Romans 1 - Paul's Letter to the Church in Rome

 

Romans 1 – Paul’s Letter to the Church in Rome.

Paul wrote this during his three months stay in Corinth during his third missionary journey, According to Don Dewelt this is not the first letter written by Paul but the sixth. It comes after Acts logically because it contains a discussion of a sinner being justified before God. In Acts we were told what to do to be justified; in Romans we are told the how and they why of justification. Paul wrote this letter because he was delayed in his visit to Rome. Being delivered by Phoebe to the church, it would serve as a personal introduction of Paul. It also confirms Paul’s apostleship. It was written to teach and instruct all Christians. First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Both of that day and also for the present day. This letter deals directly with the basic issues in human experience. First in coming into the right relationship with God, Secondly how to obtain inner peace and experience moral victory. Third to give meaning to life in the midst of suffering and to give cerainty to faith in a world of evil. What is man’s duty to his fellow man? What is his responsibility for the life of the world? This letter will give us the answers we are searching. Paul’s message of good news is that the “gospel of Christ is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Paul saw life on every moral, intellectual and social level changed by the message of the cross and the resurrection. With overpowering compassion for his own people, he longed for their salvation. This letter shows that he yearned to proclaim the gospel in Rome and the the farthest limits of the Empire in Spain. This first chapeter is his salutation to the Romans. It is the Gospel of God. It is from God and about God and for God. It is the good news that Paul’s hope rested upon. The truth about the gospel is that Jesus Christ is God’s son and our Lord. He revelaed Christ through His life, death, and resurrection. He states that Jesus was both human and divine. He was the seed of David according to the flesh, but was declared to be the Son of God.. by the resurrection from the dead. This church that Paul wrote to had been established prior to this letter but Paul knew of them because of their faith that had been proclaimed throughout the whole world. Paul felt that they needed his ministry and in turn he needed their encouragment and stimulation. Paul had a sense of obligation to all men, both wise and unwise, to the highly cultured and the illiterate, to the well-to-do and the underprivileged. He believed in the worth of every individual and believed that the gospel of Christ was meant for all men. Paul knows the opposition of the Gospel when it came to Christ and His resurrection. He firmly stated that “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” The gospel he shared won many converts. Men were saved from moral ruin and brought down from intellectual pride to find in Christ freedom from sin and peace with God. There is no other power on earth like the power of the Gospel.

Acts 28 -Paul's Ministry in Malta

 

Acts 28 – Paul’s Ministry in Malta

It amazes me that the natives of Malta had shown a ship load of prisoner’s unusual kindness. I wonder what our reaction would be if a bus load of prisoners emptied out in our neighborhood. Evidently these neighbors were the welcome wagon of their days, and they held no prejudice or judgments against people who clearly were labeled sinners.

When Paul got bit by the viper, they believed that he must have been a murderer and would soon die. Paul must not have seen the poisonous snake because it didn’t say he deliberately picked it up. His reflexes were probably very good. When Paul didn’t die, then the natives believed him to be a god. What a great opening for Paul. Now he can preach the Word of God.

Even as a shipwrecked prisoner, Paul continued to minister to others. On the island of Malta, many were affected by the gospel, including Publius’ father, who was healed from his illness. Even though Paul had just experienced several difficult weeks at sea and then a frightening shipwreck, he was never too self-focused to see a need and seek to meet it. He was always willing to share the message of the Good News with anyone he met. Paul’s compassion for Publius changed his life. We never know what results our compassion might have on others.

When Paul travels to Rome. He is visited by many Jews and preaches to them. Some believe. When a controversy arises between the believers and those that don’t believe Paul turns from the Jews and preached to the Gentiles the Kingdom of God. Today the Word of God is still being preached and the Holy Spirit is still at work. The Acts of the apostles will continue to be an example for us and will continue until the day Christ comes again. Let us keep witnessing and God will bless the Word as He pleases.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.

Acts 27 The Voyage to Rome Begins

Acts 27 The Voyage to Rome Begins

Because Paul had appealed to Caesar he is now boarding a ship with other prisoners to go to Italy. This journey is very slow because of the high winds. Paul sees that the journey will be very dangerous, and he advises the men to hold back, only the Centurion does not take Paul’s advice but instead listens to the helmsman and the owner of the ship. Paul tells them that the journey will end in much disaster, not only to the ship but their lives also.

How many times in our own lives are we warned not to do something, but others encourage us to keep on going? Which path would we take, the path most traveled or the one with fewer dangers and less trodden? God tells us that His way is the only way. He tells us that narrow is the gate and few will enter it. We must heed the warnings and follow the path that leads to salvation. What would Jesus do?

As Paul had warned, the winds had picked up speed and they had to begin to lighten their load. Darkness had fallen upon them for many days, and they had begun to get discouraged. Paul, however, was visited by an angel, and was told that no one will die but he will appear before Caesar. On the following day, he told the crew of the angel and encouraged them to believe that what God says will be true.

Even though they lost their ship, they did not lose their lives. They had not eaten for 14 days, some may have been fasting some may have been too afraid to eat, or they were just too busy trying to stay afloat and not die. It doesn’t say why they did not eat; we can only make assumptions. Paul encouraged them to eat and strengthen themselves, and He gave thanks to the Lord. 276 persons were saved from dying and was able to swim to land in Malta where they ran aground.

