Romans - Lesson 1

The text of the New American Standard Bible for the book of Romans with an analytical outline by L. Deason (in bold print) inserted as an aid to study.

Outline:

The righteousness of God revealed: From faith to faith

I. Introduction

A. The Address 1:1-7

1. The Author 1:1-5

Chapter 1

1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle¹, set apart for the gospel² of God,

2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,

3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,

4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,

5 through whom we have received grace³ and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name's sake,

2. The destination is the church 1:6-7

6 among whom you also⁴ are the called of Jesus Christ;

7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints⁵: Grace to you and peace⁶ from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. The occasion 1:8-15

1. Prayers 1:8-10

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.

9 For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,

10 always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God⁷ I may succeed in coming to you.

2. Purpose 1:11-13

11 For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

13 And I do not want you to be unaware⁸, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented thus far) in order that I might obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

3. Proclamation 1:14-16

14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

15 Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power⁹ of God¹⁰ for salvation¹¹ to everyone who believes¹², to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

C. The Theme 1:16-17

1. The Gospel is powerful

2. The Gospel is “of God”

17 For in it the righteousness¹³ of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith."

II. Exposition: The righteousness of God: justification by faith

1:18 - 11:36

A. The righteousness of God proclaimed: “all under sin”

1:18-3:20

1. Man giving up God 1:18-23

a. God’s wrath revealed vs. 18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

b. God’s existence revealed 19-20

19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

c. God’s awareness ignored and exchanged for idols 21-23

21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

2. God giving up man: guilt exploited 1:24-32

a. Wrong loving (idolatry) vss 24-25

24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them.

25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,

27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,

29 being filled with¹⁴ all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,

30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,

31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;

32. and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

Thought questions for Chapter 1

2. What does Paul say about the Gospel?

It is God’s power for salvation vs 16

3. How do we see the wrath of God today? Rom 12:19; 13:4

God is allowing those who will not follow him to store up wrath for themselves; God has yet to avenge.

3. Was it really necessary for Paul to go to Rome, or would this letter have been enough?

Although this letter probably would have been enough, yet Paul is told in the book of Acts that he must go to Rome, by none other than the Lord Jesus himself. Acts 23:11

3. From verses 18 to 20, how would you describe how God has revealed himself to everyone?

Through God’s creative acts, man and the world around him.

3. When Paul wrote this chapter, how do you think he felt?

Overwhelmed by the magnificance of God’s righteousness as expressed in the Gospel. When considerings something so incredible, it is natural to think of its opposite.

3. How can Christians today show that they feel exactly as Paul did in verse 16?

Exalt Jesus in every way possible. Speak highly of him to others, be an example in all that I do.

3. How could I compare my commitment to the Gospel of Christ to that of Paul?

See 1:14-16

Paul is a more driven man than I am. He was willing to sacrifice everything, I am not.

3. Has society changed for the better since Romans chapter one was written?

No! What has changed are the tools, the heart remains the same.

3. Paul was a missionary who began churches, why would he want to visit one already established?

Perhaps his mention of Spain (15:28) is an indication that he was planning to use Rome as a base of operations for the purpose of evangeliziation.

For further thought

1:1-17 What does the apostle say in these verses about himself? Vs. 1,5 and also 9 to

16. Note the “I” passages.

That he was an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God. He was often thinking of others, and these verses (chapter 1) show he was a man of prayer, sent by God with a mission to the gentiles; to share the precious Gospel of Christ. See also, vss. 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

How is God’s wrath said to manifest itself? Notice the three stages in verses 24, 26, and 28. See also Psa 81:12; Acts 7:42

Let them alone. Allowed then indulgence. Allowed them their own way. God’s wrath is against those who surpress the truth of God, and do “their own thing.

Is there anything unusual about verses 29-31? Is it complete?

It is a figure of speech called a Asyndeton. This lack of conjunctions means that all the adjectives are considered together collectively. No!

How does the list of evil in verses 29-31 compare with these other passages?

Mk 7:21-22; 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Rev 22:15

Mk 7:21-22; 1Cor 6:9-10 refer to people who are trying to follow God, Gal 5:19-21; Rev 22:15 do not.

Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel. Why would the Gospel be a source of shame?

See 1 Cor 1:18

Perhaps the language used in verse 16 is just use of the figure of speech called tapenosis (a lessening of something to enhanse it later on). It may also be a reaction to the attitude of the Gentiles (Jews) who do not truly understand or believe in the Gospel, and therefore belittle it.

