The Book of Romans

SpiritPsalmist · May 17, 2015

The Restoration of Israel
Romans 11:25-36 (One New Man Bible)

11:25. For I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, lest you become conceited*, because dulled perception in part has come upon Israel until the fullness of the heathens* would come in* (Luke 21:24)

26. and in this way all Israel will be saved, just as it has been written, "The One Who rescues will come out of Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob, 27. and this is the covenant for them with Me, when I would take away their sins." (Isaiah 59:20-21)

28. On the one hand regarding the gospel they are enemies on account of you, but on the other hand regarding the election they are beloved because of the Fathers: 29. for the gifts and the calling* of God are irrevocable. 30. For just as you yourselves were once disobedient to God, but now you have been shown mercy by their disobedience, 31. then in this way now they have become disobedient, so that also they could now receive mercy themselves because of the mercy shown to you. 32. For God will completely shut up together all those who are in disobedience, so that He could be merciful with them all.

11:33. O the depth of riches and wisdom and knowledge of God: in the same manner His judgments are unfathomable and His Ways are inscrutable,

34. "For who knew the mind of the Lord? or who became His councilor?" (Isaiah 40:13, Jer. 23:18, Job 15:8)

35. "or who has given in advance to Him, so He should repay him?" (Job 41:3)

36. Because all things are from Him and through Him and in Him: to Him be the glory forever, amen.

Paul does not want us to be ignorant of Gods plans for Israel. He's concerned that we would become conceited and dulled in our perception of Israel...perhaps thinking that we are better than they because we have come to know that Yeshua is Messiah and we have come to partake in the mercies of God. He wants us to know that Israels lack of understanding is only temporary and is only that way until the salvation of all the heathen who will hear, hear.

God has called them and he has not gone back on His calling or His gifts to them. We were once disobedient, and now God has shown us mercy because of their disobedience. They have become disobedient, but God will show them mercy because of the mercy He's shown to us. All of us Jew and Gentile have been disobedient and God shows mercy to us both.

* (v.25) Conceited. Literally, "that you were not wise in the power of relying on your own wisdom."

* (v.25) The heathens: Another verse that says this is Gen. 48:19, when Jacob blesses Ephraim, the Hebrew literally speaks of the "fullness of the heathens" (m 'lo hagoyim) which is translated "group of nations" (NIV) or "multitude of nations" (Amp). See Isa. 25:7.

* (v.25) Would come in: The heathens are to join with the Jewish people into one body by means of Messiah Y'shua.

* (v.29) We have multiple gifts, but one calling.

SpiritPsalmist · May 19, 2015

The New Life in Messiah
Romans 12:1-8 (One New Man Bible)

12:1. Therefore I urge you, brothers, through the compassion of God, to present your bodies holy, living offerings, pleasing to God, your spiritual service: 2. and stop being conformed to this age*, but you must from the inside continually be changed into another form, by the renovation of your mind, to prove what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God for you.

12:3. For I say, through the grace that has been given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think too highly of yourselves beyond which it is necessary to think*, but to think to put a moderate estimate of yourself, in the same manner as God divided to each a measure of faith. 4. For just as we have many members in one body, but all the parts do not have the same function, 5. in this way, we, the many, are one body in Messiah, but each one part of one another. 6. And having different gifts according to the grace given to us, whether prophecy according to the proportion of his faith, 7. or ministry* in his service, or the one who teaches in the teaching, 8. or the one who encourages in encouragement: the one who shares*, (Eph. 4:28, Heb. 12:16) in sincerity without grudging, the protector or guardian giving aid in diligent eagerness, the one who is merciful in cheerfulness.

