Modern Bible Commentary on Romans 1

The majority of scholars believe the book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 55 A.D. Paul, previously known as Saul of Tarsus, referred to himself as the stock of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee of Pharisees (Phil. 3:5).

It’s incredible to see the life changing conversion of the Apostle Paul. He was once zealously persecuting Christians but then had an encounter with the living God on the road to Damascus. While being blinded by a marvelous light, Jesus asked him: “Why are you persecuting me, Saul?”

Read Romans 1:1-2

Just then, Saul realized that Jesus was Lord and Savior—He was the Messiah prophesied from the Tanakh. Paul was later baptized by Ananias and became one of the greatest Christian leaders the world has ever known.

In this book, written to mostly Gentile believers in Rome, Paul starts off his salutation—like most his letters, with the affirmation of being a servant of Jesus and called to be an apostle. The Greek word for apostle, Απόστολος, simply means “person sent” to do God’s will.

Furthermore, Paul says he is set apart for the gospel of God. The gospel simply means “good news.” It concerns the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. When Jesus rose again from the dead, he told his disciples:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19-20).”

Thus, when one repents, believes in the gospel, and gets baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), they are following the gospel commission.

The promise Paul is referring to is the messiah—Jesus Christ, who would be descended from King David and born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 is fulfilled here and reiterated in Matthew 2:6 as a confirmation of Jesus taking the role as the promised redeemer and shepherd of Israel.

“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Furthermore, the most detailed prophesy of the coming messiah is found in Isaiah 53 concerning the suffering servant. It foretells a savior who will be despised and rejected by men. He will take our pain and suffering. This servant will be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.

This is exactly what happened to Jesus on the cross. For our sake, God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). This promise was detailed by the prophets in the old testament and validates Jesus as the anointed one of Israel—truly the Son of God.

Read Romans 1:3-6

This statement solidifies that Jesus was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness. Some false teachers were saying that Jesus did not take on human flesh, but only “appeared” to have a body. This movement was called Docetism, but is opposed by this verse since Jesus took on human flesh.

However, Jesus was miraculously conceived by the virgin Mary and had no earthly father. This is why He is considered the only begotten Son of God. Also, this explains how Jesus was not born in sin because sin is transmitted through Adam, the male.

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned (Rom. 5:12).”

“So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men (Rom. 5:18).”

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, the world has received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for those who belong to Jesus—from every tribe, tongue, and nation. As you can see, Jesus was born without sin, lived a perfect life, and then voluntarily took upon the sins of the world in our place.

Consequently, Jesus is our substitute. He lived the perfect life we failed to do. He took on the sins that we rightfully deserve from God the Father. So then, if we place our faith in Jesus and His resurrection, we will receive grace. Grace is undeserved favor. No one deserves to go to heaven, but because God loved us so much, He sent His son to die in our place so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).”