Paul writes to the Romans about the gospel of Christ, emphasizing the power of God for salvation, and warns against ungodliness and wickedness that result from suppressing the truth and turning away from God.

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Background from a Christian

Romans 1 is the opening chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. It is believed to have been composed around 56-57 AD during Paul's third missionary journey. The purpose of the letter was to address theological issues and to strengthen the faith of the Roman Christians, who were living in the capital of the Roman Empire, a place marked by religious syncretism, moral decadence, and persecution.

Paul, being both a Jewish and Roman citizen, aimed to present the Gospel as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and as the means of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. He sought to emphasize the universality of sin and the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 1, Paul introduces the key themes of the epistle, such as the righteousness of God, the power of the Gospel, the condemnation of humanity due to sin, and the importance of faith.

The letter to the Romans has been highly influential in Christian theology and practice throughout history. It played a significant role in the conversion of Augustine of Hippo, a key figure in early Christian theology, and in the development of Martin Luther's understanding of justification by faith alone, which led to the Protestant Reformation. Romans 1, in particular, has been a source of reflection on the human condition, the natural knowledge of God, and the consequences of rejecting divine revelation.

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Background from a Critical Scholar

Romans 1 is the opening chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, a letter traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. Most critical scholars agree on the Pauline authorship, and the letter is generally dated to the mid-1st century AD, around 56-57 AD. However, some scholars propose alternative theories regarding the authorship or the composition of the letter, suggesting possible interpolations, redactions, or pseudonymous authorship.

The audience of Romans was the Christian community in Rome, which comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers. At the time, Rome was characterized by religious pluralism, social stratification, and political unrest. The letter addresses theological issues and aims to establish a common understanding of the Gospel message among the diverse Christian community in Rome.

Critical scholars analyze Romans 1 from various perspectives, such as literary, historical, and socio-cultural contexts. They explore the Greco-Roman rhetorical techniques employed by Paul and the influences of Second Temple Judaism on his thought. In Romans 1, scholars examine themes such as the natural knowledge of God, the human condition, and the condemnation of idolatry and immorality. They also investigate the implications of Paul's argument for the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the early Christian community and the development of early Christian theology.

Romans 1 has been the subject of extensive scholarly debate, particularly regarding its interpretation of the human condition, the nature of divine revelation, and the ethical implications of Paul's teachings. The letter's influence on later Christian thought and the development of various theological traditions also provides a rich area of study for critical scholars.

Scroll to see various Christian perspectives on Romans 1.

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh, 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you, 10 always in my prayers asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

13 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Interpretations

See how various Christian traditions may approach this text.

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A Catholic Christian Interpretation

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Catholic interpretation of Romans 1 emphasizes the natural law and the consequences of rejecting it. It teaches that humanity can know God through creation and reason, but sin and idolatry lead to spiritual and moral degradation. The chapter calls for repentance and conversion, urging people to embrace the Gospel. In addition, it highlights the importance of faith and the universality of salvation, available to all people. Finally, it underscores the significance of the Church in guiding individuals toward the truth and the life of grace.

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There are approximately 1.3 billion Catholic Christians globally.

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A Pentecostal Christian Interpretation

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Pentecostals interpret Romans 1 as a testimony of the power of the Gospel and the need for personal transformation. They stress the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which leads to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The chapter teaches that all are accountable to God, and that human efforts to suppress the truth lead to depravity. Furthermore, it emphasizes that faith in Jesus brings salvation, regardless of one's background. The text also highlights the dangers of idolatry and the necessity of relying on God's guidance.

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There are approximately 280 million Pentecostal Christians globally.

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An Eastern Orthodox Christian Interpretation

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Eastern Orthodox Christians interpret Romans 1 as revealing the universal human condition and the power of God's grace to heal it. The chapter teaches that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are subject to the consequences of sin and estrangement from God. The natural world offers a testimony to God's existence, but humanity's fall has resulted in a distortion of this knowledge. Romans 1 also emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for redemption and salvation. Furthermore, it demonstrates the necessity of the Church for spiritual growth and sanctification.

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There are approximately 260 million Eastern Orthodox Christians globally.

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An Anglican Christian Interpretation

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Anglicans approach Romans 1 with an emphasis on the comprehensiveness of sin and the need for grace. They teach that humanity's rejection of God, even with evidence of His existence in creation, has led to moral decay. The chapter highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of faith for salvation. It also underscores the universality of sin and the need for all people to turn to Christ. Moreover, the text reinforces the role of the Church in helping individuals grow in faith and understanding.

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There are approximately 110 million Anglican Christians globally.

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A Baptist Christian Interpretation

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Baptists interpret Romans 1 as a declaration of humanity's sinful nature and the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. They emphasize that all people have access to the knowledge of God through creation but have chosen to reject it. The chapter teaches that idolatry and sin lead to moral degradation and separation from God. It further highlights the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus for salvation. Baptists also stress the role of the local church in nurturing spiritual growth and fostering a relationship with God.

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There are approximately 100 million Baptist Christians globally.

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A Nondenominational Christian Interpretation

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Nondenominational Christians interpret Romans 1 as teaching the universality of sin and the need for personal faith in Jesus Christ. They assert that God's existence is evident through creation, but humanity's sinfulness has led to idolatry and depravity. The chapter emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, regardless of one's background. Additionally, it underscores the importance of repentance and a personal relationship with Christ. Nondenominational Christians also highlight the need for believers to join together in fellowship and worship.

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There are approximately 80-100 million Nondenominational Christians globally.

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A Lutheran Christian Interpretation

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Lutherans interpret Romans 1 as emphasizing the doctrine of justification by faith alone. They teach that all people, even with the knowledge of God available through creation, have fallen into sin and are in need of redemption. The chapter highlights that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It also underscores the universality of sin and the need for repentance. Lutherans further stress the importance of the sacraments and the role of the Church in nurturing faith and spiritual growth.

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There are approximately 70-90 million Lutheran Christians globally.

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A Methodist Christian Interpretation

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Methodists interpret Romans 1 with an emphasis on the pervasiveness of sin and the necessity of God's grace for redemption. They teach that all people have access to the knowledge of God through creation, yet sin has led to humanity's rejection of this truth. The chapter underscores the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel. Methodists also stress the significance of personal holiness and social responsibility, as well as the role of the Church in nurturing spiritual growth and service to others.

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There are approximately 60-80 million Methodist Christians globally.

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A Reformed Christian Interpretation

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Reformed Christians interpret Romans 1 through the lens of God's sovereignty and the total depravity of humanity. They teach that although God's existence is evident in creation, humanity has suppressed this truth due to sin. The chapter highlights the consequences of rejecting God, leading to idolatry and moral decay. It emphasizes the need for faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and the transformative power of the Gospel. Reformed Christians also underscore the importance of the Church in fostering spiritual growth and understanding the doctrines of grace.

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There are approximately 60-80 million Reformed Christians globally.

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A Critical Scholar Interpretation

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AIV

The AIV (Artificial Intelligence Version) is a new translation at times derived directly from the original languages and at times derived from previous English renderings. The goal of the translation is to more closely connect ancient and modern readers. It aims to use the most up-to-date scholarship regarding biblical translation, and to avoid losing technicalities for the sake of simplicity.

Read other translations here.

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