We are encouraged to present out bodies holy and living offerings that are pleasing to God and to our spiritual service. We are to stop being conformed to this age, instead on the inside continually be changed into another form. How does this happen? By the renovating of our mind. This is to prove what is good and pleasing and perfect will of God for you. God has something specifically for each of us and we cannot know what it is and/or operate in it without our minds being renovated. We are to live a life pleasing to God, not pleasing to ourselves. This does not mean we are abusive to ourselves, but we should not be conforming ourselves to the ways of those who do not know God. This does not mean that we cannot have fun. It does mean that our fun should not be tearing our spiritual selves apart and changing our thoughts and our actions to be in the same crudeness or selfishness as those who do not know Him.

Don't think more highly of yourself then you should...meaning there is to be self confidence but never are we to think we are better than others because we think we may be trusting God more than another or that we're more intelligent or have more money, etc.. We are never to look down on others. Each of us have differing abilities and skills. We do not have the same gifts and callings but we do have the capacity to work together to each use our skills and abilities to further the Kingdom and to encourage and lift each other up. We are to operate in our abilities and skills and skills without grudging. We can tell others what our abilities and skills are but we are not to brag about it. We are to give aid where we are able to give and to do it with diligence and eagerness, not "why do I have to do this?" We are to show mercy with cheerfulness, not mumbling under your breath how they always need help.

* (v.2) World order

* (v.3) Each person is to have self-confidence, an assurance of who he is in Messiah.

* (v.7) The Greek word, diakonia, could also be translated service.

Servant in the New Testament is a correct translation of three Greek words; diakonos, oiketays, and doulos. These three are worlds apart because diakonos is also translated minister and deacon while doulos and oiketays are also translated slave, meaning bond servant. The relationship to people is as a diakonos. In several places this translation uses servant/minister to convey this point. A minister is ordained to serve people as Y'shua came to serve, not to be served. See Matt. 20:28.

* (v.8) Though often translated "Give", the Greek word, metadidous, means to share with someone. It is also used to express imparting, sharing knowledge of Scripture, as in Luke 3:11, Romans 1:11.

Now here's an example of eagerness for you

5-yr old Asks mom to buy a meal for homeless man.

SpiritPsalmist · May 20, 2015

Rules of the Christian Life
Romans 12:9-21 (One New Man Bible)

12:9. Love must be sincere. Abhorring evil, clinging to the good, 10. devoted to one another in brotherly love, trying to outdo one another in showing respect, 11. in eagerness not sluggishness, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 12. rejoicing in hope, persevering in affliction, persisting in prayer, 13. sharing what you have in the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality, 14. you must continually bless those who persecute you, you must continually bless and you must stop cursing. 15. To rejoice with those who rejoice, to weep with those who weep. 16. Being of the same mind with one another, not being proud but yielding to the lowly menial tasks. Do not ever become wise in your own estimation. 17. And by not paying back evil against evil, taking thought for good before all mankind: 18. if able from yourselves, living in peace with all mankind: 19. not avenging yourselves, beloved, but you must now give place to the wrath of God, for it has been written, "Vengeance is Mine, I shall repay," (Deut. 32:35) says the Lord. 20. But "If your enemy hungers, you must continually feed him: if he thirsts, you must continually give him drink: for doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head." (Prov. 25:21-22) 21. I do not overcome evil by doing evil but I overcome evil by doing good.

There is a lot in these few verses and we see Paul using statements related to Yeshuas teachings. See Matt. 5:39, 44, Mark 9:50, Luke 6:28.

All of these are "musts".

Love must be sincere.
We must abhor evil.
We must cling to the good.
We must be devoted to one another in brotherly love,
We must try to outdo one another in showing respect.
We must serve in eagerness, not sluggishness.
We must be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
We must rejoice in hope.
We must persevere in affliction.
We must persist in prayer.
We must share what we have in the needs of the saints.
We must pursue hospitality.
We must continually bless those who persecute us and we must bless and we must stop cursing.
We must rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
We must be of the same mind with one another.
We must not be proud but yielding to the menial tasks.
We must not become wise in our own estimation.
We must not pay back evil for evil.
We must take thought for good for all mankind.
We must, if able, live in peace with all mankind.
We must not avenge ourselves. We must let God take care of it.
We must feed our enemy if he's hungry, and give water if he thirsts. This does not mean that we put ourselves in harms way.
We must overcome evil by doing good.

