Individual Christians and churches must be circumspect regarding those with whom they associate. The right hand of fellowship must not be extended to those who are not worthy (cf. 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 John 9-11; etc.). As such, warnings about those who are false brethren were included in epistles to other Christians and churches. …
Continue reading Romans 16:1-2
This series of rhetorical questions are answered by the information concerning justification in the previous verses. God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law (v. 21). For justification by law is only through the perfect keeping of the law, and all men fail to do so. It is only through faith in Christ Jesus, who …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Romans 3:27-31“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors” (v. 12). Why are we debtors? The apostle Paul uses the word “Therefore,” not only to link the verses directly previous, but all that he has written thus far. We are debtors because: We have sinned (cf. 3:23). As a result we have died spiritually (cf. 5:12). Therefore, Christ died …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Romans 8:12-17Within the text are the closing statements of Paul’s letter to the saints in Rome. In his finishing thoughts there is an assurance given. The subject is “Him who is able to establish you.” Paul explains that God is able to establish them “according to his gospel.” The gospel of which Paul speaks is the …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Romans 16:25-27