Preface: Paul has not been to Rome, but he greets the church there warmly and indicates that he very much desires to come to them to teach them. The bulk of this chapter is given over to those in Rome who have rejected the truth of God.

Bible Summary: Paul, to the saints in Rome. I am eager to preach the gospel to you. The unrighteous have no excuse. God gave them up to their lusts.

By the second draft, this should be the most extensive examination of Romans 1 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 1:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–7           Paul Greets Those in Rome

         vv.     8–15         Paul is Eager to Come to Rome

         vv.    16–17         Paul’s Willingness to Share the Gospel Message 

         vv.    18–32         Those Who Reject the Truth

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Romans 1 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Romans 1 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Romans 1

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Romans 1

         Introduction         The Principals of Romans 1

         Introduction         The Places of Romans 1

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Romans 1

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Romans 1 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Romans 1 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Romans –)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Romans 1 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Romans 1

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Romans 1

         Summary            A Brief Review of Romans 1

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         Addendum          The Doctrine of Sanctification (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

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         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Romans 1

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Romans 1

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Romans 1

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Romans 1

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An Introduction to Romans 1

I ntroduction: Romans 1

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Paul Greets Those in Rome

Vv. 1–7 is a single sentence in the Greek (and in most English translations). I was going to divide it up into two sections, but really had no reason to do that, except for the length of the passage. Many translations—particularly the limited vocabulary type—breaks this down into seven (or more) sentences.

For easier reading, I divided this section up into several sentences in the mostly literal translation.

These seven verses introduce the entire epistle. Paul writes that this letter (epistles) is from him and to the believers in Rome. In between, Paul lays out basic doctrines which I believe his audience already understands.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Paul, a slave of Jesus of Christ, called an Apostle, having been appointed [or, separated] to a gospel of God, Who promised before through the prophets of Him in writings holy concerning the son of Him, the [Son] come to be a seed of David according to flesh, the [One] ordained a Son of God, in power according to a Spirit of Holiness, out from a standing up again from deaths, of Jesus of Christ, the Lord of us, through Whom we received grace and Apostleship, toward an obedience of faith among all the gentiles, regarding the Name of Him in Whom we keep on being, also you [all] called of Jesus of Christ to all those being in Rome, beloved of God, called holy ones [or, saints]. Grace to you [all] and peace from God, a Father of us and [from] Jesus Christ.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated to the gospel of God

which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

concerning His Son, who came of the seed of David according to the flesh,

who was declared Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

through whom we received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations for His name,

among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ:

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.

Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures,

Concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh,

Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead:

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

Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:

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

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        .

Murdock Peshito Syriac         Paul, a servant of Jesus the Messiah, called and sent; and separated unto the gospel of God,

(which he had before promised, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures,

concerning his Son, (who was born in the flesh, of seed of the house of David,

and was made known as the Son of God, by power, and by the Holy Spirit,) who arose from the dead, Jesus Messiah, our Lord,

by whom we have received grace, and a mission among all the Gentiles, to the end that they may obey the faith in his name;

among whom, ye also are called by Jesus Messiah;)

to all those who are at Rome, beloved of God, called and sanctified: Peace and grace be with you, from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Messiah.

Original Aramaic NT              Paulus, a Servant of Yeshua The Messiah, a called one, and an Apostle, who was separated to The Gospel of God,

Which from the first he had promised by his Prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

About his Son, who is begotten in the flesh from the seed of the house of David,

And was revealed The Son of God in power and by the Holy Spirit, who arose from the place of the dead, Yeshua The Messiah, Our Lord.

For in him we have received grace and Apostleship among all the nations, so that they would obey the faith of his name.

For you also are of them, called by Yeshua The Messiah.

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called and holy: Peace and grace be with you from God Our Father and from Our Lord, Yeshua The Messiah.

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, an Apostle by the selection of God, given authority as a preacher of the good news, 

Of which God had given word before by his prophets in the holy Writings, 

About his Son who, in the flesh, came from the family of David, 

But was marked out as Son of God in power by the Holy Spirit through the coming to life again of the dead; Jesus Christ our Lord, 

Through whom grace has been given to us, sending us out to make disciples to the faith among all nations, for his name: 

Among whom you in the same way have been marked out to be disciples of Jesus Christ: 

To all those who are in Rome, loved by God, marked out as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible in Worldwide English     I am Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ. He called me to be an apostle and to tell Gods good news.

Through his prophets long ago God promised this good news to people, in the holy writings.

The good news was about his Son. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. He was a man born in Davids family.

He came alive from death. That showed he was Gods Son. He had Gods power. Gods Holy Spirit did all this.

This same Jesus Christ was kind to me. And he made me an apostle. I am sent in his name so that people in all nations will obey him.

You are some of them. You were called to belong to Jesus Christ.

I send greetings to all the Christians who live in the city of Rome. God loves you and has called you to be his people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ bless you. In their kindness may they give you peace.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Greetings from Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus. God chose me to be an apostle and gave me the work of telling his Good News. God promised long ago through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures to give this Good News to his people. The Good News is about God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. As a human, he was born from the family of David, but through the Holy Spirit he was shown to be God's powerful Son when he was raised from death. Through Christ, God gave me the special work of an apostle--to lead people of all nations to believe and obey him. I do all this to honor Christ. You are some of those who have been chosen to belong to Jesus Christ. This letter is to all of you in Rome. God loves you, and he has chosen you to be his holy people. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s Word™                         From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and appointed to spread the Good News of God. (God had already promised this Good News through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. This Good News is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. In his human nature he was a descendant of David. In his spiritual, holy nature he was declared the Son of God. This was shown in a powerful way when he came back to life. Through him we have received God's kindness and the privilege of being apostles who bring people from every nation to the obedience that is associated with faith. This is for the honor of his name. You are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.) To everyone in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his holy people. Good will and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are yours!