I must admit that I don't do very well in a lot of these "musts". It is good to get before the Lord and talk to Him about the areas we are falling short in and asking Him to show us when and where we can do any of these things listed. We should ask Him to change us and to mold us more into His image and His nature. He is faithful.

Make My Life A Prayer to You

SpiritPsalmist · May 20, 2015

SpiritPsalmist said:
Rules of the Christian Life

All of these are "musts".

Love must be sincere.

We must abhor evil.

We must cling to the good.

We must be devoted to one another in brotherly love,

We must try to outdo one another in showing respect.

We must serve in eagerness, not sluggishness.

We must be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

We must rejoice in hope.

We must persevere in affliction.

We must persist in prayer.

We must share what we have in the needs of the saints.

We must pursue hospitality.

We must continually bless those who persecute us and we must bless and we must stop cursing.

We must rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

We must be of the same mind with one another.

We must not be proud but yielding to the menial tasks.

We must not become wise in our own estimation.

We must not pay back evil for evil.

We must take thought for good for all mankind.

We must, if able, live in peace with all mankind.

We must not avenge ourselves. We must let God take care of it.

We must feed our enemy if he's hungry, and give water if he thirsts. This does not mean that we put ourselves in harms way. See note in scripture ref on "heaping coals of fire".

We must overcome evil by doing good.

I'd like to add that none of these are "you must or else". These are all things that we are aiming at. God is not standing over us with a big stick to pound us over the head when we fail in any of these musts. Matthew 7:16 says, "you will recognize them by their fruit" and this list is a pretty good place to start looking for it in your own life first. Once you have begun mastering it in your own life then you can begin helping others to master these things as well. Not pounding them over the head pointing out their failures while trying to mask your own but with kindness and gentleness showing by your own actions how to walk in His ways. Of course it's all done through the power of our Lord Yeshua our Messiah. We can do all things through Him.

SpiritPsalmist · May 21, 2015

Obedience to Rulers*
Romans 13:1-7 (One New Man Bible)

13:1. Every person must continually submit to governing authorities: For there is no authority except under God, and those who are in authority are appointed by God. 2. So that the one who resists his authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and the ones who have opposed will bring judgment on themselves. 3. for those who rule are not to be feared by the one who works good, but by the one doing evil. And you want to be unafraid of authority: whoever does good things, then you will have praise from the authority: 4. for a servant of God is for doing good for you. But if you would do evil, you must fear: for he does not bear the sword without cause: for a servant of God is an avenger to the one who does evil. 5. For this reason it is a necessity to be subject, not only because of the wrath but also through conscience. 6. For because of this you must also pay taxes: for magistrates are ministers of God who are steadfastly attentive, serving God in this itself. 7. You must immediately pay back your debts to all, the tax to whom the tax is owed, the customs to whom the customs duties are owed, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

* Paul wrote this while Nero was emperor, one of the most cruel, unjust rulers there has ever been.

This one seems pretty clear, you would think anyway. This is an area that many, including those who call themselves believers are not following...especially in America. We have so many freedoms that some just take advantage of the American freedom and end up stomping on what we are being told here. There was a lot of corruption in the days that Paul wrote this and there is a lot of corruption now. Paul was thrown in prison for preaching the gospel and we read where he defended himself with logic but he never disrespected those who put him in prison. Just because we have the "freedom" according to the law of the land, does not mean we have the freedom as a servant of God to dishonor those in authority, even if they are wrong and/or corrupt.

