Chapter 1:18-23

Commentary On The Epistle To The Romans

By Dr. John R. Stone

Romans 1:18-23

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.” (Romans 1:18-23 NASB)

Introduction:

After introducing himself and explaining his motivation for ministry, Paul launches into the first major section of his letter to the young church in Rome. He begins his explanation of theology with the issue of sin that separates us from God (Rom. 1:18-3:20). His purpose in this section is to show that mankind is lost in sin and totally unworthy of God’s favor and blessing. Even those who were not Jewish and never heard about Jesus are lost in sin. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, tribal worshipers, and all peoples of the world are under the wrath of God if they do not come to God through Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:18-23, he explains why everyone who rejects Jesus Christ is without excuse because the truth about God is clearly seen in all creation.

Revelation in Creation

Vs. 18:

People who do not believe in a Creator actually deny what they know in their hearts, and for that reason God will judge them.

Vs. 19:

Even people who have never read the Bible know there is a God.

Vs. 20:

The beautiful design and tiny details of creation prove there is a God. Where there is such marvelous design, there must be an equally marvelous designer. Anyone who ignores this obvious fact is “without excuse.”

General Revelation

The creation around us proves there is a God who is eternal and wonderful. Our conscience within us tells us we are separated from that God (2:14-16). Creation and conscience are what is called General Revelation. Every thinking person has this general knowledge about God and about man’s sinful condition. This general knowledge is enough to condemn a person, but not enough to save a person.

Special Revelation

Special Revelation is the truth about how God’s Son entered the human race, died for our sins, and rose again from the dead. God gave us Special Revelation in the Bible and in His Son, Jesus. Nobody can be saved without this Special Revelation about what Jesus did for us, but anyone everywhere who believes this message will be saved.

Rejection from Mankind

Vs. 21:

At one time, everyone on earth knew about the one, true God, but because of unbelief, disobedience, and rebellion against God, that truth was gradually lost. Eventually, the children of those who knew forgot about the God who created them.

Vs. 23:

Ignorance about God became spiritual darkness, and in that darkness, people sought for some way to satisfy their desire to worship. They substituted idols for the living God, and they began to worship the sun or moon or creatures of the earth.

When we reject God’s truth, we will search for something to put in its place. Our unbelief and rebellion will lead us to our own disappointment and destruction. Such behavior is without excuse, but God offers forgiveness and eternal life through what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Top of page >

Chapter 1:8-17 >

Chapter 1:24-32 >