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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: Hi, Wanda; Paul doesn't leave much doubt who he is writing about - "men who suppress the truth by their wickedness". This could be anybody but he is mostly writing about the gentile Romans. He probably did not expect any of these folks to read his letter! Later on in the chapter, Paul provides two examples of the kind of willful stupidity he is talking about - "they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile" (v. 21). The first example is in v. 23, where he writes about people who "exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles". Paul is asking, in effect, how could people be so stupid as to believe that an object of their own creation could have god-like powers? The answer is, they can't really be that stupid, they are that wicked. The second example of this willful stupidity is found in the famous diatribe against homosexuality in v. 26-28. It is obvious just by looking at men and women what God's intent was. To engage in homosexual behavior is to ignore God's clear and unmistakable will. This is a further example of "men who suppress the truth by their wickedness". And although I have used the words "stupid" and "stupidity" to describe these folks' behavior, Paul makes it clear that ignorance is no defense - "men are without excuse". They became stupid on purpose, urged on by their own wickedness. Hope this is helpful. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |