The Apostle Paul's Letter To The Romans

The Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Romans A Translation by A. B. Caneday Professor of New Testament Studies & Biblical Theology Northwestern College Saint Paul, Minnesota

2

P

wise and to the foolish I am obligated. 15 So, as for me, I am eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew and then to the Greek. 17 For God’s righteousness is revealed in it from faithfulness to faithfulness, just as it is written, “The Righteous One shall live from faithfulness.”

aul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, having been 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 born from the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 who was appointed Son of God in power by the resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship for the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles on behalf of his name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ, 7 to all the beloved who are in Rome, called saints: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

18

For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of humans, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what is known about God is apparent among them, because God made it apparent to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, particularly his eternal power and divine nature, have been plainly seen from the time of creation of the world in that they were understood through what has been made, for this reason they are without excuse. 21 Because, even though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or offer thanks, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Even though they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of the image of corruptible man and birds and beasts and reptiles.

8

First, I offer thanks to my God through Jesus Christ concerning all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed in the whole world. 9 For God is my witness (the one whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son) as to how I make mention of you without ceasing, 10 at all times in my prayers, requesting if perhaps now at last by God’s will to come to you. 11 For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; 12 that is, that I may be encouraged along with you through the faith of one another, both yours and mine. 13 And I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, that I have often planned to come to you (and until now I have been prevented), in order that I may get some fruit also among you just as also among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 To both Greeks and to barbarians, to the

24

Therefore God handed them over in the desires of their hearts to uncleanness, in order that their bodies would be dishonored among 25 themselves. For they exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the 3

creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God handed them over to dishonorable passions–their women exchanged the natural use of their bodies for that which is against nature, 27 and likewise the men, forsaking the natural use of women, burned in their desire for one another– men committed with one another that which is shameless and they received in themselves the proper penalty for their error.

contempt on the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, because you know that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to everyone according to his deeds. 7 To those who by persevering in a good work seek glory and honor and incorruptibility, he will return eternal life. 8 But upon those who act out of selfish ambition and who disobey the truth and instead submit to unrighteousness, he will return wrath and anger. 9 Tribulation and distress upon every soul of mankind who brings to completion what is evil, both upon the Jew first and also upon the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who accomplishes what is good, both to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no prejudice with God.

28

And just as they did not think God was worthy to be known, God handed them over to a reprobate mind, in order that they might do things that are not fitting, 29 being filled with all kinds of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and ill-will. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, braggarts, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 senseless, faithless, loveless, and merciless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous requirement that those who practice such things are deserving of death, they not only do these things, but also they give their approval to those who practice them.

12

For as many as have sinned without the Law, also will perish without the Law; and as many as have sinned within the Law, shall be judged through the Law. 13 For not the hearers of the Law are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law shall be declared righteous. 14 For when the Gentiles who by nature do not have the Law do the things required by the Law, these who do not have the Law are a Law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work required by the Law written in their hearts, with their conscience testifying, and their thoughts now accusing and now defending them, 16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of humans according to my gospel, through Christ

2

Therefore you are without excuse, O man, everyone who condemns; for in that for which you condemn another, you condemn yourself, for you who condemn practice the same things. 2 And we know that God’s judgment is according to the truth, against those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose, O man who condemns those who practice such things while doing the same things, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or, do you pour 4

3

Jesus.

Therefore, what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Much in every respect! First of all, indeed they are entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 For what? If some were unfaithful, does their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 No way! Let God be found true, but every man is found a liar, just as it is written, “That you might be justified in your words and might prevail when you judge.”

17

But if you call yourself a “Jew” and you rely upon the Law and boast in God 18 and know his desire and approve the things that are excellent, because you have been instructed from the Law; 19 and if you are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, because you have the outward form of knowledge and truth in the Law; 21 you, therefore, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal? 22 You who speak against adultery, do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, but do you rob the temples of idols? 23 You who boast in the Law, through your transgression of the Law, you dishonor God. 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles on account of you,” just as it is written.

5

But if our unrighteousness brings out more clearly God’s righteousness, what shall we say? Is God who inflicts wrath unrighteous? (I speak in human terms.) 6 No way! Otherwise, how would God judge the world? 7 But if God’s truthfulness by my falsehood abounds unto his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? 8 And why do we not say (as we are slanderously accused and as some claim we say), “Let us do evil that good may come?” Their condemnation is right.

