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Students can mine the shaded grammar/syntax sections or skip over them and enjoy Paul's legal brief (letter) to the Roman Christians.

 

Table of Contents

Preface

INTRODUCTION

Introductory Remarks

Vocabulary

CHAPTER 9

The Church is NOT Spiritual Israel (9:1 - 9:8)

National Election (9:9 - 9:15)

Individual Election (9:16 - 9:19)

Sit Down and Shut Up (9:20 - 9:25)

Restoration of Israel (9:26 - 9:33)

Summary

CHAPTER 10

Zeal Without Knowledge (10:1 - 10:7)

Connecting Pairs (10:8 - 10:13)

Evangelism and Witnessing (10:14 - 10:18)

Israel Rejects the Messiah (10:19 - 10:21)

Summary

CHAPTER 11

God Has Not Rejected Israel (11:1 - 11:6)

Election and Reprobation (11:7 - 11:20)

Divine Discipline (11:21 - 11:27)

Beloved Enemies (11:28 - 11:32)

Beyond Human Understanding (11:33 - 11:36)

Summary

CHAPTER 12

Doctrinal Transformation (12:1 - 12:3)

Individuality and Unity (12:4 - 12:8)

Private Responsibility (12:9 - 12:21)

Summary

CHAPTER 13

Political Responsibility (13:1 - 13:7)

Civic Responsibility (13:8 - 13:10)

Spiritual Responsibility (13:11 - 13:14)

Summary

CHAPTER 14

Church Protocol (14:1 - 14:16)

Spiritual Protocol (14:17 - 14:23)

Summary

CHAPTER 15

Doctrinal Structure in the Soul (15:1 - 15:7)

Apostle to the Gentiles (15:8 - 15:12)

Saturated With Divine Truth (15:13 - 15:17)

Paul's Missionary Activity (15:18 - 15:29)

Futile Prayer Request (15:30 - 15:33)

Summary

CHAPTER 16

Award Winners (16:1 - 16:13)

Honorable Mention (16:14 - 16:16)

Separate from Troublemakers (16:17 - 16:20)

Salutation (16:21 - 16:23)

Mystery of the Church Age (16:25 - 16:27)

Summary

APPENDIX

Submission to the Constitution

Glossary
Works Cited

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Rom. 9:1 I am communicating doctrine in Christ (I am not lying), my conscience [norms & standards] bearing joint-testimony with me in the Holy Spirit [divine inspiration],

 

Rom. 9:2 That great personal sorrow, even constant grief, is in the mentality of my soul.

 

Rom. 9:3 Moreover, I could almost wish that I myself might be accursed [separated] from Christ on behalf of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh [Jewish race],

 

Rom. 9:4 Who are Israelites, to whom: the adoption [spiritual heritage of Israel], and the glory [Shekinah glory of Jesus Christ], and the covenants [unconditional Abrahamic and Palestinian], and the law [Mosaic], and the ritual service [Levitical priesthood], and the promises [Abrahamic and Davidic],

 

Rom. 9:5 From whom are the fathers [Abraham, Isaac and Jacob]. In fact, from whom [genetically] according to the flesh [humanity] Christ came [1st advent], the One who is over all [divine sovereignty], the blessed God [deity of Christ] unto the ages [all dispensations]. So be it.

 

Rom. 9:6 However, the Word of God [OT] has not run aground [drifted off course] because of this [setting aside of Israel and inserting the Church Age], for not all who have descended from Israel [by physical birth] are really Israel [only born-again Jews].

 

Rom. 9:7 Neither because they are the seed [Jewish descendants] from Abraham are they all children [Abraham had eight sons], but rather in Isaac [one son only] shall your seed be called.

 

Rom. 9:8 That is, those who are children of the flesh [racial Jews], these are not the children of God [true Jews]: but the children of the promise [regenerate Jews] are counted as the seed [spiritual seed of Abraham].

 

Rom. 9:9 For this is the word of promise [Genesis 18:10]: Immediately after this time [the exact prophetic moment in God's plan], I [Jesus Christ] will come and a son will be provided for Sarah.

 

Rom. 9:10 And not only her [Sarah], but also Rebecca when she had sexual intercourse [conceived a child] with one man: our father, Isaac,

 

Rom. 9:11 For the twins, not yet having been born, neither having performed anything good or evil, so that the sovereign purpose of God according to election would stand [no changes to the divine plan], not by works [human will or effort], but by Him Who calls [the source of selection is God Himself].

 

Rom. 9:12 It was spoken to her [in Genesis 25:23]: The elder [Esau] shall serve the younger [Jacob],

 

Rom. 9:13 Just as it stands written [in Malachi 1:2-3]: I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.

 

Rom. 9:14 What, then, shall we conclude? There is no injustice [unrighteous prejudice] with God, is there? Let it not be so!

 

Rom. 9:15 For He said to Moses [in Exodus 33:19]: I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion [God reserves the right to exercise divine sovereignty in both election and reprobation].

 

Rom. 9:16 So then, it [election to salvation] is not by means of him who wills [not by man’s positive volition], nor by means of him who attempts to make forward progress [man trying to earn it by works], but by means of God Who shows mercy.

Rom. 9:17 For the Scripture communicated to Pharaoh [in Exodus 9:16]: For this very purpose I have raised you up, so that I might demonstrate My power through you, and so My Name might be proclaimed far and wide throughout all the land.

 

Rom. 9:18 Consequently, therefore, He has mercy on whomever He wills [the elect]; in fact, He hardens whomever He wills [the non-elect].

 

Rom. 9:19 Therefore, will you ask me: Why then does He continue to find fault? For who can resist His sovereign will?

 

Rom. 9:20 On the contrary, oh man [derogatory insult], who are you who argues against [impugns the integrity of] the God? Shall the thing formed [creature] reply against Him Who did the creative forming [Creator]: Why have you made me this way?

 

Rom. 9:21 Or doesn't the Potter possess authority over the clay to make, on the one hand, out of the same lump of clay [body of believers], a vessel unto honor [those pursuing super-abounding grace], but on the other hand, a vessel unto dishonor [those living a life of habitual sin]?

 

Rom. 9:22 Now suppose God, Who desires to demonstrate wrath [divine judgment] and to reveal His power [omnipotence], endures with great patience [postpones judgment on] the vessels of wrath [unbelievers] who are fitted for destruction [eternal judgment],

 

Rom. 9:23 Also suppose that He desires to reveal the riches of His glory [grace blessings] upon the vessels of mercy [the elect] whom He has prepared beforehand for glory:

 

Rom. 9:24 Namely us, whom He has called, not only out from the Jews, but also out from the Gentiles.

 

Rom. 9:25 Likewise, He also communicated in Hosea [2:23]: I will call them [illegitimate Gentile children of Hosea's wife] who were not My people - My people [saved Gentiles during the dispensation of Israel], and she [Hosea's unfaithful wife] who was not beloved [physical Israel during the "times of the Gentiles"] - beloved [restored, spiritual Israel during the millennium],

 

Rom. 9:26 And it shall come to pass [at the 2nd advent of Christ] in the place [land of Israel] where it was said [Hosea 1:10] to them [Jews of the Northern Kingdom]: "You are not My people - in this same place, they [all Jewish believers in the future] shall be called the adult sons of the living God."

 

Rom. 9:27 In fact, Isaiah cried out in a loud voice [10:22] concerning Israel: "If the number of the sons of Israel [Jewish race] is as the sand of the sea [a vast earthly multitude that cannot be numbered], a remnant [of believing Jews] shall be saved [delivered through the tribulation],"

 

Rom. 9:28 For "the Lord [Jesus Christ] will execute His Word [at the 2nd advent] by completing [the remaining 7 years of the 490 years of Jewish discipline] and shortening [bringing the Church Age to a close and ushering in the 1,000 year millennium] the time on the earth."

 

Rom. 9:29 And so, just as Isaiah [1:9] prophesied: "If the Lord of the Armies had not left us a seed [Jewish remnant], we would have become like Sodom [completely destroyed, 3 survivors] and we would have been made like Gomorrah [completely destroyed, no survivors]."

 

Rom. 9:30 What, then, should we conclude? That the Gentiles, who did not seek after righteousness, ended up attaining [by grace] the righteousness [of God], that is, the righteousness by means of faith [as opposed to works].

Rom. 9:31 But Israel, who repeatedly pursued after the law for righteousness [incorrect protocol], did not overtake the law for righteousness [failed efforts].

 

Rom. 9:32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by means of faith [correct protocol], but rather by means of works [incorrect protocol]. They stumbled over [rejected] the Stone of stumbling [Jesus Christ],

 

Rom. 9:33 Just as it stands written [in Isaiah 8:14, 28:16]: "Behold, I have laid a foundation in Zion, the Stone [Jesus Christ] of stumbling [cross before the crown], even the Rock [Jesus Christ] of offense [Jews ignore the 1st advent]; nevertheless, he who believes on Him shall not be disappointed [put to shame at the Last Judgment]."

 

Rom. 10:1 Brethren [Christians], on the one hand, the desire of the mentality of my soul and my prayer face-to-face to God on their behalf [Israel in the flesh] is for deliverance [deliverance from hell and restoration to Palestine],

 

Rom. 10:2 But on the other hand, I must testify against them [Israel in the flesh], for they have a zeal for God [to keep the law], but not according to complete knowledge [salvation by grace through faith is missing],

 

Rom. 10:3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and by striving to establish their own righteousness [glory to themselves instead of God], they have not been obedient to the righteousness of God;

 

Rom. 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law with reference to righteousness to each person who believes [Christians only].

 

Rom. 10:5 Even Moses described the righteousness which comes by means of the law, that [in Leviticus 18:5]: "The man who attempts to perform these things shall live by them [in the sphere of their operation]."

 

Rom. 10:6 However, the righteousness by faith [from Codex II] warns in this manner [from Deut. 30:12]: "Do not say in the mentality of your soul: Who shall ascend into heaven [to obtain salvation]? That is, to bring Christ [as the Jewish Messiah] down to earth [to provide salvation],"

 

Rom. 10:7 Or [from Deut. 30:13]: Who shall descend into the underworld [you don't have to die to obtain salvation]? That is, to bring Christ up from the dead [rejection of His resurrection].

 

Rom. 10:8 By contrast, what does it say [in Deut. 30:14]? "The message [salvation by grace through faith] is near you [not in heaven or hell], in your mouth and in the mentality of your soul," that is, the message of faith [gospel] which we are proclaiming,

 

Rom. 10:9 Namely, if you acknowledge with your mouth [experiential activity] Jesus as Lord [deity of Christ], and of course [as a positional prerequisite] believe in the mentality of your soul [faith] that God raised Him from among the dead [resurrection], you will be continually saved [temporal & eternal].

 

Rom. 10:10 For you see, by means of the mentality of the soul it [the resurrection] is believed resulting in imputed righteousness [positional, justification], and by means of the mouth it [diety of Christ] is acknowledged resulting in salvation [experiential, sanctification].

