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IX. Verses 16-17
(A) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ
(1) For. The greek word is GAR (), and is a grammatical link to that which came before. What comes before is the discussion of Paul preaching to the Greeks and the Barbarians. Moreover, a parallel statement is given equating the Greeks as the so-called, wise, and the Barbarians as the so-called, unwise (vs 14). Anyone not a Greek was considered by the Greeks to be Barbarians, and not a lover of wisdom (philosopher), and hence "unwise". Paul includes the saints in Rome as Barbarians, i.e. ones not holding to Greek philosophy. Today, the term Barbarian is only negative, and not necessarily merely a "non Greek thinker". So, with this in mind Paul is not ashamed to preach the gospel to those you are not schooled in the Greek ways (vs 15). If he is unashamed to preach the gospel to other non-Greeks (barbarians), then he certainly is not ashamed to preach the gospel to Roman saints (including Jews and Gentiles). Here however, let us not forget the Jews are also considered to Barbarians, especially as ones outside the Land.
(2) Not. This is the strong negation OUK (). Paul stating in the strongest of terms his unabashedness for preaching the gospel.
(3) Ashamed. The Greek word is EPAISKUNOMAI (µ), from EPI (meaning - upon) and AISKUNOMAI (meaning - shame or dishonor). The preposition, EPI modifies to a maximum degree the shame or dishonor of which Paul is not afraid. This compound word being linked with the strong negation OUK forms a remarkably strong statement. Many misunderstand Paul's strong linguistic usage, claiming that he is prone to "flights of hyperbole", but when properly understood, it becomes clear that a reason is ALWAYS behind Paul's usage of such language. Indeed, consider that the gospel which Paul preaches not only includes the resurrection of the dead (at which many laughed (Acts 17)), but also includes the entire Body politic: The notion of redeemed men spending eternity with the Savior, equal to His righteous HUMANITY, as well as, being an extension to His righteous HUMANITY.
(4) the gospel of Christ. The phrase "of Christ" is not in the best Greek manuscripts, only the gospel ( ). the gospel is articulated which indicates that Paul means the content of the gospel, or more specifically, the gospel proper.
(B) For it is the Power of God unto salvation (Metonomy of Effect)
(1) For. As above, the Greek word GAR, relates to what came prior. Here Paul lists another reason for not being ashamed to preach the gospel - it is the power of God unto salvation.
(2) Power of God. From the Greek phrase DUNAMIS THEOU (µ_ ), literally God's power. DUNAMIS is were we get our English word "dynamite".
(3) Unto Salvation. From the Greek phrase EIS SOTERIAN (_ ). The Greek word EIS is a preposition meaning to "go toward". It is to be distinguished from EN, which has only intentions of state. That is to say, EN means that an object is inside, and says nothing as to the "action of getting inside". EIS on the other hand includes the state of an object (in), but emphasizes the "approach to getting in". The following figure illustrates the distinction between EN and EIS. Modern Greek rarely if ever uses EIS.1
The Distinction between EIS and EN.
Thus, here EIS is used to indicate that the gospel "brings" people to salvation. The idea here is NOT that of "saved", but "being saved".2
(D) To everyone that believeth. The Greek phrase is PANTI TW PISTEUONTI ( ). PANTI means every or each, and is an adverb in the dative case and masculine gender, here modifying the phrase TW PISTEUONTI (dative, masculine, present participle). TW PISTEUONTI means the believing ones. Thus, this Greek phrase may be more accurately translated as "to every believing one".
(E) to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. The Greek phrase is IOUDAIW TE PRWTON KAI HELLEVI ('I `E). The word TE is an enclitic particle that is translated, both. There are at least two reasons why the this entire phrase does not intend to say that Paul's gospel includes ethnic distinction.
(1) Paul EXPLICITLY states that HIS GOSPEL is non-ethnic, i.e. NEITHER Jew NOR Gentile: For by One Spirit are we ALL baptized into One Body, WHETHER we be Jew or Gentiles (=`E_ = Greeks)...[1 Cor 12:13] Note: 1 Corinthians was written BEFORE Romans, so that we must understand Romans IN LIGHT OF Corinthians. Hence, Paul in Romans can not be preaching an ETHNIC gospel and calling it HIS gospel.
Moreover, Paul EXPLICITLY states that HIS GOSPEL is non-ethnic, i.e. NEITHER Jew NOR Gentile: There is NEITHER Jew NOR Greek (=`E_ = Greeks) [Gal 3:28]. Note: Galatians was written BEFORE Romans, so that we must understand Romans IN LIGHT OF Galatians. Hence, Paul in Romans can NOT be preaching an ETHNIC gospel and calling it HIS gospel.
(2) Some have called this phrase into question in verse 16. However, let us assume that it is to be in this text, which most admit. The same phrase is used in Rom 2:9 in the context of the following statement: For there is no respect of persons with God. Now, if our phrase, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek, means ethnic distinction, then we have a contradiction in verse 2:9. This is called, Proof by Contradiction, where we assume a thing to be true and along the way arrive at a contradiction.
Therefore, the phrase can not mean ethnic distinction, importance, specialty, nor preference, but rather SEQUENCE. Regarding the word first, PRWTON (), Vincent states that it means here, "in point of time" [NTWS: Vol 3. p. 9]. Thus, the notion of "sequence" is clearly indicated by its usage here. The historical development of Paul's gospel started at the Jews, and ended at the gentiles (here Greeks). See Acts 16:1-9 (Jew & Greeks); 17:1-34 (Jews & Greeks); 18:4-6 (Jews & Greeks); 28:28. Also, Paul's entire ministry began in the land of Israel on the way to Damascus, continuing throughout the lands of the Greeks, and ending in Rome. Now, in Rome no need for sequence, for all are Gentiles, Israel being rejected (temporarily), Paul writes his "non- transitional epistles. Later, we will have to detail the ministry of Paul and the chronological order of his epistles. Note: There are yet several issues that need to be looked into on this topic, but we shall save them for later.
