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Paul, a [a]servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the [b]gospel of God, which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was [c]declared to be the Son of God [d]with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection [e]from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience [f]of faith among all the [g]nations, for his name’s sake; among whom are ye also, called to be Jesus Christ’s: to all that are 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, [h]that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the [i]gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers 10 making request, if by any means now at length I may be prospered [j]by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 that is, that I with you may be comforted [k]in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit [l]in you also, even as [m]in the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to [n]preach the gospel to you also that are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the [o]gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, [p]But the righteous shall live [q]by faith.

18 For [r]the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [s]hinder the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; [t]that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: 25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed [u]for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto [v]vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.

28 And even as they [w]refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 backbiters, [x]hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful: 32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them.

Wherefore thou art without excuse, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest [y]another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest dost practise the same things. [z]And we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against them that practise such things. And reckonest thou this, O man, who judgest them that practise such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his works: to them that by [aa]patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek; 10 but glory and honor and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek: 11 for there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as [ab]have sinned without the law shall also perish without the law: and as many as [ac]have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law; 13 for not the hearers of the law are [ad]just before God, but the doers of the law shall be [ae]justified; 14 (for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves; 15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and [af]their [ag]thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them); 16 in the day when God [ah]shall judge the secrets of men, according to my [ai]gospel, by Jesus Christ.

17 But if thou bearest the name of a Jew, and restest upon the law, and gloriest in God, 18 and knowest [aj]his will, and [ak]approvest the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them that are in darkness, 20 [al]a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth; 21 thou therefore that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou rob temples? 23 thou who gloriest in the law, through thy transgression of the law dishonorest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, [am]even as it is written. 25 For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision. 26 If therefore the uncircumcision keep the ordinances of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision? 27 and shall not the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who with the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision? Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God. For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God? [an]God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written,

[ao]That thou mightest be justified in thy words,
And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment.

But if our unrighteousness commendeth the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who visiteth with wrath? (I speak after the manner of men.) [ap]God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? [aq]But if the truth of God through my lie abounded unto his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? and why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), Let us do evil, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin; 10 as it is written,

[ar]There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none that understandeth,
There is none that seeketh after God;
12 They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable;
There is none that doeth good, no, not so much as one:
13 [as]Their throat is an open sepulchre;
With their tongues they have used deceit:
[at]The poison of asps is under their lips:
14 [au]Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 [av]Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 [aw]There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: 20 because [ax]by [ay]the works of the law shall no flesh be [az]justified in his sight; for [ba]through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.

21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith [bb]in Jesus Christ unto all [bc]them that believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all [bd]have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth [be]to be a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; 26 for the showing, I say, of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be [bf]just, and the [bg]justifier of him that [bh]hath faith [bi]in Jesus. 27 Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith. 28 [bj]We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from [bk]the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also: 30 if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision [bl]by faith, and the uncircumcision [bm]through faith.

31 Do we then make [bn]the law of none effect [bo]through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish [bp]the law.

What then shall we say [bq]that Abraham, [br]our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified [bs]by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. For what saith the scripture? [bt]And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works, saying,

[bu]Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin.

Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness. 10 How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision: 11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them; 12 and the father of circumcision to them who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in uncircumcision. 13 For not [bv]through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect: 15 for the law worketh wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there transgression. 16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, [bw]A father of many nations have I made thee) before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were. 18 Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, [bx]So shall thy seed be. 19 And without being weakened in faith he considered his own body [by]now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s [bz]womb; 20 yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 Wherefore also it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him; 24 but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.

Being therefore justified [ca]by faith, [cb]we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had our access [cc]by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and [cd]we [ce]rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but [cf]we also [cg]rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been [ch]shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us. For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: for peradventure for the good man some one would even dare to die. But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified [ci]by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved [cj]by his life; 11 and not only so, [ck]but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

12 Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned:— 13 for until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the likeness of Adam’s transgression, who is a figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the trespass, so also is the free gift. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound unto the many. 16 And not as through one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto [cl]justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and [cm]of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one trespass the judgment came unto all men to condemnation; even so through one act of righteousness the free gift came unto all men to justification of life. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one shall the many be made righteous. 20 And [cn]the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly: 21 that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein? Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have become [co]united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; for he that hath died is [cp]justified from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him; knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death no more hath dominion over him. 10 For [cq]the death that he died, he died unto sin [cr]once: but [cs]the life that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: 13 neither present your members unto sin as [ct]instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as [cu]servants unto obedience, his [cv]servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, [cw]that, whereas ye were [cx]servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that [cy]form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; 18 and being made free from sin, ye became [cz]servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness unto sanctification. 20 For when ye were [da]servants of sin, ye were free in regard of righteousness. 21 What fruit then had ye at that time in the things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Or are ye ignorant, brethren (for I speak to men who know [db]the law), that the law hath dominion over a man for so long time as he liveth? For the woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth; but if the husband die, she is discharged from the law of the husband. So then if, while the husband liveth, she be joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if the husband die, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she be joined to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ; that ye should be joined to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the [dc]sinful passions, which were through the law, wrought in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that wherein we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Howbeit, I had not known sin, except through [dd]the law: for I had not known [de]coveting, except the law had said, [df]Thou shalt not [dg]covet: but sin, finding occasion, wrought in me through the commandment all manner of [dh]coveting: for apart from [di]the law sin is dead. And I was alive apart from [dj]the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died; 10 and the commandment, which was unto life, this I found to be unto death: 11 for sin, finding occasion, through the commandment beguiled me, and through it slew me. 12 So that the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good. 13 Did then that which is good become death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good;—that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I [dk]do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do. 16 But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 So now it is no more I that [dl]do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to [dm]do that which is good is not. 19 For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise. 20 But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that [dn]do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. 21 I find then [do]the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present. 22 For I delight [dp]in the law of God after the inward man: 23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity [dq]under the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of [dr]the body of this death? 25 [ds]I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I of myself with the mind, indeed, serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. For what the law could not do, [dt]in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of [du]sinful flesh [dv]and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the [dw]ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace: because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies [dx]through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: 13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the [dy]deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: 17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, [dz]in hope 21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain [ea]together until now. 23 And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For [eb]in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: [ec]for who [ed]hopeth for that which he seeth? 25 But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with [ee]patience wait for it.

26 And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; 27 and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, [ef]because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that to them that love God [eg]all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: 30 and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? [eh]It is God that justifieth; 34 who is he that condemneth? [ei]It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love [ej]of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Even as it is written,

[ek]For thy sake we are killed all the day long;
We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other [el]creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. For I could [em]wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the [en]flesh, who is over all, God blessed [eo]for ever. Amen.

But it is not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, [ep]In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. For this is a word of promise, [eq]According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac— 11 for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, 12 it was said unto her, [er]The elder shall serve the younger. 13 Even as it is written, [es]Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, [et]I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, [eu]For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth. 18 So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth.

19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he still find fault? For who withstandeth his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus? 21 Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? 22 What if God, [ev]willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction: 23 [ew]and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory, 24 even us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Hosea,

[ex]I will call that my people, which was not my people;
And her beloved, that was not beloved.
26 [ey]And it shall be, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people,
There shall they be called sons of the living God.

27 And Isaiah crieth concerning Israel, [ez]If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved: 28 for the Lord will execute his word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short. 29 And, as Isaiah hath said before,

[fa]Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,
We had become as Sodom, and had been made like unto Gomorrah.

30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith: 31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32 Wherefore? [fb]Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling; 33 even as it is written,

[fc]Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence:
And he that believeth on [fd]him shall not be put to shame.

10 Brethren, my heart’s [fe]desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses writeth that [ff]the man that doeth the righteousness which is of the law shall live thereby. But the righteousness which is of faith saith thus, [fg]Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down:) or, Who shall descend into the abyss? (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.) But what saith it? [fh]The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach: [fi]because if thou shalt [fj]confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, [fk]Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame. 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 13 for, [fl]Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, [fm]How beautiful are the feet of them that bring [fn]glad tidings of good things!

16 But they did not all hearken to the [fo]glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, [fp]Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily,

[fq]Their sound went out into all the earth,
And their words unto the ends of [fr]the world.

19 But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith,

[fs]I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation,
With a nation void of understanding will I anger you.

20 And Isaiah is very bold, and saith,

[ft]I was found of them that sought me not;
I became manifest unto them that asked not of me.

21 But as to Israel he saith, [fu]All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

11 I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God did not cast off his people which he foreknew. Or know ye not what the scripture [fv]saith [fw]of Elijah? how he pleadeth with God against Israel: Lord, they have killed thy prophets, they have digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what [fx]saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. What then? That which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened: according as it is written, [fy]God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this very day. And David saith,

[fz]Let their table be made a snare, and a trap,
And a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see,
And bow thou down their back always.

11 I say then, Did they stumble that they might fall? God forbid: but by their [ga]fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry; 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy them that are my flesh, and may save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 And if the first-fruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them [gb]of the root of the fatness of the olive tree; 18 glory not over the branches: but if thou gloriest, it is not thou that bearest the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. 22 Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they continue not in their unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wast cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and wast grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree; how much more shall these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in; 26 and so all Israel shall be saved: even as it is written,

[gc]There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer;
He shall turn away [gd]ungodliness from Jacob:
27 [ge]And this is [gf]my covenant unto them,
When I shall take away their sins.

28 As touching the [gg]gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of. 30 For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience, 31 even so have these also now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they also may now obtain mercy. 32 For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

33 O the depth [gh]of the riches [gi]both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory [gj]for ever. Amen.

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, [gk]acceptable to God, which is your [gl]spiritual [gm]service. And be not fashioned according to this [gn]world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is [go]the good and [gp]acceptable and perfect will of God.

For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with [gq]liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; 11 in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving [gr]the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer; 13 communicating to the necessities of the saints; [gs]given to hospitality. 14 Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but [gt]condescend to [gu]things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto [gv]the wrath of God: for it is written, [gw]Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. 20 But [gx]if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

13 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for [gy]he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for [gz]he beareth not the sword in vain: for [ha]he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth [hb]his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. For this, [hc]Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.

11 And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is [hd]salvation nearer to us than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

14 But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not [he]for decision of scruples. One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest the [hf]servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God. 11 For it is written,

[hg]As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow,
And every tongue shall [hh]confess to God.

12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother’s way, or an occasion of falling. 14 I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men. 19 So then [hi]let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another. 20 Overthrow not for meat’s sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth[hj]. 22 The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he [hk]approveth. 23 But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.[hl]

15 Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying. For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, [hm]The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through [hn]patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of [ho]patience and of comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus: that with one accord ye may with one mouth glorify [hp]the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, even as Christ also received [hq]you, to the glory of God. For I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given unto the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written,

[hr]Therefore will I [hs]give praise unto thee among the [ht]Gentiles,
And sing unto thy name.

10 And again he saith,

[hu]Rejoice, ye [hv]Gentiles, with his people.

11 And again,

[hw]Praise the Lord, all ye [hx]Gentiles;
And let all the peoples praise him.

12 And again, Isaiah saith,

[hy]There shall be the root of Jesse,
And he that ariseth to rule over the [hz]Gentiles;
On him shall the [ia]Gentiles hope.

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 But I write the more boldly unto you in some measure, as putting you again in remembrance, because of the grace that was given me of God, 16 that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the [ib]Gentiles, [ic]ministering the [id]gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 I have therefore my glorying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any [ie]things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the [if]Gentiles, by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of [ig]the Holy Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and round about even unto Illyricum, I have [ih]fully preached the [ii]gospel of Christ; 20 yea, [ij]making it my aim so to [ik]preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation; 21 but, as it is written,

[il]They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came,
And they who have not heard shall understand.

22 Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you: 23 but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you, 24 whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)— 25 but now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints. 26 For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem. 27 Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain. 29 And I know that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.

30 Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 that I may be delivered from them that are disobedient in Judaea, and that my ministration which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; 32 that I may come unto you in joy through the will of God, and together with you find rest. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

16 I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a [im]servant of the church that is at Cenchreae: that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been a helper of many, and of mine own self.

Salute Prisca and Aquila my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles: and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epaenetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Asia unto Christ. Salute Mary, who bestowed much labor on you. Salute Andronicus and [in]Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me. Salute Ampliatus my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbanus our fellow-worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Salute Apelles the approved in Christ. Salute them that are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Salute them of the household of Narcissus, that are in the Lord. 12 Salute Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute Persis the beloved, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brethren that are with them. 15 Salute Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints that are with them. 16 Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the [io]doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21 Timothy my fellow-worker saluteth you; and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I Tertius, [ip]who write the epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you, and Quartus the brother.[iq]