By way of Illustration

George MacLeod wrote a poem that helps put a lot of things in perspective, helping to emphasize content rather than cosmetics, Christ rather than self, the gospel going beyond the church walls rather than simply being contained within them.

I simply argue that the cross be raised again

at the center of the market place

as well as on the steeple of the church,

I am recovering the claim that

Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral

between two candles:

But on a cross between two thieves;

on a town garbage heap;

At a crossroad of politics so cosmopolitan

that they had to write His title

in Hebrew and in Latin and in Greek...

And at the kind of place where cynics talk smut,

and thieves curse and soldiers gamble.

Because that is where He died,

and that is what He died about.

And that is where Christ's men ought to be,

and what church people ought to be about. -George MacLeod See: Mt 9:12-13; Lk19:10

A soap manufacturer and a pastor were walking together down a street in a large city. The soap manufacturer casually said, "The gospel you preach hasn't done much good, has it? Just observe. There is still a lot of wickedness in the world, and a lot of wicked people, too!" The pastor made no reply until they passed a dirty little child making mud pies in the gutter. Seizing the opportunity, the pastor said, "I see that soap hasn't done much good in the world; for there is much dirt, and many dirty people around." The soap manufacturer replied, "Oh, well, soap is only useful when it is applied." And the pastor said, "Exactly, so it is with the gospel." --James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988), p. 354.

The Gospel on a Hand (Romans)

1. The wagging finger Wrath 3:10-18, 23

2. The Thumb Our need of help 5:6-8

3. The tall finger God gave the highest help 1:16

4. Ring finger We can be joined to God 7:1-7

5. Little finger Shows the little bit we do 6:1-11

Gary

G-O-S-P-E-L

God’s one sanctifying person (yielding) eternal life

God’s one saving plan (for) eternal life

God’s one saving power (for) eternal life

The gospel is like a fresh, mild, and cool air in the extreme heat of summer, a solace and comfort in the anguish of the conscience. Martin Luther (1483-1546)

1 Apostle

One sent forth with orders

2 Gospel

The preaching of the interpretation of the historical fact of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. See 1:9, 15, 16; 2:16; 11:28; 15:16, 19, 20; 16:25

3 G-R-A-C-E

God’s riches at Christ’s Expense

4 Highlights in blue

Words highlighted in blue indicate emphasis from the original language (from the Discovery Bible by Gary Hill & Gleason A. Archer)

5 Saint

Separated for holy purposes

6 Grace

and apostleship 1:5

and peace 1:7

from God 1:7

a gift 1:7

justified 3:24

by faith 4:16

intro. By faith 5:2

Of God 5:15

Abundant 5:17

Abounding 5:20

Increasing 6:1

Under 6:14

Different gifts 12:6

Given 15:15

Of the Lord Jesus 16:20

Peace

1. From the Lord Psa 4:8; 29:11

2. Jesus our guide Lk 1:78; 1:79

3. Given to God pleasers Lk 2:13-14; Jn 20:19

4. The mind set on the spirit Rom 8:6

5. In the Holy Spirit Rom 14:17; Gal 1:3

6. The fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22

7. Great Psa 119:165

8. Perfect Isa 26:3

9. From Christ Jn 14:27

10. Surpasses comprehension Phil 4:7

7 Will of God

Mk 3:35; Rom 8:27; Rom 12:2; 15:32; 1 Cor 1:1; 2Cor 1:1; 7:9; 7:10; 8:5; Eph 1:1; 6:6; Col 1:1; 4:12; 1 Thess 4:3; 2 Tim 1:1; Heb 10:36; 1 Pet 2:15; 1 Pet 4:2, 6, 19; 5:2; 1 Jn 2:17

8 Double negative indicates something important

1 Cor 10:1; 12:1; 2Cor 1:8; 1Thess 4:13

9 Power of God

Power to:

1. New birth 1Pet 1:23

2. Give salvation Eph 1:23

3. Impart grace Acts 20:24

4. Establish in the faith Rom 16:25

5. Generate faith Rom 10:17

6. Nourish spiritually 1 Pet 2:2

7. Set free Jn 8:31-36

8. Cleanse the church Eph 5:26

9. Impart immortality 2 Tim 1:10

10 God’s powerful word

1. Fire Jer 5:14; 23:29

2. Hammer Jer 23:29

3. Sword Eph 6:19

4. Salvation 1:16

5. Judges the heart Heb 4:12

11 Salvation

1. Saved from wrath 5:9

2. Saved by Jesus’ life 5:10

3. Saved in Hope 8:24

4. Remnant saved 9:27

5. By the deliverer 11:26

6. The power of God 1:16

12 Belief

1. Source and object 4:3; 6:8; 10:9

2. Defined: intense trust
3. Good News 10:16
4. Not works 4:5; 10:4
5. Through faith 3:22
6. Scope of 1:16
7. Example 4:11, 17
8. Attitude confidence 4:18
9. Attitude sincerity 10:9, 10
10. Reception 10:14
11. Results 15:13; 9:33; 10:11

13 Righteousness

“Holy and upright living in accordance with God’s standard; straightness.”