(F) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed.
(1) For therein. Again GAR appears linking us to that which came before, where the therein refers back to the gospel in vs 16. Literally, "in it" that is, in the gospel.
(2) is the righteousness of God revealed. Literally, God's righteousness is being revealed. The Greek word for revealed is APOKALUPTETAI ( - 3rdP, Sing, Pres, Pass, Ind). The present tense of this word indicates that its subject is "being" revealed. That is, in the process of currently being revealed; a continual sense. Not that it is passed or over. That it is in the passive voice indicates that the "righteousness of God" is being acted upon by its subject, namely the gospel; here in context it is Paul's gospel. Paul's Gospel reveals God's righteousness and salvation. Clearly, showing that the instrument that displays God's righteousness IS THE GOSPEL.
(G) from faith to faith. The Greek phrase is EK PISTEWS EN PISTIN ( _ ).
(1) from faith. The Greek phrase is EK PISTEWS ( _). No discussion on the usage and importance of this phrase can go understated. Faith when modified with a preposition carries with a large bundle of theological import. This phrase is no exception. EK is a preposition meaning essentially "out of" and is always used to modify the genitive (possessive) case. Axiom:
When used to modify PISTEWS, EK always carries with it the intention of source.
All cases without exception use EK to signify SOURCE when modifying PISTEWS. The following discussion is a complete Pauline listing (unless I missed some) of the occurrences of EK modifying PISTEWS. (Remember that Galatians was written before Romans).
Galatians:
2:16 The source of our faith is the Faith of Christ Himself.
3:2,5 The source of the "hearing" faith is the word (rhema) of God. Compare this with Romans 10:17.
3:7,8,9,11,12 Discussion on the faith-source of Abraham and his relationship to us.
3:22,24 Christ's Faith is the Source.
5:5 The result of faith being the source is the hope.
Romans:
3:26,30 Christ's faith is the source.
4:16 Because faith is the source the result is grace (unmerited favor).
5:1 Because we have been justified by the source-faith of Christ Himself, the result is peace with God (the Father).
9:30,32 A wonderful example of faith being the source of gentile salvation.
10:6 Righteousness is the result of faith being the source.
(2) to faith. The Greek phrase is actually EIS PISTIN (). Recalling our discussion on the distinctive use of the preposition EIS, here it regards the result of the source faith. That is, true faith from Christ (Gal 2:16) will bring salvation unto all who are given ears to hear (Rom 10:17).
(H) As it is written. The Greek phrase is KATHWS GEGRAPTAI (_ ). KATHWS is a compound of KATA (meaning - according to) and WS (meaning - as to or as), meaning "definitely according to", in the most strongest terms, since it is being modified by the preposition KATA. But there is more. GEGRAPTAI is the Perfect tense of GRAPHE (meaning - to write). Thus, GEGRAPTAI means to perfectly or completely write. No stronger statement could have been made by Paul to correlate our understanding of faith with the Old Testament, which quote is about to follow.
(I) The just shall live by faith. The Greek phrase is HO DE DIKAIOS EK PISTEWS DZESETAI (` _ _ ). The word DE is a particle meaning BUT, implying a contrast to what is to follow. The KJV translators for some reason simply did not translate this wonderful word which clearly links us to what is to follow (vs. 18). The people are the subjects of this quotation and are called THE JUST (HO DIKAIOS). And that the source of their justification is faith.
However, Paul is quoting from Hab 2:4, directly out of the LXX, but leaves out a word. See if you can see the difference from the following which is directly from the LXX.
HO DE DIKAIOS EK PISTEWS MOU DZSETAI (` _ _ µ ). The LXX states our case even stronger than we have done. "The just shall live out of MY faith". (J) Upon a General Discussion of Faith
The passages regarding source-faith clearly show that the foundational source of all saving faith is the faith of Christ Himself. Heb 11:1, states that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things on seen". The word for substance is HUPOSTASIS, literally to stand under, or in our English vernacular, TO UNDERSTAND. Biblically speaking, there is NO SUCH THING as BLIND FAITH. Faith is ALWAYS connected to the intellect and soul as a whole (search and see). Faith is the understanding of the things for which we have been pre-hoped (see Eph 1:12). Hence, understanding our hope is UTTERLY connected and involved with the faith with which we have been given (Gal 2:16). The Greek word for evidence is ELEGXOS, meaning "proof". Once used as a real-estate term to mean TITLE DEED. Thus, "proof of ownership" is at the root meaning of this word. There are two aspects to faith.
Objective Aspect:
Usually referred to in the articulated form the objective aspect of faith refers to the body of doctrine in which saints are to come to know, master, and obey. This includes then the hope into which we have been saved. This is why the writer of Hebrews defines faith in terms of hope.
Subjective Aspect:
Typically, viewed as the internal drive given to each believer to master the objective faith, but also, since faith is related to the hope it is the assurance of salvation (Heb 6:19). Therefore, the subjective aspect of faith drives the regenerated sinner to master the objective aspect of faith and in turn the saint builds his assurance of salvation. Hence, in all of this there is a psychology that is utterly linked to faith. Therefore, faith is given to the regenerated sinner so that he knows within himself that he is saved.
GOD'S THREE-FOLD PROCESS OF HIS GIVING-UP OF THE GENTILES
To provide an overview of this section of Chapter 1, a possible structure of the passage is as follows:
(A) 1:19-22
(1) Knowing God
(2) Inexcusable
(B) 1:23-31
(3a) Changed the Glory
(4a) Given up to uncleanness
(3b) Changed the truth into the lie
(4b) Given up to vile affections
(3c) Changed the natural use
(4c) Given up to reprobate mind
(C) 1:32-2:1
(1) Knowing the judgment of God
(2) Inexcusable
X. The Case against the Gentiles (vss. 18-32)
(A) For God's Wrath is revealed from heaven...
(1) Wrath of God ORGE THEOU ( ). Wrath here is God's unbridled passion against sin. Root meaning is "to swell" or "to enlarge", the idea being that God's patience is wearing thin. See Rom 2:5; 4:15; 13:4,5; Eph 2:3; 4:31; Col 3:6; 1 Thes 1:10; 5:9; Rev 6:16; 11:18; 14:10; 16:19; 19:15 (not a complete concordance). Note that when the Ephesians (Laodecians) were unregenerate Gentiles were also sons of disobedience and children of wrath. THUMOS (µ_) should be understood in light of ORGE. Where THUMOS is the "emotional" response, ORGE is the response after a period of "due process". Its usage here is quite appropriate, since the process of sinful manifestation is what follows. God provides a period of due process for the reprobates to manifest themselves, so that "they are without excuse".
(2) is revealed APOKALUPTETAI (-3rd Person, Present, Indicative, Passive). Literally, "is being revealed", because of the present tense.
(3) From heaven. AP OURANOU ( ). The source of this revelation is utterly distinct from that of God's righteousness (vs. 17). It is in the Gospel, God's written tradition that men learn about the way of God's salvation. Is it any wonder then that learning the scriptures and discipleship are of utmost importance to the saint? Yet, in great contrast to the revealing of the "love" of God, God's wrath is seen from heaven. The apocalypse provides details of God's wrath coming from heaven (See Mat 24:27-31; Rev 6:16,17; 14:18-20; 16:1- 21).
(B) against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men
(1) ungodliness. ASEBEIAN (ß), the negation of HONOR, or REVERENCE, from SEBOMAI. Here we see the notion of dishonor, irreverence.
(2) unrighteousness. ADIKIAN (). The negation of the DIKE, righteousness. Here all of man's works, that lie outside of "right" are under the wrath of God. Chapter 3, clearly shows that all of man's works are unrighteous. Therefore, all of man's activities are under the judgment of God because they are all under sin.
(C) who hold the truth in unrighteousness. A very poor translation of the Greek text. The text actually says, "holding DOWN", KATEXONTWN ( -Pres, Act, Part). Literally, those who are "holding down". The idea is to restrain, to hold back. The same word is used in 2 Thes 2:6,7, for the one who is restraining (or holding back). These men (ANTHROPOS) are actually restraining or holding back the truth of God. For this the ORGE of God rests upon their heads.
Verse 18, completes the thought started in verse 16:3
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel"
"For it is the power of God unto salvation.
"For in it (the gospel) is revealed God's righteousness"
"For God's wrath is revealed from heaven"
Verse 19
(D) Because. The Greek word being DIOTI (), a strong compound conjunction from DIA (meaning - through) and HOTI (meaning - that). Paul intends to strongly say "because that".
(E) That which is known of God. That which is knowable of God or known about God. "known" is a verbal adjective, "things that are known about God" or things of God that are "knowable".
(F) is manifest in them for God manifested it to them. There are no such persons as atheists. In the hearts and minds of all men is the knowledge that God exists, but their own depravity demands in many unregenerates the utter internal denial of God's existence. For God's existence implies judgment, and as Paul will continue to prove in this text, "all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God", "there is none righteous, no not one". The way in which man's depravity works itself out in the daily life is often very interesting. For to deny God's existence is to deny the "nobility" of man, for man is created in the likeness of God's Own Image (The Ancient of Days-Memra- Logos). As a result of this "fleeing", whether a man is reprobate or not, by denying God's existence and His nature, man betrays himself of the very nature in which he was created. Hence, evolution is a religion of robbery; it steals from man his honor and nobility as a creation of an infinite-personal, holy-righteous Creator. Darwin utterly hated the notion that God's holiness meant that his grandfather Erasmus Darwin, might be spending eternity paying the penalty of his sins. Darwin's evolution was "birthed" out of this mindset.
There are two ideas provided in this verse that need to be examined:
(1) Paul's Teleological Discussion of God. Paul states in verse 20, that God is known through His creation; at least certain elements about His nature: (1) Eternal power, and (2) Divinity. This is called the "teleological argument" because the apparent "telos" - "end", "purpose", or "design" in the universe IMPLIES a Designer. Paley's discussion of "a watch found lying on the ground" implies a watch-maker is the classic and historic example of this argument. As many have pointed out this type of argument is utterly flawed (though as we will see Paul by way of inspiration does not make the mistakes others have made).4
In all discussions of this argument, philosophers have used "finite" logic to discuss the existence of an "infinite" being. This is clearly an incredible mistake, in fact, all autonomous finite arguments prove nothing about the existence of the infinite God. Paul does NOT make this mistake as do the others (see the wonderful discussion by Plantinga). Paul assumes revelation in verse 19, "is manifest IN them, for God hath showed it UNTO them". Thus, when defined within a "revelatory" framework the Teleological argument works. An analogous example of this logical flaw can be found in the discussion of origins. Evolutionists use the so-called scientific method to discuss the "origin" of the universe, when the scientific method can NOT address that which is UNOBSERVABLE. The scientific method can NOT address issues of Cosmogony ONLY issues of Cosmology!
