What does Romans 1:20 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:20 speaks to the idea that the existence and attributes of God are evident in the world around us. The "invisible things" refer to God's characteristics and divine nature, which cannot be seen directly with the eye.

However, these qualities are made clear through what has been created. This is to say that by observing the universe and everything in it, the complexity, order, beauty, and vastness, one can perceive God's eternal power and divine nature.

The verse concludes with the assertion that people are "without excuse" for not acknowledging God, suggesting that evidence of God's existence is so manifest in creation that it leaves humanity without a valid defense for denying it.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57 to the Christian church in Rome.

The audience consisted of both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

The historical context of this time was marked by philosophical debates about the existence of gods and the nature of reality amongst the Romans and Greeks.

Natural theology, which is the practice of inferring the existence of God from nature, was an accepted form of reasoning.

Paul seeks to address universal truths and lays down the foundations of Christian doctrine, including the concept that God can be known through His creation.

Theological Insights

From a classical Christian theological perspective, Romans 1:20 is often cited in discussions on "general revelation," which is the belief that God reveals Himself to all people through the created order.

This is distinct from "special revelation," which comes through Scripture, miracles, and most significantly, in the person of Jesus Christ.

In contrast, Reformed theologians may emphasize the total depravity of man and that, due to sin, people suppress the truth (as mentioned earlier in Romans 1:18). In other words, while God's attributes may be evident in nature, sin can prevent a proper understanding of this revelation.

Some Christian existential philosophers might argue that the natural revelation requires a subjective encounter and personal response to be fully understood.

Practical Applications

The teaching of this verse can encourage individuals to reflect on the natural world and see it as a pointer to something greater, the creator God.

It suggests an accountability to respond to what can be known about God through nature.

The practical takeaways might be varied, such as engaging in environmental stewardship, taking time for contemplation and appreciation of nature, or discussing the existence of God using the evidence of creation in evangelism.

Cross-References

• Psalm 19:1-4: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
• Acts 14:17: "Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."
• Psalm 97:6: "The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words to study include:

• "Invisible things" (τὰ ἀόρατα - ta aorata): Refers to things that cannot be perceived with the senses.
• "Clearly seen" (καθορᾶται - kathoratai): Meaning to perceive with the eyes, notice, discern; here, it is metaphorically applied to mental sight.
• "Understood" (νοούμενα - nooumena): To perceive with the mind, comprehend, or understand.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the natural world was itself worshipped or viewed as divine.

In contrast, the Judeo-Christian worldview distinguishes the Creator from the creation.

However, like some ancient philosophies, such as Stoicism, there is a recognition of the order in nature and the potential to learn from it about higher principles or the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science reveals the intricacy and complexity of the universe, from the vastness of galaxies to the minutiae of subatomic particles.

Some see these discoveries as further confirming the sense of awe and the presence of a designer, while others may argue for an entirely naturalistic explanation for the universe and life.

This verse raises questions about the relationship between faith and science, and whether scientific inquiry can lead to or support belief in a creator.

Commentaries

Many commentaries on this verse emphasize the accountability of humans to God due to the clear evidence of His presence in creation.

Classic commentators like Matthew Henry note that God's eternal power and deity are so obvious in the world that denying them is indefensible.

Contemporary scholars might draw on cosmology or biology to further illustrate this point.

Others may focus on the impediments to recognizing God's revelation due to willful ignorance or moral rebellion as discussed elsewhere in Pauline theology.