 

Rom. 10:11 Therefore, the Scripture states [in Isaiah 28:16]: "Any person [Jew or Gentile] who believes on Him [Jesus Christ] shall not be ashamed [defeated or disappointed in life],"

 

Rom. 10:12 For there is no difference between a Jew and a Greek, for He Himself [Jesus Christ] is Lord [deity] over all [distinctions are meaningless], Who is generous [forgiving sins and delivering from enemies] to all those [Jew or Gentile believers] who make it a practice to call upon Him [confession of sin and prayer for deliverance],

 

Rom. 10:13 For each person [Jew or Gentile believer], when he calls upon the Name of the Lord [both confession of sin and prayer for deliverance], will be repeatedly saved [daily deliverance from internal and external enemies].

 

Rom. 10:14 How, then, can they call upon the One [Jesus Christ] they have not believed [unbelievers cannot confess sin or pray for deliverance]? Furthermore, how can they believe on the One they have not heard [faith comes by hearing]? Furthermore, how can they hear without a person who communicates?

 

Rom. 10:15 Furthermore, how can they communicate if they are not sent out [missionary & evangelistic ministries]? Just as it stands written [in Isaiah 52:7]: "How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news!"

 

Rom. 10:16 Nevertheless, they will not all obey the Gospel, for Isaiah said: "Lord, who has believed our report?"

 

Rom. 10:17 For you see, this faith [saving faith] comes from hearing, and this hearing [saving hearing] by means of a word [quickening or regenerating word which determines who will "hear" and who will "not hear"] from Christ [emphasizes sovereign grace in salvation].

 

Rom. 10:18 But I ask: Have they never heard? On the contrary [from Psalm 19:4]: "Their voice [evangelists, missionaries, ambassadors] broadcasted unto all the earth, indeed, their words of life unto the limits of human habitation [the extent of the known world at that time]."

 

Rom. 10:19 Yet, I must ask: Didn't Israel understand? First Moses said [in Deut. 21:21]: "I will provoke you [Israel] to jealousy by a non people [racially inferior]; by a foolish people [Gentile dogs] I will anger you."

 

Rom. 10:20 Next, Isaiah was so bold as to say [in Isaiah 65:1]: "I was discovered by those [Gentiles] who were not looking for Me [Jesus Christ speaking]; I became manifest to those who did not inquire about Me."

 

Rom. 10:21 And face-to-face with Israel He [God the Father] said [in Isaiah 65:2]: "All day long I have stretched forth My hands [imploring] face-to-face to a people who are disobedient and who are obstinate."

 

Rom. 11:1 Therefore, I ask: Has not God rejected His people [natural Israel]? May it never happen! For I also am an Israelite, out from the seed of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

 

Rom. 11:2 God has not rejected His people [natural Israel] whom He has foreloved. Don't you remember what the Scripture said [I Kings 19:10, 14] about Elijah? How he appealed to God against Israel?

 

Rom. 11:3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets; they have torn down your altars. In fact, I am the only one [prophet] left behind, and they are seeking my life."

 

Rom. 11:4 But what divine answer [in I Kings 19:18] did He respond to him with? "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men, high quality of character ones [due to spiritual maturity]who have not bowed the knee before Baal."

 

Rom. 11:5 Likewise, therefore, in the same manner [both Israel & the Church share salvation by grace through faith], at this present time [Church Age], a remnant [believers within natural Israel] according to the election of sovereign grace [Jesus Christ is in control, not man] has come into existence.

 

Rom. 11:6 Now if [salvation is] by means of grace [producing humility in the recipient], then not by means of works [producing arrogant self-righteousness], otherwise grace itself [as a sovereign gift of God] nolonger exists as grace [loses its character and meaning].

 

Rom. 11:7 What then? Israel continued to seek for [pursued salvation by works] that which she did not obtain [self-effort didn't work]; meanwhile, the election [chosen ones] obtained it [salvation by grace as opposed to works] and the others [the non-elect] were judicially hardened,

 

Rom. 11:8 Just as it stands written [in Isaiah 6:9-10]: "God [Jesus Christ] gave them [non-elect Jews] a stupefied state of mind [massive scar tissue of the soul]: eyes so as a result they could not see and ears as a result they could not hear [inability to understand the gospel], up to and including this very day."

 

Rom. 11:9 Even David said [in Psalm 69:22-23]: "Let their table [false system of spirituality] become a snare, even a net, and a stumbling-block [hindrance to understanding], even a punishment [divine retribution] to them.

 

Rom. 11:10 Let their eyes become darkened [organs of spiritual perception malfunction] so that they cannot see [blackout of the soul]; in the same manner, may You [the Father] bend their backs [enforced humility] on every occasion."

 

Rom. 11:11 I say then: They did not stumble with the result that they have fallen into ruin, did they? May it not be so! Rather, by their defection [unbelief], salvation came to the Gentiles, for the purpose of provoking them [Israel] to jealousy.

 

Rom. 11:12 Now if their defection [sin of unbelief] has provided an abundant spiritual benefit [gift of salvation] to the world and their failure [loss of client nation status] an abundance of spiritual benefits for the Gentiles, how much greater will be their [Israel's] superabundance of spiritual benefits?

 

Rom. 11:13 (I am speaking to you as Gentiles, inasmuch as, to be sure, indeed, I am the apostle to the Gentiles [in contrast to Peter being the apostle to the Jews]; I am magnifying my ministry [not his person],

 

Rom. 11:14 If in some way I might provoke to jealousy [by evangelism] those who are my flesh [racial Jews] and save certain ones [the elect] out from them [the mass of unregenerate Jews]).

 

Rom. 11:15 For if their rejection has become the reconciliation of the world [end of the Jewish dispensation and beginning of the Church Age], what shall their acceptance be [Israel during the Millennium] if not life out from death?

 

Rom. 11:16 Moreover, if the firstfruit [the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac & Jacob] is holy [saved], then also the lump [believing Jews during the Age of Israel]; and if the root [Jesus Christ] is holy, then also the branches [believing Jews during the Church Age].

 

Rom. 11:17 Moreover, if some of the branches [unbelieving Jews] were broken off [by the sovereignty of God], and you [as a Gentile believer], being a wild olive tree [outside the covenant of God], were grafted in among them [Jewish believers] and have become joint-participants of the Root [Jesus Christ] and the prosperity of the olive tree [blessings reserved for Church Age believers],

 

Rom. 11:18 Stop gloating over the branches [warning against anti-Semitism]. For when you are gloating, you are not supporting the Root [Jesus Christ], but rather the Root, you.

 

Rom. 11:19 You may then reply: The branches [unbelieving Israel] were broken off with the result that I might be grafted in.

 

Rom. 11:20 Correct. They [unbelieving Israel] were broken off due to unbelief, while you [as a Gentile believer] stand due to belief. Stop thinking from arrogance, but rather make it a practice to show respect.

 

Rom. 11:21 For if God did not spare the natural branches [divine discipline on Jewish believers], neither will He spare you [divine discipline on Gentile believers].

 

Rom. 11:22 Therefore, observe the benevolent kindness [blessing] and severity [discipline] of God: on the one hand, upon those [Jewish unbelievers] who fell, severity [discipline]; on the other hand, upon you [Gentile believers], the benevolent kindness [blessing] of God, if [on the condition that] you persist in the sphere of benevolent kindness; otherwise, you [Gentile believers] may also be cut off [divine discipline].

 

Rom. 11:23 And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able [divine omnipotence controls history] to graft them in again [the believing Jew is returned to his spiritual heritage, but now finds himself part of the Church].

 

Rom. 11:24 For since you [Gentile believers] were cut off a wild by nature olive tree, and were grafted [by the baptism of the Holy Spirit] contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more shall these [Jewish believers], who are according to the natural order, be grafted into their own olive tree [returned to the forefront of God's plan during the Tribulation]?

 

Rom. 11:25 By all means, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant [lack of Bible doctrine] of this mystery [the Church Age], with the unfortunate result that you might become wise in yourself [thinking you are better than the Jews]: that spiritual blindness [scar tissue of the soul] in part [except for a remnant] has happened to Israel until which time the full measure of the Gentiles has come in [when the last believer terminates the Church Age],

 

Rom. 11:26 And as follows, all Israel [true Israel, not national or racial Israel] shall be delivered, just as it stands written [in Isaiah 59:20]: He who delivers [Jesus Christ] will come from Zion [at the 2nd advent], removing [slaughtering] the impious ones [unbelievers at the baptism of fire] from Jacob [future restoration of Israel].

 

Rom. 11:27 Also, this is the [new] covenant from Me to them [Israel], at a time [2nd advent] when I have taken away their sin [removal of the 5th cycle of discipline during the Millennium].

 

Rom. 11:28 On the one hand, with reference to the gospel, they [Jewish unbelievers] are hostile towards you [Gentile believers]; but on the other hand, with reference to the election, they [believing Jews] are beloved [of God] because of the fathers [Jewish believers during the dispensation of Israel],

 

Rom. 11:29 For the grace and calling [election] of God are irrevocable.

 

Rom. 11:30 For just as you [Gentiles] did not believe God in times past, but now you have received mercy through their [unbelieving Israel's] disbelief,

Rom. 11:31 In a similar manner, also, these [unbelieving Jews] have not believed just now [during the Church Age] with reference to your mercy, so that they also may yet [during the tribulation] receive mercy,

 

Rom. 11:32 For God has locked them all up [both Jew and Gentile] in unbelief [total inability], so that He might have mercy [by the exercise of His sovereign will] on them all [both Jew and Gentile].

 

Rom. 11:33 Oh the depth of the abundance of both the wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable [beyond our comprehension] His decrees and unfathomable [can't always follow them] His policies!

 

Rom. 11:34 For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?

 

Rom. 11:35 Or who has given in advance to Him [grace giving as a form of worship], and it shall not be repaid to him?

 

Rom. 11:36 Because the all things [spiritual blessings] are from Him [the source] and through Him [the mechanics] and for Him [the ultimate end], to Whom [Jesus Christ] is the glory unto the ages. Acknowledge it.

 

Rom. 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brethren [Christians], because of the mercies from God, to place your bodies [persons] at His disposal [filling of the Spirit] as a living [as opposed to animal] sacrifice, holy [spiritual], acceptable [well-pleasing] to God: your rational [mental] worship;

 

Rom. 12:2 Also, stop being conformed to this age [thinking according to Satan's world system], but be continually transformed [doctrinal saturation in the soul] by the renewal of the mind [daily Bible study], for the purpose of proving what the will of God is: intrinsically good [according to divine norms and standards] and acceptable [well pleasing] and complete [nothing is missing from His plan].

 

Rom. 12:3 For I say to everyone who is among you [Christians], through the grace which has been given to me: Stop thinking too highly of yourself, beyond what he ought to think, but make it a practice to think, having a sane and rational mind [spiritual common sense], as God has assigned to each person a standard of doctrinal truth.

 

Rom. 12:4 For just as we have many members in one body [due to the baptism of the Spirit], and all members do not have the same function [activities and responsibilities],

 

Rom. 12:5 So we [believers in Jesus Christ], the many, are one body in Christ [the Church], and individual parts [no loss of personality], one belonging to others of the same kind [fellow believers].

 

Rom. 12:6 Therefore, we have different spiritual gifts [God-given talents or ability] according to the grace which has been given [sovereignly bestowed] to us. If communication, then communicate according to the appropriate doctrine;

 

Rom. 12:7 If service [most common spiritual gift], then serve by means of service; If teaching, then teach by means of doctrinal teaching.

 

Rom. 12:8 If counseling [encouragement], then counsel by means of encouragement. He who shares, let him share with sincere concern; he who engages in managerial administration, let him manage with diligence; he who performs acts of mercy [sympathy], let him perform acts of mercy with graciousness.

 

Rom. 12:9 Let your love be without hypocrisy [not phony]. Detest evil [Satan's policy for this world]; adhere to the good [doctrinal norms and standards].

 

Rom. 12:10 With brotherly love [relaxed mental attitude] be devoted one to another [fellow believers]. With honor esteeming others of the same kind [fellow believers] more highly than yourself.

 

Rom. 12:11 With reference to spiritual enthusiasm, do not be negligent [fulfill your priestly function]. With reference to the Spirit, be eager [make the most of every opportunity]. When serving the Lord [as an ambassador of Christ],

 

Rom. 12:12 Maintain inner happiness associated with confidence. Stand fast [faith rest drill] during pressure. Persevere in prayer,

 

Rom. 12:13 Sharing in the spiritual needs of the saints. Pursue hospitality [refreshment].

 

Rom. 12:14 Speak well [maintain objectivity] of those who persecute you. Keep on speaking well and stop cursing [sins of the tongue].

 

Rom. 12:15 Be happy with those who are happy; weep [have sympathy] with those who are weeping [hurting or suffering].

 

Rom. 12:16 Keep on having the same thoughts and opinions one to another [fellow Christians]. Stop thinking about snobbish and elitist things. Instead, become accustomed to [accommodate] undistinguished people. Stop becoming shrewd your own estimation [arrogance].

 

Rom. 12:17 Render [pay back] to no one evil [malice] in exchange for evil. Respect honorable things [laws of divine establishment] in the presence of all types of men.

 

Rom. 12:18 If possible, that is, from within you [from the doctrinal resources in your soul], be at peace with all types of men.

 

Rom. 12:19 Stop avenging yourselves, beloved. Instead, allow an opportunity for His wrath, for it stands written: Punishment [justice] is Mine, I will repay [retribution], says the Lord.

 

Rom. 12:20 Nevertheless, if your enemy hungers [for spiritual food], then feed him; if he thirsts [for the Word of God], then give him a drink, for by doing this you will heap [pile up] burning embers of fire upon his head [causing him to have remorse and shame].

 

Rom. 12:21 Stop being conquered [overcome] by evil [Satan's cosmic system], but conquer [be victorious over] evil by means of good [application of Bible doctrine].

 

Rom. 13:1 Let every soul [Christian in Rome] obey the governing authorities which are in power, for there is no authority that is not from God, since those which exist are placed in office under God.

 

Rom. 13:2 Therefore, he [the reversionist Christian] who resists a governing authority opposes the ordinance [divine edict] of God. In fact, those who resist [oppose legitimate authority] shall receive discipline [judicial punishment] upon themselves.

 

Rom. 13:3 To be sure, the governing authorities [legitimate officials] should never [according to the true intent of their office] be a threat to good production [free enterprise capitalism], but to evil production [socialism & the welfare state]. Therefore, you should not feel threatened by governing authorities: keep on producing good [adhering to laws of the land] and you should receive recognition from it [if the government is functioning according to divine principles],

 

Rom. 13:4 For he [the governing official] is a civil servant from God to you for your benefit [protects your personal freedom]. But if you continue to produce evil, be afraid, for it [the judicial branch of government] does not wield a two-edged sword [the death penalty] for no reason, because he is a civil servant from God, a punishing avenger of discipline [legitimate instrument for administering punishment] upon the one [criminal] who produces evil [violates the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens].

 

Rom. 13:5 Therefore, you should by necessity [to avoid distress and calamity] be subordinate to the governing authorities, not only because of the punishment [fear of reprisal], but also because of the conscience [it's the common sense thing to do].

 

Rom. 13:6 For this reason, you should also keep paying taxes, because they are God's delegated representatives [civil servants] who are engaged in this thing [public service].

 

Rom. 13:7 Render to everyone their dues [pay your bills]: taxes to whom taxes are due; import duties to whom import duties are due; respect to whom respect is due; honor to whom honor is due.

 

Rom. 13:8 Owe no man anything [don't be in debt to anyone], except to love one another of the same kind [friends]; moreover, he who loves another of a different kind [strangers] has fulfilled the law.

 

Rom. 13:9 For example [civic responsibility]: You shall not commit adultery, You shall not commit murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet, and if there is another of a different kind of mandate, it is summed up in this principle: You shall love [tolerance and relaxed mental attitude] your neighbor as yourself [according to high standards].

 

Rom. 13:10 Virtue love does not produce evil towards his fellow man, therefore, the fulfillment of the law is virtue love.

 

Rom. 13:11 Also, you must have a thorough understanding of this dispensation [spiritual responsibility], that the hour has arrived for you to be roused [reversion recovery] out of spiritual indolence, for at this present time [during the Church Age], salvation [glorification-salvation] is nearer for us than when we came to believe [justification-salvation].

 

Rom. 13:12 The night [spiritual darkness; life on earth] has advanced; furthermore, the day [spiritual light; death or the rapture] is approaching. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness [production from the cosmic system], then clothe ourselves with the armor of light [Bible doctrine metabolized in the filling of the Spirit].

 

Rom. 13:13 Let us walk honorably in the light, not in wild behavior or drunkenness, nor in illicit sexual activity or licentiousness, nor in quarreling or envy,

 

Rom. 13:14 But instead, clothe [empower] yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop making provision for the flesh [sin nature] due to lust patterns.

 

Rom. 14:1 Furthermore [church protocol], accept the person who is weak in doctrine [deficient due to arrogance and lack of motivation] without quarreling over opinions [avoid theological debates].