(2) Where and whence has God revealed things about Himself? There are several elements to the answer to this question.
(a) God has revealed his existence and nature in the conscience of man (vs 19). "The fool has said in his HEART, there is no God (Psm 53:1).
(b) God has revealed his existence, nature, and purpose in the Mazzoroth (zodiac). Gen 15:5 (number = "tell" or determine the story). The zodiac is indeed a horoscope, NOT as told today, but the horoscope of ONE PERSON - Messiah; and the sphinx is the key to understanding the story.5
The Mazzoroth is important when discussing the Gentile knowledge of God, especially the Antediluvian world.
(c) Some use linguistics as an element of knowing something about God. Ethel Nelson maintains that God's story is preserved in the language of the land of Sinim (Isa 49:12-China).6
This may be linked to (a) above to hold true.
(d) Nature. Written in the conscience of every man is the knowledge of God. With this knowledge (see a above), looking at the nature of nature, we see not only the awesomeness of God its Creator, but also the sinfulness of man; for a look at the universe shows the fallenness of man and the laws of thermodynamics.
Verse 20
(G) For GAR (). Connecting us to what came before. Indeed, the evidence (telos) in verse 20, is provided within the context of verse 19, which as stated above presents a "context of revealed knowledge". Thus, the "stuff" here in verse 20, is knowable because of verse 19. Without verse 19, the "stuff" in verse 20 is "unknowable".
(H) Invisible things from the creation of the kosmos. The Greek phrase employed here is TA AORATA ( ). These "things" of Him are defined as His Eternal Power and Divinity. In English this might be better translated "since the creation...".
(I) Clearly seen. The Greek word being KATORAI ( - from KATA meaning - down or under and ORAW - meaning to see or visualize). Thus, Paul uses a preposition to strengthen the fact that these "invisible things" are "clearly visible". This is a strong Figure of Oxymoron (see Mat 6:23; 1 Cor 1:25; some jokingly say "Military Intelligence").
(J) Being understood. The Greek word being, NOOUMENA (µ), from the Greek word noos, meaning mind, i.e. intellect. Here these "things" are perceived by the intellect, the center of intelligence in the person. And because of this "utter knowability of God" they are WITHOUT EXCUSE. Indeed they are INDEFENSABLE.
(K) without excuse. The Greek word being ANAPOLOGETOUS (_). From AN (meaning NOT) and APOLOGY (meaning - defense). The guilty have ABSOLUTELY NO DEFENSE, NO EXCUSE for denying God in any respect.
(L) Both His Eternal Power and Godhead. The Greek phrase being H TE AIDIOS AUTOU DUNAMIS KAI THEIOTES (`' _ µ _). As stated above these are the so-called "invisible things". Eternal Power is literally transliterated as His "always power", His power that never fails and has always been. Godhead is an incorrect translation and should have been translated "Godhood". That is His attributes are known not necessarily His make-up.
Verse 21
(M) Because that, when they knew God. Again Paul uses the word DIOTI (because) to link us back to what was just discussed. The phrase "Knew God" is from the word GINOSKO, meaning to know by personal experience or by the intellect. This is an "objective" knowledge of God and better translated "having known" (Participle, Plural, Masculine, 2nd Aorist, Active). So that man knew about God. The Biblical statement is clear, paganism and polytheism, came AFTER "monotheism" or more correctly "trinitarianism". This is precisely what the Genesis record states. Adam knew God and so did his children, then afterwards rejected Him "and began to call upon (theIr gods) by the name of Jehovah" (Gen 4:26). Man in the face of God, rejected God. Interestingly, the name of Enos means "incurable"; man's condition upon the Fall and his subsequent public rejection his Creator progresses to a state of depravity so incredibly heinous that he is described as being "incurable".
(N) they glorified Him not as God, neither were they thankful. The Greek word for glory is DOKSA (), its verb form occuring here from (meaning - to glorify). The term glory carries with it the notions of character, reputation, honor, and nature. Thus, to "glorify" God means to acknowledge His character and reputation as God. The Gentile world rejected God as God and took to themselves idols of wood and stone. Paul here uses the strong negation OUX to indicate the strength of their anti-glorifying of God. God's glory is an important theme throughout Romans. A complete concordance in Romans follows:
(noun) - 1:23; 2:7,10; 3:7,23; 4:20; 5:2; 6:4; 8:18,21; 9:4,23(2); 11:36; 15:7; 16:27.
(verb) - 1:21; 8:30; 11:13; 15:6,9.
David in his Psalm given to Asaph is recorded in 1 Chron 16:8-36, let us look at the Hebrew parallelism in verse 24:
Declare His Glory among the heathen
His marvelous works among the nations
Indeed, notice what follows in this Psalm, His Eternal Power and Deity.
Glorifying God includes acknowledging His marvelous works - His handiwork.
We read in Psalm 19
The heavens declare the Glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth His handiwork
Clearly, glorifying God includes acknowledging Him as Creator. Today we live in a culture both secular and religious that denies God as Creator. We have invented evolutionism as the new religion to replace God as Creator. As Paul will continue to show, no culture, no society, no religion can survive without God as Creator.