25

For indeed circumcision yields profit, if you practice the Law. But if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become the foreskin. 26 Therefore if the man with the foreskin keeps the righteous requirements of the Law, will not his foreskin be reckoned for circumcision? 27 And the one who by nature has the foreskin but who fulfills the Law will condemn you, the transgressor of the Law, though you have both the letter and circumcision. 28 For it is not the Jew on display nor the circumcision on display in the flesh, 29 but the Jew in secret, and the circumcision of the heart by the Spirit, not by the letter who receives praise not from men but from God.

9

What, then, should we say? Do we have an advantage over them? No way! For we have previously charged everyone, both Jew and Greek, to be under sin, 10 just as it is written, “There is no one righteous, not one. 11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks God. 12 Everyone has turned aside. Together they have become useless. There is no one who does good. There is not one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave. They deceive with their tongues.” “The poison of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood. 16 They leave destruction and misery in 5

their paths. 17 They do not know the way of peace.” 18 “God’s fearfulness is not before their eyes.”

faithfulness. 29 Or is God the God of the Jews alone? Is he not the God of the Gentiles also? Yes, he is God of the Gentiles also, 28 since God is one who will declare righteous the circumcised from faithfulness and the one with the foreskin through the same faithfulness. 31 Therefore, do we nullify the law through this faithfulness? No way! Rather, we establish the law.

19

And we know that whatever the Law says it says to those who are in the Law’s jurisdiction, in order that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may be liable to judgment by God. 20 For on the basis of deeds required by the Law no flesh shall be declared righteous, for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.

4

What then shall we say? Have we found Abraham to be our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was declared righteous on the basis of deeds he has a ground for boasting, but not with God. 3 For what does scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness.” 4 But to the one who works, the wage is not reckoned according to grace but according to debt. 5 But to the one who does not work but believes upon him who declares the ungodly to be righteous, that one’s faith is reckoned for righteousness, 6 just as also David says concerning the blessing of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from deeds. “Blessed are those whose Lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sins the Lord will not reckon against him.”

21

But now apart from the Law God’s righteousness has been disclosed, though being testified to by the Law and 22 even God’s the Prophets, righteousness disclosed through Jesus Christ’s faithfulness unto all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 for all sinned and persist in falling short of God’s glory, 24 being freely declared righteous by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God publicly set forth as propitiation through the faithfulness which is in his blood for the purpose of demonstrating his righteousness because of God’s forbearance in passing over sins that were previously committed, 26 for the demonstration of his righteousness in the present time, that he might be both righteous and the one who declares righteous the one who is of the faithfulness of Jesus.

9

This blessing, therefore, does it rest upon the circumcised or upon those with the foreskin also? For we say, “Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.” 10 How then was it reckoned? Was it reckoned to him in the condition of circumcision or with the foreskin? It was certainly not in circumcision but with the foreskin.

27

Where then is boasting? It is excluded. Through what law? Is it excluded through the law that requires deeds? No! It is excluded through the law of faithfulness. 28 For we consider a man apart from deeds required by the law to be declared righteous by 6

11

And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness of faithfulness which was his though with the foreskin, that he might be the father of all who believe through the foreskin, that righteousness might also be reckoned to them 12 and that he might be the father of the circumcised, who are not of the circumcision alone but also are ones who walk in the steps of the faith our father Abraham had while yet with the foreskin.

dead, since it was nearly one hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 But he did not doubt because of unfaithfulness but he grew strong in faith, by giving glory to God 21 and by being fully assured that what God promised he was also able to accomplish. 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him for righteousness.” 23 But “it was reckoned to him” was not written for him alone 24 but also for us, to those who will be reckoned, that is to those who believe upon the one who raised our Lord Jesus from the dead. 25 Who was delivered up on account of our trespasses and was raised on account of our being declared righteousness.

