and compassion.
"bless those who persecute you: bless and do not curse. rejoice with those who rejoice: mourn with those who mourn. live in harmony with one another... live at peace with everyone... do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - chapter 12 verses 14-21
i will always return and reread this because its so unbelievably PACKED with guidance and insight. i'll never stop learning from it. paul never misses fr.
"but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
- chapter 5 verse 8
as always, paul's letters are more relevant than ever, giving us instructions on how to act as christians today, clothed in love, selflessness and compassion.
"bless those who persecute you: bless and do not curse. rejoice with those who rejoice: mourn with those who mourn. live in harmony with one another... live at peace with everyone... do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - chapter 12 verses 14-21
i will always return and reread this because its so unbelievably PACKED with guidance and insight. i'll never stop learning from it. paul never misses fr.
March 13, 2024
I love the story of how Paul came to follow Christ.
Read
February 15, 2023This was by far the hardest book of the Bible I've read so far this year. I found it almost impossible to engage with a book that is simultaneously difficult and as familiar as the back of my hand. The theological arguments had my head spinning, and yet I could almost recite them from memory...a strange combination, and one that leaves me confessing, sadly, that little original thought was sparked. It was a struggle to get through the book, especially the first two thirds.
The final chapters with practical advice were a welcome relief from the difficult abstractions, and probably my favorite parts were the personal bits at beginning and end, when Paul speaks of his longing and plans to visit his brethren in Rome. I loved the warmth with which he writes, and also his list of people to send greetings to in the penultimate chapter. The enumeration of names with Paul's cryptic descriptions and messages invites one to imagine who these people were and what their lives were like; it paints a vivid, beautiful picture of the nascent church. I also think Paul's benediction at the very end is one of the best benedictions in the Bible.
I'm planning to delve deeper into Romans when I cycle through the New Testament again. Hopefully at that point I will be able to grapple more honestly with the meat of the letter.
The final chapters with practical advice were a welcome relief from the difficult abstractions, and probably my favorite parts were the personal bits at beginning and end, when Paul speaks of his longing and plans to visit his brethren in Rome. I loved the warmth with which he writes, and also his list of people to send greetings to in the penultimate chapter. The enumeration of names with Paul's cryptic descriptions and messages invites one to imagine who these people were and what their lives were like; it paints a vivid, beautiful picture of the nascent church. I also think Paul's benediction at the very end is one of the best benedictions in the Bible.
I'm planning to delve deeper into Romans when I cycle through the New Testament again. Hopefully at that point I will be able to grapple more honestly with the meat of the letter.
December 11, 2020
This is the first time I've picked up my Bible in about two and a half years. I WILL reach the end!!!
I really enjoyed Romans. Definitely one of my favourite books of the Bible. Felt quite positive, deep, thought provoking, and hopeful.
MY BIBLE CHALLENGE:
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
I really enjoyed Romans. Definitely one of my favourite books of the Bible. Felt quite positive, deep, thought provoking, and hopeful.
MY BIBLE CHALLENGE:
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
January 25, 2018
The book of Romans is the sixth book of the New Testament of the Bible. It is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome.
The letter is full of teaching and reminders, from how salvation can only be attained through Jesus but does not give us any excuse to continue sinning, to doing a person good even after they have done you evil. It also speaks of submitting to authorities, and of not putting a stumbling block in your brother's path, among other important topics.
A few verses I have highlighted in my Bible from Romans are:
Romans 3:20, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 15:13, Romans 12:9-12
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
The letter is full of teaching and reminders, from how salvation can only be attained through Jesus but does not give us any excuse to continue sinning, to doing a person good even after they have done you evil. It also speaks of submitting to authorities, and of not putting a stumbling block in your brother's path, among other important topics.
A few verses I have highlighted in my Bible from Romans are:
Romans 3:20, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 15:13, Romans 12:9-12
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
February 14, 2020
Romans is widely regarded as Paul's most carefully considered and theologically important writing. They contained his mature reflections on the Christian faith and were composed near the end of his ministry. These letters had tremendous impact on subsequent Christian history particularly in the area of justification by faith. John Wesley believed that Romans was written to show that neither Jews nor Gentiles could obtain justification before God but rather that both had to seek it from the free mercy of God by faith.
February 17, 2023
The most doctrinal book of the Bible, at least on the matter of soteriology [salvation]. The human author is the apostle Paul and the subject matter is Christ centered, God honoring, Spirit inspired. It is part of the inerrant, inspired, Inscripturated Word of God. It has been used in days gone by in law schools to show how to build a logical, consistent case.