25 [ir]Now to him that is able to establish you according to my [is]gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, 26 but now is manifested, and [it]by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the [iu]nations unto obedience [iv]of faith: 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, [iw]to whom be the glory [ix]for ever. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Romans 1:1 Greek bondservant.
  2. Romans 1:1 Greek good tidings: and so elsewhere. See marginal note on Mt. 4:23.
  3. Romans 1:4 Greek determined.
  4. Romans 1:4 Or, in
  5. Romans 1:4 Or, of the dead
  6. Romans 1:5 Or, to the faith
  7. Romans 1:5 Or, Gentiles
  8. Romans 1:8 Or, because
  9. Romans 1:9 Greek good tidings. See verse 1.
  10. Romans 1:10 Greek in.
  11. Romans 1:12 Or, among
  12. Romans 1:13 Or, among
  13. Romans 1:13 Or, among
  14. Romans 1:15 Greek bring good tidings. Compare 10:15f.
  15. Romans 1:16 Greek good tidings. See verse 1.
  16. Romans 1:17 Hab. 2:4.
  17. Romans 1:17 Greek from.
  18. Romans 1:18 Or, a wrath
  19. Romans 1:18 Or, hold the truth. Compare 1 Cor. 7:30 (Greek).
  20. Romans 1:20 Or, so that they are
  21. Romans 1:25 Greek unto the ages.
  22. Romans 1:26 Greek passions of dishonor.
  23. Romans 1:28 Greek did not approve.
  24. Romans 1:30 Or, haters of God
  25. Romans 2:1 Greek the other.
  26. Romans 2:2 Many ancient authorities read For.
  27. Romans 2:7 Or, stedfastness
  28. Romans 2:12 Greek sinned.
  29. Romans 2:12 Greek sinned.
  30. Romans 2:13 Or, righteous
  31. Romans 2:13 Or, accounted righteous: and so elsewhere.
  32. Romans 2:15 Or, their thoughts accusing or else excusing them one with another
  33. Romans 2:15 Or, reasonings. 2 Cor. 10:5
  34. Romans 2:16 Or, judgeth
  35. Romans 2:16 See marginal note on 1:1.
  36. Romans 2:18 Or, the Will
  37. Romans 2:18 Or, dost distinguish the things that differ
  38. Romans 2:20 Or, an instructor
  39. Romans 2:24 Isa. 52:5.
  40. Romans 3:4 Greek Be it not so: and so elsewhere.
  41. Romans 3:4 Ps. 51:4.
  42. Romans 3:6 Greek Be it not so: and so elsewhere.
  43. Romans 3:7 Many ancient authorities read For.
  44. Romans 3:10 Ps. 14:1ff; 53:1ff.
  45. Romans 3:13 Ps. 5:9.
  46. Romans 3:13 Ps. 140:3.
  47. Romans 3:14 Ps. 10:7.
  48. Romans 3:15 Isa. 59:7f.
  49. Romans 3:18 Ps. 36:1.
  50. Romans 3:20 Greek out of.
  51. Romans 3:20 Or, works of law
  52. Romans 3:20 Or, accounted righteous
  53. Romans 3:20 Or, through law
  54. Romans 3:22 Or, of
  55. Romans 3:22 Some ancient authorities add and upon all.
  56. Romans 3:23 Greek sinned.
  57. Romans 3:25 Or, to be propitiatory
  58. Romans 3:26 See 2:13 margin.
  59. Romans 3:26 See 2:13 margin.
  60. Romans 3:26 Greek is of faith.
  61. Romans 3:26 Or, of
  62. Romans 3:28 Many ancient authorities read For we reckon.
  63. Romans 3:28 Or, works of law
  64. Romans 3:30 Greek out of. Gal. 3:8.
  65. Romans 3:30 Or, through the faith. Gal. 2:16
  66. Romans 3:31 Or, law
  67. Romans 3:31 Or, through the faith. Gal. 2:16
  68. Romans 3:31 Or, law
  69. Romans 4:1 Some ancient authorities read of Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?
  70. Romans 4:1 Or, our forefather according to the flesh hath found?
  71. Romans 4:2 Greek out of. Gal. 3:8.
  72. Romans 4:3 Gen. 15:6.
  73. Romans 4:7 Ps. 32:1f.
  74. Romans 4:13 Or, through law
  75. Romans 4:17 Gen. 17:5.
  76. Romans 4:18 Gen. 15:5.
  77. Romans 4:19 Many ancient authorities omit now.
  78. Romans 4:19 Or, womb: yea, etc.
  79. Romans 5:1 Greek out of.
  80. Romans 5:1 Many ancient authorities read let us have.
  81. Romans 5:2 Some ancient authorities omit by faith.
  82. Romans 5:2 Or, let us rejoice
  83. Romans 5:2 Greek glory. Verse 11; Heb. 3:6.
  84. Romans 5:3 Or, let us also rejoice
  85. Romans 5:3 Greek glory. Verse 11; Heb. 3:6.
  86. Romans 5:5 Greek poured out.
  87. Romans 5:9 Greek in.
  88. Romans 5:10 Greek in.
  89. Romans 5:11 Greek but also glorying. Compare verse 2.
  90. Romans 5:16 Greek an act of righteousness. Rev. 15:4; 19:8.
  91. Romans 5:17 Some ancient authorities omit of the gift.
  92. Romans 5:20 Or, law
  93. Romans 6:5 Or, united with the likeness  . . . with the likeness
  94. Romans 6:7 Or, released. Compare Ecclus. 26:29 (Greek); 7:1.
  95. Romans 6:10 Or, in that
  96. Romans 6:10 Greek once for all. Heb. 7:27.
  97. Romans 6:10 Or, in that
  98. Romans 6:13 Or, weapons. Compare 2 Cor. 10:4.
  99. Romans 6:16 Greek bondservants.
  100. Romans 6:16 Greek bondservants.
  101. Romans 6:17 Or, that ye were . . . but ye became
  102. Romans 6:17 Greek bondservants.
  103. Romans 6:17 Or, pattern
  104. Romans 6:18 Greek bondservents.
  105. Romans 6:20 Greek bondservants.
  106. Romans 7:1 Or, law
  107. Romans 7:5 Greek passions of sins.
  108. Romans 7:7 Or, law
  109. Romans 7:7 Or, lust
  110. Romans 7:7 Ex. 20:17; Dt. 5:21.
  111. Romans 7:7 Or, lust
  112. Romans 7:8 Or, lust
  113. Romans 7:8 Or, law
  114. Romans 7:9 Or, law
  115. Romans 7:15 Greek work.
  116. Romans 7:17 Greek work.
  117. Romans 7:18 Greek work.
  118. Romans 7:20 Greek work.
  119. Romans 7:21 Or, in regard of the law. Compare verses 12, 14
  120. Romans 7:22 Greek with.
  121. Romans 7:23 Greek in. Many ancient authorities read to.
  122. Romans 7:24 Or, this body of death
  123. Romans 7:25 Many ancient authorities read But thanks be to God. Compare 6:17.
  124. Romans 8:3 Or, wherein
  125. Romans 8:3 Greek flesh of sin.
  126. Romans 8:3 Or, and as an offering for sin. Lev. 7:37; Heb. 10:6; etc.
  127. Romans 8:4 Or, requirement
  128. Romans 8:11 Many ancient authorities read because of.
  129. Romans 8:13 Greek doings.
  130. Romans 8:20 Or, in hope; because the creation etc.
  131. Romans 8:22 Or, with us
  132. Romans 8:24 Or, by
  133. Romans 8:24 Many ancient authorities read for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
  134. Romans 8:24 Some ancient authorities read awaiteth.
  135. Romans 8:25 Or, stedfastness
  136. Romans 8:27 Or, that
