by Gary L. Evans
(revised 7/29/2023)
Romans — Part 28
Rom 14:7-9 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Paul puts into perspective the common condition of those who have been called into The New Covenant and have received Eternal Life, both those who die in the flesh before our Lord returns and those who remain alive in the flesh at His coming. We all belong to Christ. And those who are with Him in Heaven will return with Him on The Day of The Lord.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
We learn of Judgment in Ecclesiastes.
Ecc 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
All are Judged, The Elect while dwelling in the flesh, and all others in The Millennium.
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Where is this written?
Isa 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Our Father declares to all people on earth that He is God and that there is no other god beside Him.
Isa 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
The Lord swore that all of His children would bow before Him, both those who overcome the deception of Satan in the flesh and those who are still dead in their sins when our Lord returns. We will all bow before the feet of our Lord.
Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
All of us will bow before Christ when He returns and must give account of every word we have spoken and every deed we have done. Some will inherit Eternal Life according to Promise and the others will remain dead in their sins until The Judgment.
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
We must be very careful that whatever we do we do not cause anyone to turn away from God in apostasy or reduce someone’s potential to repent and turn to The Lord to seek salvation. We should not be overly critical of others, but be careful to protect them from false doctrine and to help them learn God’s Word.
Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
The word “unclean” is from the Greek “koy-nos’” which means “common, that is, (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane.” In this context it means something that has not been sanctified or set apart unto God.
Paul is speaking to Gentiles, and one issue new converts had to deal with was the fact that much of their meat was consecrated at idol temples. Some said that such meat should not be eaten.
Lev 7:19 And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.
If meat touch anything that is unclean, it must not be eaten.
Lev 7:20 But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that pertain unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.
And we must keep ourselves clean before approaching the altar.
Lev 7:21 Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.
So our Lord decreed the death penalty for anyone who willfully ate of the sacrifice while being unclean himself.
But Paul explains that the meat is still good to eat even though it was bled and blessed in an idol’s temple, as long as we do not believe that it should not be eaten. He is not talking about clean versus unclean animals. Unclean animals are poisonous and unfit to eat. He is speaking of ceremonial uncleanness.
Rom 14:15-16 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Now the issue Paul addresses is the example we set for others to observe. If a brother in Christ who is not knowledgeable becomes upset when he sees us eat meat that was offered at an idol temple, then we should not eat it for his sake. We must not set a misleading example to new converts.
Rom 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
The issues we deal with are much more important than what we eat and drink. We must remain focused on serving Christ and leading other people to The Truth of God’s Word.
Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
We should work to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ, doing our best to teach them our knowledge of the Gospel so that they may grow in maturity. Paul teaches this precept in detail.
1Co 8:1-13 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
We must take care not to set a confusing example for others no matter how much knowledge and understanding we have in Christ.
Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
Clean animals that have been properly bled are good to eat, even if they were blessed in an idol’s temple. But if anyone believes that it is a sin to eat the meat in that case, then he must not eat it, because he cannot keep a clear conscience if he does.
Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
We must not cause confusion, even by using our knowledge that an idol is nothing, and devils are of no consequence, and some magic words spoken by a pagan priest at an idol temple are just hot air. But a new convert may not understand us, and think it is okay to worship idols and thereby fall away back into idolatry.
Rom 14:22-23 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
If new converts are around us, then we should use our freedom in Christ Jesus when we are alone, so that we do not confuse them. And we all must keep a clear conscience. Because if we do anything which we believe is a sin, even if it is not against any of God’s Laws, then it would still be a sin for us to do it.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Romans — Part 29
Rom 15:1-2 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Everyone who has gained knowledge of God through The Word should be patient with others who are weak, and work to help them so that they will grow stronger in the faith.
Rom 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Paul quotes from the Psalms.
Psa 69:7-9 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
Those who hated God, even secretly, also hated Christ Jesus, and such people will also hate us who are in Christ.