 

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through The Bible

 

Acts 26 Paul's Testimony

 

Acts 26- Paul’s Testimony

Jesus had told Paul of his mission to the Gentiles, to turn them from darkness and away from the power of satan. Many people are involved in satan worship and or various forms of the occult. Satan’s powerful hold can be broken only by the power of Jesus Christ. No matter what someone’s past is, they can “receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith”. We can trust in Christ’s power over satan, the victory has already been won.

King Agrippa was the youngest of five Herod’s who participated in biblical events. Roman emperors gave the Herod’s authority over various parts of Israel even though the family did not come from Jewish stock. They ruled over a conquered but resentful people.

During its glory years, Rome practiced a remarkable system of justice. Conquered people had few rights, but citizens like Paul, could appeal to Caesar as their ultimate judge. The apostle Paul exercised this right when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey. By law, the local political leaders had to send him to Rome. Along the way Agrippa interviewed Paul. Paul’s powerful spiritual autobiography and his challenge to Agrippa are recorded in Acts 25:13-26:32.

King Agrippa realized that the apostle Paul’s argument required a response. He used a question to avoid a decision. “You almost persuade me to become a Christan.” Actually, translates better as “Do you think you can convince me to become a Christian so quickly?” The king’s tactic reveals unbelief. He didn’t argue against the truth of Paul’s words. He couldn’t. He was simply unwilling to believe.

Becoming a Christian has little to do with speed. It has nothing to do with political position or intellectual insight. Many kinds of people come to faith in Christ while many others reject the gospel. God has given people enough reasons to believe in Christ. Those like Agrippa who reject Christ do so not because they are unpersuaded, but because they do not want to believe.

Questions make effective tools when we use them to find the truth. But questions can also be used to avoid the truth. Agrippa had a clear opportunity to meet the Truth Himself. Instead, he turned away from Christ.

When given the opportunity, some will refuse to believe. We can continue to pray for them and live Christ before them, hoping that one day they will decide for Christ. Their decision rests in God’s hands.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

Acts 25 An Occasion for Testimony

 

Acts 25 – An Occasion for Testimony

Festus tried to use Paul as a political pawn to win favor with the Jews. If he had succeeded and sent Paul to Jerusalem, the apostle would have been killed. Paul did the wise thing: he used his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar. There are times when believers must use the law to protect themselves and the ministry.

But now Festus had a problem. How could he send Paul to Caesar when he had no charges against him that could be proved? God’s people sometimes are treated like the guilty even though they are innocent. Remember Joseph, David, Daniel, and Jeremiah, not to mention our Lord Jesus Christ.

In all that happened, God was fulfilling His promise to Paul that he would witness before rulers and finally get to Rome. Being a prisoner and enduring the hearings were difficult for Paul, “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.” (Luke 21:13).

Paul had a very strong faith in Jesus so God knew that he could handle these circumstances. God promises us that He will not give us anymore than we can bear. We wonder about that sometimes because things become so overwhelming at times. However, we do survive these trying times and come out a much stronger person because of it. Sometimes we need to have trials to overcome our weaknesses. God is all powerful and He will take us through the fire to purify us and make us into the person He wants us to be. The relationship we have with Jesus today is the proof of what we have been through and have overcome. Praise God He loves us enough to raise us as His child.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Acts 214 Flattery

 

Acts 24 – Flattery

How do the unsaved go about opposing the Lord’s servants and their work?

Tertullus started with flattery, knowing that many in high places are susceptible to it. Flattery appeals to our pride. If we did not flatter ourselves, others could not successfully flatter us. We really want to believe what they say!

Then Tertullus used slander. Napolean said, “He who knows how to flatter also knows how to slander. As his last weapon, the lawyer called on false witnesses who together supported Tertullus’s lies about Paul.

Paul’s defense was threefold: his life, his faith, and his service to his nation. Although his enemies could not prove their accusations, Paul did not go free. The safest place for Paul was in that prison, for God had work for him to do in Rome.

We may not understand why God permits lies to triumph but leave it all in His hands. He is in control, and the final judgment rests with Him.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible

 

Acts 23 Paul Accused of Sedition

 

Acts 23– Paul Accused of Sedition

 

Paul was in danger. If the Romans did not imprison him, the Jews would kill him.

Paul had nothing to hide, and his conscience was clear. Ananias was out of line when he had Paul slapped; but Paul showed respect for the office, not the man.

They did not set Paul free, but it did divide the enemy camp and get the Romans to protect their prisoner better.

Paul had the best lawyer available! Christ had assured him when he was in Corinth, and He would assure him again (2 Tim. 4:16-18). Paul knew that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Paul’s nephew lived in the city, and by the providence of God, he discovered the Jewish plot. Only the Lord could have worked that out. We never know what friend or relative God will use to help us.

Paul had the protection of 472 Roman soldiers, and the whole authority of the government was behind him. The Romans did not give Paul a fair hearing, but God still used them to Protect Paul and get him to Rome.

Sometimes, we are put in a place where we don’t want to be. The easiest thing is to whine and complain about it. The hardest thing to do is to trust in God and make the most of our situation. In 2 Corinthians Paul tells us that no matter what state he was in, he learned to be content. We need to do likewise.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible

J. Vernon McGee Thru the Bible