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Break Line
Romans 1:6-17

Romans 1:6

"Among whom are ye also the called [kletos] of Jesus Christ:"

     Note that the verse states: "Among whom are ye also the called". The Greek, as we noted in the last section, for "Called" is "KLETOS", meaning "invited, appointed ones". The word carries with it the connotation of election. Let me state right now that I'm not a Calvinist. I fully believe in the freewill of man, as the scripture plainly teaches. Yet even so I must believe also in the Election of God. The Scripture equally teaches this doctrine (as you'll see as we study through Romans).

Textual Application

  1. If we are "kletos", we are participants, needed participants, in God's Plan.

    I Timothy 1:12-14 "[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; [13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. [14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

  2. If we are participants in God's Plan, then we are empowered to fill a place.

    Illustration: The Secret of Power

         The story is told of the explorer who some years ago had just returned to his country from the Amazon. The people at home were eager to learn all about the vast and mighty river and the country surrounding it. How he wondered, could he ever describe it to them - how could he ever put into words the feelings that flooded into his heart when he saw the exotic flowers and heard the night sounds of the jungle. How could he communicate to them the smells that filled the air and the sense of danger and excitement that would come whenever he and his fellows explorers encountered strange animals or paddled through treacherous rapids?

         So the explorer did what all good explorers do - he said to the people, "go and find out for yourselves what it is like", and to help them he drew a map of the river pointing out the various features of its course and describing some of the dangers and some of the routes that could be used to avoid those dangers.

         The people took the map and they framed and hung on the wall of the local science museum so that everyone could look at it. Some made copies of it. After a period of time many of those who made copies for themselves considered themselves experts on the river - and indeed they knew its every turn and bend, they knew how broad it was and how deep, where the rapids were and also the falls. They knew the river and they instructed others in what it was like whenever those people indicated an interest in it.

     I think that many people today are in the same situation. We know the scriptures but we do not understand them. And we do not understand them because we have not been there. We must not simply look at the scriptures and their meaning, we must go there.

     Though these doctrines seem dichotomous or contradictory to us, being in the flesh and in the natural mind, we must remember the admonition:

Just Because I Don't Understand It
Doesn't Mean It's Untrue!

I Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

     A proper understanding of Election in relationship to the freewill of man is best seen through our relationship with Jesus Christ. When a believer accepts Jesus Christ as Savior he shares all the things that Christ has: His righteousness, His unity with God, and His election. ( See our three part Study on the "Doctrine of Election" for more )

II Timothy 2:10 "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."

Textual Application

  1. If Paul endured all things for the "elect's sake" who were not yet saved, what does this mean to me?

  2. If I do not witness, could I be bypassing a great Evangelist or person of God?

     The Apostle Paul understand that all men, even those not yet saved, were "potentially elect" because of what Christ did for them. It was this understanding that drove Paul to witness and evangelize previously heathen territories, even at the threat of life and limb.

     The Calvinist believes that God "foreordained" certain people to accept the Gospel of Christ unto salvation. Such a teaching is contrary to sound Biblical teaching, as we are clearly taught that Christ died for the sins of the whole world (John 3:16). Paul instead understood that a person became elect "after salvation", for then that person shared in the election of Christ.

Isaiah 42:1 "Behold my servant, whom uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."

I Peter 2:4-6 "[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."

     Christ was elected, or chosen, by God the Father to fulfill His part in the Plan of Salvation. It was He, the Messiah, who was elected.

Ephesians 1:4 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:"

I Peter 1:2 "Elect according to the foreknowledge [prognosis] of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."

     Election for the believer isn't necessarily an issue of God specifically choosing him or her to salvation. "Our election comes because of our spiritual union with Christ." The Greek word for "foreknowledge" is "PROGNOSIS" which means "knowledge beforehand, predetermined purpose based on complete knowledge of the facts". Peter alone used this Greek word in the New Testament. Once we accept Christ as Savior the Spirit's work of sanctification transfers us into Union with our Savior so that we share His destiny, His election.

I Corinthians 1:2-9 "[2] Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: [3] Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; [5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; [6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: [7] So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: [8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

I Corinthians 1:30 "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"

Romans 8:28-32 "[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. [30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. [31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"

     The keywords "in Christ" emphasize that what we have, even our election, is related to our position in the Son of God. What we have we have from Christ, not from ourselves. Once you understand that you are elected "because you are in Christ", not because you were specifically elected in eternity past, then the Doctrine of election stands without conflict with the Doctrine of human freewill.