Good News Bible (TEV)         From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle chosen and called by God to preach his Good News. The Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. It is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: as to his humanity, he was born a descendant of David; as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised from death. Through him God gave me the privilege of being an apostle for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. This also includes you who are in Rome, whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ. And so I write to all of you in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his own people: May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

J. B. Phillips                           .

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

Radiant New Testament        .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              .

Contemporary English V.       From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus. God chose me to be an apostle, and he appointed me to preach the good news that he promised long ago by what his prophets said in the holy Scriptures. This good news is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ! As a human, he was from the family of David. But the Holy Spirit proved that Jesus is the powerful Son of God, because he was raised from death. Jesus was kind to me and chose me to be an apostle, so that people of all nations would obey and have faith. You are some of those people chosen by Jesus Christ. This letter is to all of you in Rome. God loves you and has chosen you to be his very own people. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

Goodspeed New Testament  .

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Paul, a loving and loyal servant of the Anointed One, Jesus. He called me to be his apostle and set me apart with a mission to reveal God’s wonderful gospel. (7) I write this letter to all his beloved chosen ones in Rome, for you have been divinely summoned to be holy in his eyes. May his joyous grace and total well-being, flowing from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, rest upon you. 

My commission is to preach the good news. Yet it is not entirely new, but the fulfillment of the hope promised to us through the many prophecies found in the sacred Scriptures.  For the gospel is all about God’s Son. As a man he descended from David’s royal lineage, but as the mighty Son of God he was raised from the dead and miraculously set apart with a display of triumphant power supplied by the Spirit of Holiness. And now Jesus is our Lord and our Messiah.  Through him a joy-producing grace cascaded into us, empowering us with the gift of apostleship, so that we can win people from every nation into a faithful commitment to Jesus, to bring honor to his name.  And you are among the chosen ones who received the call to belong to Jesus, the Anointed One. TPT has no v. 7. I also do not have the footnotes for this.

Plain English Version             .

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  I, Paul, who serve the Messiah Jesus, am writing this letter to all of you believers in the city of Rome. God chose me to be an apostle, and he appointed me in order that I should proclaim the good news that comes from him.  

Long before Jesus came to earth, God promised that he would reveal this good news by means of what his prophets wrote in the sacred scriptures.  

This good news is about his Son. As to his Son's physical nature, he was born a descendant of King David.  

As to his divine nature, it was powerfully shown that he is God's own Son. God showed this when his Holy Spirit caused him to become alive again after he died. He is Jesus the Messiah our Lord.   He has shown us great kindness and appointed us to be apostles. He did that in order that many among all the people groups would believe in him and obey him.  

You believers who are living in Rome are included among those whom God has chosen to belong to Jesus the Messiah.   I am writing this letter to all of you in Rome whom God loves and whom he has chosen to become his people. I pray that God our Father and Jesus the Messiah our Lord may continue to act kindly toward you and will continue to cause you to have peace.

Williams’ New Testament      Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called as an apostle, set apart to preach God's good news, which long ago He promised through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, about His Son, who on the physical side became a descendant of David, and on the holy, spiritual side proved to be God's Son in power by the resurrection from the dead -- I mean, Jesus Christ, our Lord, through whom we have received God's favor and a commission as an apostle in His name to urge upon all the heathen obedience inspired by faith, among whom you too as called ones belong to Jesus Christ -- to all those in Rome who are God's loved ones, called to be His people: spiritual blessing and peace be yours from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            From: Paul, a slave of the Anointed King Jesus, an invited missionary who has been isolated for God's good news, that He promised beforehand through His preachers in the sacred Old Testament writings, about His Son (the One who became from a seed of David according to the physical body, the One who was designated the Son of God in ability according to the Spirit of sacredness from a return back to life of the dead), Jesus, the Anointed King, our Master, through whom we received generosity and a mission for obedience of trust among all the nations on behalf of His name, among whom you are also invited of Jesus, the Anointed King. To: All the people who are in Rome: loved of God, invited, sacred people. Generosity to you and peace out from God, our Father, and Master Jesus, the Anointed King.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Paul, Jesus Christ's servant, called upon to be an apostle, separated for God's gospel. [The gospel] that he had promised by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who came from the offspring of David (according to the flesh), but declared in power to be the Son of God (according to the spirit of holiness) by [his] resurrection from the dead.

[It is] through him we received grace and apostleship [to bring others] into obedience to the faith among all nations in behalf of his name. You also are among those called by Jesus Christ. Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ [be] to all of you who are in Rome, beloved by God, [and] called [to be] God's people.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called Apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, (which he formerly announced by his prophets, in the Sacred Writings,) concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; descended from David, as to his flesh, and constituted the Son of God, with power, as to his holy spiritual nature, after his resurrection from the dead: by whom we have received favor, even the apostolic office, for the obedience of faith among all nations, for his name's sake: among whom are you, also, called of Jesus Christ:

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called saints; favor be to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament To all in Rome who are dear to God and have been called to become Christ's People, From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, who has been called to become an Apostle, and has been set apart to tell God's Good News. This Good News God promised long ago through his Prophets in the sacred Scriptures, Concerning his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; who, as to his human nature, was descended from David, But, as to the spirit of holiness within him, was miraculously designated Son of God by his resurrection from the dead. Through him we received the gift of the Apostolic office, to win submission to the Faith among all nations for the glory of his Name. And among these nations are you-you who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. May God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and give you peace.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  . Place a footnote here

Free Bible Version                 This letter comes from Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ. I was called to be an apostle by God. God appointed me to announce the good news that he had previously promised through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The good news is about his Son, whose human forefather was David, but who was revealed as God’s Son by his resurrection from the dead through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. It was through him that I received the privilege of becoming an apostle to call all nations to obedient trust in him. You are also included among those who were called to belong to Jesus Christ.