 

Rom. 14:2 On the one hand, the person [mature believer] who has doctrine [strong in the faith] may as a result eat all things [absence of legalism]; but on the other hand, the person [immature believer] who is weak [lacks doctrine in the soul] makes it a practice to eat vegetables [presence of legalism].

 

Rom. 14:3 The person [mature believer] who eats all things must not treat with contempt the person [immature believer] who does not eat all things [vegetarian]; furthermore, the person who does not eat all things [vegetarian] must not criticize the person who eats all things [mature believer], because God accepts him.

 

Rom. 14:4 Who are you [weak believer] who keeps on judging another member of the same household [fellow believer]? He stands firm [advances in the spiritual life] or falls down [becomes a spiritual casualty] by means of his own Lord [Jesus Christ]. Yes, he shall be supported, for the Lord has the power to cause him to stand [He doesn't need help from a legalist].

 

Rom. 14:5 On the one hand, a person [weak believer] may distinguish a day [designates Sunday as the "Lord's Day"] over a day [every other day of the week]. On the other hand, a person [strong believer] may prefer all days [every day is a day for doctrine, not just Sunday]. Let each person be fully convinced in his own thinking [flexibility according to one's level of spiritual growth].

 

Rom. 14:6 The person [strong believer] who observes the day [any day] regards it unto the Lord. Moreover, the person [strong believer] who eats [all categories of meat], eats unto the Lord, for he gives thanks to God. Moreover, the person [weak believer] who does not eat [vegetarian], does not eat [all categories of meat] unto the Lord, but gives thanks unto God [for his vegetables].

 

Rom. 14:7 For none of us [believers] should live for himself [blessing by association is our goal]; moreover, none [believers] should die for himself [dying grace is our goal].

 

Rom. 14:8 For when we are living [the spiritual life] we should living [providing blessings by association to others] unto the Lord, and when we are dying [approaching physical death], we should be dying [providing dying grace benefits to others] unto the Lord. Therefore, whether we are living or whether we are dying, we should be the Lord's.

 

Rom. 14:9 For Christ died [death on the cross] and lived [resurrection life] towards this purpose, so that He might become Lord over both the dying ones [those in dying grace status] and the ones who are living [imparting blessings by association due to momentum in their spiritual life].

 

Rom. 14:10 But you [the immature believer], why do you judge your brother [the strong believer]? Or you [the mature believer], again, why do you treat your brother [the weak believer] with contempt? For we shall all [both weak and strong, immature and mature] stand before the judgment seat of God [for rewards].

 

Rom. 14:11 For it stands written [in Isaiah 45:23]: "As I live," says the Lord, "every knee shall bow to Me [worship Jesus Christ], also every tongue shall confess [their sins] to God [the Father]."

 

Rom. 14:12 Consequently, therefore, each one of us shall give an account concerning himself [for the purpose of receiving rewards] to God.

 

Rom. 14:13 Therefore, let us not judge one another of the same kind [fellow believers], but instead let us consider this: Let no one put an obstacle or a distraction in front of a brother [a weak believer].

 

Rom. 14:14 I know for certain and have received confidence in the Lord Jesus that nothing [category of food] is unclean by itself, except to him [the weak believer] who considers something to be unclean - to him it is unclean.

 

Rom. 14:15 For if your brother is distracted because of food [dietary taboos], then you are no longer walking [conducting your Christian way of life] according to the standard of virtue love. Do not contribute to the ruin [destroyed spiritual life] of a person [weak believer] on behalf of whom Christ died.

 

Rom. 14:16 Therefore, do not allow your privilege [of grace-oriented eating & drinking] to be maligned,

 

Rom. 14:17 For the royal power [essence of the Christian way of life] of God does not consist of eating and drinking [external rituals], but righteousness [imputed at salvation] and prosperity [imputed at maturity] and inner happiness [imputed upon the attainment of super-abounding grace status] by means of the Holy Spirit,

 

Rom. 14:18 Because the person who serves Christ in this manner [spiritual rather than material] is well thought of by God [as a result of a successful priesthood] and respected by men [as a result of a successful ambassadorship].

 

Rom. 14:19 Consequently, then, let us continue to pursue prosperous things [those that provide spiritual momentum], especially those related to the edification complex [doctrinal structure in the soul] from which comes blessing to each other of the same kind [encourage fellow believers to pursue spiritual protocol].

 

Rom. 14:20 Stop demolishing the work of God [replacing the principles grace mechanics with legalism] for the sake of food [unimportant external precepts]. On the one hand, all types of things [categories of food] are clean [sanctified by God through prayer], but on the other hand, evil for the man [strong believer] who eats with offense [flaunting his spiritual freedom in front of a weak believer].

 

Rom. 14:21 It is advantageous [beneficial to the weak believer] not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor by that which your brother [weak believer] might stumble.

 

Rom. 14:22 With reference to the doctrine which you [the mature believer] possess: Keep holding it within yourself before God. The person [mature believer] who does not question himself by the things he previously approved [accepts after testing] is happy [free from legalistic guilt complex],

 

Rom. 14:23 But the person [weak believer] who hesitates out of guilt [over some legalistic taboo] is condemned [by his own conscience] if he eats [meat], because it [eating meat] is not out from doctrine as the source [of his norms & standards] and everything [categories of food & drink] which is not out from doctrine as the source [of his norms & standards] is sin [guilt as a mental attitude sin].

 

Rom. 15:1 Now, we [believers with doctrinal norms & standards], the strong ones [mature believers], are obligated [spiritual responsibility] to keep on bearing the ineptitudes [immaturity] of the weak ones, e.g., not making it a practice to indulge ourselves [we should forgo some elements of our spiritual freedom when around weak believers].