Additional Examples from the Apocalypse:
(1) The four living ones (Rev 4:8-11 [the middle rank of the Cherubim]), give God glory by acknowledging His Eternality and Creatorhood.
(2) The four living ones, the angelic court, and the myriads of Angels about the throne of the Lamb, give him glory because of His reputation and character as the Lamb Who now reigns (5:11-14).
(3) Reverential fear of God is also glorifying to God 11:13.
(4) The reprobates refuse to acknowledge God as God - 16:9
(5) See also 7:12; 14:7; 15:4; 18:1,7; 19:1,7; 21:11,23,24,26
Conclusion of Glory:
What the Gentiles refused to do because of their nature (totally depraved and sinful), they will do through God's grace7
. Compare Rom 1:21 with 15:9.
...they glorified Him NOT as God
...that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.
Thanksgiving:
Strongly associated with glorifying God is giving Him thanks. Paul states in Act 14:16-18, that God provided rain and seasons for fruitful harvests, thus implying men should be thankful. See also Rev 4:9; 8:12; 11:17. The Gentiles failed miserably in giving thanks to God.
(O) But became vain in their imaginations. The Greek word for "but" is ALLA (). Here it is used as the strong emphatic conjunction to indicate the result of NOT glorifying God NOR giving Him thanks.
They "became vain", from the Greek word MATEN, meaning empty, vain, fallacious, error, folly. They became not just "error prone", but "error ridden". Error ridden in their "reasonings" (imaginations - DIALOGIDZOMAI - from which we get our English word "dialog). Their intellectual pursuits, their "science", their knowledge became totally vacuous: Empty words, empty thoughts, empty minds, empty hearts.
(P) Their foolish heart was darkened. The Greek word for foolish is from SUNIEMI (µ - meaning "to pull together"). Here though it is negated with the negation "a", hence meaning "unable to pull together". They are unable to see God's Eternality and Power in creation because they have contradicted themselves. And as a result their hearts were darkened. Their hearts now had become antithetical to the nature of God, "for God is light and in Him dwelleth no darkness at all" (1 Jn 1:5). In contrast to the reprobate Gentiles, notice how the Glory of God, His light, darkness, and our understanding are linked in Col 1:9-13 (AWESOME).
Heart refers to the totality of the person, including the intellect, will, emotions, - indeed the entire person. The entire Gentile world both individually and corporately was wrought in darkness, far from God, and deep in sin. For this reason God brought the Flood upon the Antediluvian world; the fossil record is the Antediluvian's remaining natural evidence.
Verse 22:
(Q) Professing themselves to be wise, the became fools. Vincent makes the remark that professing here means an "unfounded assertion" [WSNT, Vol 3. p. 19]. Claiming that they were geniuses, when in fact, they were morons. The Greek word for fools is from MWROS (µ_) from which we get our English word moron. We see a wonderful example of the Figure of Oxymoron (Wise-Fools).
Verse 23:
(R) And changed the glory of the incorruptible God. The reprobate Gentiles change the reputation of God into a lie. Indeed, they slander the very character of God by replacing God's glory with icons of corruption.
(S) into an image made like. Literally, "in a likeness of an image". Very similar to the True Icon of God, the Logos, the Ancient of Days, the Memra, as indicated in Gen 1:26. The reprobate Gentiles begin to unrighteously mimic God's Icon with corruptible images. These corruptible images or icons are provided for us in the form the Figure of Polysyndeton.
(T) Corruptible man and birds and quadrupeds and creeping things. We only need to look at the records of paganism to see this.
Osiris a god of the Egyptians was half bird and half man. The centaurs were half man and half horse. The gods of Greece and Rome were men and woman of great evil passion. They were no more than "amplified humanity", given to the same passions and lusts of fallen man. Eros (Greek) and Cupid (Roman) a god of love, the youngest of the gods and totally perverted. The minotaurs were half bull and half man. The paganism of the post-Flood world and the "titanic-religion" of the Antediluvian world are commonly linked. The reprobate Gentiles perverted the true gospel with a perversion of there own, of which the historic account is provided for us in Gen 6. The Greeks perverted Gen 6, with the Titan myth coming down from Mt. Olympus and so did all the pagan cultures. (U) Wherefore God gave them up.... The Greek word for "wherefore" is DIO ( - meaning "because of" or "on which account"). God "gave them up", from PARADIDWMI (µ); literally, "to give away" or "to hand over" or "to put aside". The result of abandoning God and slandering His reputation was for God to "throw them aside". STRIKE ONE!
Remark on the Gospel of Verse 16 and the phrase Jew first and also to the Greek
After Amy's question last Sunday it became clearer that the argument needed to be sharpened to show that the Gospel in vs. 16 must be Paul's gospel. To make the point a little clearer the following logic is offered:
If the Gospel (vs 16) is the everlasting (creation) gospel then we arrive at a contradiction with the phrase "Jew first and also to the Greek", because:
(1) If this phrase is part of the gospel content, then we have a "slight" contradiction to the content of the everlasting gospel, since typically, it does not contain ethnic distinction (although Revelation seems to include it).
(2) If this phrase is part of the "historical" outworking of that gospel, we clearly have a contradiction since the Gentiles were given the everlasting gospel FIRST, NOT the Jew (Gen 3:15).