I’m writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his special people. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

International Standard V        The Letter of Paul to the Romans

Greetings from Paul

From: [The Gk. lacks From] Paul, a servant of Jesus the Messiah, [Or Christ; other mss. read of the Messiah Jesus] called to be an apostle and set apart for God’s gospel, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding [Lit. About] his Son. He was a descendant of David with respect to his humanity and was declared by the resurrection from the dead to be the powerful Son of God according to the spirit [Or Spirit] of holiness—Jesus the Messiah, [Or Christ] our Lord. Through him we received grace and a commission as an apostle to bring about faithful obedience among all the gentiles for the sake of his name. You, too, are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus the Messiah. [Or Christ]

To: Everyone in Rome, [Other mss. lack in Rome] loved by God and called to be holy. [Or saints]

May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, [Or Christ] be yours!

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     From Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for a gospel of God, which through his prophets he promised beforetime, in holy writings; this gospel is concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of David's posterity in respect of his bodily nature, but was by his resurrection from the dead instated as Son of God, with power, in respect of his spirit of holiness. It is through him, even Jesus Christ our Lord, that I received grace and apostleship to promote obedience to the faith among all the Gentiles, for his name's sake; among whom you also are called to be Jesus Christ's.

To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. May God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, bless you, and give you peace.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      PAUL, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart to bear the good news of God, which he foretold through his prophets in Holy Scripture, concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (who became one of the descendants of David according to the flesh, and was with power proved to be the Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead); through whom we obtained grace and apostleship to promote obedience of faith for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you, called by Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved by God, called to be holy: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separated to the Good News of Elohim, (which he had promised before by his Prophets in the Holy Scriptures,) concerning his son Jesus Christ our LORD, that has appeared in history out of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of Elohim with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By who we have received Grace and Apostleship, for obedience to the Faith among all nations for his Name: Among who you are also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that are in Rome, esteemed of Elohim, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from Elohim our Father, and the LORD Jesus Christ.

Weymouth New Testament    Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, set apart to proclaim God's Good News, which God had already promised through His Prophets in Holy Writ, concerning His Son, who, as regards His human descent, belonged to the posterity of David, but as regards the holiness of His Spirit was decisively proved by His Resurrection to be the Son of God--I mean concerning Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and Apostleship in His service in order to win men to obedience to the faith, among all Gentile peoples, among whom you also, called, as you have been, to belong to Jesus Christ, are numbered: To all God's loved ones who are in Rome, called to be saints. May grace and peace be granted to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wikipedia Bible Project          This is from Paul, completely dedicated to Jesus Christ. I was chosen by God as a messenger, and appointed to tell the good news of God which he had previously promised through his prophets in the holy scriptures. This good news is about his son, whose earthly ancestor was David, but through his resurrection from the dead he was proved to be the son of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is through our Lord Jesus Christ that we received grace and this calling to be his messengers, and because of him we work to share this message of trusting obedience to all the nations— including you, who are also called to belong to Jesus Christ. It is written to all of you in Rome—you who are loved by him and called to be his special people. May the grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New Catholic Bible                 .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Hebraic Roots Bible               Paul, a slave of Yahshua Messiah, a called apostle, set apart to the good news of YAHWEH, which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son who came of the seed of David according to flesh, who was made known as the Son of YAHWEH in power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead, Yahshua Messiah our Master; by whom we received grace and apostleship to obedience of faith among all the nations, for His name's sake, among whom are you also, called-out ones of Yahshua Messiah; to all those who are in Rome, beloved of Elohim, called-out saints: Grace and peace to you from YAHWEH our Father and the Master Yahshua Messiah.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Letter to the Ones in Rome
From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus. I was chosen to be a delegate — especially selected for telling God’s Good News.

God promised the Good News in the Holy Scriptures long ago through His prophets.

The Good News is about God’s Son who, on the physical side, was a descendant of David.

But long ago it was planned that our Lord Jesus Christ be the Son of God with power in a holy, divine way. How? By rising from death!

Through Jesus we have received help in time of need and the work of a delegate so that for Jesus’ name we could try to call all non-Jewish people to believe and obey.

You are some of them. You were called by Jesus Christ.

To all of you in Rome to whom God has given Himself, for your good, expecting nothing in return, and called to be saints. May help in time of need and peace come to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures 2009              Sha’ul, a servant of יהושע Messiah, a called emissary, separated to the Good News of Elohim, which He promised before through His prophets in the Set-apart Scriptures, concerning His Son, who came of the seed of Dawi? according to the flesh, who was designated Son of Elohim with power, according to the Set-apart Spirit, by the resurrection from the dead: יהושע Messiah, the Master of us, through whom we have received favour and office of the emissary for belief-obedience among all the nations on behalf of His Name, among whom you also are the called ones of יהושע Messiah.  To all who are in Rome, beloved of Elohim, called, set-apart ones: Favour to you and peace from Elohim our Father and the Master יהושע Messiah.

Tree of Life Version                Paul, a slave of Messiah Yeshua, called to be an emissary and set apart for the Good News of God, which He announced beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. Concerning His Son, He came into being from the seed of David according to the flesh. He was appointed Ben-Elohim in power according to the Ruach of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. He is Messiah Yeshua our Lord. Through Him we have received grace and the office of emissary, to bring about obedience of faith among all the nations on behalf of His name. And you also are called to Yeshua the Messiah. To all those in Rome, loved by God, called to be kedoshim: Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah!