  137. Romans 8:28 Some ancient authorities read God worketh all things with them for good.
  138. Romans 8:33 Or, Shall God that justifieth?
  139. Romans 8:34 Or, Shall Christ Jesus that died,  . . . us?
  140. Romans 8:35 Some ancient authorities read of God.
  141. Romans 8:36 Ps. 44:22.
  142. Romans 8:39 Or, creation
  143. Romans 9:3 Or, pray
  144. Romans 9:5 Or, flesh; he who is over all, God, be blessed for ever
  145. Romans 9:5 Greek unto the ages.
  146. Romans 9:7 Gen. 21:12.
  147. Romans 9:9 Gen. 18:10.
  148. Romans 9:12 Gen. 25:23.
  149. Romans 9:13 Mal. 1:2f.
  150. Romans 9:15 Ex. 33:19.
  151. Romans 9:17 Ex. 9:16.
  152. Romans 9:22 Or, although willing
  153. Romans 9:23 Some ancient authorities omit and.
  154. Romans 9:25 Hos. 2:23.
  155. Romans 9:26 Hos. 1:10.
  156. Romans 9:27 Isa. 10:22f.
  157. Romans 9:29 Isa. 1:9.
  158. Romans 9:32 Or, Because, doing it not by faith, but as it were by works, they stumbled
  159. Romans 9:33 Isa. 28:16.
  160. Romans 9:33 Or, it
  161. Romans 10:1 Greek good pleasure.
  162. Romans 10:5 Lev. 18:5.
  163. Romans 10:6 Dt. 30:12f.
  164. Romans 10:8 Dt. 30:14.
  165. Romans 10:9 Or, that
  166. Romans 10:9 Some ancient authorities read confess the word with thy mouth, that Jesus is Lord.
  167. Romans 10:11 Isa. 28:16.
  168. Romans 10:13 Joel 2:32.
  169. Romans 10:15 Isa. 52:7.
  170. Romans 10:15 Or, a gospel
  171. Romans 10:16 Or, gospel
  172. Romans 10:16 Isa. 53:1.
  173. Romans 10:18 Ps. 19:4.
  174. Romans 10:18 Greek the inhabited earth.
  175. Romans 10:19 Dt. 32:21.
  176. Romans 10:20 Isa. 65:1.
  177. Romans 10:21 Isa. 65:2.
  178. Romans 11:2 1 Kin. 19:10.
  179. Romans 11:2 Or, in. Compare Mk. 12:26.
  180. Romans 11:4 1 Kin. 19:18.
  181. Romans 11:8 Isa. 29:10; Dt. 29:4.
  182. Romans 11:9 Ps. 69:22f.
  183. Romans 11:11 Or, trespass. Compare 5:15ff.
  184. Romans 11:17 Many ancient authorities read of the root and of the fatness.
  185. Romans 11:26 Isa. 59:20f.
  186. Romans 11:26 Greek ungodlinesses.
  187. Romans 11:27 Isa. 27:9.
  188. Romans 11:27 Greek the covenant from me.
  189. Romans 11:28 See 10:15, 16 and marginal note on 1:1.
  190. Romans 11:33 Or, of the riches and the wisdom etc.
  191. Romans 11:33 Or, both of wisdom etc.
  192. Romans 11:36 Greek unto the ages.
  193. Romans 12:1 Greek well-pleasing.
  194. Romans 12:1 Greek belonging to the reason.
  195. Romans 12:1 Or, worship
  196. Romans 12:2 Or, age
  197. Romans 12:2 Or, the will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect
  198. Romans 12:2 Greek well-pleasing.
  199. Romans 12:8 Greek singleness.
  200. Romans 12:11 Some ancient authorities read the opportunity.
  201. Romans 12:13 Greek pursuing.
  202. Romans 12:16 Greek be carried away with.
  203. Romans 12:16 Or, them
  204. Romans 12:19 Or, wrath
  205. Romans 12:19 Dt. 32:35.
  206. Romans 12:20 (Prov. 25:21f)
  207. Romans 13:4 Or, it
  208. Romans 13:4 Or, it
  209. Romans 13:4 Or, it
  210. Romans 13:8 Greek the other. Compare 1 Cor. 6:1; 10:24; Gal. 6:4.
  211. Romans 13:9 Ex. 20:13ff; Dt. 5:17ff.
  212. Romans 13:11 Or, our salvation nearer than when etc.
  213. Romans 14:1 Or, to doubtful disputations
  214. Romans 14:4 Greek household-servant.
  215. Romans 14:11 Isa. 45:23.
  216. Romans 14:11 Or, give praise
  217. Romans 14:19 Many ancient authorities read we follow.
  218. Romans 14:21 Many ancient authorities add or is offended, or is weak.
  219. Romans 14:22 Or, putteth to the test
  220. Romans 14:23 Many authorities, some ancient, insert here 16:25-27.
  221. Romans 15:3 Ps. 69:9.
  222. Romans 15:4 Or, stedfastness
  223. Romans 15:5 Or, stedfastness
  224. Romans 15:6 Or, God and the Father. So 2 Cor. 1:3; 11:31; Eph. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:3
  225. Romans 15:7 Some ancient authorities read us.
  226. Romans 15:9 Ps. 18:49 (or 2 Sam. 22:50)
  227. Romans 15:9 Or, confess
  228. Romans 15:9 Greek nations. Compare Mt. 4:15.
  229. Romans 15:10 Dt. 32:43.
  230. Romans 15:10 Greek nations.
  231. Romans 15:11 Ps. 117:1.
  232. Romans 15:11 Greek nations.
  233. Romans 15:12 Isa. 11:10.
  234. Romans 15:12 Greek nations.
  235. Romans 15:12 Greek nations.
  236. Romans 15:16 Greek nations.
  237. Romans 15:16 Greek ministering in sacrifice.
  238. Romans 15:16 See marginal note on 1:1.
  239. Romans 15:18 Greek of those things which Christ wrought not through me.
  240. Romans 15:18 Greek nations.
  241. Romans 15:19 Many ancient authorities read the Spirit of God. One reads the Spirit.
  242. Romans 15:19 Greek fulfilled. Compare Col. 1:25.
  243. Romans 15:19 See marginal note on 1:1.
  244. Romans 15:20 Greek being ambitious. 2 Cor. 5:9; 1 Th. 4:11.
  245. Romans 15:20 See marginal note on 1:15.
  246. Romans 15:21 Isa. 52:15.
  247. Romans 16:1 Or, deaconess
  248. Romans 16:7 Or, Junia
  249. Romans 16:17 Or, teaching
  250. Romans 16:22 Or, who write the epistle in the Lord, salute you
  251. Romans 16:23 Some ancient authorities insert here verse 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen, and omit the like words in verse 20.
  252. Romans 16:25 Some ancient authorities omit verses 25–27. Compare the end of chapter 14.
  253. Romans 16:25 See marginal note on 1:1.
  254. Romans 16:26 Greek through.
  255. Romans 16:26 Or, Gentiles
  256. Romans 16:26 Or, to the faith
  257. Romans 16:27 Some ancient authorities omit to whom.
  258. Romans 16:27 Greek unto the ages.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle(A) and set apart(B) for the gospel of God(C) the gospel he promised beforehand(D) through his prophets(E) in the Holy Scriptures(F) regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[a](G) was a descendant of David,(H) and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[b](I) by his resurrection from the dead:(J) Jesus Christ our Lord.(K) Through him we received grace(L) and apostleship to call all the Gentiles(M) to the obedience that comes from[c] faith(N) for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.(O)

To all in Rome who are loved by God(P) and called to be his holy people:(Q)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.(R)

Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you,(S) because your faith is being reported all over the world.(T) God, whom I serve(U) in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness(V) how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times;(W) and I pray that now at last by God’s will(X) the way may be opened for me to come to you.(Y)

11 I long to see you(Z) so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift(AA) to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware,(AB) brothers and sisters,[d](AC) that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now)(AD) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

14 I am obligated(AE) both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.(AF)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel,(AG) because it is the power of God(AH) that brings salvation to everyone who believes:(AI) first to the Jew,(AJ) then to the Gentile.(AK) 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed(AL)—a righteousness that is by faith(AM) from first to last,[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”[f](AN)

God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity

18 The wrath of God(AO) is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.(AP) 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,(AQ) so that people are without excuse.(AR)

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.(AS) 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools(AT) 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images(AU) made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over(AV) in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.(AW) 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie,(AX) and worshiped and served created things(AY) rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.(AZ) Amen.(BA)

26 Because of this, God gave them over(BB) to shameful lusts.(BC) Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.(BD) 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.(BE)

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over(BF) to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,(BG) 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;(BH) 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love,(BI) no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death,(BJ) they not only continue to do these very things but also approve(BK) of those who practice them.

God’s Righteous Judgment

You, therefore, have no excuse,(BL) you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.(BM) Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches(BN) of his kindness,(BO) forbearance(BP) and patience,(BQ) not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?(BR)

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath(BS), when his righteous judgment(BT) will be revealed. God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”[g](BU) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor(BV) and immortality,(BW) he will give eternal life.(BX) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil,(BY) there will be wrath and anger.(BZ) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil:(CA) first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;(CB) 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.(CC) 11 For God does not show favoritism.(CD)

12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law(CE) will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey(CF) the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law,(CG) they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets(CH) through Jesus Christ,(CI) as my gospel(CJ) declares.

The Jews and the Law

17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;(CK) 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?(CL) 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?(CM) 23 You who boast in the law,(CN) do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”[h](CO)

25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law,(CP) but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.(CQ) 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements,(CR) will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?(CS) 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you(CT) who, even though you have the[i] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly,(CU) nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.(CV) 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,(CW) by the Spirit,(CX) not by the written code.(CY) Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.(CZ)

God’s Faithfulness

What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way!(DA) First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.(DB)

What if some were unfaithful?(DC) Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?(DD) Not at all! Let God be true,(DE) and every human being a liar.(DF) As it is written:

“So that you may be proved right when you speak
    and prevail when you judge.”[j](DG)

But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly,(DH) what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)(DI) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?(DJ) Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory,(DK) why am I still condemned as a sinner?”(DL) Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”?(DM) Their condemnation is just!

No One Is Righteous

What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage?(DN) Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.(DO) 10 As it is written:

“There is no one righteous, not even one;
11     there is no one who understands;
    there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
    they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
    not even one.”[k](DP)
13 “Their throats are open graves;
    their tongues practice deceit.”[l](DQ)
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”[m](DR)
14     “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”[n](DS)
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16     ruin and misery mark their ways,
17 and the way of peace they do not know.”[o](DT)
18     “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”[p](DU)

19 Now we know that whatever the law says,(DV) it says to those who are under the law,(DW) so that every mouth may be silenced(DX) and the whole world held accountable to God.(DY) 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law;(DZ) rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.(EA)

Righteousness Through Faith

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God(EB) has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.(EC) 22 This righteousness(ED) is given through faith(EE) in[q] Jesus Christ(EF) to all who believe.(EG) There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,(EH) 23 for all have sinned(EI) and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified(EJ) freely by his grace(EK) through the redemption(EL) that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[r](EM) through the shedding of his blood(EN)—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished(EO) 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

27 Where, then, is boasting?(EP) It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.(EQ) 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,(ER) 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.(ES) 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Abraham Justified by Faith

What then shall we say(ET) that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh,(EU) discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.(EV) What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[s](EW)

Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift(EX) but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.(EY) David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”[t](EZ)

Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised?(FA) We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness.(FB) 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.(FC) So then, he is the father(FD) of all who believe(FE) but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise(FF) that he would be heir of the world,(FG) but through the righteousness that comes by faith.(FH) 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,(FI) 15 because the law brings wrath.(FJ) And where there is no law there is no transgression.(FK)