Romans 1:7

"To all that be in Rome, beloved [agapetos] of God, called to be (not mss) saints [hagios]: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

     First note that (not mss) basically means that "to be" was not in the original Greek manuscripts. To me, knowing that it's not in the originals makes the statement even more personal. That is, Paul isn't addressing those "called to be saints" but is addressing "called saints". The Greek word used here for "saints" is "HAGIOS", which is "set apart for God, sanctified ones, saints." God uses this word to describe the Christian's unique relationship to Him. The term "Christian" was actually coined by people in Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:26) to distinguish us from the worshippers of Caesar. The term "Christian" basically means "little Christ".

Degrees of Love

     Paul recognized the Roman Christians as the "beloved of God, called to be saints". The Greek for "beloved" is "AGAPETOS", which is derived from the Greek "agape", meaning "Love". Here it means "Loved Ones". There are four Greek words used to express love found in the New Testament. These are "EROS, STAUROS, PHILEOS," and "AGAPETOS".

  • EROS - The love between man and wife is usually designated as "eros". From the Greek word "eros" we get our English word "erotic". "Eros" is used for sensual or sexual love, which if used in the right context it contains nothing sinful. The sensual love between man and wife, "eros", is a part of a good Christian marriage, but by no means the only type of love that should be present for a healthy relationship.

  • STAUROS - Which is a love shared between family members. You could be said to have "stauros" toward your mother or father, though not necessarily toward a cousin or an uncle. Man and wife should also have a "stauros" Love toward one another.

  • PHILEOS - A love expressed between friends. In a sense "phileos" is a selfish type of love. It is expressed when two people see something that they like or can relate to in each other. In other words, I will not "phileos" you unless something in your nature or character appeals to my nature or character.

  • AGAPAO - The scriptural ideal for love. When we think of Love, we always attach a connotation of that emotion, such as a "Warm, Loving Feeling" toward another person. "Agapao", in direct contrast to the English word we call ""love"", has no connotation of emotion attached to it. The other three Greek Words for love, "eros, phileos," and "stauros", all have emotional connotations. I do not mean to imply that "agapao" cannot be accompanied by emotion, though it is plain Scripturally that "agapao" can function equally well with or without emotion. "Agapao" can be defined as "Seeking to do the highest good for the other party, with total disregard for self, that is a - I'm willing to die for you love"! God's Love for man and to man is always expressed as "agapao", and never as "phileos, eros," or "stauros".

    "AGAPAO"
    is God's ideal for love!

Textual Application AGAPE/AGAPAO

  1. Does "agape" need "good" or "happy" emotion to be exercised?

  2. Can "agape" be harsh, at times, or must it always be sweetness and light?

Matthew 5:43-44 "[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"

     How many times have you read this verse only to feel that the Lord has set an impossible task before you? How is it possible to love someone, your enemy, the one who has tormented you over and over again? When you understand the proper definition of "agapao", you understand that God is commanding that we do the highest good toward all mankind, whether they deserve this or not. . This is the essence of God's love, doing the highest good toward those who do the highest bad to you. We are no longer to be led by the Lexis Talionis Law, "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". In the New Testament we are exhorted not to seek retribution, "but to stand fast and wait for the Lord to judge:"

Romans 12:19 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

     In our Matthew text above we see the perfect and full description of "agapatos" by our Lord:

  1. Bless them that curse you
  2. Do good to them that hate you
  3. Pray for them which despitefully use you

     Though you may not have a warm fuzzy feeling toward the person that attacks you, you can quell your desire to exact vengeance "while directing your enemy toward the pathway of salvation".

     Though you may not care for a person you should seek to be an example of Christianity in his/her life so that he/she might be led to salvation. "Agapao" in it's pure form isn't always pleasant. Do you punish your children because it feels good, or because you love them? You punish bad behavior in a child to correct an attitude problem that can lead to it's harm if left uncorrected. In the same way "agapao" seeks to do the highest good toward it's object regardless of the cost incurred.

     Returning to our Romans text we see that the Roman Christians are called the "Beloved" of God. Christians are the "agapao" ones, so called because God first showed love toward us in that He sent His son to this earth to die a wretched death for our sins. The "agapao" that God exhibited toward us certainly didn't bring the Father a "warm, fuzzy feeling". It was a painful love, painfully executed. God continues to love us through chastisement when we're in unconfessed sin:

Hebrews 12:7-8 "[7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? [8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons."

     We are His beloved, though as His beloved we may not always enjoy the exhibition of His tenderness toward us. We can rest assured that God will always do the highest good toward us who are His children, regardless of whether this action causes pleasure or displeasure emotionally.


