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NASB | Acts 8:13 Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 8:13 Even Simon believed [Philip's message of salvation]; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he watched the attesting signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. |
Subject: I have a related question for anyone... |
Bible Note: Greetings Emmaus! Concerning Rom. 2, I would say that we have to consider the context. Paul establishes in Rom. 1-3 that all men are sinners and deserving of the wrath of God. Chapter one establishes that pagan man has rejected what has been revealed about God and have been given over to depravity, while chapter two establishes that even the Jews (who have the Law) are under condemnation because they disobey the will of God revealed in the Law. Chapter three sums his arguement up with the following passage: Rom. 3:19 - "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." What is Paul's point? Romans 3:21 - " But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." So, I would say that all of the references in chapter two to 'doing the law' are written to demonstrate that one cannot be saved by works. Those who were trying to obey the Law were 'storing up wrath for themselves' (Rom. 2:5), and they were 'breaking the Law' (Rom. 2:25). All are sinners and all must be saved, not by obeying the Law, but through faith (Rom. 3:30). This leads to Paul's discussion of works in Rom. 4, where he demonstrates that faith alone saves, not works. So, in context, it is clear that sinful man is unable to keep the Law. There is a Law of sin at work in us which keeps us from obeying the Law (Rom. 8:7) apart from Christ (Rom. 7:21-25). So, I don't see any tension in Paul's teaching throughout Romans my friend! He consistently says that faith, and not works, save us. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |