Obedience of Faith
A Digest of the Book of Romans

To the reader: This digest/paraphrase of the book of Romans is not a substitute for scripture, nor does it pretend to be scripture. Rather it is an attempt to see beyond the trees to get a perspective of the forest--to get a big picture on the message and context of the book, by removing descriptive detail and "redundancies." I put "redundancies" in quotes because scripture is inspired, so no scripture can be truly redundant. There is meaning in redundancy. Verses that say the same thing emphasize their point. Also they are slightly different from one another, and we can mine "gold" by comparing and contrasting similar statements. In this digest some sentences have been removed. Other sentences were only slightly modified. Many have been combined. Certainly valuable meaning has been lost. So I repeat, this digest is not scripture. Read this, and get the big picture. Then go back to the scripture.

This text is a compilation of daily readings. In sharing it with you, I hope to encourage others to daily study using what I call "deductive" Bible study, in which the goal is to use basic language structure to strip away the details which can sidetrack us from the meat of God's Word. I encourage each of you to "digest" God's Word daily.

David Lloyd
October 1, 2001

(Rom 1) Paul, a bond-servant of Christ for the gospel, which God promised in the Scriptures concerning His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, and through the Spirit is declared the Son of God by His resurrection, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among the Gentiles; to the beloved of God in Rome: Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God for you all, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. I mention you in my prayers unceasingly, that I may come to you at last. I long to see you so I may impart some spiritual gift, so you may be established and so we may be encouraged, each of us by the other's faith. Often I have planned to come (and have been prevented) so I might obtain fruit among you, as I have among the rest of the Gentiles.

I am under obligation both to Greeks and barbarians, to the wise and the foolish. Thus I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. In it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, THE RIGHTEOUS LIVE BY FAITH.

The wrath of God is against unrighteous men who suppress the truth, because the truth of God is evident to them, for God made it evident. Since creation His power and attributes are seen, being understood through what has been made, so they are without excuse. Though they knew God, they did not honor Him; but they became futile in their speculations. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of God for idols. So God gave them over to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored. They exchanged the truth for a lie, and served the creature rather than the Creator. God gave them over to shameful lusts; their women exchanged the natural for the unnatural, and men abandoned women and burned toward one another, committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. As men forgot God, God allowed them to do things which are not proper, being filled with unrighteousness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, deceit and malice. They are slanderers, haters of God,insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving and unmerciful.

Though they know such things are worthy of death, yet they do them, and approve those who practice them. (Rom 2) So they have no excuse when they judge. When you judge another, you condemn yourself, if you practice the same things. The judgment of God falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose when you pass judgment while doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Do you think lightly of His kindness, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Your unrepentant heart is storing up wrath for the day of the righteous judgment of God, who WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: to those who in doing good seek honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and anger. There will be distress for every soul who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to every man who does well, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

There is no partiality with God. All who sin without the Law will perish without the Law; and all who sin under the Law will be judged by the Law. It is not the hearers of the Law, but the doers that will be justified. When Gentiles do instinctively the things of the Law, these are a law to themselves. They show the Law is written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts accusing or defending them, on the day when God will judge. If you bear the name "Jew," and boast in God, instructed in the Law, a guide to the blind, a light to those in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, do you not teach yourself? You who preach, do you steal? Do you commit adultery? You abhor idols; do you rob temples? You boast in the Law; do you break the Law and dishonor God? GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU. Circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you transgress the Law, your circumcision is uncircumcision. He who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you? He is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward. He is a Jew who is one inwardly; and his circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

(Rom 3:1-4:15) What is the advantage of being a Jew? They were entrusted with the oracles of God. Even in sin, the truth of God abounded. Every mouth is closed, and the entire world is accountable to God because the Law brings knowledge of sin. Where is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. A man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. God is not the God of Jews only. He is God of the Gentiles also. God will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised by faith. Do we nullify the Law by faith? On the contrary, we establish the Law.