Rom 15:4-6 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are no contradictions in God’s Word, because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore we should all be like-minded testifying the same precepts because we trust The Scriptures.
Rom 15:7-8 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
Our Lord’s ministry while He walked this earth was to Israel. After His Resurrection and Ascension The New Covenant became open to be received also by the Gentiles.
Rom 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Paul quotes from the Psalms.
Psa 18:48-49 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
The Holy Spirit testified that our Lord would also preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. And He has done this through His many membered body on earth since His Ascension.
Rom 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Paul quotes from Deuteronomy.
Deu 32:43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
The word “nations” is from the Hebrew “go’ee” which means “a foreign nation; hence a Gentile.”
Rom 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Paul quotes from the Psalms.
Psa 18:47-49 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Paul also quotes from Psalm 117 which only contains two verses.
Psa 117:1-2 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Again, the word “nations” means “Gentiles.”
Rom 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Paul quotes from Isaiah.
Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Our Father planned for The Gentiles to also be taught and brought into The New Covenant with Israel.
Rom 15:13-14 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
We are enabled through God’s Word and The Holy Spirit to help each other in Christ. Let us do so with diligence.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Romans — Part 30
Rom 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Paul was chosen by The Lord to teach the Gentiles.
Rom 15:17-19 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Paul performed miracles during his ministry.
Act 14:8-10 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
Paul healed a cripple man.
Act 16:16-17 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
Whenever we perceive what is obviously supernatural in a negative way, such as a perfect stranger who starts proclaiming who you are in detail, then we can be confident that it is demon possession. In this case, the woman began to follow Paul around and harass him as a form of mockery.
Act 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Paul cast out devils.
Act 28:1-6 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Paul endured the deadly venom of a viper.
Rom 15:20-21 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Paul quotes from Isaiah.
Isa 52:14-15 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Paul preached in The Name of Jesus to the Gentiles in fulfillment of The Scriptures and in obedience to The Lord’s Command.
Rom 15:22-26 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
There was a famine in Judea, and some of the assemblies that Paul had started gave offerings to help the Christians in Jerusalem.
Rom 15:27-29 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Paul planned to go to Rome after his visit to Jerusalem. And indeed he would go, but as a prisoner sent to Caesar for judgment.
Rom 15:30-33 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Romans — Part 31
Rom 16:1-2 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Paul names the Christian women who were very strong in The Lord.
Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Note that Paul mentions Priscilla, the wife, before he mentions Aquila her husband.
Rom 16:4-5 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
The Christian assemblies met in the homes of the believers.
Rom 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Paul names another Christian woman.
Rom 16:7-12 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Paul names three more Christian women.
Rom 16:13-15 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
Julia is another woman’s name.
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Some false prophets teach that women are not to teach or minister. But that is false doctrine. In the early church, women played a very significant part in building the faith of everyone in the assemblies. Some were preachers and teachers.
Rom 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
The antichrists contradict God’s Word and confuse almost every matter. We must be on guard against them.
Rom 16:19-20 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Our Father will put Satan in his place in due time.
Rom 16:21-22 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Tertius was the Gentile scribe who wrote this letter as dictated by Paul, whose eye sight was weak.
Rom 16:23-24 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
A second blessing of grace.
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
The mystery kept secret since the beginning of this world was that The Lord had chosen His Elect for service since the destruction of The First Earth Age. Beginning with the forefathers and then Israel and also the Gentiles were of The Election, predestined for salvation in Christ Jesus.
Rom 16:26-27 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Note that I have tried to show you with many quotes in context that Paul teaches The Written Word of God now available for all people to read for themselves. Peter spoke of Paul’s teaching.
2Pe 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
We no longer need a man-priest to teach us, although a Christian who is mature in God’s Word can be of help.
This epistle was written to the Romans from Corinth, and sent by Phebe who was a servant of the church at Cenchrea.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.