Friday, April 16, 2021

Romans 1 SERIES: Vs.18-20

 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.