SpiritPsalmist · May 25, 2015

Brotherly Love
Romans 13:8-10 (One New Man Bible)

13:8. You must continually not owe anything to anyone except love to one another: for the one who loves the other has fulfilled Torah (Teaching). 9. Truly "You will not commit adultery, You will not murder, You will not steal, You will not covet, " (Exod. 20:13-15) and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, "You will love your neighbor as yourself." (Lev. 19:18) 10. Love does not work evil to the neighbor: therefore love is fulfillment of Torah (Teaching).

Short and sweet. It's difficult to find anyone these days who is not in debt to someone. I'm working on it myself. The point here though seems to be more about "owing love" more than anything else. All of these "you will nots" have to do with relationship with others. "You will love your neighbor as you love yourself". You feed yourself, you clothe yourself, you make yourself presentable (at least you should) and we are to help our neighbors (friends, family, etc.) in the same way. Not to physically feed them in less of course they need that kind of help but help them with any need that you see they have and you are able to help. Do it in an unassuming way. If possible, do it where they don't even know you did it. If they do know, don't carry a proud look or don't make them feel like their receiving charity. Do what you can but don't overdo. Just be kind.

SpiritPsalmist · May 26, 2015

The Approach of the Day of Messiah
Romans 13:11-14
(Notes in orange and scripture from One New Man Bible)

13:11. And this, since we know the season, that this is the moment now for you to be raised up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12. The night has advanced, and the day has drawn near. Therefore we should put off the works of darkness, and we should put on the weapons of light. 13. In the same manner we should walk decently in daylight, not in carousing and drunkenness*, not in sexual excess or in licentiousness, not in strife or in jealousy, 14. but you will become so possessed of the mind of the Lord Y'shua Messiah (1 Cor. 2:16) that you will resemble Him and you must not be concerned for desires of the flesh.

* (v.13) The word translated drunkenness refers to any intoxication.

Additional Notes from Book of Romans Study:

Verse 12, The "works of darkness" is sin, and is defined by God's Torah.

The "armor of light" is equivalent to the "full armor of God" as Paul taught in Ephesians 6, and is an allusion to the vestments of the High Priest, which in Judaism, are related to aspects of the Torah. The concept of the work of the priest in the Tenakh is one of engaging in spiritual "warfare." Salvation does not come without a "fight."

This is reflected in a number of verses where God is said to be clothed in garments of strength and justice:

Psalm 93:1 - The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Isaiah 59:17 - For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

Isaiah 63:1,2 - Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

For verse 14,
Returning to Paul's comments in chapter 8, those "of the flesh" are not subject to the Torah of God. Therefore, those of the Spirit of Messiah, including gentiles, are to become both hearers and doers of Torah.

"Putting on Yeshua" is the same allusion to Ephesians 6, as Yeshua is our heavenly High Priest who provides for our salvation. Provision for the flesh and lust is sin and is defined by Torah.

Isaiah 61:10 - I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

The various Tenakh verses cited above link the Lord's "garments" to both strength/judgment and salvation. Note Yeshua's return, which will be in strength and judgement, is also linked to our ultimate salvation:

Hebrews 9:28 - so Messiah was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

SpiritPsalmist · May 27, 2015

Do Not Judge Your Brother
Romans 14:1-12
(Notes in orange and scripture from One New Man Bible)

14:1. You must continually take to yourselves the one who is weak in faith, yet do not get into quarrels about opinions. 2. Indeed the one believes it is permissible to eat all things, but the other who is weak eats vegetables. 3. The one who eats must not ever despise the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat must not ever judge the one who does eat, for God accepted him. 4. Who are you, the one who judges a house slave belonging to another?* He stands or he falls for his own master; but he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5. For the one indeed concludes a certain day is better than another day, but the other concludes every day is alike: each must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6. The one who sets aside a day sets aside for the Lord: and the one who eats, eats for the Lord, truly he gives thanks to God: and the one who does not eat abstains for the Lord and he gives thanks to God. 7. Truly on one of us could live within himself and no one dies to just himself: 8. for if we would live, we would live for the Lord, and if we would die, then we would die for the Lord. Whether we would live or we would die, we are the Lord's. 9. For Messiah died for this and He became alive again, so that He would be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10. Then why are you judging your brother? Or then why do you despise your brother? For we will all be brought before the judicial bench of God, 11. for it has been written,

"As surely as I live, says the Lord, (Isa. 49:18) every knee will bend before Me and every tongue will openly give praise to God." (Isa. 45:23)

12. So then each of us will give an account to God on his own behalf.

*(v.4) Each of us is to be a bond servant of the Lord.