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       Paul Servant [of] christ jesus Called Delegate Having Been Separated to news (good) [of] god which [He] promises through the forecasters [of] him in writings pure about the son [of] him the [man] becoming from seed {of} david in flesh the being determined son [of] god in power in spirit [of] purity from standing (up) [of] [men] dead jesus christ the lord [of] us through whom [We] receive favor and delegation to obedience [of] faith in all the aliens for the name [of] him in which* are and You* Called [of] jesus Christ [to] all the [men] being in rome loved [of] god called pure Favor {be!} [to] you* and Peace from god father [of] us and [from] lord jesus christ...

Alpha & Omega Bible            (The Letter of Paul to the Romans)
¢ · PAULOS (Paul), A BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST JESUS, CALLED AS AN APOSTLE, SET APART FOR THE GOSPEL OF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega), †(Paul called himself an apostle because that's what he was. It's not wrong to proclaim the titles, duties or authority given to you by Christ Jesus.)

WHICH HE PROMISED BEFOREHAND THROUGH HIS PROPHETS IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES (Old Testament),

CONCERNING HIS SON, WHO WAS BORN OF A DESCENDANT OF DAVID ACCORDING TO THE FLESH,

WHO WAS DECLARED THE SON OF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) WITH POWER BY THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD,

THROUGH WHOM WE HAVE RECEIVED GRACE AND APOSTLESHIP TO BRING ABOUT THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH AMONG ALL THE GENTILES FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE,

AMONG WHOM YOU ALSO ARE THE CALLED OF JESUS CHRIST;

TO ALL WHO ARE BELOVED OF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) IN ROME, CALLED/INVITED AS SAINTS: GRACE TO YOU AND PEACE FROM THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Paul, a devoted slave of Jesus, the Anointed One, an invited sent-out one, having been defined-out to the announcing-of-Good-Tidings of God,

which He heralds-over-beforehand, through His exposers-to-light-beforehand from-within the Awful Writings,

concerning His Son Jesus, the Anointed One, our Lord, (the One coming to be, of the seed of David according to the flesh,

being determined the Son of God, by-within Power, according to the Breath of Awfulness, by raising- Him -up from the dead),

through whom we received Grace and segregation-out, for the listening-under to confidence, from-among every nation, in behalf of His name,

from-among whom are yous also invited of Jesus, the Anointed One.

To all being from-within Rome, beloved of God, invited as awful ones: Grace to yous and Peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!

Concordant Literal Version    Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, a called apostle, severed for the evangel of God"

(which He promises before through His prophets in the holy scriptures),

concerning His Son (Who comes of the seed of David according to the flesh,

Who is designated Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead),

Jesus Christ, our Lord, through Whom we obtained grace and apostleship for faith-obedience among all the nations, for His name's sake,

among whom are you also, the called of Jesus Christ:"

to all who are in Rome, beloved by God, called saints: Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

exeGeses companion Bible   SALUTATION

Paulos, a servant of Yah Shua Messiah;

a called apostle

set apart to the evangelism of Elohim;

which he pre-evangelized

through his prophets in the holy scriptures;

concerning his Son Yah Shua Messiah our Adonay;

who, as to flesh,

became of the sperma of David;

and, as to spirit, of holiness

the decreed the Son of Elohim in dynamis

by the resurrection from the dead:

through whom we take charism and apostleship

to obedience of the trust

among all goyim for his name:

among whom you are also

the called of Yah Shua Messiah:

To all in Rome,

beloved of Elohim, called holy:

charism and shalom to you

from Elohim our Father

and Adonay Yah Shua Messiah.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           MOSHIACH’S LETTER

THROUGH THE SHLIACH SHA’UL

TO THE BRIT CHADASHA

KEHILLAH IN ROME

From Sha'ul, an eved of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, summoned to be a Shliach, set apart for the Besuras HaGeulah of Hashem,

Which Hashem promised beforehand through His Neviim in the Kitvei HaKodesh.

The Good News of Redemption of Hashem concerns the Zun fun Der Oybershter (Ben HaElohim of Hashem) born from the zera Dovid, as far as basar is concerned,

But, as far as the Ruach Hakodesh is concerned, appointed to be Ben HaElohim in power by means of Moshiach’s Techiyah [Resurrection] from HaMesim.

Through him and for the kavod of his Name, we have received unmerited Chen v'Chesed Hashem and the Shlichus for the tachlis (purpose) of bringing about the mishma'at of emunah among all Nations,

Among whom you also are summoned to belong to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua;

To all who are in Rome, ahuvei Hashem (beloved ones of G-d), summoned by Hashem's kri'ah (calling) to be kadoshim (holy ones)--unmerited Chen v’Chesed Hashem and Shalom Hashem from Elohim Avinu and Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua Adoneinu.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   [This letter is from] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, [who was] called to be an apostle, [and] set apart for [preaching] the Gospel of God. God had promised this good news a long time ago through His prophets [and had it written] in the holy Scriptures [i.e., the Old Testament]. It was about His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born as a physical descendant of King David. He was appointed to be the Son of God with power through the Spirit of holiness [Note: This could refer to the Holy Spirit] when He was raised from the dead. It was through Jesus, and for His name’s sake, that we [i.e., I] received God’s favor to become an apostle, in order to bring about obedience based on faith from among people of all nations. All of you there in Rome [i.e., the church there] are also among such obedient believers. You are called Jesus Christ’s [people], loved by God and called to be His holy people. May you have unearned favor and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Brodie’s Expanded Trans.     Paul, a bondslave of Christ Jesus, called [to the spiritual office of] an apostle, having been appointed [divine summons] because of the good news from God,