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace(FL) and may be guaranteed(FM) to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.(FN) 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[u](FO) He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life(FP) to the dead and calls(FQ) into being things that were not.(FR)

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations,(FS) just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[v](FT) 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead(FU)—since he was about a hundred years old(FV)—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.(FW) 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened(FX) in his faith and gave glory to God,(FY) 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.(FZ) 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”(GA) 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us,(GB) to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him(GC) who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.(GD) 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins(GE) and was raised to life for our justification.(GF)

Peace and Hope

Therefore, since we have been justified(GG) through faith,(GH) we[w] have peace(GI) with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,(GJ) through whom we have gained access(GK) by faith into this grace in which we now stand.(GL) And we[x] boast in the hope(GM) of the glory of God. Not only so, but we[y] also glory in our sufferings,(GN) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;(GO) perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope(GP) does not put us to shame, because God’s love(GQ) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,(GR) who has been given to us.

You see, at just the right time,(GS) when we were still powerless,(GT) Christ died for the ungodly.(GU) Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(GV)

Since we have now been justified(GW) by his blood,(GX) how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath(GY) through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies,(GZ) we were reconciled(HA) to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!(HB) 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.(HC)

Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ

12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man,(HD) and death through sin,(HE) and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned(HF)

13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law.(HG) 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam,(HH) who is a pattern of the one to come.(HI)

15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man,(HJ) how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ,(HK) overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death(HL) reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life(HM) through the one man, Jesus Christ!

18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people,(HN) so also one righteous act resulted in justification(HO) and life(HP) for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man(HQ) the many were made sinners,(HR) so also through the obedience(HS) of the one man the many will be made righteous.

20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.(HT) But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,(HU) 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death,(HV) so also grace(HW) might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life(HX) through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

What shall we say, then?(HY) Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?(HZ) By no means! We are those who have died to sin;(IA) how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized(IB) into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death(IC) in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead(ID) through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.(IE)

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.(IF) For we know that our old self(IG) was crucified with him(IH) so that the body ruled by sin(II) might be done away with,[z] that we should no longer be slaves to sin(IJ) because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.(IK)

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.(IL) For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead,(IM) he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.(IN) 10 The death he died, he died to sin(IO) once for all;(IP) but the life he lives, he lives to God.

11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin(IQ) but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign(IR) in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness,(IS) but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.(IT) 14 For sin shall no longer be your master,(IU) because you are not under the law,(IV) but under grace.(IW)

Slaves to Righteousness

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?(IX) By no means! 16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey(IY)—whether you are slaves to sin,(IZ) which leads to death,(JA) or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God(JB) that, though you used to be slaves to sin,(JC) you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching(JD) that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin(JE) and have become slaves to righteousness.(JF)

19 I am using an example from everyday life(JG) because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness(JH) leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin,(JI) you were free from the control of righteousness.(JJ) 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!(JK) 22 But now that you have been set free from sin(JL) and have become slaves of God,(JM) the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.(JN) 23 For the wages of sin is death,(JO) but the gift of God is eternal life(JP) in[aa] Christ Jesus our Lord.

Released From the Law, Bound to Christ

Do you not know, brothers and sisters(JQ)—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him.(JR) So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress.(JS) But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law(JT) through the body of Christ,(JU) that you might belong to another,(JV) to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For when we were in the realm of the flesh,[ab](JW) the sinful passions aroused by the law(JX) were at work in us,(JY) so that we bore fruit for death.(JZ) But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law(KA) so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.(KB)

The Law and Sin

What shall we say, then?(KC) Is the law sinful? Certainly not!(KD) Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.(KE) For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”[ac](KF) But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment,(KG) produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead.(KH) Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life(KI) actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment,(KJ) deceived me,(KK) and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.(KL)

13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good(KM) to bring about my death,(KN) so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual,(KO) sold(KP) as a slave to sin.(KQ) 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.(KR) 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.(KS) 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.(KT) 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[ad](KU) For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.(KV) 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.(KW)

21 So I find this law at work:(KX) Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being(KY) I delight in God’s law;(KZ) 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war(LA) against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin(LB) at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?(LC) 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!(LD)

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law,(LE) but in my sinful nature[ae] a slave to the law of sin.(LF)

Life Through the Spirit

Therefore, there is now no condemnation(LG) for those who are in Christ Jesus,(LH) because through Christ Jesus(LI) the law of the Spirit who gives life(LJ) has set you[af] free(LK) from the law of sin(LL) and death. For what the law was powerless(LM) to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[ag](LN) God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh(LO) to be a sin offering.[ah](LP) And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement(LQ) of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.(LR)

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires;(LS) but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.(LT) The mind governed by the flesh is death,(LU) but the mind governed by the Spirit is life(LV) and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God;(LW) it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh(LX) cannot please God.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh(LY) but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.(LZ) And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,(MA) they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you,(MB) then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[ai] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead(MC) is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies(MD) because of[aj] his Spirit who lives in you.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.(ME) 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die;(MF) but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body,(MG) you will live.(MH)

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God(MI) are the children of God.(MJ) 15 The Spirit(MK) you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;(ML) rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[ak] And by him we cry, “Abba,[al] Father.”(MM) 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit(MN) that we are God’s children.(MO) 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs(MP)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings(MQ) in order that we may also share in his glory.(MR)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.(MS) 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God(MT) to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,(MU) in hope 21 that[am] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay(MV) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.(MW)