A believer is to be a bond servant for the LORD in the sense that we are obligated totally to Him, because our Redeemer purchased us with His blood. He is more than an employer because he has each of us under contract. This is different from slavery because we have free will and can break the contract if we desire. Paul's letters to the Romans and to Titus, James's letter, 2 Peter and Jude start by referring to the author as a doulos, a bond servant, of God or Y'shua.

For centuries, traditional Christianity has taught that this weak person is one who is still hanging onto so called "ceremonial" commandments in the law of God such as Sabbath observance and refraining from eating unclean animals as outlined in the 15th chapter of Leviticus.

If this were the case we would need to classify Peter as one who was "weak in faith", since when God gave him a vision in Acts 10 Peter said, "I have never eaten anything common or unclean. This vision was given to Peter many years after Yeshua's resurrection so was Peter weak in faith? No way Jose'. In Acts 3:6 Peter said, "silver and gold have I none but such as I have I give unto thee". Does that sound like a man "weak in faith"? Absolutely not. It was through faith that the man was healed...plus, Yeshua had prayed that Peters faith would not fail (Luke 22:31-32). Surely we can't think that a request made by Yeshua would not happen.

If what we've been taught was the correct interpretation Paul also would have to be classified as "weak in faith", for his custom was to observe the Sabbath. (Acts 17:2) It can be shown that all the disciples kept the Sabbath 84 times in the NT. Were they all "weak in faith" also? No, they were not.

In 1st Cor 8 we read about a situation where they were dealing with weaker brethren in relation to food. The subject was whether or not it was appropriate to eat food that had been offered to idols. The weak were the ones who had not yet overcome the temptation to worship idols. See verses 1-18 for full context.

The strong one is the one who realized that an idol is nothing, where a weak brother is still being faced with the ideas that the idol might actually be something deserving of honor or worship. The advise that Paul gives here is identical to what Paul gives in Romans 14. (see above) That, while an idol is nothing, we should not do anything that would cause another person to stumble.

Verse 5 he starts talking about the observances of days. I don't believe he's talking about the Sabbath. Why?

The chapter is talking about doubtful things. Commandments of God are not doubtful things, especially when HE wrote them in stone with his finger.
There is no mention of Sabbath.
The stance that it's referring to Sabbath does not agree with other scriptures that uphold the Sabbath.
The alternative to esteeming one day above anther is to esteem "every day". If this were talking about the Sabbath it would mean that every day is a day of rest and we would not be able to work at all.
God is the one who sanctified and blessed the 7th day when He created the world. We are commanded to keep it sanctified so that it is not defiled.

It could be speaking of "fast days". If it is then the context of the whole chapter would have one thing in common: Food. This could explain why later (v17) he says, "the kingdom of God is not meat or drink".

What Paul is condemning in this portion of the chapter is the attitude of the stronger brother toward the weaker. The stronger should not judge or show contempt toward the weaker for we all will stand before the judgement seat of Messiah and give an accounting of "ourself" to Him. Therefore, we are to resolve to stop judging and to not put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brothers way.