14 Asyndeton “no conjunctions”

All the adjectives are considered collectively as one.

Romans - introductory material

The Book of Romans

Introductory material

TEXT A few key passages for an overview of Romans

Ro 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith."

Ro 1:18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Ro 2:12-13

12. For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law; and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;
13. for not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.

Ro 2:28-29

28. For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
29. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

Ro 3:21-31

21. But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22. even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
23. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24. being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
25. whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;
26. for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
28. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.
29. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30. since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.

31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law

Ro 5:1-9

1. Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2. through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
3. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4. and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
5. and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.
8. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

Ro 6:1-11

1. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase?
2. May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
3. Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?
4. Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
5. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection,
6. knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin;
7. for he who has died is freed from sin.
8. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
9. knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.
10. For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
11. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Ro 8:1-17

1. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
3. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4. in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
5. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
7. because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so;
8. and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.
10. And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
11. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.
12. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—
13. for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
16. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17. and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.

Ro 8:28-30

28. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
29. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;
30. and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Ro 16:25-27

25. Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,
26. but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;
27. to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

Thought questions…. Introduction

1. What do you think of when the word Rome or Romans is said?

When I think of Rome, the might of the great Roman legions comes to mind. The power they exerted on the ancient world is awesome.

2. Generically, what does the book contain?

The doctrine of salvation by faith!

3. What is the value of the epistle to the Romans?

The value of the epistle is that of a logical presentation of the Christian faith and its Gospel message of salvation through the righteousness of God.

4. Scan the first three verses of each chapter; what impression do we get?

That Paul is presenting an argument throughout the book.

5. What are the main divisions of the book?

There are undoubtedly many different ways to divide this book, but I like a topical analysis the best:

Sin, guilt, condemnation(1-3) Propitiation, grace, fatih, justification 4-5 Sanctification(6-7) Glorification(8) Election(9-11) Exhortation(12-14) Conclusion(15-16)

6. What was Paul trying to accomplish by writing to the Romans?

He wanted to establish the Roman church beyond it present stage of development. The letter was an introduction in the most profound way; his understanding of salvation by faith through the LORD Christ Jesus.

7. Is there anything unusual about the words used in the book?

They are numerous theological words (terms) used in the book; Propitiation, justification, sanctification, glorification, etc..

8. What is easy to understand about Romans, and what is hard?

Salvation by faith as compared to that of meritorious works. It is hard to understand the full meaning of Salvation by faith in regards to the other theological words used, e.g. propitiation, redemption, etc.. Some of chapter 7 is difficult as well.

9. What are the significance of the questions Paul uses throughout the book?

They are an indication that Paul is presenting an agruement.

10. If this were the only book in the Bible, what would it teach us about God?

A great many things. I counted 145 references to God (not counting multiple references in the same sentence), but the most prominent is that God is righteous (intrinsically and actively)

l.. How can we prevent the study of this book from becoming a mere intellectual exercise?

By realizing that this really was a letter, and as such, was written by and to human beings, who have feelings, experiences, problems, etc..

For Digging Deeper

1. Since we know that the gospel is the proclamation of Jesus as Lord through his death, burial and resurrection, what is the significance of the following passages?

Matt 4:25; 9:35; 11:5; Mk 1:14; Matt 24:14 and Lk 4:43

The “Good news” entails preaching the “kingdom of God” (the rule or domain of God). There is no contradiction because the power of God is revealed in Jesus both before his death, burial and resurrection (by his miracles) and after by God’s attestation by means of HIS resurrection of Jesus.

2. Does the use of the personal pronoun in Chapter 1 have any significance on a like useage in chapter 7?

Both show the personal nature of the subject under discussion.

3. Retitle the book of Romans in the form of a question. Why would you use this question?

Why did Jesus die? Because Jesus is the focal point of Christianity. His death, burial, and resurrection are at the heart of God’s “Good News”.

