What does Romans 1:4 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:4 speaks of Jesus Christ's declaration as the Son of God.

This verse emphasizes that Jesus was shown to be the Son of God with power, not merely by His earthly life or miracles but powerfully through His resurrection from the dead.

The phrase "according to the spirit of holiness" indicates a nature of Jesus that is divine and pure, distinguishing Him from mankind's fallen state.

It highlights not only Jesus' physical lineage as coming from David (as established in Romans 1:3) but His spiritual identity as divine, affirmed by His resurrection.

Historical Context

Romans is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome around A.D. 57.

At the time, Rome was an influential metropolis, the epicenter of power for the Roman Empire, and home to a diverse populace, including Jews and Gentiles.

Paul had not yet visited the Roman church and wrote to express his desire to preach in Rome and to establish a clear theological foundation for the gospel he preached.

Understanding Jesus as the Son of God, endorsed by the resurrection, was vital to the early Christians as they faced persecution and needed affirmation of their faith.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse tackles the major theme of Christology – the nature and person of Jesus Christ.

From an orthodox Christian viewpoint, it affirms the dual nature of Christ, both human and divine. This duality is recognized by most mainstream Christian denominations.

Some may view Romans 1:4 with a more Adoptionist lens, which suggests that Jesus was adopted as the Son of God at a particular moment, in this case at His resurrection.

However, this view is considered heterodox and is not embraced by mainstream Christianity.

In contrast, most theologians maintain that Jesus was always the Son of God, and the resurrection was the powerful vindication and declaration of this truth. This viewpoint aligns with the traditional understanding of the Trinity, where Jesus is consubstantial with the Father.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Romans 1:4 can serve as a reminder of the power and authority of Jesus Christ and the pivotal role of the resurrection.

Believers can find assurance and hope in the fact that Jesus was declared the Son of God with power, which also implies that there is power available to them through their relationship with Christ.

It encourages living in "the spirit of holiness," striving not only for moral purity but also for a life that reflects the sanctified nature of Christ.

Cross-References

• Acts 13:33: God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
• Matthew 28:6: He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

• John 10:36: Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• "Declared" (ὁρισθέντος, horisthentos): translated from a term which means marked out, determined, or designated.
• "Son of God" (υἱοῦ θεοῦ, huiou theou): "Son of" implies a filial relationship, and "God" refers to the Almighty (θεοῦ is the genitive of θεός, theos).
• "With power" (δυνάμει, dynamei): the term from which 'dynamic' is derived, suggesting force or miraculous power.
• "Spirit of holiness" (πνεύματι ἁγιωσύνης, pneumati hagiosynes): "Spirit" is often associated with an immaterial, divine force or being; "holiness" conveys a state of being set apart or sacredness.
• "Resurrection" (ἀναστάσεως, anastaseos): which means a raising up, or rising again from the dead.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a resurrection was not completely alien to the ancient world; various myths and religious interpret the rebirth or return to life in some form. For instance, the Egyptian god Osiris was said to have been resurrected after being killed by his brother Set.

However, the Christian concept of resurrection held by Paul is unique in its historical groundedness and connection to the verification of Jesus' divine sonship.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the resurrection described in Romans 1:4 has been a point of contention as it conflicts with the natural understanding that death is final. There is no scientific evidence to support the miraculous resurrection of the dead.

The verse is, therefore, taken on faith by Christian believers and is typically not addressed within scientific discussions unless in the context of exploring historical beliefs and their impact on culture.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered their interpretations of Romans 1:4.

For example, John Stott emphasizes the resurrection as the divine seal on Jesus' sonship.

F.F.

Bruce notes that the expression "might be regarded as Son of God" gains its full meaning against the Jewish background where "Son of God" was a messianic title.

Meanwhile, N.T.

Wright discusses the resurrection as the moment when Jesus is declared to be the Son of God, not by moving from humanity to divinity but his identity as the divine Son being powerfully confirmed in a new and public way.

These interpretations reiterate the centrality of the resurrection in establishing Jesus' divine nature as the Son of God.