Which He Himself [God the Father] had previously promised through His prophets in the Holy Writings,

Concerning His Son [deity of Christ] Who was born out from the seed of David [physical descent] according to the flesh [humanity of Christ],

Who was marked out by divine decree the Son of God [the declaration of His deity in time was planned in eternity past], in the sphere of miraculous power [omnipotence], according to the measure of the spirit of holiness, by means of resurrection from deaths [first spiritually, then physically], Jesus Christ our Lord,

Through Whom we have received grace and apostleship [the apparatus and means of instruction] for the purpose of obedience to doctrine [occupation with Christ through His Word] among all nations [not just Israel], for the sake of His Name,

Among whom you [Roman Christians] also are called [elected by the Father] to Jesus Christ.

To all those who are in Rome, beloved by God, called saints: Grace and prosperity from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ .

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Paul, Jesus Christ’s slave (or: a slave servant of and from [the] Anointed One, Jesus; a slave belonging to Jesus [the] Anointed [= Messiah]), a called person, one sent forth with a mission (or: an ambassador or emissary by invitation), being one having been marked off by boundaries (parted away and determined by bounds; separated away and limited off; delineated; defined) unto God’s good news (or: into a message of goodness and well-being which is God),

which He Himself previously promised through His prophets, within [the] set-apart writings (or: holy and sacred Scriptures),

about (concerning; with reference to) His Son – the One coming into existence (or: birthing Himself) from out of David’s sperm (or: Davidic seed; = David's descendant), down from and in the line of succession of flesh (or: = in the sphere of the natural realm);

the One being bounded (marked off, thus defined; separated, and so designated; divided away, and so determined; or: appointed) God’s Son (or: a Son Who is God; or: a Son from, or having the character and qualities of, God; = God's Regent, cf Ps. 2; 2 Sam. 7:14) immersed within the midst of power and in union with ability, down from (or: corresponding to and on a level with; in the sphere of) a Breath-effect of set-apartness (or: an attitude of holiness and sacredness; a spirit pertaining to being set apart) forth from out of a resurrection (a standing back up again) from among dead folks – Jesus Christ, our Lord (Master and Owner),

through Whom we receive grace, as well as a sending off with a mission [leading] unto faith’s obedience (or: obedience that springs from trust and loyalty; [the] paying attention associated with loyal allegiance; or, as apposition: "obedience which faith is" – Rudolf Bultmann) among all the ethnic multitudes, over [the essence, reality and power of] His Name (or: through means of Whom we at one point received a joy-producing act of favor, and then suddenly took in hand a commission as emissaries with a view to a humble and submissive hearkening – along with an appropriate response, which is faith – and a giving-of-the-ear from beneath [Him], with compliant listening and paying attention that has its source in trust and involved commitment, within all the non-Jewish nations for the sake of and in behalf of His Name [and reputation]),

within the midst of which peoples (or: among whom) you yourselves are continuously existing, being also called folks of Jesus Christ (or: Jesus Christ’s invited ones) –

to (or: for) all those being in Rome: God’s loved ones (folks dearly loved of God), set-apart (holy) called ones, joyous grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony [= shalom] [are] in and with you) from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our Father God, and [the] Master, Jesus Christ; or: from God our Father, even [the] Owner – [the] Anointed Jesus).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Greeting

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born a descendant [Literally “of the seed”] of David according to the flesh, who was declared Son of God in power according to the Holy Spirit [Literally “the Spirit of holiness”] by the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship for the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles [Or “nations”; the same Greek word can be translated “nations” or “Gentiles” depending on the context] on behalf of his name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ. To all those in Rome who are loved by God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,^a

A calledʹ^b apostle,

Separated unto the glad-message of God—

Which he promised beforehandˎ through his prophetsˎ in holy scriptures—

Concerning his Son,—

Who came to be of the seed of Davidˎ

according to flesh,

Who was distinguished^c as the Son of God—

By powerˎ

According to a Holyʹ Spiritˎ

Through means of^d a resurrection of the dead,—^e

Jesus Christ our Lord;

Through whom we have received favour and apostleship, For obedience of faith among allʹ the nationsˎ in behalf of his name, Among whom are ||ye also|| called^f of Jesus Christ:

<Unto allʹ that are in Romeˎ beloved of Godˎcalled^g saints>

Favour unto youˎ and peaceˎ

From God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

a Or (WH): “Christ Jesus.”

b Or: “bidden.”

c Ml: “marked off.”

d Ml: “out of.”

e Plural. Ml: “of dead ones”; cp. Ac. xxvi. 23.

f Or: “invited.”

g See previous.

The Spoken English NT         PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY AT ROME
Greeting
From Paul, a servant^a of Jesus Christ. I was called to be an apostle^b and set apart to preach the good news^c of God- the good news that he promised ahead of time through his prophets in the holy scriptures. The good news is about his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. He was a descendent of David in terms of his physical origin,^d but he was powerfully set apart as the Son of God by the Holy Spirit,^e by his resurrection from among the dead.^f Through him we’ve been given grace and the mission^g to bring about obedience to God, based on faith, in all the nations, for the sake of his name.^h Among them, you’re also called by Jesus Christ- all of you who are in Rome. You’re dearly loved by God and called by God to be holy ones. May you have grace and peaceⁱ from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ.^j

a.Or “slave.”

b.Or “emissary.” See “Bible Words.”

c.“Good news” is often translated “gospel.” Gospel is an old English word meaning good news. In the NT, “the good news” connotes life-changing good news, such as the announcement that a war or exile has come to an end (see, e.g., Isaiah 52:7 ff.).