 

Rom. 15:2 Let each one of us [mature believers] accommodate his fellow man [courtesy & good manners] for the purpose of the good [God’s plan] towards an edification complex [helping them build a spiritual structure in their souls],

 

Rom. 15:3 For even Christ did not indulge Himself, but as it stands written [in Psalm 69:9]: The insults from those [unbelievers] who reviled You [God the Father] eventually fell upon Me [Jesus Christ].

 

Rom. 15:4 Moreover, everything [in the Old Testament] written in earlier times [during the Age of Israel] was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and through encouragement from the Scriptures, we might repeatedly obtain confidence.

 

Rom. 15:5 Now, may the God of perseverance and encouragement reward you with the same thinking [establishment principles & doctrinal rationales] one with another according to the standards of Christ Jesus [divine viewpoint],

 

Rom. 15:6 So that with one motivation [unanimous accord] by one message [Bible doctrine] you might honor God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Rom. 15:7 Therefore, keep on receiving one another of the same kind [fellow believers], just as Christ also received us: for the glory of God [the Father].

 

Rom. 15:8 For I declare: Christ was made a minister to the circumcision [Israel] on behalf of the Truth of God, so that He might confirm [guarantee] the promises [the unfulfilled, unconditional covenants] unto the fathers [the O.T. writers],

 

Rom. 15:9 And so that because of mercy, the Gentiles might glorify God [Jesus Christ], just as it stands written [in Psalm 18:49]: Because of this [deliverance from enemies], I [David] will acknowledge You [the Father] among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Your Name [Jesus Christ].

 

Rom. 15:10 And again [in Deut. 32:43]: Be of good cheer, Gentiles, with His people [the Jews of Israel].

 

Rom. 15:11 And again [in Psalm 117:1]: Keep on admiring the Lord, all you Gentiles. In fact, let all the people praise [with maximum doctrine in the soul] Him [Jesus Christ].

 

Rom. 15:12 And again [in Isaiah 11:10], Isaiah said: There shall be a Rootsprout [Jesus Christ in hypostatic union] of Jesse [emphasizes His humanity], even He [Jesus Christ] who will arise [bodily resurrection] to rule over the Gentiles [from the 2nd Advent through the Millennium]; upon Him the Gentiles [mature ones] will have confidence.

 

Rom. 15:13 Now, may the God [Jesus Christ] of confident expectation [justification-salvation] fill you to the point of overflowing [sanctification-salvation] with every category of inner happiness and prosperity [as a result of spiritual advance] by means of what we believe [Bible doctrine], so that it [every category of inner happiness & prosperity] may continue to abound to you in confident expectation by means of the power of the Holy Spirit [advance to maturity].

 

Rom. 15:14 In fact, even I myself am being convinced concerning you [mature believers in Rome], my brethren, that you are also full of goodness [fruits of the Spirit], having been filled to the point of overflowing [abundantly instructed in doctrine] with every category of knowledge [systematic theology], also having the ability to instruct others of the same kind [assisting fellow believers].

 

Rom. 15:15 Consequently [because of your mature spiritual status], I have written to you audaciously in part, as one who is continually reminding you [repetition] because of that grace [communication gift] which was given to me by God,

 

Rom. 15:16 So that I might be a minister [communicator] of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering the good news [preaching the gospel & teaching doctrine] about God, so that as a result, the offering, the Gentiles, might become acceptable, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

 

Rom. 15:17 Therefore, I continually restrain my spiritual boasting in Christ Jesus to the things [doctrines] pertaining to God.

 

Rom. 15:18 For I will not presume to speak about anything [my various missionary activities] which Christ has not accomplished through me, for the purpose of encouraging obedience [authority orientation] to the Gentiles, by word [doctrinal communication] and deed [professionalism in the ministry],

 

Rom. 15:19 By the power of signs [remarkable events directed towards the Jews] and wonders [terrifying portents caused by God to impress the Gentiles] in the power of the Spirit, so that I might travel from Jerusalem in a circle, even as far as Illyricum [east of Italy], in order to bring to completion [proclaim to the remotest areas of the Roman Empire] the gospel of Christ.

 

Rom. 15:20 In fact, in this way [operating as an itinerant preacher], I consider it an honor to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ has already been mentioned [evangelical function], so that I might not build upon the foundation belonging to another man of the same kind [non-interference with other missionaries].

 

Rom. 15:21 Moreover, just as it stands written [in Isaiah 52:15]: They [people in remote geographical locations] shall see Him [Jesus Christ], with reference to Whom an announcement had never been made [no prior gospel preaching], and whoever has not heard, will understand [comprehend the gospel and believe in Christ].

 

Rom. 15:22 Also, as a matter of fact, I was detained many times from coming face-to-face to you.

 

Rom. 15:23 But now [having reached the eastern edge of the Empire], having no more opportunity [converts] in these regions, and having a desire to come face-to-face to you [for some rest & relaxation] for many years,

 

Rom. 15:24 As soon as I depart for Spain, for I expect to visit you when I pass through [only a short visit in Rome] and to be escorted to that place by you [accompanied and supported financially], if first [prior to his departure to Spain] I become satisfied with your state of affairs [happy with their spiritual progress],

 

Rom. 15:25 But now [in emotional revolt against God], I am going to travel to Jerusalem for the purpose of ministering to the saints [Jewish believers].

 

Rom. 15:26 For [according to Paul's rationalization] the Macedonians and Achaians were pleased to make a considerable contribution [charity] for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

 

Rom. 15:27 Indeed, they were very pleased, in so far as they are debtors to them [the Jews], for since the Gentiles are partakers of their spiritual blessings [from Pentecost to the rapture of the Church], they are obligated also to minister to them [the Jews] with material blessings.

 

Rom. 15:28 Therefore, after I have accomplished this [charitable business transaction], and have placed in their hands [safely delivered] this sum of money, I will depart for Spain through you.

 

Rom. 15:29 Then [after going to Jerusalem] I know that when I come face-to-face to you, I will be coming with a full measure of the blessing of Christ.

 

Rom. 15:30 Now I implore you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the virtue love from the Spirit: Strive together [fight alongside] with me in your prayers face-to-face with God [the Father] on my behalf.

 

Rom. 15:31 So that I may be rescued from those [who remember his previous persecution when he was Saul the Pharisee] who are disobedient in Judea [hypocrisy: Paul himself is being disobedient], and that my contribution for Jerusalem may be welcome to the saints [Jewish believers].

 

Rom. 15:32 So that by coming face-to-face to you with inner happiness [presumably due to his getting his way] through the will of God [arrogant presumption], I might find rest together with you.

 

Rom. 15:33 Now, may the God of prosperity be with you all. Acknowledge it.

 

Rom. 16:1 Now, I introduce to you Phoebe, our sister, who is an agent [courier: she carried this epistle from Corinth to Rome] of the assembly at Kengchrea [eastern harbor of Corinth],

 

Rom. 16:2 So that you might welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter [business transaction] she might need of you, for she has also been an administrative assistant [patron] for many, even on my behalf.

 

Rom. 16:3 Salute Prisca and Aquila my fellow-workers [traveling husband & wife tent-makers] in Christ Jesus,

 

Rom. 16:4 Who on behalf of my life, risked their own necks, concerning whom not only do I give thanks, but also all manner of Gentile assemblies.

 

Rom. 16:5 Also salute their local assembly [home church]. Salute Epaenetus my beloved, who is the first-fruit [Paul's first convert in that region] from Asia [western Turkey] for Christ.

 

Rom. 16:6 Salute Mary, who has labored greatly [to the point of exhaustion] for you.

 

Rom. 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my cousins, even my fellow-prisoners, who are outstanding among the missionaries and who became Christians [were converted] before me.

 

Rom. 16:8 Salute Ampliatus, my beloved [one of Paul's converts] in the Lord.

 

Rom. 16:9 Salute Urbanus [city-bred, freed slave], our fellow-worker in Christ, and Stachus, my beloved.

 

Rom. 16:10 Salute Apelles [a Jew named after the famous tragic actor], approved in Christ. Salute those [slaves] belonging to Aristobulus [grandson of Herod].

 

Rom. 16:11 Salute Herodion [Jewish believer named after his master Herod], my fellow countryman. Salute those [slaves] belonging to Narcissus [who was put to death by Agrippa].

 

Rom. 16:12 Salute [twin sisters] Tryphena [dainty] and Tryphosa [delicate], who are laboring continuously to the point of exhaustion in the Lord. Salute Persis the beloved, who has labored to the point of exhaustion with reference to many things [multi-talented] in the Lord.

 

Rom. 16:13 Salute Rufus [son of Simon, the man who carried the Lord's cross], chosen by the Lord, also his mother and mine [praising her maternal care].

 

Rom. 16:14 Salute Asyncritus [freedman of Augustus], Philegon [burning with energy], Hermes, Patrobas [former slave of Nero], Hermas, and the brethren with them.

 

Rom. 16:15 Salute Philologus [former slave to the aunt of Julius Caesar] and Julia [his wife], Nereus [their teenage daughter] and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them.

 

Rom. 16:16 Salute one another of the same kind [believers] with a holy kiss [handshake]. All the assemblies of Christ salute you.

 

Rom. 16:17 Now, I urge you, brethren [mature believers], to mark [keep your eyes on] those who cause dissentions [encourage divisions] and arouse opposition [create theological problems] contrary to the teaching which you have learned for the purpose of practicing. In fact, keep on separating from them [keep them at a distance],

 

Rom. 16:18 For they [false teachers] are of such a category of individuals who do not serve our Lord Christ, but rather their own emotions [base interests]. Furthermore, by slick, smooth talking speech and flattery [false eloquence], they repeatedly deceive the minds of the unsuspecting [those without doctrine: the clueless].

 

Rom. 16:19 Of course, your authority orientation [obedience] has reached everyone [wide distribution], therefore, I am very pleased with you. However [obedience is not enough], I want you to become wise [you must have maximum Bible doctrine in the soul] with respect to good [divine norms and standards], and untouched with respect to evil [Satan's cosmic system].

 

Rom. 16:20 In fact, the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly [at the 2nd advent]. May the [victorious] grace from our Lord Jesus be with you.

 

Rom. 16:21 Timothy, my fellow-worker, salutes you, as well as Lucius [the Cyrene from Acts 31:1], Jason [a successful businessman], and Sosipater [who accompanied Paul on his ill-designed trip to Jerusalem], my fellow countrymen [Jewish relatives].

 

Rom. 16:22 I, Tertius, having written this epistle [as Paul's amanuensis], salute you in the Lord.

 

Rom. 16:23 Gaius, my host and of the entire assembly [his house was their church], salutes you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, salutes you, as well as Quartus his brother.

 

Rom. 16:25 Now, to Him [God the Father] who is able to strengthen you in accordance with my gospel [Paul's divinely commissioned message], the proclamation pertaining to Jesus Christ, in accordance with the revelation [disclosure] of the mystery [of the Church Age] which has been concealed through times eternal [past dispensations],

 

Rom. 16:26 But now [during the Church Age] has been revealed, through the prophetic writings [the canon at the time of Paul], according to the decree of the eternal God, having been revealed to all manner of Gentiles [in the new dispensation] for the purpose of obedience to doctrine [Christian faith as a system of Truth].

 

Rom. 16:27 To God, alone wise [omniscient] through Jesus Christ, to Whom is glory unto the ages [forever]. Acknowledge it.