13

For the promise to Abraham and to his seed did not come through the Law—the promise that he was heir of the world—but through the righteousness of faithfulness. 14 For if the heirs are from the Law, then this faithfulness is made void and this promise is nullified. 15 For the Law brings wrath to completion. But where the Law is not, there is no transgression. 16 On account of this the promised inheritance is from faithfulness, in order that it might be according to grace, for the purpose that the promise might be confirmed to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Law but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith, who is the father of us all, 17 just as it is written “I have appointed you to be the father of many nations” in the sight of him whom he believed, namely God who gives life to the dead and calls nonexisting things into existence. 18 Who against hope believed on the evidence of hope, in order that he would become the father of many nations in accordance with what was spoken, “So shall your seed be.” 19 And he did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as

5

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous from faithfulness, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we also have access by the same faithfulness into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of God’s glory. 3 And not only this, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction brings to completion perseverance, 4 likewise perseverance brings to completion tested character, and tested character yields hope. 5 And this hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6

For while we were still morally weak, at the proper time, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will seldom die for a righteous person, although for a good person one might dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us, 7

in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. 9 Much more, then, since we now have been declared righteous by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, since we have been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only this, but we are boasting in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now have received reconciliation.

transgression of one man brought condemnation to all, so also by the one man’s act of righteousness came the righteousness of life for all humanity. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many shall be made righteous. 20

Now the Law came in with the purpose that transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 in order that as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12

Because of this, just as through one man sin came into the world and death came through sin, and so death spread to all people, by which all sinned. 13 For until the Law, sin was in the world. But sin is not reckoned when there is no Law. 14 But death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam’s transgression, who is a type of the one to come.

6

What shall we say, then? Shall we persist in sin, in order that grace might increase? 2 No way! Whoever among us died to sin, how can we still live in it any longer? 3 Or are you ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore, we were buried together with him through this baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so also we, let us walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been joined together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be joined with him in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 For we know this, that our old man was crucified together with him, in order that the body of sin should be abolished, that we should no longer be enslaved to sin; 7 for the one who died has been vindicated from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live together with him, 9 because we know that Christ,

15

But is not the transgression like the gift? Indeed, for if by the transgression of one the many died, how much more God’s grace and the gift in grace that is from the one man Jesus Christ has abounded for the many. 16 And is not the result of the gift like that which resulted from the one who sinned? Indeed, for the judgment from one sin resulted in condemnation, but the gift came from many transgressions, resulting in righteousness. 17 For if death by the transgression of the one reigned through the one man, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, then, as the 8

things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin and having been enslaved to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and its goal is life eternal. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is life eternal in Christ Jesus our Lord.

because he was raised from the dead, no longer dies. 10 For the death he died he died to sin once for all time; and the life he lives he lives to God. 11 Likewise, you also consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12

Therefore, do not let sin have dominion in your mortal bodies unto the obedience of its cravings. 13 Nor present your members to sin as tools for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as ones who are alive from the dead, and present your members to God as tools for righteousness. 14 For sin shall not rule over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace.

7

Or do you not know, my brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law rules over a man for as long as he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by the Law to her husband while he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the Law concerning her husband. 3 Therefore, then, while her husband is living she shall be called an adulteress, if she marries another man. But if her husband dies, she is free from the Law, so that she will not be an adulteress, even if she marries another man. 4 So then, my brothers, you also died to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you could be married to another, namely to the one who was raised from the dead, in order that we would bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, sin’s passions were stimulated in our members through the Law, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, dying to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

15

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the Law but under grace? No way! 16 Do you not understand that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves to obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that although you were slaves of sin, from the heart you became obedient to the pattern of teaching unto which you were handed over, 18 and having been set free from sin, you were enslaved to righteousness. 19 (I am speaking humanly on account of the weakness of your flesh.) For just as you presented your members as slaves to uncleanness and to Lawlessness leading to Lawlessness, in the same way now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit, therefore, did you reap then, from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the goal of those

7

What shall we say, therefore? Is the Law sin? No way! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law. For I would not have known coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 And sin, seizing the opportunity through the commandment, brought about in me 9

coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9 And formerly I was alive apart from the Law. But when the commandment came, sin sprang to life, 10 and I died and found that the commandment that was to lead to life, this same commandment led to death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So then, the Law is holy and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Did the good thing, therefore, become a cause of death to me? No way! On the contrary sin, in order that it might be disclosed to be sin, through the good thing brought about death, in order that sin should become exceedingly sinful through the commandment.

am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, then, I in my mind am serving the Law of God, but in my flesh I am serving the Law of sin.

