Romans 1:8-17

The Justified Shall Live by Faith

Romans 1:8-15 Paul's desire to visit Roman Christians

Read Romans 1:8-15

Rom_1:12 to be mutually encouraged by each other's faith

Rom_1:13-15 Paul's desire:

• v13 to reap some harvest among them

• v14 Paul is under obligation both to Greeks and barbarians, wise and foolish

• Greeks: G1672, hellen--an inhabitant of Hellas. 'Hellenist'

• Barbarians: G915, barbaros--a non-Greek foreigner

• Wise: G4680, sophos--wise

• Foolish: G453, anoetos--unwise. People who don't observe, consider, perceive, or understand

v15 Paul was eager to preach the gospel also to the Romans

Rom 1:16-17 The Justified Shall Live by Faith

These two verses express the main theme of the entire letter.

*In the section below, bold word/phrases are explained in detail

v16

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (pisteuō); to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

• The gospel

The word 'Gospel' (evangelion) doesn't simply mean good news. It includes the message about saving faith, but it also includes how God's Spirit completely transforms a believer's life. In his writings, Paul uses the word 'gospel' both ways, contrasting belief with faith.

1. The basic facts of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 1Co_15:1-4 (believe, pisteuo, below)

2. The interpretation and outworking of these facts. Rom_2:16, Gal_1:7, Gal_1:11, Gal_2:2 (faith, pistis, below)

• The power of God unto salvation

1. Power: G1411, dunamis--miraculous, supernatural power

2. Salvation: G4991, soteria--rescue, safety, deliverance

• to everyone who believes

1. Believes: G4100, pisteuo--Believeth

   1. Part of Speech: Verb

   2. Meaning: Pisteuō means to actively trust, rely on, or place confidence in someone or something. It emphasizes the action of believing the gospel message.

In this context, "everyone that believeth" refers to the act of actively placing trust in the gospel message. It's the personal decision to place faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

This is what we commonly refer to as someone 'getting saved."

• to the Jew first

  • First: G4412, proton--first in time, place, or importance

    ---

v17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith (pistis) to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (pistis)." (KJV) 

• the righteousness of God is revealed

  • Righteousness: G1343, dikaiosune--equity of character or action, justification

  • In this verse, ‘God's righteousness’ is speaking of the righteousness of saints who are growing in God’s likeness, from one level of faith to another.

    • It's the righteousness of God that's revealed by the power of daily believing the gospel.

    • It's the evidence of a changed life, of our journey toward holiness, as we follow the Spirit by faith.

• Revealed: G601, apokalupto--to uncover or unveil

• From faith to faith

  • Faith: G4102, pistis--moral conviction

    • Part of Speech: Noun

    • Meaning: Pistis refers to the state or quality of having faith. It describes a settled confidence or trust in God and His promises. It often includes the idea of faithfulness, steadfastness, or conviction.

    • In Romans 1:17, pistis refers to the ongoing principle of faith that undergirds the Christian’s daily life.

  • "From faith to faith" suggests the ongoing nature of living by faith—from the initial act of trusting in God to the continual, growing trust in Him throughout life.

  • In other words, after we initially get saved (pisteuo), the righteousness of God is unveiled in our lives as we progress from faith to faith (pistis).

The Key Difference between belief and faith:

• Pisteuō (believeth) focuses on the action of believing.

• Pistis (faith) refers to the state or quality of trust and conviction.

Therefore, in Romans 1:16-17 Paul connects “the gospel” with these two concepts.

• The gospel's miraculous power to save is available to "everyone who believes" (pisteuō).

• It begins with an act of believing trust, but then becomes a way of life (pistis, a growing state of faithfulness).

Thus, the two terms work together: pisteuō initiates salvation, and pistis sustains it.

As it is written, "The just shall live by faith" Hab_2:4

Next Week

In Romans 1:18 - 3:20 Paul explains mankind's universal need of salvation.