December 7, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Acts 20:1-3 - Paul continued his ministry by going back through Macedonia and Greece.  Notice that wherever he went he sought to encourage the believers in their new-found faith, verse 2. 

Romans 1 - This great book of Romans deals primarily with presenting the "gospel of God," verse 1.  He introduces several themes in proper order.  The first is the need for salvation, from 1:18-3:21, because man's ungodliness (what is contrary to God's character) and man's unrighteousness (what is contrary to God's conduct), verse 18, have suppressed the truth about how holy and righteous God really is.  Paul makes clear that creation is a universal testimony to the world that God truly exists, verses 19,20.  Paul describes the wretched life people live when they turn away from God.

Romans 2 - Paul gives two more ways by which God makes Himself known to all men:  His care, "goodness" verse 4, and man's conscience, verse 15.  Paul shows the Jew that though they have the Law of God they are not practicing it because of sin in their lives.

Romans 3 - Paul makes clear that whether a person is a Jew or a Gentile they are all the same, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" verse 23.  Starting in verse 22 through 5:21, Paul declares how Christ came to save people and bring them to be "justified by faith" verse 28.