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NASB | Romans 1:18 ¶ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 1:18 ¶ For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, |
Bible Question:
Romans 1:18-20 In verses 18-20, is Paul referring to all men or to a specific group i.e. Leaders, Teachers, Policitians, Priests, Church leaders, etc.? During Paul's time and before, did ALL people know there was a God in heaven or had some not heard? If all had heard, when/how did the world get to the point of some people having never heard? Your replies will be most appreciated! God bless! Wanda B. |
Bible Answer: "For since the creation of the world ..." (v. 20) I think Paul is talking about all people. I don't think that he means people understood the specifics about God that we see in the Bible: but rather, that God's creation tells us general truths about Him (powerful, eternal, generous...). Based on this "book of nature," all cultures worshiped God, in some pale way --- seeing Divine power around them, and seeking moral standards. The idea, I think, is that this innate feeling in humanity prepares us to hear the gospel, and recognize it's Truth. Instead of pursuing the creator, people were satisfied with adoring the created things. The glorious hope of connection with God at the beginning (which echoes Eden) underscores the descent into depravity that follows. With the (recent) development of Atheism, people are unable to see a starry night and feel that "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament displays his handiwork." (Psalm 19) So the place of "obviousness" that Paul begins with seems less obvious to our culture today. "Professing to be wise, they became fools." (v.22) Still, I wish Paul didn't start from a place of "isn't it obvious!" and "There's no excuse!" For many of todays sincere seekers, it is not obvious. JRM. |