Called to be Saints

     The Roman Christians were also recognized as those "called to be saints". The word for "called" is "KLETOS", which denotes "appointment or election". This word is paired with "HAGIOS", which means "those set apart, sanctified ones, saints".

     "Saint", contrary to Roman Catholic doctrine, is not primarily used of one who has led an exemplary life in Christ while on earth. The word "hagios", "Saint", is used 60 times in the New Testament of those who are saved and washed in the blood of the Lamb called Christ.

     "Christians as a people are set apart from this sinful world", not because of the works that we do or because of the fact that we attend Church on Sunday regularly. "We are set apart, sanctified, Saints, because we are washed, we are clean, because of the sacrifice that Christ made for us." Though we may not look like saints in world's definition of the word, we are saints because of what Christ did for us.

     Coming to the end of Romans 1:7, we come to the end of Paul's introduction. Even though just the introduction we have already seen a multitude of doctrine taught by that great Apostle.


Romans 1:8-10

"[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 [adaileiptos] 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."

Textual Application

  1. Paul had never visited this Church, but he had heard about it and kept on praying for them.

  2. The Church's testimony was so strong that it was being talked about throughout the whole world.

  3. The Church was strong in testimony because the believers were living pure lives in the midst of an immoral world.

  4. The believers were "serious about service" to Christ, not saying one thing then doing another.

    Romans 12:2 "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."

    II Corinthians 6:17-18 "[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

    I John 2:15-16 "[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

  5. Whether we are at home, work or school, we are to be witnessing for Christ by our mouths and our lives

    II Timothy 1:8 "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God"

    I Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear"

  6. Every believer should have a strong testimony, so strong it is talked about everywhere.

    Romans 16:19-20 "[19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. [20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

"Jesus did not command the whole world to go to church,
Jesus commanded his church to go to the whole world."
(Evangelist Greg Laurie)

     As stated earlier, the Roman Christians were brutally recipients tortured for their faith by the citizens of Rome. Rome was an "enlightened" Government, though all Roman Christians were stripped of their citizenship. This was because the Christians refused to worship Caesar as the Law required, and proclaimed Christ as their King rather than the governmental rulers.

     This was considered an act of treason by the true Roman citizen, and Christians were treated as traitors of the state. Through all the persecution the Roman Christians gave an exemplary exhibition of Faith which Paul stated was "spoken of throughout the whole world". Paul, knowing what the Roman Christians were going through, sought to uplift their spirits by proclaiming that "God is my witness". "Witness" means a "Judicial witness or recorder".


Prayer Without Ceasing

     Paul prayed for the Roman Christians "without ceasing", or "adaileiptos", "without cessation or interruption". In other words Paul stated that without fail, each time he prayed he prayed for the Roman Church. Paul prayed that God would shortly send him to the Romans so that he could be with them a little while.

Praying Without Ceasing

  1. Paul didn't just talk about praying, he prayed.

  2. Paul didn't pretend to pray, he prayed.

  3. Prayer wasn't a religious exercise, but communication with God.

    Psalms 5:3 "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

    Psalms 55:17 "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."

  4. Paul prayed for these people though he never met them nor knew them.

    Luke 18:1 "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint"

    1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

    1 Chronicles 16:11 "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually."

     Paul was writing the Romans from Corinth, around 57-58 AD while on his third missionary journey. Little did Paul realize that God was paving his way for a trip to Rome, yet when he entered Rome he would not enter as a free man but as a prisoner charged with crimes against the state and Caesar. Yet how mysterious and grand are the ways of God. Had Paul entered Rome as a free, unpersecuted man, the Roman Christians might not have been able to identify with him or profit by his visit. By entering the city as a prisoner of man but a free servant of God this was an inspiration to the Roman Christians.


Imparting Grace Gifts

Romans 1:11-12

"[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."

     Paul is not stating that he is coming to the Romans to impart gifts, such as to give them the gift of teaching, evangelism, or preaching. Paul did not, nor does any man have that power. In I Corinthians we read:

1 Corinthians 12:6-11 "[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

     God alone, through the power of the Holy Spirit, has the authority and might to dispense spiritual gifts to the body. As we read, "all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will". Our Father alone knows what that Body needs to reach maturity and completion. The Father also gives us Gifts to use to benefit the entire Body, not just the recipient of that Gift. As the text states, the "manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal". Paul's meaning is that he wanted to come to the Roman Christians so that he could "exercise his spiritual Gifts" (Apostleship and Teaching), thereby adding to and establishing the Church.