The plan of salvation is so clear that a series of verses has been dubbed "the Romans road." [3:23, 5:12, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13] other verses or less verses can be used as situation demands.
Is some of it hard to understand? The Bible is God-given, to expect man to understand in a reading all God has said beggars the mind. Can someone understand enough to settle their eternal destiny? Without a doubt.
The plan of salvation is so clear that a series of verses has been dubbed "the Romans road." [3:23, 5:12, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13] other verses or less verses can be used as situation demands.
Is some of it hard to understand? The Bible is God-given, to expect man to understand in a reading all God has said beggars the mind. Can someone understand enough to settle their eternal destiny? Without a doubt.
Read
April 16, 2024After going back and forth with myself, I've decided NOT to give star ratings to the Books of the Bible because they defy a ratings system.
I've read Romans several times, but this time I paid more attention to it and have to say that it's hands down my favorite book of the New Testament after Matthew.
Paul's letters to the Church were eye-opening and I found myself drawn towards looking up different verses in different translations to better understand them.
I've read Romans several times, but this time I paid more attention to it and have to say that it's hands down my favorite book of the New Testament after Matthew.
Paul's letters to the Church were eye-opening and I found myself drawn towards looking up different verses in different translations to better understand them.
January 7, 2021
1/7/2021: Just finished Romans in the TPT translation. What sticks in my mind is not so much the wording of this particular translation (which I've enjoyed) but the footnotes. Near the end of Romans, Paul starts giving specific shout-outs to all his friends in Rome. He does this in his other letters to a point, but not to the same extent. Where the TPT footnotes come in is that they offer information on who these people actually were -- in some cases, it's educated guessing or church tradition, but in other cases the evidence seems a bit more certain.
The TPT hints that many of these individuals were among the "70" disciples that Jesus sent out on a ministry tour of sorts before his crucifixion. Some of them are said to have become bishops of the church later on, and many were martyred for their faith.
And then of course there's "Phoebe," the person who (according to 16:27) carried the letter by hand to Rome. There is some hint that she may have been a wealthy woman, a "patroness" of the church, if you will. Fascinating food for thought, on several levels.
5/4/20: Outside of the Gospels, Romans might be THE key book in the New Testament, theologically. If you've ever heard the phrase "The Roman Road," you probably have some idea why.
Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 are two of the most important verses, but truthfully . . .
. . . some of the most haunting words, for me, are found in the FIRST chapter. Like so:
"For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse."
~Romans 1:20
Notice the argument at stake here isn't even about who Christ is per se; it's the existence of God. The argument is that EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE has some sense of God, whether they choose to acknowledge that or not.
Ridiculous? You decide. But the answer should never be taken lightly.
The TPT hints that many of these individuals were among the "70" disciples that Jesus sent out on a ministry tour of sorts before his crucifixion. Some of them are said to have become bishops of the church later on, and many were martyred for their faith.
And then of course there's "Phoebe," the person who (according to 16:27) carried the letter by hand to Rome. There is some hint that she may have been a wealthy woman, a "patroness" of the church, if you will. Fascinating food for thought, on several levels.
5/4/20: Outside of the Gospels, Romans might be THE key book in the New Testament, theologically. If you've ever heard the phrase "The Roman Road," you probably have some idea why.
Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 are two of the most important verses, but truthfully . . .
. . . some of the most haunting words, for me, are found in the FIRST chapter. Like so:
"For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse."
~Romans 1:20
Notice the argument at stake here isn't even about who Christ is per se; it's the existence of God. The argument is that EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE has some sense of God, whether they choose to acknowledge that or not.
Ridiculous? You decide. But the answer should never be taken lightly.
July 2, 2013
The King James Version does Paul no favors.
Compare KJV:
"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."
with the Common English Bible version:
"We know that the Law is spiritual, but I’m made of flesh and blood, and I’m sold as a slave to sin. I don’t know what I’m doing, because I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do the thing that I hate. But if I’m doing the thing that I don’t want to do, I’m agreeing that the Law is right. But now I’m not the one doing it anymore. Instead, it’s sin that lives in me. I know that good doesn’t live in me—that is, in my body. The desire to do good is inside of me, but I can’t do it. I don’t do the good that I want to do, but I do the evil that I don’t want to do. But if I do the very thing that I don’t want to do, then I’m not the one doing it anymore. Instead, it is sin that lives in me that is doing it."
