The Jew’s devotion to the law and circumcision, in particular (cf. Acts 15), unknowingly rejected the only solution to the sin problem. They had a hardened heart condition that refused God’s righteousness and desired to establish their own righteousness. This yoke they wore was unbearable, yet they attempted to place the same yoke on Gentile…
Paul addresses the Israelites’ opportunities and responsibilities. Paul explains that Christ is Lord of Jew and Gentile (for there is no difference) and blesses all who call on him. He breaks down the process leading up to anyone who calls upon him, starting with believing in him. You cannot call on one they have not…
Our text reads, “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. These two verses package the salvation offered by the Messiah. The “whosoever” emphasizes that…
Many studies are done among religious denominations like “The Roman Road to Salvation” that focuses on one passage to support their doctrine. Any denomination will do this in support of their teaching, and nearly all of them will claim that “their teaching” comes from the Bible alone. In the case of Romans 10, many will…
Paul desires for his fellow Jewish brethren to be saved, indicating that, though they have a zeal for God, it is not according to knowledge. He continues to explain that their ignorance caused them to refuse God’s righteousness, i.e., God’s way to make them righteous. They had it fixed in their minds that righteousness was…
In both chapters nine and ten, Paul speaks of his fellow Jewish brethren and his desire that they be saved. Certain contexts will use the word “brother” to refer to “kinsmen according to the flesh” (v. 3). Ananias calls Saul “brother Saul” when as yet he was not told what to do (Acts 9:17-18). Ananias…
For many years, I have spent considerable time with this text. I have heard many refer to verse 14 and their application of being led by the Spirit. As they explain it, they may place their hand over their heart as if the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was something “better felt than told” or…
It is often best to describe anything by comparing it with what is well known and understood or by contrasting it with something that is the opposite. Before delving into this study of faith and works, it is very important to realize that the context of this study in Romans is set around the theme…
The theme of the letter to the Romans is found in chapter 1, verses 16-17. It reads, “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…
We continue to emphasize the principle of doing the right thing regardless if it’s popular or not returned to me. We have already looked at the statement in Romans 12 that tells us “as much as lieth in us, live peaceably with all men. In this same context, much is said about loving others and…