d.Lit. “from the seed of David, according to the flesh.”

e.Lit. “the Spirit of Holiness.” The two expressions are synonymous. Paul is intentionally talking in a Jewish way here.

f.Or “marked out as the Son of God by the power of his resurrection from among the dead.” “The dead” does not mean “the state of death,” but “those who are dead.” Jesus has been raised back to life from among the dead.

g.Lit. “apostleship.” See “Bible Words.”

h.“Name” has a special meaning in the NT. See “Bible Words.”

i.Lit. “Grace and peace to you.”

j.From the first word of the letter up to this point, everything has been one long sentence. It’s a kind of “opening flourish.” I’ve broken it up into smaller sentences.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Salutation
Paul, a slave¹ of Jesus Christ, a called apostle,² having been set apart to the Gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures:³ concerning His Son, who became a physical descendant of David,⁴ who was established to be God’s powerful Son (according to His spirit of holiness)⁵ by resurrection from the dead⁶—Jesus Christ our Lord— through whom we have received grace and apostleship to promote obedience of faith among all ethnic nations concerning His name⁷ (among these you also are called by Jesus Christ); to all the called saints⁸ who are in Rome, beloved of God: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.⁹

(1) All human beings are slaves—we are born that way, live that way, die that way. As the Lord Jesus said, “whoever commits sin is a slave of sin . . . if the Son makes you free you will be free indeed” (John 8:34; John 8:36). The Lord Jesus offers us a choice of owner: the only way to escape slavery to sin is to become a slave of Jesus Christ.

(2) Apostles are not ordained by man; they are designated by God, who has a reason for doing so.

(3) The promise begins in Genesis 3:15, and reappears in passages like Genesis 12:3; Genesis 28:14, 2Samuel 7:16, Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7.

(4) Literally, ‘of the seed of David according to the flesh’. Jesus’ body contained genes from David that came through His mother Mary, a descendant of David’s son, Nathan (Luke 3:31) (and presumably still does, at the Father’s right hand). Isaiah 9:7 makes clear that the Messiah will occupy the throne of David; see also 2Samuel 7:16, Isaiah 11:10 and Micah 5:2.

(5) Because of this He never sinned.

(6) A ‘mere’ human cannot decide to rise from the dead; Jesus had this authority, as He affirms in John 10:17-18—“My Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” The cross did not kill Jesus; He dismissed His spirit.

(7) One’s name represents his person—the obedience of faith is to be directed toward the person of Jesus Christ.

(8) They were called to be saints.

(9) “The Lord Jesus Christ” is now the proper name/title of Jehovah the Son. This text clearly presents the Father and the Son as distinct persons.

WEB — Messianic Edition       .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, set apart to preach the gospel of God, 

Which He had promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures 

Concerning His Son; Who came from the seed of David according to the flesh, 

Who was declared the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead?Jesus Christ our Lord; 

Through Whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all the nations, in behalf of His name; 

In Whom you also are called of Jesus Christ: 

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

Analytical-Literal Translation  Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated [or, appointed] to the Gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in [the] Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, the One having come from [the] seed of David according to the flesh, the [One] having been designated Son of God with power according to [the] Spirit of holiness, by [the] resurrection from [the] dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations on behalf of His name, among whom you_p also are called of Jesus Christ; to all the ones being in Rome, beloved of God, called holy ones [or, saints, and throughout epistle]: Grace to youp and peace from God our Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ!

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bill Puryear translation           Paul, the slave of Christ Jesus, commissioned an apostle, having been appointed because of the gospel of God, which [gospel] He himself previously promised through His prophets in the Holy writings concerning His Son, the One who was born from the seed of David in relation to the flesh, who was declared ‘The Son of God’ powerfully in relation to the Spirit of Holiness by means of resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through Whom we have received grace; that is, apostleship for the purpose of obedience to doctrine among the nations for the sake of His person, among whom you are also the called ones of Jesus Christ, to all those who live in Rome beloved by God, called saints, grace belongs to you and prosperity from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised heretofore by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning his son, (him who was of a seed of David with respect to flesh him who was determinately marked out as son of God by a power, according to a spirit of holiness, of rising up from the dead,) [namely]] Jesus Christ, our Lord, by whom we have received favour and an apostolical mission, that for his name there may be an obedience of faith among all the nations, among which you indeed are called ones of Jesus Christ to all who are at Rome, beloved of God, called and consecrated; favour be to you, and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Context Group Version          Paul, a slave of the Anointed Jesus, summoned to be an emissary, separated to the Imperial News of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the special scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born from the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of specialness by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus the Anointed our Lord, through whom we received favor and the function of an emissary, to obedience of trust among all the ethnic groups, for his name's sake; among whom you (pl) are also summoned of Jesus the Anointed: To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, summoned to be special ones: favor to you (pl) and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Anointed.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       . obedience in faith

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Holy Bible Improved Edition   . instated

James Allen translation          .

Legacy Standard Bible           .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated to the good news of God, which He announced before through His prophets in holy writings, concerning His Son—who has come of the seed of David according to the flesh, who is marked out [as the] Son of God in power, according to the Spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection from the dead—Jesus Christ our Lord; through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, in behalf of His Name; among whom are also you, the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called holy ones; Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ!

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  {If you are reading the Letters written to Christians first, this is a better and more chronological order: James, 1&2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1&2 Corinthians, then here in Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Peter, Jude, Philemon, 1 Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, 2 Timothy, 1-3 John, Revelation. See the Reading Chart about page 13. But even if you don’t follow this order always read Galatians before Romans.} [Kukis: I believe that it is clear that Paul’s theology grows as time continues, although his early epistles do not contradict anything found in his later epistles. There is some wisdom, particularly of the new believer, to start with the early epistles first.)

