Commentary of Charles Spurgeon, Adam Clarke & Matthew Henry
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Vs.18-20
For the wrath of God is revealed - The
apostle has now finished his preface, and comes to the grand subject of
the epistle; namely, to show the absolute need of the Gospel of Christ,
because of the universal corruption of mankind; which was so great as to
incense the justice of God, and call aloud for the punishment of the
world.
Ungodliness - ασεβειαν, from α, negative, and σεβω or σεβομαι, I worship, probably intended here to express atheism, polytheism, and idolatry of every kind.
Unrighteousness - αδικιαν from α, negative, and δικη, justice; every thing contrary to strict morality.
Who hold the truth in unrighteousness - In
what sense could it be said that the heathen held the truth in
unrighteousness, when they really had not that truth? Rosenmuller and some others contend that the word κατεχειν
should be translated, who through maliciousness hinder the truth; i.e.
prevent it from taking hold of their hearts, and from governing their
conduct. ..They held the truth as a captive or prisoner, that it
should not influence them, as otherwise it would.
The invisible things of Him - His
invisible perfections are manifested by his visible works, and may be
apprehended by what He has made; their immensity showing his
omnipotence, their vast variety and contrivance, his omniscience.
His eternal power - αιδιος αυτου δυναμις,
That all-powerful energy that ever was, and ever will exist; so that,
ever since there was a creation to be surveyed, there have been
intelligent beings to make that survey.
And Godhead - θειοτης,
His acting as God in the government and support of the universe. His
works prove his being; the government and support of these works prove
it equally. Creation and providence form a twofold demonstration of God,
1st. in the perfections of His nature; and,
2ndly. in the exercise of those perfections.
The workman is known by his work.
The
variety,
multitude,
order,
beauty,
harmony of the things that are made do
abundantly prove a Creator and His eternal power and Godhead. Thus did the light
shine in the darkness. And this from the creation of the world.
There is written upon the face of nature enough to condemn men if they do not turn to God.