8

Therefore, now there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus freed you from the Law of sin and of death. 3 For that which the Law could not do, in that it was powerless through the flesh, God did by sending his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the Law may be fulfilled in us, in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who exist according to the flesh think on the things of the flesh, but those who exist according to the Spirit think on the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind that is fixed upon the flesh terminates in death, but the mind that is fixed upon the Spirit results in life and peace. 7 For the mind set upon the flesh is at enmity with God, for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither is it able to be. 8 And those who are in the flesh are not able to please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. And if someone does not have the Spirit of Christ, that one does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, the body is dead on account of sin, yet the Spirit is life on account of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life also to your mortal bodies

14

For we know that the Law is spiritual. But I am fleshly, sold under sin. 15 For that which I am accomplishing, I do not understand. For I am not practicing what I desire to do; but the thing I hate, this is what I do. 16 But if I am doing what I do not want to, then I agree with the Law that it is good. 17 But now I am no longer carrying it out, but it is sin which dwells in me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh. For to desire is present in me, but I am not able to carry out the good. 20 But if I am doing that which I do not want to do, then I am no longer doing it but sin dwelling in me is carrying it out. 21 Therefore, I discover the Law: when I desire to do the good, evil is present with me. 22 For I agree with the Law of God according to the inner man. 23 But I see another Law in my members waging war with the Law of my mind and taking me captive by the Law of sin that is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I 10

through his Spirit who is in you.

we expectantly wait for it through perseverance.

12

Therefore, then, brothers and sisters we are under obligation but not to the flesh that we should live according to it, 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received the Spirit of slavery leading again to terror, but you received the Spirit of adoption in which we cry out, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. 17 Now if we are children, we are also heirs, heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer together with him, in order that we should also be glorified together with him.

26

Likewise also the Spirit assists our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that cannot be spoken. 27 And the one who searches the hearts knows what the Spirit’s intention is, because he intercedes for the saints in keeping with God’s purpose. 28 And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, to those who are called according to his purpose. 29 Because those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed into the image of his Son, in order that he should be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined, these also he called; and those whom he called, these also he justified. And those whom he justified, these also he glorified.

18

For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. 19 For the eager longing of the creation waits expectantly for the revelation of God’s sons. 20 For the creation is subjected to futility, not of its own choice, but on account of the choice of the one who subjected it in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from the slavery resulting from corruption unto the freedom of the glory of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans together and suffers birth pangs together until now. 23 And not only this, but we also groan in ourselves, while we wait for the adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For we have been saved in hope. But hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? 25 But if we hope for that which we do not see,

31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 For since he did not spare his own Son, but handed him over for us all, how shall he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. 34 Who shall condemn us? Christ Jesus is the one who died, and even more has been raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who shall separate us from Christ’s love? Shall affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or the sword? 36 Just as it is written, “For your sake we suffer death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 But in all these things 11

said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written, “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.”

we decisively conquer through him who loves us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor the present nor things to come nor powers 39 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.

14

What, then, shall we say? There is no injustice with God, is there? No way! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion.” 16 Therefore, then, it is not based upon the one who desires nor based upon the one who runs but it is based upon God who shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up in order that I might show in you my power and in order that my name should be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore, then, he has mercy upon whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.

9

I am speaking the truth in Christ. I am not lying, as my conscience bears witness to me in the Holy Spirit 2 that there is great grief and unceasing pain in my heart. 3 For I almost wish that I myself were accursed from Christ on behalf of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom belong the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the priestly service and the promises, 5 to whom belong the fathers and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, the God who is over all things, blessed forever. Amen.

19

You will reply to me, therefore, “Why does he still find fault? For who has thwarted his will? 20 O man, on the contrary, who are you to answer back to God? The thing formed will not say to the one who formed it, “Why do you make me this way?” Will it? 21 Or does not the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump on the one hand that which is a vessel for honor and on the other hand that which is a vessel for dishonor? 22 What if God, desiring to display his wrath and to make known his power, has borne with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 even in order that he might make known the wealth of his glory upon vessels of mercy which he prepared beforehand for glory?