Textual Application

  1. Paul wanted to exercise his apostolic office at Rome to bless these Christians and help them grow.

  2. We should all be so full of the Gospel and Power of God that we're about to bust to share it with others.

    2 Timothy 2:24-26 "[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

  3. Paul wanted (vs 12, following) to be SUMPARAKALEO or "encouraged together" with these believers. You "cannot grow as a believer apart from the Church". Period, exclamation mark, over an out!

  4. We need to rise up from our slumber and start growing as God intends us to grow.

    John 4:35 "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."

    Luke 10:2 "Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest."


Romans 1:12-13

"[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 [koluo] hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."

     The Greek used here for "let" is "KOLUO" which means "to cut off or cut short, be hindered from doing". Paul desired to be "comforted together or jointly" with the Roman Christians. These Christians suffered horribly on a daily basis to uphold their faith. Paul himself was no stranger to the same types of persecution.

Acts 21:31-32 "[31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. [32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul."

Acts 22:22-25 " [22] And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. [23] And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, [24] The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. [25] And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?"

     Paul was first mobbed and nearly murdered in Jerusalem by self-righteous Scribes and Pharisees.

Acts 17:32 "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter."

     Mobbed in the religious center of the world (Jerusalem), Paul was harshly mocked while in the intellectual center of the ancient world (Athens, Greece).

2 Timothy 4:6 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand."

     Later in Rome, the political center of the ancient world, Paul would be martyred for his Christian faith. I believe that Paul knew that this time was coming in his life, and desperately wanted to spend some of his last days with the believers in Rome. Paul wanted to be with them so that they could face Satan's attacks together.

     Paul actually tried to come to Rome twice, but was hindered from coming. The first time he was prevented by Satan, as we read:

1 Thessalonians 2:18 "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."

     The second time Paul tried to go to Rome he was forbidden passage by God the Holy Spirit:

Acts 16:6-7 " [6] Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, [7] After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not."

     The third attempt would never come, though God did allow Paul to be brought to Rome as a prisoner of Caesar in 70 AD. Even though he was suffering, history tells us that he was cheerful and full of the joy of the Spirit. The Roman Christians would be strengthened in their faith by Paul's living testimony, and this strengthening would help them to overcome the terrible trials which would shortly thereafter come. I believe that God planned what happened to Paul just as it was acted out. If Paul had visited the tormented Romans earlier in his ministry, having suffered so little personal loss, he probably wouldn't have been received as readily as he was when he was in chains. Though we as humans often want Him to "hurry up", God's timing is always the best.


Romans 1:13b

" ...that I might have (obtain) some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."

     Since Paul wrote the only known Church epistle to the Romans we assume that he established the Church at Rome. This, however, is not the case. "Paul established the churches in Corinth, Antioch, Ephesus, and Thessalonica. He did not found the churches in Rome, Phillipi, Collossae, or Galatia: these were established by the other eleven Apostles." Paul did write all of these Churches (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) to edify them to spiritual maturity. He wanted to visit the Romans so that he could, through his Apostolic office, help them to grow much more (leave some fruit behind), just as he helped the Gentile churches grow by his vibrant ministry.


Romans 1:14-15

"[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."

Paul's Three "I Am's"

  1. "I Am" a debtor (vs 14)

  2. "I Am" ready (vs 15)

  3. "I Am" not ashamed (vs 16)

     To understand why Paul considered himself a debtor to both the "Greeks, and to the Barbarians" we refer to:

1 Corinthians 9:16-17 "[16] For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! [17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."

     "Paul recognized that he was a slave of Christ, and as such had an obligation to fulfill his calling to preach the Gospel of his Master." He felt that his debt to Christ and the Gospel would not be fulfilled in full until he served his Lord among the Roman Christian community.

     The term "Barbarians" refers to all those people who didn't speak the common language of Greek in the Roman empire. [On a side note, The Jews, forced to live by Roman rule, had even forgotten (for the most part) how to speak or read their native Hebrew language in lieu of Greek. This problem was so widespread that the average Jew was unable to read the Scriptures (the Hebrew Torah). Jewish scholars filled this void by translating the Hebrew scriptures into a work called the Septuagint, so called because seventy scholars were supposed to have been involved in the translation (Septuagint means seventy).] Paul felt the compulsion of his calling to minister to both the civilized (Greek speaking) and uncivilized (non-Greek Speaking) people in Rome.