If the Gospel (vs 16) is the Body Gospel, then the phrase "Jew first and also to the Greek" can NOT be part of the gospel "content" because it would then be a direct contradiction to Paul's gospel. However, if the gospel (vs 16) is the Body gospel, then the phrase "Jew first and also to the Greek", fits perfectly into the historical outworking of Paul's preaching his gospel. He went to the Jew first then the Greeks (this is literally true of course).. Therefore, the gospel being discussed by Paul in verse 16, is clearly Paul's gospel.Comments from prior Sunday study:
Bill Cornelius.
(1) Verse 18 the phrase ungodliness and unrighteousness should be viewed as a Hendiadys. The criteria for Hendiadys is:
(1) One item must clearly be the intent.
(2) Both words must agree in Case (Nouns)
(3) Both words must agree in Number (Nouns & Verbs)
Things seem to satisfy the criteria. Search and see for yourselves.
(2) The Figure of Antimereia is employed in verse 19. Where one part of speech is exchanged for another; here the adjective for the noun.
(3) The term without excuse in verse 20, might be better translated as INDEFENSIBLE. I like this translation because it emphasizes the action of HOPELESS defense. Unlike O.J. the Gentiles loose.
Amy Wilson.
Suggested a possible structure to verses 16-19.
(A) Power of God unto salvation (elect)
(B) To all believing ones (jews first then greeks)
(C) Righteousness of God revealed in Gospel
(D) Faith - the just shall live by faith (which separates the elect from the reprobate)
(C) Wrath of God revealed from heaven
(B) Against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of man
(A) That which may be known of God implies no excuse (reprobate)
Looks like it seems to fit.
*******
(U) Wherefore God gave them up.... The Greek word for "wherefore" is DIO ( - meaning "because of" or "on which account"). God "gave them up", from PARADIDWMI (µ); literally, "to give away" or "to hand over" or "to put aside". The result of abandoning God and slandering His reputation was for God to "throw them aside".
Phase 1 of the progressive Gentile perversion is complete - They have rejected God AS Creator and as a result God has "given them up to...".
(V) to uncleanness. The Greek phrase being EIS AKATHARSIAN (_ ). Recall that the preposition EIS carries with it the notion of "motion toward" the object. Here showing the progressive nature of the Gentile manifestation. They continually wax worse and worse. The Greek word AKATHARSIAN is the negation of KATHARSIS, from which we get our English word CATHARSIS, meaning "cleansing". You heard of the phrase "...this was a great catharsis", a "cleansing experience". Thus, the Gentiles are progressing in their vile immorality and "anti-God-ism".
Note: Often when we think of the Fall, we tend to think of a "punctillary" action; that is an action that takes place immediately. To think about the Fall in this manner is not wrong on the one hand, but it is certainly incomplete on the other. Not only was there an immediate result of the Fall, but there was a progressive element as well. Over time man perverted himself more and more, finally bringing about the Flood. As a result of this progressive nature man's longevity was decreased by God (though He no doubt used natural causes to do this - radioactivity, less atmospheric oxygen, harsher environment, etc.). Imagine a totally depraved unregenerate man living for 1000 years - imagine the sin he can get into and create. Hitler living to a ripe old age of 56 generated a considerable amount of evil - imagine the great Antediluvian sinners living to the ripe old age of 1000 - the incredible amount of sin brought about the Flood. The Flood implies judgment and man must therefore reject the notion of the Flood for it condemns him. "For this they willingly are ignorant...the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished" (II Pet 3:5,6). The rejection of the Creator / creation is necessary for fallen man because it condemns him. He is a man in sight of a holy God, truly "a sinner in the hands of an angry God".
(W) through the lust of their own hearts. The Greek phrase being, EN TAIS EPITHUMIAIS TWN KARDIWN AUTWN ( _ µ_ ).
(1) through. As can be seen the Greek word is EN and should have been translated IN. That is to say the stay, "that God gave their state over to 'uncleanness'". This entire stanza is poorly translated. Recall that the preposition EN emphasizes "state" and not "process".
(2) the lusts. As can be seen from above the Greek word is articulated and is EPI-THUMIAIS: "super-lusts". The EPI emphasizes the greatness of their lustful state.
(3) their own hearts. The word KARDIA is intended to mean their entire soul; their entire self-being. They are totally given to sin and corruption. Heart = Soul. There are constituents to the soul however. Some elements that belong to the soul are:
(1) The will
(2) The mind (intellect)
(3) The emotions
Never is the word KARDIA (Heart) used of the emotions ONLY. The will is that "which causes the mind to choose anything". The mind or intellect is the center of one's-awareness or self-consciousness. The emotion is the passion of the soul. The intellect-emotion relationship goes like this: With the mind one thinks, cogitates; the emotions act upon the mind to excite and provide passion for the "things of the mind". We do NOT "think" with our emotions; in this way women are often misjudged when the phrase is used, "there she goes again, thinking with her emotions". Or sometimes it is stated as "men think, women feel". These are contradictory notions.
When we speak of "total depravity", we speak of the entire soul being in a state of sin and corruption; not merely a portion, such as suggested by Aquinas, who stated that though man had fallen, his intellect was intact. A fundamental mistake! For it was Luther who claimed, The Bondage of the Will.
(X) to dishonor their bodies between themselves. The Greek word for dishonor is ATIMADZESTHAI (pres, pass, infinitive). The resultant action of the Gentiles was to permit their own bodies to be dishonored. They both wilfully dishonored themselves and permitted their bodies to be dishonored. This dishonor comes in many forms:
(1) Homosexuality (see vss. 26 & 27)
(2) Molestation (piercing of body parts not considered "normative", i.e., most of the cultures NOT based on written tradition are filled with this activity (i.e. African tribes used lip plates and a host other "things"). Today, in our own cultural as we abandon God as Creator we see a remarkable rise in the "piercing of body parts", far beyond the piercing of ears.
(3) The body- beautiful movement. This is another way in which the body is taken out of its rightful place and worshipped and hence ultimately denigrated.
(4) Pornography. The perversion of that activity (or act) which typifies salvation; the slander of a wonderful type. Moreover, pornography, "to be enjoyed" requires a "third party" to partake (the viewer). In this way the slander is further perverted.
Verse 25:
(Y) Who changed the truth of God into a lie. Better translated "who exchanged". The Greek for changed is from METALLASSO, meaning to exchange for another. The truth of the God (His glory-see above), the Gentiles changed into THE LIE. The Lie is defined below.
(Z) and worshipped and served the creator more than the Creator, Who is blessed forever, AMEN. The Gentiles have assigned divine worth to the creation and to creatures among it. This is a robbery of God and His true nature. God ALONE (SOLA DEO) is worthy of worship. Yet, the Gentiles have exchanged what is rightfully God's and given it to "created entities". The finite for the infinite, the impersonal for the personal, the dead for the living.
The lie then is that creation is to be worshipped. Here the Gentiles did this in many ways (recall the Myths), but the future will provide us with the ultimate perverted fulfillment of THE LIE. The worshipping of the TRUE CHRIST in exchange for the worshipping of AntiChrist. AntiChrist is the personification of this lie. All of perverted and fallen creation is wrapped-up into one person - AntiChrist. For a brief description of the career of AntiChrist see Dan 7:11,21,24-26; 8:8-12,23-25; 9:27; 11:36-39; 2 Thes 2:3,5- 11,12.
Verse 26:
(AA) For this cause. The Greek phrase being, DIA TOUTO ( ). Literally, because of this. Thus, this next giving up is because "they worshipped creation rather than its Creator".
(BB) God gave them up. STRIKE TWO!!
(CC) Unto vile affections. The Greek phrase being, EIS PATHE ATIMIAS (_ µ_). Notice the usage of the preposition EIS, indicating the idea of progress. Things did not happen over night, but waxed until the FLOOD (for as in the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away-Mat 24:38,39). The Antediluvian world started as a wonderful place, but after the Fall the thermodynamics of sin wrought its ugly course and men heaped upon themselves God's unbridled wrath. PATHE from Pathos, a very strong word meaning passion, is linked with ATIMIAS meaning dishonor (as above). Literally, unto passions of dishonor. ATIMIAS is of the same word family as above in the discussion of homosexuality in verse 24, with respect to their "dishonoring" their bodies. (DD) For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. Here we see that the abandonment of God as Creator results in vile homosexuality. The FEMALES (woman not in the Greek) left the PHYSICS of the PHYSICAL order. That is, they became lesbians (in modern-day vernacular). Notice that females are mentioned first in the discussion of this perversion. The very gender for which sex is to be officially enjoyed (for it is a celebration of her creation day) perverts it TO THE MAX. Because sexuality is provided for the woman, lesbianism is a remarkable form of arminianism (women "saving" themselves). Furthermore, the Greek word for natural is from the word family of PHUSIS (_), from which we get our English word "physics". Thus, Paul is teaching that lesbianism is a DEPARTURE from natural law; something NOT intended in the original creation.
Verse 27:
(EE) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman. As in DD the word translated men is actually the Greek word meaning the male gender (ARSENES) not ANTHROPOS. This linked with the gender emphasis in verse 26, clearly shows that Paul's point is the destruction of the sexual distinction created into the human race at the time of creation. Woman was taken OUT of man, creating a distinct human gender. Moreover, here the males also leave the "physics" of sexuality and participate in another form of sexual arminianism - just like the females. God created Adam and Eve, NOT Adam and Steve.
(FF) burned in their lust one toward another. The Greek word for "burned" is the extremely intense word EKEKAUTHASIN, literally "to utterly burn out". They were on fire for each other. I beg for apologies for the following comments, but remember the words chosen to be used by brother Paul are done so by inspiration. The Greek word used here for "lust" is ORECKSEI, and it means "reaching out". It comes from the word family OREGW meaning "to extend" or "stretch out". To sum up, Vincent well states, "The peculiar expressiveness of the word here is sufficiently evident from the context" [WSNT, Vol.3, p.20]. The remaining portion of this verse sheds additional light on there activity.
(GG) men with men working that which is unseemly. Again, men in the Greek is actually males. Males with males clearly indicate the perversion of their activity; having sexual relations with each other. The Greek phrase is literally, "males IN males". "Unseemly" is properly translated SHAMEFUL of an extreme sort.
(HH) and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. Literally, "receiving FROM themselves". The penalty was from within their own activity. The penalty was their recompense/reward for their action (error). Apparently, this penalty was meet (fitting) for the crime. There are a host of biological reasons for the depravity of this activity.8
They word for "error" is PLANE (), from which we get our English word planet; meaning "wandering" or "wanderer". No sense of direction, no sense of right and wrong, doing whatever they pleased and of course receiving their "just rewards".
Verse 28:
(II) And even as they did not retain God in their knowledge. The Greek phrase for "did not retain" is OUK EDOKIMASAN ( µ), and means that they did NOT DOCUMENT (or approve). They did not approve of or document God in their knowledge. The Greek word for knowledge is EPIGINOSIS, meaning "detailed knowledge".
(JJ) God gave them up. STRIKE THREE!!! THEIR OUT. The third and final fall of the Gentile world. They chose not to keep God in their knowledge. This phrase carries with it the notion that God was stricken from their entire life and culture. God was replaced in every area of their life: morality, politics, education, religion, etc. All had become utterly perverted.