SpiritPsalmist · May 31, 2015

Do Not Make Your Brother Stumble
Romans 14:13-23
(Notes in orange and scripture from One New Man Bible)

14:13. Therefore we should no longer judge one another (Matt. 7:1-6): but rather determine this, not to place a stumbling-block or an offense on your brother. 14. And I know that I have been persuaded by the Lord Y'shua that no one thing is defiled in itself, except for the one who counts it to be defiled, it is defiled to that one. 15. For if your brother is grieved by you because of food*, you are no longer walking according to love: stop destroying that one, on behalf of whom Messiah died, by your food, 16. Therefore he must stop speaking evil of what is good for you. 17. For the Kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit: (Mark 7:15, 1 John 5:17) 18. for the one who serves the Messiah in this manners is pleasing to God and approved by men. 19. Consequently then we should pursue the things of peace and the things that build up one another. 20. You must stop destroying the work of God for the sake of food. On the one hand all things are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats to cause another to stumble. 21. It is good not to eat meat and not to drink wine and not do anything by which your brother stumbles. 22. You have faith that, with reference to yourself, you must continually have before God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves: 23. but the one who doubts is condemned if he would eat, because it is not from faith: and everything not from faith is sin.

* (v.15) What you eat.

This section is the heart to the whole matter...we are to determine to not put a stumbling block in front of a brother or sister. Nothing is unclean in and of itself. This is what Jesus was saying in Matthew 15:11. Later in Matthew 15:16-18 He explains what He meant. None of it suggests that it's ok to eat the things that God said was not food, or forget Sabbath, or any of the Commandments. The condition of our heart is the focal point. Verse 14 is interesting..."to him who thinks anything to be unclean". Why would someone "think" that something was unclean? Oh, they were reading the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) maybe. Some do take the "head in the sand" approach and just don't read the OT but to do that is denying more than half of the scriptures that reveal the nature and character of God.

We are to NOT be a stumbling block. Period. To be a stumbling a block means you are no longer walking in love (v 15). Stop taking freedoms with what you feel you can knowing it is causing another to stumble. Likewise, the one who is caused to stumble needs to stop speaking evil of you. This is not a tug of war it's just simply both sides need to stop the lack of walking in love. We are to walk in love and stop being selfish. One should not say "you stop eating that" and the other retort with "stop judging me". Each of us must take control of our own actions, and not throw the others up in their face. It's your actions that you change not someone else.

SpiritPsalmist · Jun 3, 2015

Please Your Fellow Men, Not Yourself
Romans 15:1-6
(One New Man Bible)

15:1. And we the strong are obligated to support the weaknesses of the powerless and not to please ourselves. 2. Each of us must be pleasing to our neighbor for the purpose of building up for his good: 3. for even the Messiah did not please Himself, but just as it has been written, "The reproaches of those who blame you have fallen upon Me." (Ps 69:10) 4. for whatever was written beforehand, was written for our instructions, so that through patience and through the exhortation of the Scriptures we would have hope. 5. And the God of patience and of comfort would give us to set our minds on one another according to Messiah Y'shua, 6. so that since you are of one mind you should glorify the God and Father of our Lord, Y'shua Messiah, with one voice.

Here's the Living Bible Version

The Message

I think it's pretty clear that we are not to do whatever we want. In doing so we are treading on the little faith of others we are responsible for. Verse 4 for what was written (the Old Testament Scriptures including Torah) was written for our instruction. Why? So that through patience and through the exhortation of the Scriptures (which for Paul is what we call the Old Testament), we would have hope. The OT is not dead and gone. God's instructions are alive and well and there for our exhortation.

SpiritPsalmist · Jun 6, 2015

The Gospel for Jewish and Pagans Alike
Romans 15:7-13
New American Standard

7. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8. For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9. and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written,

"Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing to Your name.” (Psalms 18:49)

10. Again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” (Deut. 32:43)

11. And again,

“Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.” (Psalms 117:1)

12. Again Isaiah says,

“There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him shall the Gentiles hope.” (Isaiah 11:10)

13. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Here we see Paul still using OT scriptures to prove his point. In verse 7 he tells them to accept one another just as Jesus accepted you and do this for the glory of God. Then he says, Messiah (Jesus) has become a servant to the circumcision (the Jews) on behalf of the promises that God had given them to their forefathers and so that the Gentiles could glorify God for His mercy. Apparently, the two groups were having some conflict. Paul told them "accept one another just as Jesus accepted you and do this for the glory of God". It brings no glory to God to be fighting among the brethren. And if it's one groups opinion that the other is not "good enough" or is "too much law" then they are bringing disgrace to the name of God with their un-Christ-like thoughts and actions toward the other. You don't have to accept what they believe but you do have to accept them...Paul said so in verse 7. All the bickering and fighting and false accusation should be done with. As well as taking offense, which I myself am sometimes guilty of...my bad.

