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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Romans 1:18 - 1:18
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
For the wrath of God is revealed (apokaluptetai gar orgē theou). Note in Romans Paul’s use of gar, now argumentative, now explanatory, now both as here. There is a parallel and antecedent revelation (see Rom 1:17) of God’s wrath corresponding to the revelation of God’s righteousness, this an unwritten revelation, but plainly made known. Orgē is from orgaō, to teem, to swell. It is the temper of God towards sin, not rage, but the wrath of reason and law (Shedd). The revelation of God’s righteousness in the gospel was necessary because of the failure of men to attain it without it, for God’s wrath justly rested upon all both Gentiles (Rom 1:18-32) and Jews (2:1-3:20).
Ungodliness (asebeian). Irreligion, want of reverence toward God, old word (cf. 2Ti 2:16).
Unrighteousness (adikian). Lack (a privative and dikē) of right conduct toward men, injustice (Rom 9:14; Luk 18:6). This follows naturally from irreverence. The basis of ethical conduct rests on the nature of God and our attitude toward him, otherwise the law of the jungle (cf. Nietzsche, “might makes right”).
Hold down the truth (tēn alētheian katechontōn). Truth (alētheia, alēthēs, from a privative and lēthō or lanthanō, to conceal) is out in the open, but wicked men, so to speak, put it in a box and sit on the lid and “hold it down in unrighteousness.” Their evil deeds conceal the open truth of God from men. Cf. 2Th 2:6. for this use of katechō, to hinder.