6

But it is not that God’s word has failed. For it is not all who belong to Israel, who are Israel. 7 Nor is it that all the children are the seed of Abraham, but in Isaac your seed shall be called. 8 That is, the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are reckoned as seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And this case is not alone, but Rebecca also, when she conceived from one man, Isaac our father, 11 for though her sons were not yet born and had not done anything good or evil, in order that God’s electing purpose might endure– 12 not upon the basis of works but upon the basis of the one who calls–it was

24

12

Whom he also called, namely us, not

4

only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles, 25 as also he says by Hosea, “I will call those who were not my people ‘My people” and those who are not beloved ‘Beloved.’ 26 And it shall be in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they shall be called sons of the living God.” 27 And Isaiah cried out concerning Israel, “Even if the number of Israel’s sons are as the sands of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved. 28 For the Lord will decisively accomplish his word upon the earth.” 29 And just as Isaiah foretold, “Except the Lord of hosts had left us a seed, we would have become as Sodom and we would have appeared like Gomorrah.”

For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to every believer. 5

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the Law, that “the one who does these things shall live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is from faithfulness speaks this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” That is, to bring Christ down. 7 “Nor say, ‘Who will descend to the abyss?’” That is, to raise Christ from the dead. 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of this faithfulness which we are preaching. 9 For if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart he is believed unto righteousness, and with the mouth he is confessed unto salvation. 11 For the scripture says, “Everyone who believes upon him shall not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, wealthy for everyone who calls upon him. 13 For “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14 How, then, shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how shall they preach except they be sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim good news!” 16 But not all have obeyed the gospel, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Thus, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word about Christ. 18 But I say, they

30

What, then, shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is based upon faithfulness, 31 but Israel, pursuing the Law of righteousness did not attain it. 32 Because of what? 33 Because they did so, not on the basis of faithfulness but as on the basis of works. They stumble upon the stone of stumbling, 33 just as it is written, “Behold I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one who believes upon him will not be put to shame.”

10

Brothers, the desire of my heart and my petition to God for them is for salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God but not in keeping with knowledge. 3 For not acknowledging God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 13

hear, until this very day.” 9 And David says, “May their table become a snare and a trap, even a stumbling block and a repayment to them. 10 May their eyes be darkened that they might not see and their backs be bent continually.”

[Israel] certainly heard the gospel, didn’t they? Indeed they have, “their voice went out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited world.” 19 But I say, “Did not Israel know?” First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy by that which is not a nation; by a nation without understanding I will make you angry.” 20 And Isaiah is more bold and says, “I will be found by those who do not seek me, I will disclose myself to those who are not inquiring after me.” 21 But as for Israel he says, “All day long I have stretched out my hands to people who are disobedient and obstinate.”

11

I ask, therefore, Did they stumble so that they fell permanently? No way! But by means of their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles in order to provoke Israel to jealousy. 12 And if their transgression is wealth for the world and if their loss is wealth for the Gentiles, how much more shall be their fullness. 13 But I am speaking to you Gentiles. Insofar as I am an apostle of the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, 14 if somehow I should provoke my flesh and I should save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is reconciliation of the world, what is their reconciliation except life from the dead? And if the firstfruits are holy, so also the lump, and if the root is holy so also the branches.

11

I say then, God has not rejected his people, has he? No way! For I also am of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not forsaken his people whom he foreknew. Or do you not know what the scripture says in the Elijah text, how he intercedes with God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, torn down your altars, and I alone am left and they are seeking my life.” 4 But what is the divine answer to him? “I have left to myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So also, therefore, in the present time there is a remnant according to grace. 6 And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise grace is no longer grace.