By way of illustration

The following illustrations are to help us realize that although the book of Romans is an intellectual book, there are many aspects to understanding it which are not just with the mind.

Thinking

If I with my mind were to contemplate, to think the great thoughts of men,

And with my mind to concentrate, to ponder now and then.

What wonderful things I would think of, such magnificent thoughts to me

Are really but a fantasy, from now to eternity.

For what is the mere mind of man, and thought in reality?

It is but a dim reflection of God’s great spirituality.

And the next time I concentrate on something, it seems very right to me

To put God first in the matter for understanding is spiritual to me. Gary

We do not understand:

Joy . . . until we face sorrow

Faith . . . until it is tested

Peace . . . until faced with conflict

Trust . . . until we are betrayed

Love . . . until it is lost

Hope . . . until confronted with doubts.

-Edythe Draper, Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1992). Entry 11620.

Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they cannot understand. The Scripture which troubles me most is the Scripture I do understand. -- Mark Twain

See: Luke 6:46; Jam 1:23-25

Before you can dry another's tears, you must learn to weep.

When God puts a tear in your eye, it's because he wants to put a rainbow in your heart.

We may not always see eye to eye, but we should walk hand in hand.

Smart is when you believe only half of what you hear--brilliant is when you know which half.

Sooner or later you must learn that God makes no deals. -- Croft M. Pentz,

The Complete Book of Zingers (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1990).

No one is always wrong--even the stopped clock is right twice each day.

When rejecting the ideas of another, make sure you reject only the idea and not the person.

You have heard of Murphy's Law. I follow Morton's Law--taking everything with a grain of salt.

-- Croft M. Pentz,

The Complete Book of Zingers (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1990).

A real Christian is an odd number, anyway. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen; talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another; empties himself in order to be full; admits he is wrong so he can be declared right; goes down in order to get up; is strongest when he is weakest; richest when he is poorest and happiest when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can keep; sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge.

1. W. Tozer

--James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988) p. 60.

Gordian knots, fingers and attitude

Did you try doing this?  Both my wife and I tried.  I did because I was curious and she did because she said it was a woman's hand (which has different digit lengths than a man does).  Now, I know some people have talents different than mine (Jackie Chan in the picture is a prime example) but this is a "Gordian knot" to which I do not have an answer. Since not everyone has heard the story of Alexander The Great and the Gordian knot, I'm including some information from Wikipedia:

Legend

At one time the Phrygians were without a king. An oracle at Telmissus (the ancient capital of Phrygia) decreed that the next man to enter the city driving an ox-cartshould become their king. A peasant farmer named Gordias drove into town on an ox-cart. His position had also been predicted earlier by an eagle landing on his cart, a sign to him from the gods, and on entering the city Gordias was declared king by the priests. Out of gratitude, his son Midas dedicated the ox-cart^[1] to the Phrygian godSabazios (whom the Greeks identified with Zeus) and either tied it to a post or tied its shaft with an intricate knot of cornel (Cornus mas) bark. The ox-cart^[2] still stood in the palace of the former kings of Phrygia at Gordium in the fourth century BC when Alexander arrived, at which point Phrygia had been reduced to a satrapy, or province, of the Persian Empire.

Several themes of myth converged on the chariot, as Robin Lane Fox remarks:^[3] Midas was connected in legend with Alexander's native Macedonia, where the lowland "Gardens of Midas" still bore his name, and the Phrygian tribes were rightly remembered as having once dwelt in Macedonia. So, in 333 BC, while wintering at Gordium, Alexander the Great attempted to untie the knot. When he could not find the end to the knot to unbind it, he sliced it in half with a stroke of his sword, producing the required ends (the so-called "Alexandrian solution"). That night there was a violent thunderstorm. Alexander's prophet Aristander took this as a sign that Zeus was pleased and would grant Alexander many victories. Once Alexander had sliced the knot with a sword-stroke, his biographers claimed in retrospect^[4] that an oracle further prophesied that the one to untie the knot would become the king of Asia.^[5]

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Status of the legend

Alexander is a figure of outstanding celebrity and the dramatic episode with the Gordian Knot remains widely known. Literary sources are Alexander's propagandistArrian (Anabasis Alexandri 2.3) Quintus Curtius (3.1.14), Justin's epitome of Pompeius Trogus (11.7.3), and Aelian's De Natura Animalium 13.1.^[6]

While sources from antiquity agree that Alexander was confronted with the challenge of the knot, the means by which he solved the problem are disputed. Both Plutarchand Arrian relate that according to Aristobulus,^[7] Alexander pulled the knot out of its pole pin, exposing the two ends of the cord and allowing him to untie the knot without having to cut through it. Some classical scholars regard this as more plausible than the popular account.^[8]

Alexander later went on to conquer Asia as far as the Indus and the Oxus thus, for Callisthenes, fulfilling the prophecy.

