At this stage we now begin a partial study in a number of books, referred to as epistles. So far in the Gospel of John and the three epistles of John and we have learned about the love of God that forgives his and brings us back into fellowship with him. In the books of Genesis And Exodus we have discovered the true nature of man who invariably chooses to rebel against God and live in sin. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke we learn about the miraculous birth and life of Christ Jesus, and his death on the cross and his resurrection. In the book of Acts we saw the history of the early church spreading the gospel among not only the Jews but throughout the Gentile world.

At this time, and if we have been thoughtful and thorough in our studies, we realize that something is still missing. We realize that we've been separated from the holiness and fellowship of God because of our sin. We know that God provided the remedy through Christ Jesus. If we believe the Word , and have responded in a positive fashion, we have demonstrated the faith and that is necessary for our salvation. The basic work is now completed. But still something seems to be missing. In these epistles we will learn what is necessary to live a life that pleases God and qualifies us to be used by him. Therefore it should be very profitable to us to study thoroughly what's before us.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 001)  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 002)  (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 003)  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 004)  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 005)  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 006)  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 007)  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Verses 8 through 15, tells us of Paul's love for, prayer for, and desire to see and preach to the Roman church.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 008)  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 009)  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 010)  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 011)  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 012)  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 013)  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 014)  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 015)  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 016)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

Verse 17 focuses on the Word faith. Using our definition of faith as a positive response to the Word of God, we can state the verse this way, "in order to know the righteousness of God we must start by responding to his Word in a positive fashion and continuing to do so." The Scriptures say " the just shall live by a positive response to the Word of God."

(chpt:  1 Vs: 017)  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 

In verses 18 through 32 Paul describes the complete guilt, failure, and sinfulness of all mankind throughout all of history. If we were to pause here, and I suggest we do so, and list all of the failures, we would find a perfect description of the day that we live in.

(chpt:  1 Vs: 018)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 019)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 020)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 021)  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 022)  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 023)  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 024)  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 025)  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 026)  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 027)  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 028)  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 029)  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 030)  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 031)  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 

(chpt:  1 Vs: 032)  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

Now I think we've walked into a little trap. In verses 1 through 3 Paul tells us that we are absolutely without excuse if we should judge another about these things. Now isn't that what we just did? The Word judge in this context means to condemn another for their actions.

(chpt:  2 Vs: 001)  Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 002)  But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 003)  And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 

Verses 4 through 9 we are also condemned if we fail to recognize the love , the long-suffering, and the goodness of God that would lead us to a point where we can turn back to him. According to these verses it is our choice and our responsibility.

Paul goes on to show us that God is no respecter of persons. It makes no difference to him whether we are Jew or Gentile. He shows us that it is impossible as a human being to fulfill the law.

(chpt:  2 Vs: 004)  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 005)  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 006)  Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 007)  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 008)  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 009)  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 010)  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 011)  For there is no respect of persons with God. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 012)  For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 013)  (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 014)  For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 015)  Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 016)  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 017)  Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 

(chpt:  2 Vs: 018)  And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 

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