17

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you being a wild olive tree were grafted in among them and you are a partaker of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 then do not boast over the branches. And if you do boast, you do not support the root but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off in order that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unfaithfulness they were broken off, but you stand by means of faithfulness. Do not think in a haughty way, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Behold, therefore, God’s kindness and God’s severity–upon those who have fallen, severity, but upon you,

7

What therefore? That which Israel sought after, it did not obtain; but election obtained it. And the rest were hardened, 8 just as it is written, “God gave to them a spirit of stupor, eyes that do not see and ears that do not 14

has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become his counselor? 35 Or who has given anything to him beforehand that it should be repaid to him? 36 Because from him and through him and unto him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

God’s kindness, if you persevere in his kindness; if not you also will be cut off. 23 And those, if they do not persist in unfaithfulness, shall be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut off from the natural wild olive tree, and you were grafted into the cultivated olive tree contrary to nature, how much more shall those who belong to it naturally be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I do not desire you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning this mystery, lest you be wise in your own assessment, that a hardening of part came to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles enters in. 26 And in this manner all Israel will be saved, just as it is written, “The deliverer shall come from Zion and will turn back ungodliness from Jacob. 27 And this will be my covenant with them, whenever I take away their sins.”

12

I admonish you, therefore, through the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of the mind that you might approve what God’s will is–good and well pleasing and perfect. 3

For through the grace which was given to me, I say to every one who is among you, do not think too highly of yourselves, but think soberly, as God has apportioned to each one a measure of faith. 4 For just as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so also we who are many are one body in Christ, but individually we are members of one another. 6 And because we have different gifts according to the grace which is given to us—if it is prophecy, prophesy in keeping with the gift of faith; 7 if it is serving, do so in serving; if one teaches, do so in teaching; 8 if one exhorts, do so in exhortation; the one who gives generously should do so in generosity; the one who leads should lead diligently, and the one who shows mercy should do so cheerfully.

28

According to the gospel, they are enemies on account of you, but according to election, they are beloved on account of the fathers, 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were once disobedient to God, but now you have been shown mercy by means of their disobedience, 31 so also these now have become disobedient with reference to your receipt of mercy, in order that also they may now be shown mercy. 32 For God has shut up all unto disobedience, in order that he might have mercy upon all. 33

O the depth of the wealth, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and how untraceable are his ways! 34 For who

9

Love must be genuine. Hate what is evil; cleave to what is good. 10 Have tender family affection for one another 15

in brotherly love. In honor give preference to one another. 11 Do not be lagging in diligence, but be fervent in the Spirit, serving the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope. Persevere in affliction. Be devoted to prayer. 13 Provide for the needs of the saints. Pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

does not bear the sword in vain. For it is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath to the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to submit not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience. 6 For on account of this also you pay taxes. For they are God’s ministers, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed them–tax to whom tax is due, custom to whom custom is due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.8 Owe no one anything except to love one another. For the one who loves another has fulfilled the Law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is fulfilled in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no evil to one’s neighbor. Love, therefore, fulfills the Law.

17

Do not pay back evil for evil to anyone. Think beforehand what is good in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible as far as it depends upon you, be at peace with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved ones, but give place to wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For by doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head.” 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with the good.

11

And do this, understanding the time, because the hour is already here for you to be awakened from sleep. For now salvation is nearer to us than when we began to believe. 12 The night is almost spent, and the day has drawn near. Therefore let us put aside the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk as in the day, not in drinking bouts and drunkenness, not in sexual sin and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make provision for the flesh for its cravings.

13

Everyone should be subject to the ruling authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and those authorities that do exist are ordained by God. 2 So then, the one who resists authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist shall receive judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of terror for the good work but for the evil. Do you desire not to dread the authority? Do good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For it is God’s servant to you for good, but if you do evil, be afraid. For it

14

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, not for the purpose of disputing about his scruples. 2 On the one hand, a person believes in eating anything, but on the 16

other hand one who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 Let neither the one who eats despise the one who does not eat, nor the one who does not eat condemn the one who eats. For God has accepted this one. 4 Who are you that judge another’s servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls, and he shall stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One the one hand one person judges one day above another day, but on the other hand another person judges every day as the same. Let each one be fully convinced in one’s own mind. 6 The one who takes note of a day, takes note of it to the Lord. And the one who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God. And the one who does not eat, does not eat to the Lord, yet he gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives to oneself and not one of us dies to oneself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, if we live or if we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For unto this end Christ died and came to life again, in order that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 Now then why do you judge your brother? Or also, why do you despise your brother? For we all shall stand before the judgment seat of God, 11 for it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God.’” 12 Therefore, then, each of us shall give an account concerning oneself to God.