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Interpretations

The knot may have been a religious knot-cipher guarded by Gordian/Midas's priests and priestesses. Robert Graves suggested that it may have symbolized the ineffable name of Dionysus that, knotted like a cipher, would have been passed on through generations of priests and revealed only to the kings of Phrygia.^[9]

Unlike fable, true myth has few completely arbitrary elements. This myth taken as a whole seems designed to confer legitimacy to dynastic change in this centralAnatolian kingdom: thus Alexander's "brutal cutting of the knot... ended an ancient dispensation."^[10] The ox-cart suggests a longer voyage, rather than a local journey, perhaps linking Gordias/Midas with an attested origin-myth in Macedon, of which Alexander is most likely to have been aware.^[11] Based on the myth, the new dynasty was not immemorially ancient, but had widely remembered origins in a local, but non-priestly "outsider" class, represented by Greek reports equally as an eponymouspeasant "Gordias"^[12] or the locally-attested, authentically Phrygian "Midas"^[13] in his ox-cart.^[14] Other Greek myths legitimize dynasties by right of conquest (compareCadmus), but the legitimizing oracle stressed in this myth suggests that the previous dynasty were a race of priest-kings allied to the unidentified oracle deity."

If someone out there can do this, I really would like to know, because I would like to know HOW you did it!!!  In life, however, just because you can do a thing doesn't give you the right to do it.  Here is a prime example....

Acts, Chapter 8

  9  But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one,  10 to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.”  11 They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.  12 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  13 Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed. 

  14  Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,  15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;  16 for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.  17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.  18 Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,  19 saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”  20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!  21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God.  22 Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.  23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” 

  24  Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.” 

  25  They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.

Simon, the magician did not want to glorify God, he wanted to glorify himself.  When it comes to Christianity attitude is paramount.  Doing a good thing (like the giving of the Holy Spirit, mentioned above) doesn't necessarily give you the RIGHT TO DO IT.  Notice that Peter and John had to be sent for in order to do this.  This is a good lesson for us all and something to be remembered.  We all have limitations as well as strengths  even when it comes to Christian works.  So, don't envy what someone else can do; work with the gifts that God has given you and BE HAPPY ABOUT IT!!! 

Getting caught; the test of the human heart

OK, this is funny.  But, I wonder... does Frosty feel bad about it?  Is he sorry?  Would he do it again?  These questions are absurd because this is just a cartoon, but I know but they CAN LEGITIMATELY BE APPLIED TO US!  We CAN CHANGE!!! And not just on the outside, either.  Here are the choices...

2 Corinthians, Chapter 7

 10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.  

What we do when we are caught doing something says a great deal about us.  The Good person will inwardly change, but the evil one will not!!!  Both are sorry; one for doing the transgression; the other for getting caught?  Which are you?

Why

Why? The beginning of understanding begins with a question; the expression of intelligence in its purest form. Do you remember the first thing you thought about; probably not. Like most things in life, questions have a pattern to them. "Where do I come from", "Why am I here", "Is that right" and "What happens to me when I die" describe four general patterns of thought that we all experience. These questions express the four general stages of reflection: Origin, purpose, morality and destiny. If the answers are found in human creativity, then they will naturally be flawed. BUT, if found in God, their perfection will be a reflection of the perfectness of the Almighty.

Something to ponder....

A change in plan

If you are reading this, then you are at the New Bible Reflections blog. I am changing the format (and the name) of the old site to reflect a new goal; that is, to delve into topics of interest to myself. I may just begin by typing in a few term papers from Northeast School of Biblical Studies, or it may be something else, I am not sure at the moment.

What I would like to do is to present something a bit more serious than the old blog did. Unlike its predecessor, this new effort will be more systematic and attempt to handle one topic at a time. Because of this, there will be substantially fewer posts, probably 1 or 2 a month.

Any thoughts or suggestions anyone might have would be appreciated.

Thanks

Gary

Transformed!

And you thought transformers were only in the movies; well, here is a real one. Transformers have been around for years, we just called them by a different name... convertibles. The concept of taking something and making it something else is found in the Bible too. John tells us...