     Do we, as modern day Christians, feel the same compulsions that Paul felt to spread the Gospel?

Matthew 28:18-20 " [18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

     We as a Christian people pay great lip service to the "Great Commission", but how often do we go out of our way or risk embarrassment or rebuke to spread the message of salvation? "I, for one, must say that I don't do enough to satisfy my debt before my Lord. Too often I'm afraid that I'll be judged a fanatic, a Jesus freak, someone who is only a little crazy and perhaps brainwashed by too much religion." Too often I've allowed myself to be pulled into childish Church disputes, and in so doing have contributed to the world's poor view of Christianity in this era.

Josh Hunt, in his series "Deal Killers to Discipleshipmaking", states:

     "We claim to be a hothouse of love. In many cases we are found wanting. We are not hot houses of love and encouragement; we are cess pools of gossip, anger, pettiness and the like. Students will not learn in an environment like this; no matter how well we prepare, no matter how much we study, no matter what. Relational rifts within the class are deal killers to disciplemaking. Effective teachers help students to get along with one another. This is what Paul admonished the Philippian church to do in the case of two of their members who were struggling to get along. "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." (Philippians 4:2-3)"

     What we do as Christians both "in and out" of Church is a witness, whether we say anything or not. You may not be on national television but the world does see you, and records your every action (while telling others how you behave) for good or evil. Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggert, these are two highly publicized evangelists who forgot who they were and who they represented, and now stand as images of enduring shame for Christianity. "But what about you and I? Can we judge them so harshly, if we take so lightly our debt to Christ and the Gospel?"

     Christ was "scourged" for us, for you and I. Imagine the horror of what Christ went through on the Cross for you and me. He didn't just have one hand pierced, it was both hands and both feet. And He couldn't pull the nails out and baby His poor hands. "He had to hang there, His entire weight on these pins of flame, helplessly dying for my sins."

     Paul related with His Savior's suffering. He understood that great debt that we all have. This is why he said, "woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!". "When we all begin to understand our debt to Christ we will start to really serve Him and stop playing Church." Paul went further: "gospel" is the Greek word "euaggelizo", which means "To announce something that is good news".


Romans 1:16-17

"[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: (not in most mss) for it is the (not in mss) power [dunamis] 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."

     By quoting Habakkuk 2:4 (The just shall live by faith) Paul shows that righteousness by faith is "not" a new development. (See also Gal 3.11; Heb 10.38)

Textual Application

  1. Many are ashamed of the Gospel, because they fear ridicule, rejection, and loss of prestige.

  2. There is a fear of intellectual shame.

    1 Corinthians 1:25 "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

    1 Corinthians 3:18-19 "[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."

  3. There is a fear of social shame.

    1 Peter 4:14 "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified."

    Isaiah 51:12 "I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass"

    Illustration

         "Luiqi Tarisio was found dead one morning with hardly any creature comforts in his home, except the presence of 246 exquisite violins. He had been collecting them all his life. They were all stored in the attic, the best in the bottom drawer of an old rickety bureau. In his very devotion to the violin, he had robbed the world of all that music. Much of that collection was owned by others before him who had done the same. So that when the greatest of his collection, a Stradivarius, was first played it had had 147 speechless years. How many of Christ's people are like old Tarisio? In our very love of the church we fail to give the glad tidings to the world; in our zeal for the truth we forget to publish it. When shall we all learn that the Good News needs not just to be cherished, but needs to be told? Don't bury God's Good News of Easter at the bottom of a rickety old bureau. Let the people hear the great sound of the music: He is Risen!"
    (James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, Wheaton: Tyndale, 1988, p. 492.)

     Paul felt "not ashamed" for the Gospel of Christ, knowing that it was anything "but" weak or empty, and was the very "power of God unto salvation", if it only be believed. The Greek word "power" here is again "dunamis", a natural or inherent power". We get two English words from "DUNAMIS: dynamite and dynamo". As dynamite, the Scripture has the power to destroy those who disbelieve it's promises (just as unbelievers will be judged by it at the Last Judgment). As a dynamo, Scripture has the power to energize or build up the believer who trust's and studies it's promises. To be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ is to, by extension, be ashamed of Christ Himself. Jesus made this very plain:

Mark 8:38 "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

     The "politically correct" among us make it plain that we should never mix religion and politics with the supper table. In our mixed up society it's perfectly acceptable to tell a dirty or ethnic joke, talk about the opposite sex, or chat about inane subjects, but improper to talk about the Gospel unless you're at Church. Would you rather be politically correct and unashamed before your friends, yet full of shame at the time of accounting? We must examine ourselves and our motives daily to see how we measure up to our Lord's expectations.

     The Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth". This brings us to the question, "What is belief unto salvation?":

James 2:18-20 "[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. [19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. [20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"

     "An intellectual assent that Christ was a good man, that He was a historical figure, that He was martyred for His beliefs, is only an intellectual assent." This is not saving faith. "Saving faith is belief that what He did, die on the Cross and resurrect again, He did to personally pay for your sins." Too many people have begun to think that a nodding assent to the historic reality of Christ and "walking the aisle" in Church to become a member is all that is necessary for salvation. "Faith that is not life changing, evidenced by the fruits of righteousness, is only intellectualism under another name." The devils themselves believe in the historic reality of Christ, and yet maintain allegiance to Satan.

The parable of the prodigal son shows what saving faith is really about:

Luke 15:11-32 "[11] And he said, A certain man had two sons: [12] And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. [13] And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. [14] And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. [15] And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. [17] And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, [19] And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. [20] And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. [21] And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. [22] But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: [23] And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: [24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. [25] Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. [27] And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. [28] And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. [29] And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: [30] But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. [31] And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. [32] It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

     In this story that Jesus told we see a wayward son, "much like you or I", who thought that we knew better than our Father. We took of His bounty, left Him behind, and spent our time in riotous living. Mike Warnke, a former Satanic High Priest, now Christian, wrote his story in a book called "The Satan Seller" (copywrite 1972 by Logos International). Warnke writes:

     "With Satan, everything is on a cash and carry basis. As long as you do for him, he will do for you. He will answer your "prayers" - if you are useful to him. He will give you what you desire. But the moment you quit giving him what he wants, the moment he decides you are no longer useful to him or someone else does it better - then you have had it. With Satan there is always a payback - not just when you die, but right here on earth!".

     When Warnke served Satan's whims and was used up, he was given a supposed to be lethal injection of heroin and left to die. But he didn't die: the Lord found him. In much the same way the prodigal son (us) used all of the Father's resources out in the world, and eventually hit rock bottom. Sick, suffering, literally dying, he remembered his Father, returned with a repentant heart, asked forgiveness, and was received as royalty. "This is what saving faith is. Recognizing that you are lost and all alone, ask your Father to forgive you, and throw yourself on His mercy. This puts you into a proper relationship with the Savior, the belief unto salvation. This is much more than mere intellectual assent."

     We also see that Paul states the Gospel came "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek". What does this mean? We see in:

Matthew 15:22-27 "[22] And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. [23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. [24] But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [25] Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. [26] But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. [27] And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."

     The Canaanites were a Gentile race, people who possessed the Promised Land of Canaan prior to Abraham. God told Israel to disperse all the Canaanites from the Land when they took possession of it, lest Israel be caught up into their idolatry:

Deuteronomy 20:16-18 "[16] But of the cities of these people, which the Lord thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: [17] But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee: [18] That they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their gods; so should ye sin against the Lord your God. "

     I know this seems unduly harsh to all those who are struggling with "political correctness", a phrase I feel is utterly from the pits of hell, but there was a good reason for this injunction by God.

     The Canaanites had progressed into the worst forms of idolatry, and became great followers of the bull-god Baal. "Mothers would literally sacrifice their own children to appease this god." A large bronze statue with outstretched arms was prominent in most Canaanite cities, and many a child was killed while lying in these cold outstretched arms. The "tobit", a drum of stretched human skin, was usually played during the sacrifices. The Canaanites were a terribly defiled people. Yet Israel didn't destroy these people, but allowed them to live while taking their women as wives and possessing their riches. "Israel would later suffer under Divine wrath for their disobedience for they would, as God foretold, cause Israel to follow in their evil ways."

     Whenever an Israelite looked at a Canaanite he saw two things: a living memorial of the nation's refusal to obey their Heavenly Father, and a reminder of Divine judgment. "Because of this the Canaanites were an outcast people, hated by all religious members in Israel." When this Canaanite woman approached Christ He "didn't" bring up her outcast status, but gently reminded her that His ministry was "first to the Jew", not to the Gentile. Yet He still ministered to her, for her act of faith in saying "yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table" so impressed Him. Jesus responded:

Matthew 15:28 "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."

     Even during His earthly ministry Jesus made it plain that the Gospel was offered first to the Children of Promise, the Jews. But when Israel rejected the offer of salvation it was then offered to the Gentiles, who even now by faith become the "Children fulfilled"

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