(KK) to a reprobate mind. Here Paul employs a play on words, giving the notion "that God will show them". The word for reprobate is the same word as in the case of "did not approve" in II above. Literally, God gave them over to an UNDOCUMENTED MIND (intellect). Thus, reprobation means "that which is NOT documented". As Robertson puts it, "they rejected God, so He rejected them" [WPNT, Vol. 4, p.330]. The word here for mind is NOOS, meaning intellect.
(LL) to do those things which are not convenient. Things which are abominable.
Verses 29 - 31:
(MM) Being filled. PEPLERWMENOUS (µ_). The perfect participle of "to fill". Literally, "to perfectly fill to the fullest". The Gentiles are being perfectly filled to the fullest with all that is to be enumerated.
(NN) The following list is in the form of an Asyndeton, telling us that the list is to bring us to a crescendo, and that the list provides a complete characterization of these reprobates. In English today we use Asyndeton extensively, we say that the house is big, square, yellow, old, wooden, and brick. Each element is nothing more than a part of the whole, but in English we always end the list with the last element joined to the list by "and". In Greek there is no such requirement. We are "rushed" through the list to get to the intended meaning; to the crescendo. The following table includes a comparative listing with 2 Tim 3.
Verse 32:
(OO) Who knowing the judgment of God... Literally, "having known" the judgment of God. Thus, they are "fully aware" of God's judgment on such things. If man was not internally aware of God's judgment, why would he invent religions to deceive himself, i.e. evolution.
A better translation of this verse might be "Who having known the judgment of God, that those that practice such things are worthy of death; not only those that practice them, but those also that approve of their practice".
In today's evangelical world we are told that God loves everyone and has a wonderful plan for their lives. I submit that this is a great lie. For nowhere in this great passage of Gentile depravity, does the notion of God's love for them ever come out in the text; even remotely. God does NOT love everyone without exception; God hates the sinful reprobates:
(1) "Thou hatest all workers of iniquity" [Psm 5:5b] (notice that the text does NOT say that God merely hates their sin).
(2) "But the wicked and him that loveth violence His soul hateth" [Psm 11:5b] (Notice that the text does NOT say that God merely hates their sin).
(3) "...And my soul shall abhor you [Lev 26:30] (Notice that the text does NOT say that God merely hates their sin).
(4) "The Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man" [Psm 5:6b] (Notice that the text does NOT say that God merely hates their sin).
(5) "...He that is abhorred by the Lord shall fall in" [Pro 22:14b]. (Notice that the text does NOT say that God merely hates their sin).
(6) "And when the Lord saw it, He abhorred them" [Deut 32:19] (Notice that the text does NOT say that God merely hates their sin).
To state that God merely hates the sin, is in fact, a theologically vacuous statement. For the scripture clearly teaches, "out of the heart (that is out of the being of man) proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" [Mat 15:19]. Moreover, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [Jer 17:9].
Summary:
Romans 1:18-32, demonstrates the three fold giving up of the Gentiles.
(1a) Gentiles reject God as Creator
(1b) God GIVES THEM UP to uncleanness.
(2a) Gentiles worship creation rather than the Creator.
(2b) God GIVES THEM UP to vile affections.
(3a) Gentiles pervert their bodies.
(3b) God GIVES THEM UP to a reprobate mind.
Thus, they are without excuse, indeed, there is no excuse, no defense - they are INDEFENSIBLE.
Footnotes
1 Personal discussion with Apostolos Frangos, Athens, Greece, 1990.
2 For a detailed, yet readable discussion on the usage of Greek prepositions, see, Dana, H.E., Mantey, J.R., A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament, MacMillan Company, New York, NY, 1942, pp. 96-114. Figure 1, is a modified form of the authors' graphic appearing on page 113.
3 Adapted from, C.H. Welch, Just and the Justifier, Berean Publishing Trust, London, ENGLAND. n.d.
4 For some wonderful discussions of the Teleological Argument see Alvin Plantinga, Gods and Other Minds, Cornell University Press, Cornell, NY, pp. 95-111, 1967, 1990 (the classic work!). Augustus Strong, Systematic Theology, The Judson Press, Philadelphia, PA, pp. 75-80, 1944. Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Eerdmans Press, Grand Rapids, MI, Vol 1. pp. 215-240, 1979. Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, Eerdmans Press, Grand Rapids, MI, pp. 26,27, 1949. Norman Geisler, Christian Apologetics, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, pp. 88-92, 1976. The last two references leave much to be desired.
5 For perhaps the best work on the story of the Zodiac, see E.W. Bullinger, Witness of the Stars, Kregel Press, Grand Rapids, MI, 1981. See also our Steve Rodabaugh's 4-Part Study on the Zodiac, TGF, 1992.
6 See Ethel Nelson, Chinese Characters Confirm Genesis Human Creation, Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Creationism, Editors: R.E. Walsh, C.L. Brooks, Creation Science Fellowship, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, Vol 1. pp. 165-171. Ethel Nelson & Richard Broadberry, Mysteries Confucius Couldn't Solve, Read Books Publisher, Leominster, MA, 1986.
7 Welch, op cit, p.32.
8 Charles McGowen, M.D., a member of the Creation Science Fellowship, Inc., in 1985 provided a lecture on the cause of the AIDS virus. In this discussion he stated that homosexual behavior is utterly "mis-placed" relative to the proper view of sexuality of husband and wife.