He then quotes from several passages in the scriptures showing the prophesies regarding the desire of God to bring the Gentiles in. King David wrote that he would give praise to God among the Gentiles. Moses sang a song that tells the Gentiles to praise the Lord WITH His people. In verse 11 King David again is telling the Gentiles to praise the Lord then saying "everyone praise Him". Then Isaiah says a descendant of Jesse will arise over the Gentiles and in Him the Gentiles will find hope.

He ends this portion with may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God is our hope, and joy, and peace in our believing on Him. And this is for abounding in hope and it's by the power of the Holy Spirit. So if there is no hope, no joy, and no peace then get before God and seek Him and His ways. And when you've done that, there should be hope abounding because you are being powered by the Holy Spirit. :clap:

SpiritPsalmist · Jun 9, 2015

Paul's Missionary Commission
Romans 15:14-21
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum* I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but as it is written,

"They who had no news of Him shall see,
And they who have not heard shall understand.” (Isaiah 52:15)

* (V.19) Illyricum included all of the former Yugoslavia plus Austria and parts of adjoining countries.

Paul is confessing his desire for the Gentile believer. He is convinced they are full of goodness, and knowledge and they are able to admonish one another. Note it does not say to admonish others in other congregations but to admonish those they are congregating with and they are known among them, not just strangers coming up and telling them what to do. He tells them he's written boldly on some points so as to remind them of his mission that God gave him....to be a minister of Jesus to the Gentiles. He ministered as a priest of the gospel of God.

"Beginning with John the Baptist, the work of the New Testament priests of the Gospel is primarily to offer saved sinners as sacrifices to God. The OT priests worked on bulls and goats, the NT priests worked on sinners.

Paul was sent by God from one place to another to preach the gospel and he offered the saved ones as sacrifices to God (Rom 15:16; 1 Peter 2:9). Then he continued to work on the saved ones by nourishing and cherishing them that he might lead them to present themselves to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). As such, Paul was a pattern of the priesthood of the gospel. He took care of the new believers in Christ that they might grow by the word of God and that thereby the fruits of the gospel would remain. Furthermore, he carried out the work of teaching and perfecting in the saints, working individually and directly on them daily, that they might be perfected in their gifts. Thus, like him, they could do the work of the building of the Body of Christ (Eph 4:12), and they could all become New Testament priests of the gospel". ~Witness Lee~

He will speak only of what Christ has done through him, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles in word and deed. He sought to go where the gospel had never been heard before because he did not want to build on another mans foundation. Then he quoted Isaiah to back himself up.

SpiritPsalmist · Jun 10, 2015

Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
Romans 15:22-33
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while— 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and I have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit* of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest* in your company. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

* (V.28) The donation for the congregation in Jerusalem
* (V.32) A brief respite from Paul's heavy schedule.

For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you. For what reason? He's had to travel to share the gospel, but at this point in time, there is no further place for him to go in those particular regions. He's had a longing for years to see them whenever he would go to Spain. So he now hopes to see them in passing and to be helped by them after he has enjoyed spending time with them. He's on his way to Jerusalem to serve the saints. Macedonia and he are pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. The church in Jerusalem was pleased with what was given to them and are indebted to the Macedonians. If the Gentiles shared in the spiritual things then they are indebted to minister also with material things. Paul knows that when he arrives he will come with the full blessing of Christ.