One is nearly incomprehensible; the other is an elegant summary of the human condition.
Compare KJV:
"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me."
with the Common English Bible version:
"We know that the Law is spiritual, but I’m made of flesh and blood, and I’m sold as a slave to sin. I don’t know what I’m doing, because I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do the thing that I hate. But if I’m doing the thing that I don’t want to do, I’m agreeing that the Law is right. But now I’m not the one doing it anymore. Instead, it’s sin that lives in me. I know that good doesn’t live in me—that is, in my body. The desire to do good is inside of me, but I can’t do it. I don’t do the good that I want to do, but I do the evil that I don’t want to do. But if I do the very thing that I don’t want to do, then I’m not the one doing it anymore. Instead, it is sin that lives in me that is doing it."
One is nearly incomprehensible; the other is an elegant summary of the human condition.
March 27, 2019
Paul proclaimed himself the 13th apostle of the fringe-religion Christianity and invented a new ad-hoc Jesus who pretty much pissed on the Jewish law. Paul might have deluded himself into believing something else - but the motivation between his arguments always seem to be to justify Paul's desires, never to reach truth.
Paul often says self deprecating things about himself like "I am a poor speaker" or "I am Gods slave" but when you look at his arguments there exists zero intellectual modesty. How many qualifiers can you find in Romans? When Paul damns lesbians, circumcision, or casual sex does he say "of course I might be mistaken" nope - he just damns anyone he feels like damning and ignores or misrepresents his dissenters. (See Galatians and Corinthians about Peter and the Christians in Jerusalem)
Paul is witty when he does not try to make his points via the old testament, and I get the sense that he was a real manipulator in how he praises the readers.
Paul often says self deprecating things about himself like "I am a poor speaker" or "I am Gods slave" but when you look at his arguments there exists zero intellectual modesty. How many qualifiers can you find in Romans? When Paul damns lesbians, circumcision, or casual sex does he say "of course I might be mistaken" nope - he just damns anyone he feels like damning and ignores or misrepresents his dissenters. (See Galatians and Corinthians about Peter and the Christians in Jerusalem)
Paul is witty when he does not try to make his points via the old testament, and I get the sense that he was a real manipulator in how he praises the readers.
December 14, 2018
Romans is densely packed with teaching, exhortation, theology, and inspiration. It's best studied a chapter at a time, a sentence at a time. Not surprisingly, not everyone agrees about the theological interpretations, but all Christians agree about its inspirational passages and its clear directions for eternal life and salvation in Jesus Christ.
It's a must read book for anyone studying Christian history, the life of the apostle Paul, or Christianity. Don't miss it!
It's a must read book for anyone studying Christian history, the life of the apostle Paul, or Christianity. Don't miss it!
October 11, 2019
What a profoundly beautiful reflection of Christ's love this is. Despite hearing excerpts from Paul to the Romans countless times in mass, I never realised how complex and inspiring his writings were till I read this letter in its entirety. Possibly the first truly Christian theological work, since the gospel of John was apparently written afterwards. A masterful work of God-given wisdom is Paul's letters to the early Christians in Rome.
May 5, 2018
Excellent! This was an amazing year of studying the Book of Romans. Reading Romans is one thing--studying it and digging deep is another. I feel so blessed to be a part of BSF. You should look into BSF--awesome Bible study all over the world!
July 16, 2018
The reading of God's Word is so remarkable that there is nothing that I can say to make it any better. Please, if you are a lost soul, turn to God! He can heal you and give you the greatest peace that you will ever know!
March 5, 2019
🔥Grab a pen and get ready to take lots of notes. This isn’t just a book to read. It’s a book to study and absorb.
April 5, 2020
Read the ESV :)
April 1, 2021
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" --Romans 11:33
November 23, 2023
Probably the most doctrinal book in the entire Bible!
May 27, 2022
Yesterday’s car listen on the way to Mimi’s :)
August 4, 2023
Just amazing
December 26, 2021
Romans talks about how the righteousness of God is available to everyone who comes to Christ through faith. In other words, justification by faith, as we all have heard the phrase "the just shall live by faith." It is the clearest presentation of Christian doctrine in the Scriptures and is a great place to read for both new and mature believers.
Reading this book convicted me about several things I need to set straight in my life, and I'm so glad God used this book to speak to me. He really does speak to us through His Living Word!
Reading this book convicted me about several things I need to set straight in my life, and I'm so glad God used this book to speak to me. He really does speak to us through His Living Word!
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