Romans 1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

What does Romans 1:28 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:28 speaks to the judgment that falls upon those who persistently reject God.

The apostle Paul is emphasizing that because certain individuals did not consider it worthwhile to maintain a proper knowledge and acknowledgement of God, He in turn gave them over to a "reprobate mind." This "reprobate mind" is one that is depraved, corrupt, and void of judgment.

It signifies a mental state where individuals do not discern right from wrong and engage in behaviors that are morally and socially "not convenient," or inappropriate and harmful.

The verse is a reflection on the consequences of turning away from God's truth and righteousness, leading to moral and intellectual deterioration.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Romans was written by the apostle Paul around 57 AD to the church in Rome.

The context of this particular verse comes from a larger discussion in Romans 1:18-32 about the wrath of God towards unrighteousness and those who suppress the truth.

The Roman Empire at the time was known for its idolatry, sexual immorality, and various forms of vice, which Paul is directly addressing.

Paul’s letter was meant to reinforce the gospel and outline its implications for both Gentiles and Jews in a society where moral decay was prevalent.

Theological Insights

There are varying theological interpretations of this verse.

Some see it as an explanation of divine retribution, where God withdraws His grace from those who reject Him.

Others interpret the "reprobate mind" as the final state of those who continually suppress the truth, which leads God to allow them to experience the consequences of their sins.

Calvinist doctrine may view this as an evidence of predestined reprobation, while Arminian theology might argue it reflects a choice and the subsequent judicial hardening by God in response to human rejection of His truth.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a serious warning about the consequences of abandoning God's moral standards.

In practical terms, believers are called to retain God in their knowledge and lead lives according to His will.

For individuals, it can be applied by constantly seeking to grow in the knowledge of God’s truth, being vigilant about the influences they allow in their lives, and living with a sense of moral responsibility.

Communities may take this as a call to uphold ethical standards and provide avenues for people to understand and encounter God.

Cross-References

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ("And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.")
2 Timothy 3:8 ("Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.")
Ephesians 4:18-19 ("Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.")

Language Study

The key phrase "reprobate mind" comes from the Greek "adokimon noun," which means not standing the test, not approved.

The term implies a sense of being tested and found wanting.

The Greek uses the phrase "to do those things which are not convenient", translated from "ta me kathēkonta poiein," implying actions that are unfitting or inappropriate. This term often refers to behavior that goes against commonly accepted standards or against what is naturally intended.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider Greco-Roman culture, similar concepts of the depravity of the mind can be found, often linked to a loss of favor with the gods or divine punishment.

In religious traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, there is also the concept of a mind clouded by ignorance leading to immoral actions, but the source of this condition and its repercussions differ significantly.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the concept of a "reprobate mind" lacks empirical basis because it relates to theological judgments rather than psychological ones.

However, psychology does recognize that persistent negative behaviors and the rejection of social norms can lead to various mental health problems, and societal decay can result from widespread unethical behavior.

Nevertheless, the idea that God actively gives people over to such a state is not addressed in scientific discussions, as it pertains to spiritual beliefs.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Romans 1:28.

John Calvin saw this as an indication of God's justice, giving those who reject Him over to their sinful desires.

Matthew Henry commented on the justness of God's judgment in allowing sinners to reap the consequences of their actions.

Modern commentaries often discuss the nature of human free will in relation to God’s sovereignty, with some stressing the responsibility individuals have in choosing to reject or accept the truth of God.

Romans 1

Romans 1

What does Romans 1:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 1:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?