He then urges them to strive (full on prayer warrior)in prayer to God concerning him. His prayer request is that he would be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea and that his ministry in Jerusalem would be well received by the saints and that when he arrives at the church in Rome that it will be in joy and he will find rest with them.

SpiritPsalmist · Jun 12, 2015

Personal Greetings
Romans 16:1-27
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church* which is at Cenchrea*; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper* of many, and of myself as well.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila*, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet the church that is in their house*. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junias*, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them*. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet*.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

21 Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel* and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

* (V.1) Although often translated "church," (as is in NASB) no Greek word meaning church is used in the New Testament. It should say "congregation". The actual word in Strongs is Ekklésia: an assembly, a (religious) congregation. A group of people who have gathered for some particular purpose. Another Greek word sometimes translated Church, is Sunagoga, now written synagogue in English. Sunagoga means a gathering of people or an assembly. Church is not an appropriate translation of either word because that in our minds refers to an organization or to a building, while both Greek words, Ekklesia and Sunagoga, refer to people. The people are far more important than the organization or the building. ~One New Man Bible~

* (V.1) Cenchrae was on the west side of the very narrow piece of land connecting northern Greece to soutern Greece. Corinth was on the east side, just a short distance away.

* (V.1) In this version the word helper is used but the KJV uses the word "succourer", which in Greek is Prostatis, meaning 1. a woman set over others. 2. a female guardian, protectress, patroness, caring for the affairs of others and aiding them with her resources. Literally, Phoebe is a woman set over others.

* (V.3) Listing Priscilla first indicates a greater ranking (in teaching) for her in Paul's mind. Paul had met them a few years earlier in Corinth, recorded in Acts 18:2.

See 2 Tim 4:19. There is an interesting observation to be made from that short verse, however. Priscilla’s name appears before Aquila’s. In fact, her name is first in four out of the six biblical references to them. And that is unusual! Most references to husbands and wives in the Bible place the man first. Why the switch? Several explanations have been suggested, but the most reasonable one seems to be that Priscilla was the more gifted of the two and often took the more prominent role. Yet it appears that that never affected their love for one another, their understanding of each other, nor their ability to work together. ~ Side by Side - The Story of Aquila and Pricilla~

* (V.5) House: Their living in Rome makes this during the first five years of Nero's reign. Claudius expelled the Jewish people from Rome in 49 AD. Nero succeeded him in 54 AD, permitting them to return, and then five years later expelled them.

* (V.7) Junia is a woman ~One New Man Bible~

* (V.15) These 15 verses refer to 14 men and 10 women, a higher proportion of women than many might expect, and more than are named in any other letter from Paul. That he knew so many working in a ministry in Rome is an indication of the effort of the Jerusalem council to reach the seat of power across the Roman Empire. Priscilla and Aquila would have known many, if not all, of these Romans. ~One New Man Bible~

* (V.20) You have been given awesome power.

Footstool is a tough place for an enemy to be. The LORD says to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' (Ps. 110:1) Y'shua referred to this several times, in Matt. 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:43, and others. The full meaning of making your enemies your footstool is..And it was when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings. and they came near, and put their feet on their necks. And afterward Joshua struck them and slew them and hanged them on five trees, and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening. (Joshua 10:24-26) When he struck them he cut off their heads, completely removing the enemy - the meaning of "make your enemies your footstool."

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Our enemy, Satan, is our footstool!

* (V.24) V. 24 is not in the earliest manuscripts, added in the 5th C. ~One New Man Bible~

* (V.25) His statement "my gospel" followed by the message of Y'shua Messiah, means the gospel of the Jerusalem council, as opposed to the false teachings referred to in other letters. See 2 Cor. 4:5. ~One New Man Bible~

James Is Back · Jun 25, 2015

Mod Hat On

Thread closed at OPs request.

Mod Hat Off

The Book of Romans

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

Heavy lean toward Messianic

CF's Official Locksmith

Similar threads