Abraham was justified by faith. David also speaks of the blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works. Is this blessing then upon the circumcised or upon the uncircumcised also? FAITH WAS RECKONED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. How then was it reckoned? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. Abraham received circumcision as a seal of the righteousness he had while uncircumcised. He is the father of all who believe without being circumcised, and the father of those who follow in the steps of faith which he had while uncircumcised.The promise to Abraham was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.

(Rom 4:16-25) Grace makes God's promise certain to all Abraham's descendants, those by Law, and those by Faith. God called Abraham A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS. Abraham considered his old age, and the impossibility of God's promise, but he was fully assured God could do what He had promised, and IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Abraham was not reckoned righteous for his sake only, but for our sake also. When we believe in Him who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification, it is reckoned to us as righteousness.

(Rom 5:1-11) Having been justified, we have peace with God. We have our introduction by faith; we stand by grace; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. We also exult in tribulations, knowing tribulation brings perseverance, proven character; and hope that does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. God demonstrates His love in saving us while we were at our worst. While we were helpless, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Since He justified us by His blood, much more He will save us from wrath by His Life. If while we were enemies, we were reconciled, then having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

(Rom 5:12-21) Through one man, sin entered the world, and death through sin. Death spread to all men, because all sinned. Sin is not charged when there is no law, but death still reigned from Adam until Moses. But God's gift is not like sin. By the transgression of one, many died. But Grace abounds (by comparison). The free gift arose from many transgressions. The Law came so transgression might increase; so where sin increased, grace would abound all the more. As sin reigned in death, grace reigns through righteousness to eternal life.

(Rom 6) Should we to continue in sin so grace might increase?

No! All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. We were buried with Him through baptism, so that as Christ was raised, we can walk in newness of life. If we are united with Him in death, then we are united in the likeness of His resurrection. Our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God. Don't give your body to sin. Give yourselves to God as those alive from the dead. Sin can no longer rule, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Should we sin, since we are not under law but under grace?

When you present yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness. Though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart. Having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. In human terms, you presented your members as slaves to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What benefit were you deriving from things of which you are ashamed? The outcome is death. But now freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Rom 7:1-13) The law has jurisdiction as long as a person lives. A married woman is bound while her husband is living; but if he dies, she is released. You also were made to die to the Law through Christ, so that you might be raised, so that you can bear fruit. In the flesh, passions aroused by the Law, were at work in the body to bear fruit for death. But now we have been released from the Law, having died, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

Is the Law sin?

No! I would not know sin except through the Law. Apart from the Law sin is dead. I was alive; but when the commandment came, sin became alive, and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death; for sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and killed me.

The Law is holy, and the commandment is good. Did that which is good become death?

No! It was sin, shown to be sin by effecting my death through good, so that sin might be utterly sinful. (Rom 7:14-25) The Law is spiritual; but I am flesh, sold to sin. I don't understand what I do. I am not doing what I like. I am doing what I hate. But if I hate what I do, I agree with the Law, confessing it is good. So I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. Nothing good dwells in my flesh; for the wishing is present, but the doing is not. I do not do the good that I wish; but I practice evil I hate. Evil is present in me, the one who wishes good. I joyfully concur with the law in the inner man, but I see a different law in my body, waging war against my mind, and making me prisoner.

Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free?

Thanks be to God! I serve God with my mind, but with my flesh the law of sin. (Rom 8:1-25) There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. The law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. What the Law could not do through the flesh, God did: sending His Son in the likeness of flesh as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk in the Spirit. The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; it does not subject itself to God, for it is not able. Those in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you, so we are not under obligation to live according to the flesh. If you live according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. All who are led by the Spirit of God, are sons of God. You have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear. You have received a Spirit of adoption as sons. We cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if we suffer with Him so we may be glorified with Him.

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed. Creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. Creation was subjected to futility, so that creation can be set free from corruption in the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Creation suffers in childbirth until now. And we also, having the first fruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption, the redemption of our body. In hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope. But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly with perseverance.

(Rom 8:26-39) The Spirit helps us. We do not know how to pray, but the Spirit intercedes appropriately to God's will, and God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. Whom He Knew, He predestined to become like His Son, so He might be the first-born of a large family. Whom He predestined, He called. Whom He called, He justified. Whom He justified, He glorified. If God is for us, who is against us? He did not spare His Son. Will He not freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God justifies. Who condemns us? Jesus died, was raised, and intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from Christ? Shall distress, persecution, famine, or sword? In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Death, life, angels, principalities, things present, things to come, powers, height, depth-- nothing, shall separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Rom 9:1-13) I am telling the truth. I have unceasing grief. I could wish I were separated from Christ for my kinsmen, the Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the Law, and the temple service, and from whom is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

God has not failed. They are not all children because they are Abraham's descendants. It is not the children of flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise. When Rebecca conceived twins, though the twins were not yet born, and had not done anything good or bad, in order that God's choice might stand, not because of works, but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, "THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER." As it is written, "JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED."

(Rom 9:14-33) There is no injustice with God! He says to Moses, I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY. It does not depend on the man who wills or runs, but on God who has mercy. Scripture says to Pharaoh, I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER. So He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

You say, "Why does He find fault? Who resists His will?"

On the contrary, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say, "Why did you make me like this." The potter has a right to make one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use. God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath, endured with patience vessels prepared for destruction to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, which He called, from among Jews, and also from among Gentiles. He says in Hosea, I CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, "MY PEOPLE," AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, "BELOVED." Isaiah cries, THOUGH THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE AS THE SAND, IT IS THE REMNANT THAT WILL BE SAVED. And Isaiah foretold, EXCEPT THE LORD HAD LEFT US A POSTERITY, WE WOULD HAVE BECOME AS SODOM, AND GOMORRAH.

Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled, as it is written, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

(Rom 10:1-15) Brethren, my desire and my prayer for them is for their salvation. They have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. Not knowing God's righteousness, and seeking their own, they did not subject themselves to God. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Moses writes the man who practices the righteousness based on law shall live by that righteousness. But faith speaks, DO NOT SAY, "WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN" (to bring Christ down [implies He isn't Lord unless He's here]). But it says THE WORD IS NEAR, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART -- that is, the word of faith, if you confess Jesus as Lord, and believe God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. With the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Scripture says, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED. How shall they call and how shall they believe and how shall they hear without a preacher? How shall they preach unless they are sent? HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THOSE WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS

(Rom 10:16-21) But not all heeded the glad tidings. Isaiah says, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. Surely they have never heard? But they have; THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH. But surely Israel did not know? Moses says, I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS BY THAT WHICH IS NOT A NATION. And Isaiah says, I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO SOUGHT ME NOT. And, ALL DAY I HAVE STRETCHED OUT MY HANDS TO AN OBSTINATE PEOPLE.

(Rom 11:1-24) God has not rejected His people! I too am an Israelite. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Elijah pleaded LORD, THEY HAVE KILLED THY PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN THINE ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE. But the divine response is I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL. In the same way, there is presently a remnant according to God's gracious choice. But if it is by grace, it is no longer of works, otherwise grace is not grace. That which Israel is seeking, it has not obtained. Those who were chosen obtained it. The rest were hardened; as it is written, GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT. And David says, LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A TRAP, AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM; and LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED. But they did not stumble so as to fall. Salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make the Jews jealous. Now if their transgression be riches for the world, how much more will their fulfillment be!

As an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry if I move my countrymen to jealousy and save some of them. If their rejection be the reconciliation of the world, their acceptance will be life from the dead. If the first piece of dough be holy, the lump is also; and if the root be holy, the branches are too. Some branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted with the rich root. Do not be arrogant; remember it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.

You say, "Branches were broken off so I might be grafted in."

They were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Behold the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they will be grafted in if they do not continue in their unbelief, for God is able to graft them in again. You were cut from a wild tree, and were grafted into a cultivated tree. How much more shall the natural branches be grafted into their own tree?

(Rom 11:25-36) I want you to know, lest you be proud, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; as it is written, THE DELIVERER WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB; and WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS. They are enemies for your sake, but they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. As you were disobedient, but now have mercy, so these also now have been disobedient, so they also may be shown mercy. God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His ways! WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD? Or WHO HAS GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK? Through Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

(Rom 12:1-8) I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed, renewing your mind. Prove the will of God is good.

Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought; but think with sound judgment, as God has allotted faith. For we are many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function. In Christ we are members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ, let each exercise them accordingly: he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

(Rom 12:9-21) Love without hypocrisy. Abhor evil; cling to good. Be devoted to one another; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing, practicing hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you and don't curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil. Respect what is right. If possible, be at peace with all men. Never take revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God. It is written, VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY; and IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS UPON HIS HEAD. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Rom 13) Be subject to the governing authorities. There is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. He who resists authority opposes God and will receive condemnation. Rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want no fear of authority? Do good. For the government is a minister of God for good. But if you do evil, be afraid. It does not bear arms for nothing. It is a minister of God, an avenger of wrath upon evil. Be in subjection, not because of wrath, but for conscience' sake. Pay your taxes, because rulers are servants of God. Give what is due them: tax, custom, fear, and honor.

Owe nothing except love for one another. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Laws concerning adultery, murder, theft, covetousness, and anything else, are summed up LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. Love does no wrong; so love fulfills the law. Now is the hour to awaken; for salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Lay aside deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. Put on Christ, and make no provision for lust.

(Rom 14:1-12) Accept the weak in faith. Do not pass judgment. Some have faith to eat all things, but the weak eat only vegetables. Do not let him who eats have contempt for him who does not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord. He who eats gives thanks to God. He who does not eat gives thanks to God. No one lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. We live for the Lord and we die for the Lord. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. So why do you judge your brother? Or why do you have contempt? We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL PRAISE GOD. Each of us shall give account of himself to God.

(Rom 14:13-15:13) Do not judge one another, but determine not to put an obstacle in a brother's way. Nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything unclean, it is unclean. If your brother is hurt over food, you are not walking in love. Do not destroy him for whom Christ died with your food. Do not let what is good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. He who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men. So pursue peace and build up one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things are clean, but they are evil for the man who gives offense. It is good to not eat or drink or do anything by which your brother stumbles. By faith, have your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, if his eating is not from faith. Whatever is not from faith is sin.

We who are strong should bear with the weak and not please ourselves. Please your neighbor for his good, to his edification. Even Christ did not please Himself; but it is written, REPROACHES FELL UPON ME.

The scriptures were written for our instruction, that we might have hope and encouragement in perseverance. May God grant that with one voice you may glorify Him. Accept one another, just as Christ accepted us to the glory of God. Christ is servant to the circumcision to confirm the truth of the promises to the fathers, and to the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, I WILL PRAISE YOU AMONG THE GENTILES. And, REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE. And again, PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM. And Isaiah says, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Rom 15:14-33) Brethren, you are good, knowledgeable, and able to admonish one another. I have written boldly on some points, to remind you as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, as a priest, that my offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. I boast in things pertaining to God. I do not presume to speak except of what Christ has accomplished, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, in signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem as far as Illyricum I have preached. I aspired to preach where Christ was not known, so I might not build on another's foundation. It is written, THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS SHALL SEE.

I have often been hindered from coming to you. There is no further place for me here. For years I have longed to come to you when I go to Spain. I hope to see you and enjoy your company for a while. First I am going to Jerusalem. Macedonia and Achaia have made a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do so, but they are also indebted to them. Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, so they are indebted to them in material things. When I have finished, and have put my seal on their fruit, I will go on to Spain by way of you. I know I will come in the blessing of Christ. I urge you to strive in your prayers for me, that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so I may come to you in joy, God willing, and find refreshing rest in your company. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

(Rom 16) Our sister Phoebe is a servant of the church at Cenchrea. Receive her in a manner worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever matter she may have needs. She has helped many and me as well. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their necks for my life. Not only do I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet the church that meets in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympus, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances, and turn away from them. Such men are slaves of their own appetites. By their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. The report of your obedience has reached us all. I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. God will soon crush Satan under your feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Timothy greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason, and Sosipater. I, Tertius, who write this, greet you in the Lord. Gaius my host greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. He is able to establish you. This is my gospel and the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for ages, and through the writings of the prophets. According to the commandment of the eternal God, it has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,

To Him be the glory forever. Amen.