Paul, bondservant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated* to the good-news of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, (who was born from the seed of David according-to the flesh, who was determined as being the Son of God in power, according-to the spirit of holiness, out-of the resurrection of the dead), Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom, we received grace and apostleship, into the obedience of the faith in all the nations, on behalf of his name; among which nations you° are also called {Or: invited; and in all other instances in the MLV} of Jesus Christ. To all the ones who are in Rome, beloved of God, called holy-ones: grace to you° and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

New Matthew Bible                .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   Greeting; Paul's Ministry of the Gospel of Christ

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated unto the Gospel of God, which He had promised before by His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh (and blood), and was declared (determined) to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, by whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you(p) also are the called of Jesus Christ. To all who are in Rome, beloved of God and called to be saints: Grace to you(p) and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called an apostle, through having been appointed because of the Gospel from God. Which [gospel] He Himself had previously promised through His prophets in the holy writings. Concerning his Son who was born from the seed of David according to the flesh. Who was marked out [specified in the decrees] the Son of God by means of power, according to the Holy Spirit, by means of resurrection from deaths; through Whom [the resurrected Christ] we have received grace and apostleship, for the purpose of obedience to doctrine among all nations, for the sake of His person (reputation, fame, name). Among whom also you are the privileged royalty [elected] of Jesus Christ. To all who are in Rome, dearly loved by God, privileged royalty: Grace to you and so prosperity from God our Father, and from the source of our Lord Jesus Christ.

R. B. Thieme, Jr. trans2         Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called or appointed and privileged to be an apostle the highest authority of the church, through having been appointed because of the gospel from God, which gospel he, God himself, had previously promised beforehand or ahead of time through the agency of his prophets in the holy scriptures or writings, Concerning his son, God the Son, who was uniquely born from the seed of David according to the concept of humanity with body, soul and spirit who (Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ) has been marked out or appointed by the Divine Decree to be the son of God by means of supernatural power, miracles, according to God the Holy Spirit ordained to sustain Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ in Hypostatic Union, because of or by means of the resurrection from Spiritual Death and Physical Death Through whom the resurrected Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ our Lord, we (Paul & Roman Believers) have received Grace of the Plan of Salvation and a spiritual gift such as Apostleship, and for the purpose of obedience to orthodox doctrine among all gentiles or nations, for the sake of his person, reputation or fame resulting in glorification of Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ. Among whom also you roman and any other believers are the privileged as Royal Family of God belonging to Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ; To all that be in Rome, dearly loved by God, who are called Saints or Royal Family of God or Privileged Aristocracy: Grace to you and so prosperity from God our Father and from the source of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revised Geneva Translation  .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

The gist of this passage:     Paul states who he is and to whom this letter is addressed, using very specific and exact theological terms.

Translation: [From] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ,...

Paul is the author of this epistle, and the first thing that he points out to his readers is, he is a slave the Christ Jesus. Everyone understood what servitude was in this culture. People either owned slaves, were slaves; or they knew owners of slaves or actual slaves.

For a man’s first words to be, I am the slave of...; these are very strong revealing words.

In this introduction, Paul will four times use the genitive/ablative of Jesus Christ. We treat these two names as if they signify His first and last name, but in some places, saying these two words together would be considered blasphemy. Saying Jesus Christ is like saying, Jesus [is the] Messiah! That was very strong language. Paul will use this language 4x in this introduction.

Translation: ...called [as] an Apostle,...

On the other hand, Paul also speaks of his spiritual gift in his second breath, the gift of apostleship. The key to this gift is, Paul has authority over all local churches. Obviously, Paul could not visit every local church, but when he wrote a letter like this, it was considered authoritative by any church that was squared away.

Paul certain understood his authority, and a word like this asserted great authority. Today, there are actual people who call themselves apostles. No one today is an Apostle. The last Apostle (John) died in the 90s (prior to a.d. 100).

Since the final Scriptures were written prior to a.d. 100, there would have been no use for this gift after that. If all the Scriptures had already been written, then what need was there for this gift? Therefore, this office and gift was not perpetuated.

Translation: ...having been appointed to [the message of] the gospel of God.

Paul specifically had been set apart by God for the message of the gospel of God (that good news being that Jesus died for our sins and provided us a way to God). Although Paul gave the gospel message to both Jews and gentiles, his greatest response was among the gentiles throughout the Roman empire. It was God’s intent to use Paul in this way, and he acknowledges that here and throughout this epistle.

Romans 1:1 [From] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called [as] an Apostle, having been appointed to [the message of] the gospel of God. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

With these few words, Paul describes exactly who he is: he is a slave of Jesus Christ and he is an Apostle, having been appointed or set apart to the gospel message.

Translation: [This same God] previously promised...

In the interest of converting this very long and complex Greek sentence into several English sentences, I began a new sentence from ...who previously promised... I simply defined to Whom the relative pronoun referred (God from v. 1c). So God became the subject of a new sentence. This will be my modus operandi throughout the epistle when I believe it necessary to shorten Paul’s thought into something which is more focused (for the English reader). If you do not like that I did this, let me recommend the Literal Standard Version goes to great lengths to preserve the entire Greek sentence. Their intention and my intention is to present Paul’s thinking, writing and logic to the English reader in the best way possible. I select unique translations which I select from over 100.