“common” in itself, except to the one who reasons that something is “common.” To that one it is “common.” 15 For if your brother is grieved on account of food, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy one for whom Christ died for the sake of food. 16 Therefore, do not allow your good thing to be blasphemed. 17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one who serves Christ in this is well pleasing to God and approved by all men. 19 Therefore, then, let us pursue the things that make for peace and the things that work for edification of one another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things are clean, but they are evil to the man who eats by reason of a cause for stumbling. 21 It is good not to eat meat nor to drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles. 22 You, the faith that you have, have it as your own before God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself in that which he approves. 23 But the one who doubts is condemned, if he eats, because it is not from faith. And everything that is not from faith is sin.

15

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those who are without strength and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please one’s neighbor, unto good, for edification. 3 For even Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproach me have fallen upon me.” 4 For as many things as were written in advance were written for our

13

Therefore, let us no longer pass judgment against one another. But rather pass judgment on this, not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block before a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is 17

instruction, in order that through perseverance and through the consolation of scripture we should have hope. 5 Now may the God of perseverance and of consolation grant to you to be of one mind with one another in keeping with Christ Jesus, 6 in order that with one accord by one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, that is performing the priestly function concerning the gospel of God, in order that the offering of the Gentiles might be an acceptable, made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17

Therefore I have this boast in Christ Jesus, in this priestly service to God. 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything which Christ has not accomplished through me unto the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed 19 in the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so from Jerusalem and around over to Illyricum I have fulfilled the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, lest I build upon another preacher’s foundation, 21 but just as it is written, “Those who were not told about him shall see, and those who have not heard shall understand.” 22 For this reason also I have often been prevented from coming to you.

7

Therefore, accept one another just as also Christ has accepted you unto God’s glory. 8 For I say that the Christ has become the servant for the circumcision on behalf of God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the patriarchal promises, 9 and with respect to the Gentiles on behalf of mercy in order to glorify God, just as it is written, “On account of this I will offer praise to you among the Gentiles, and to your name I will sing psalms.” 10 And again, it says, “Gentiles, rejoice with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples sing praises to him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come and the one who will rise to rule over the Gentiles, upon him the Gentiles shall set their hope.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace in your believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

23

But now, having no further territory in these regions, but having a longing for many years to come to you, 24 whenever I go to Spain–for I hope to see you when passing through and to be assisted by you on my way there–if I may first enjoy your company for a little while.

14

25

I myself am persuaded, my brothers, concerning you, that you yourselves are full of goodness, being filled with all knowledge, and being able also to admonish one another. 15 Now I have written to you boldly on some matters, as if to remind you again on account of the grace which was given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of

But for now I am going to Jerusalem as I minister to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased and they are indebted to them; for if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted also in the fleshly things to minister to them. 18

who also were in Christ before me.

28

Therefore, when I have completed this mission and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go by way of you on to Spain. 29 And I know that if I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

8

Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved one. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodian, my kinsman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.

30

Now I admonish you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayer to God for me, 31 in order that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which is for Jerusalem may turn out to be acceptable to the saints there, 32 in order that in joy I may come to you through God’s will and together with you find refreshing rest. 33 Now may the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.

12

Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, laborers in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved one, who has labored hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, who is chosen in the Lord and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

16

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deaconess of the church which is in Cenchrea, 2 in order that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and that you assist her in whatever manner she may have need of you, for she herself has also been a helper of many even of me, myself.

17

Now I admonish you, brothers, to watch out for those who want to cause dissensions and scandals contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such people are not slaves who belong to our Lord Christ but to their own appetites; and through smooth and flattering speech they attempt to deceive the hearts of the innocent. 19 For news of your obedience has reached all; therefore I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise concerning what is good, and innocent concerning what is evil.

3

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who, on behalf of my life, risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Greet also the church that is in their house. Greet Epenetus my beloved one, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles,

20

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 19

21

Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, so also does Luke and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, who is the director of the city, and Quartus his brother greet you. 25

Now to him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for long ages, 26 but is now disclosed through the prophetic scriptures, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known for the obedience of faith unto all the Gentiles– 27 to the only wise God through Jesus Christ, to him be glory forever. Amen.

20