The “Therefore” (ἄρα) at the start of Romans 8 could link this next argument back to the end of Romans 7 or back to Romans 6 treating Romans 7 as parenthesis. However, it could also link back to Romans 5 with Romans 6-7 being the parenthesis. This means we can either read Paul’s main argument… Continue reading Romans 8:1-2
Tag: Paul
Who is the “I” in romans 7?
For much of Romans 7, Paul speaks in the first person when describing the tension of wanting to do what is right but finding that he cannot. This has led to much discussion. Is Paul describing his own testimony? If so, is he describing his life before conversion or after? Or alternatively, is Paul using… Continue reading Who is the “I” in romans 7?
Romans 6:15-19
This next section repeats the “what then…by no means” pattern. Again, Paul asks if it is okay to sin, this time because we are under grace. Does this different constitution give us freedom to do what we want. The answer is an emphatic “no”. (v15). Why? Because our obedience confirms our ownership. We tend to… Continue reading Romans 6:15-19
Romans 5:12-14
Another “how much more” is coming up. The intent is to point us to the uniqueness and greatness of Christ. The “therefore” here links us back to the point that our boast is solely in Christ alone. Jesus is set up as one, crucial man in comparison to the previous man, Adam. The point is… Continue reading Romans 5:12-14
Is Doug Wilson right to say that women who refuse to marry, bear children and carry out domestic chores are turning after Satan?
The short and simply answer to what might be considered a silly question is “No.” But obviously for us to end up with such a silly question, Doug Wilson has been saying something silly. It’s worth having a look at what he has been saying as it gives us an insight into the kind of… Continue reading Is Doug Wilson right to say that women who refuse to marry, bear children and carry out domestic chores are turning after Satan?
Romans 5:6-11
“For yet Christ…” The syntax in Greek frontloads the identity of Christ. He came whilst we were still weak, whilst sin still had a hold and we were helpless. We could not do anything to save ourselves. He died for those who are ungodly, lacking righteousness (v6). This is the surprising factor. Paul observes that… Continue reading Romans 5:6-11
Romans 5:1-4
The result of justification is that if we are right with God, then we have peace with him. We are no longer under his wrath and judgement. We are no longer enemies of God. Peace is possible through Jesus Christ, the mediator (v1). Paul here emphasises Christ’s priestly role. He gives us access. Specifically, the… Continue reading Romans 5:1-4
Romans 4:16-25
The Law brings wrath rather than righteousness. So, God’s righteousness has to be received through faith, this means that it becomes about God’s grace, it is a free gift not earned. This means the promise is for all of Abraham’s descendants not just law observers. Given the link to circumcision, the implication here is not… Continue reading Romans 4:16-25
Romans 4:1-8
Paul is continuing to think through whether or not the Jews through their ethnic identity, having the Law and circumcision had an advantage. So, he goes back to Abraham, the one through whom the promise to Israel was made. It was the covenant with him that they considered themselves to be heirs of. So, what… Continue reading Romans 4:1-8
Romans 3:27-31
One of Paul’s aims in his argument is to exclude human boasting. Our only boast is the Gospel, he has previously expressed this point in the under-stated form, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.”[1] Boasting is excluded by a form of Law. Paul distinguishes between a Law of Works, what you do or a… Continue reading Romans 3:27-31