This same God, from v. 1, also did the following: 3^rd person singular, aorist (deponent) middle indicative of proepangéllomai (προεπαγγέλλομαι) [pronounced pro-ep-ang-GHEHL-lom-ahee], which means, to promise previously, to announce before; to promise before. Although some call this a deponent middle, let me sugest that God makes this promise directly from His essence, so he participates in the action of the verb. Strong’s  #4279.

Who, where, and by whom God promised comes up in the following phrases.

Translation: ...through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures...

God promises beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. God, through the writers of the Old Testament, made promises before this time. These promises are 400 years or older by the time that Paul writes these words.

Translation: ...about His Son,...

Who God the Father is making promises about is His Son, Who is Jesus the Messiah.

Being God’s Son means that Jesus is divine. He is a Member of the Godhead.

Translation: ...Who became the descendant of David according to the flesh...

Jesus is also a direct descendant of David, through Mary, in His humanity.

Paul has stated right from the beginning that Jesus is the Messiah promised long ago by the prophets in the Scriptures; and that He is fully God and He is fully man.

Translation: ...[Who was, at the same time] ordained [as] the Son of God.

Jesus is defined, ordained or decreed to be the Son of God. The verb uses is the masculine singular, aorist passive participle of horizô (ὁρίζω) [pronounced hohr-IHD-zoh], which means, defining; to marking out the boundaries or limits (of any place or thing); that which has been determined, to appointment, decree; ordaining, determining, appointing. Strong’s #3724.

Romans 1:2–4a [This same God] previously promised through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures about His Son, Who became the descendant of David according to the flesh [Who was, at the same time] ordained [as] the Son of God. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

The dividing of these verses into sentences is somewhat arbitrary. Generally I choose a phrase which begins with the relative pronoun and convert that to the subject of the sentence. After covering a thought or three, I bring it to a close.

Paul gives the pre-history of the Person of Jesus Christ. He is promised as early in the Bible as Genesis 3.

Translation: [He was ordained] with power according [to the standard of] the Holy Spirit,...

Even though Jesus is God, with all of the power that God has, He restricted the use of His Deity and instead employed the Holy Spirit. All of the miracles performed by Jesus were performed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Translation: ...having risen up again from deaths.

When our sins were poured out upon Jesus Christ, this was His spiritual death. He was deserted by God the Father and God the Holy Spirit (Jesus said, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus hung upon the cross in His humanity, unable to use the power of the Holy Spirit, and choosing not to use his own Deity.

Our sins were poured out upon Jesus the man because a man can be in one place at one time. A man without sin is able to take upon Himself our sins.

After paying the penalty for our sins, Jesus dies physically. So, He will arise from those two deaths.

Romans 1:4b–4c [He was ordained] with power according [to the standard of] the Holy Spirit, having risen up again from deaths. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: [I am speaking] of Jesus Christ, our Lord,...

This same Jesus...

Translation: ...through Whom we have received grace and apostleship,...

Paul, referring to himself and to the team that he was with understands that He has received grace from the risen Lord. Also through Jesus, Paul receive his position as Apostle (Paul did not earn or deserve this gift).

Translation: ...[with an eye] toward the obedience of faith [presented] among all the gentiles.

The obedience of faith here is a reference to the mechanics set forth in the gospel message. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you are saved. The mechanics are faith alone in Christ alone. Paul presented this clear gospel message throughout the gentile world.

Romans 1:4d–5b [I am speaking] of Jesus Christ, our Lord, through Whom we have received grace and apostleship, [with an eye] toward the obedience of faith [presented] among all the gentiles. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: [We have been called] because of His Name,...

Because of the Name of the Lord, Paul and his team have been called.

Translation: ...in Whom we keep on being,...

One of the fundamental keys to the Christian life is that every believer is in Christ. In Whom we keep on being is a reference to everyone in team Paul being in Christ. This is known as positional truth. This remains our position throughout our entire lives.

Translation: ...[as] you [all are] also the called of Jesus Christ.

The people to whom Paul is writing are also in Christ and they are the called of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:5c–6 [We have been called] because of His Name, in Whom we keep on being, [as] you [all are] also the called of Jesus Christ. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Paul, in these first few phrases, emphasizes positional truth; being in Christ. He also emphasizes being the called of Jesus Christ, meaning that God called us and we responded to the message of the gospel.

Translation: [I write this] to all of you in Rome,...

Paul’s letter is written to those in Rome. Although Rome is primarily a gentile city, there is, at the time of writing, a sizable Jewish population there as well. Paul will define the relationship between Jews and gentiles in this epistle.

Translation: ...loved of God,...

Because believers have the righteousness of God imputed to them, they are loved of God.

Even though we are told, For God so loved that world that He gave his uniquely-born Son,... this is not his attribute of love. We are entirely unlovely. Especially to God. But love is presented as an anthropopathism, so that we are able to understand God’s motivation. However, once we have the righteousness of God, then God is able to love us from His attribute of love.

Translation: ...called saints.

We are called by the masculine plural adjective hagios (ἅγιος) [pronounced HA-gee-oss], which means, holy (ones), set apart (ones); angels, saints. Every believer is a saint; not just the really, really good ones.

For more information on what a saint is, see The Doctrine of Sanctification by R. B. Thieme, Jr. placed in the Addendum. Every time that you see the phrase in Christ in the New Testament, this is shorthand for being sanctified (we find this phrase used at least 90x in the New Testament). This is not a state of being which we eventually reach after years and years of holy effort; when you believe in Jesus Christ, you are then placed in Christ and you have become a saint. Becoming a saint is what God does for us, not something that we do for God.

Translation: Grace to you [all]...

Paul conveys grace to the believers in Rome. The entire notion of sending a letter like this is a gracious operation. Paul is going to impart great amounts of doctrine to the Romans who receive this epistle and to us who have lived after them.