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning(MX) as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,(MY) groan(MZ) inwardly as we wait eagerly(NA) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.(NB) 24 For in this hope we were saved.(NC) But hope that is seen is no hope at all.(ND) Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.(NE)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit(NF) himself intercedes for us(NG) through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts(NH) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes(NI) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good(NJ) of those who love him, who[an] have been called(NK) according to his purpose.(NL) 29 For those God foreknew(NM) he also predestined(NN) to be conformed to the image of his Son,(NO) that he might be the firstborn(NP) among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined,(NQ) he also called;(NR) those he called, he also justified;(NS) those he justified, he also glorified.(NT)

More Than Conquerors

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things?(NU) If God is for us,(NV) who can be against us?(NW) 32 He who did not spare his own Son,(NX) but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge(NY) against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns?(NZ) No one. Christ Jesus who died(OA)—more than that, who was raised to life(OB)—is at the right hand of God(OC) and is also interceding for us.(OD) 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?(OE) Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?(OF) 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[ao](OG)

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors(OH) through him who loved us.(OI) 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[ap] neither the present nor the future,(OJ) nor any powers,(OK) 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God(OL) that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(OM)

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying,(ON) my conscience confirms(OO) it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself(OP) were cursed(OQ) and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people,(OR) those of my own race,(OS) the people of Israel.(OT) Theirs is the adoption to sonship;(OU) theirs the divine glory,(OV) the covenants,(OW) the receiving of the law,(OX) the temple worship(OY) and the promises.(OZ) Theirs are the patriarchs,(PA) and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah,(PB) who is God over all,(PC) forever praised![aq](PD) Amen.

God’s Sovereign Choice

It is not as though God’s word(PE) had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.(PF) Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[ar](PG) In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children,(PH) but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.(PI) For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”[as](PJ)

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac.(PK) 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad(PL)—in order that God’s purpose(PM) in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”[at](PN) 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”[au](PO)

14 What then shall we say?(PP) Is God unjust? Not at all!(PQ) 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”[av](PR)

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.(PS) 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”[aw](PT) 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.(PU)

19 One of you will say to me:(PV) “Then why does God still blame us?(PW) For who is able to resist his will?”(PX) 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?(PY) “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,(PZ) ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[ax](QA) 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?(QB)

22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience(QC) the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?(QD) 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory(QE) known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory(QF) 24 even us, whom he also called,(QG) not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?(QH) 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
    and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”[ay](QI)

Footnotes

  1. Romans 1:3 Or who according to the flesh
  2. Romans 1:4 Or was declared with power to be the Son of God
  3. Romans 1:5 Or that is
  4. Romans 1:13 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 7:1, 4; 8:12, 29; 10:1; 11:25; 12:1; 15:14, 30; 16:14, 17.
  5. Romans 1:17 Or is from faith to faith
  6. Romans 1:17 Hab. 2:4
  7. Romans 2:6 Psalm 62:12; Prov. 24:12
  8. Romans 2:24 Isaiah 52:5 (see Septuagint); Ezek. 36:20,22
  9. Romans 2:27 Or who, by means of a
  10. Romans 3:4 Psalm 51:4
  11. Romans 3:12 Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccles. 7:20
  12. Romans 3:13 Psalm 5:9
  13. Romans 3:13 Psalm 140:3
  14. Romans 3:14 Psalm 10:7 (see Septuagint)
  15. Romans 3:17 Isaiah 59:7,8
  16. Romans 3:18 Psalm 36:1
  17. Romans 3:22 Or through the faithfulness of
  18. Romans 3:25 The Greek for sacrifice of atonement refers to the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant (see Lev. 16:15,16).
  19. Romans 4:3 Gen. 15:6; also in verse 22
  20. Romans 4:8 Psalm 32:1,2
  21. Romans 4:17 Gen. 17:5
  22. Romans 4:18 Gen. 15:5
  23. Romans 5:1 Many manuscripts let us
  24. Romans 5:2 Or let us
  25. Romans 5:3 Or let us
  26. Romans 6:6 Or be rendered powerless
  27. Romans 6:23 Or through
  28. Romans 7:5 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  29. Romans 7:7 Exodus 20:17; Deut. 5:21
  30. Romans 7:18 Or my flesh
  31. Romans 7:25 Or in the flesh
  32. Romans 8:2 The Greek is singular; some manuscripts me
  33. Romans 8:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 4-13.
  34. Romans 8:3 Or flesh, for sin
  35. Romans 8:10 Or you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive
  36. Romans 8:11 Some manuscripts bodies through
  37. Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.
  38. Romans 8:15 Aramaic for father
  39. Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For
  40. Romans 8:28 Or that all things work together for good to those who love God, who; or that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who
  41. Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:22
  42. Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers
  43. Romans 9:5 Or Messiah, who is over all. God be forever praised! Or Messiah. God who is over all be forever praised!
  44. Romans 9:7 Gen. 21:12
  45. Romans 9:9 Gen. 18:10,14
  46. Romans 9:12 Gen. 25:23
  47. Romans 9:13 Mal. 1:2,3
  48. Romans 9:15 Exodus 33:19
  49. Romans 9:17 Exodus 9:16
  50. Romans 9:20 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9
  51. Romans 9:25 Hosea 2:23