John 2:1-11 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) And on the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
(2) Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
(3) And when the wine had given out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
(4) Jesus said to her, "Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come."
(5) His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He may say to you, do."
(6) Now there were six stone water jars standing there, according to the purification rites of the Jews, each holding two or three measures.
(7) Jesus said to them, "Fill the water jars with water." And they filled them up to the top.
(8) And He said to them, "Draw out now, and carry some to the head steward." And they carried it.
(9) Now when the head steward tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the head steward called the bridegroom
(10) and said to him, "Every man first sets out the good wine, and when they have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!"
(11) This beginning of the signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

the difference between the wine mentioned in John chapter 2 and either "transformers" or convertibles is that Jesus fundamentally transformed water into something new... wine. He did this by his innate power, not clever manipulation. He wasn't showing off, for the text says his mother suggested that he do this. Small thought here... I wonder how she knew to ask Jesus?? The only thing I can think of is that she had seen him do such things before in private. So, we have a new view of Jesus, from a mere man into something more, something both miraculous and amazing at the same time. That new appreciation of who Jesus is will transform even the hardest heart, but first we have to really look in order to really see. When we do this, our lives will never really be the same again; zap, YOU ARE TRANSFORMED!!!

The desire for a little fire!

Now this is a car! What a fire breathing monster this must be! I doubt if it even gets 10 mph.. Although I love to look at it, its not exactly built for someone who has my round build, so I don't think it would do me any good to even THINK of owning this. But I bet this puppy would really go fast! When I saw this "flame of fire" corvette I thought of the following passage from the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 1:1-8 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) God, who in various ways and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
(2) has in these last days spoken to us by the Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
(3) who being the effulgence of His glory and the exact expression of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
(4) having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
(5) For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him for a Father, and He shall be to Me for a Son"?
(6) But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
(7) And on the one hand he says to the angels, "He who makes His angels spirits and His ministers flames of fire."
(8) But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.

OK, I admit I am pushing the comparison of a corvette to an angel, but both really fly! Both are very powerful and do the will of their master. The context of verse 7 shows that Jesus is far greater in power than even the angels (who are awesome flames of fire). Jesus could have called legions of angels to bring him down from the cross, but he didn't because his sacrifice needed to be made in order that righteousness could be enjoyed by all those who follow him. I just thought of something.... will there be corvette's in heaven? Probably not, we can just hitch a ride with an angel in case we have the desire for a little fire!

Flexibility

This picture reminds me of what it was like to be a young child; limber and flexible in all things, open to new ideas and courses of action. Unfortunately, as we become older we lose some of these things, some by choice and others just by growing older. I don't think I can ever be as flexible as I was at say, age 8, but I can be open to the views of others and a healthy examination of my own life. This is what I think is the thrust of Romans 14. Its a long passage, but worth the reading.

Romans 14:1-23 Complete Apostles' Bible
(1) Receive one that is weak in the faith, not for disputes over opinions.
(2) One indeed believes that he may eat all things, but another, being weak, eats only vegetables.
(3) Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
(4) Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or he falls. And he shall be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
(5) One indeed judges one day above another; but another judges every day the same. Let each be fully assured in his own mind.
(6) He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord; and he that does not regard the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. And he that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he that does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God.
(7) For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
(8) For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live, or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
(9) For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
(10) But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
(11) For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
(12) So then each of us shall give account concerning himself to God.
(13) Therefore let us no longer judge one another, but judge this rather, not to put a stumbling block or an offense before our brother.
(14) I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean of itself; except to him considering anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
(15) But if your brother is grieved on account of your food, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food the one on behalf of whom Christ died.
(16) Therefore do not let your good be slandered.
(17) For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(18) For he that serves Christ in these things is well pleasing to God and approved by men.
(19) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
(20) Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but are evil for the man eating with offense.
(21) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor to do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or becomes weak.
(22) Do you have faith? By yourself, have it before God. Blessed is he that does not condemn himself in what he approves.
(23) But he who doubts, if he eats, has been condemned, because it is not of faith; and everything which is not of faith is sin.

In the ancient world, meat that was sold in the market place may have previously been offered to idols and some early Christians were sensitive to that possibility and therefore would not eat meat. Others, who were converts from Judaism would want to celebrate special Jewish holidays. What do you do? Become flexible in your understanding of liberty is the answer. I think the key is found in verse 1 of this chapter; and that key is opinions. There are certain facts about Christianity that are absolutes, such as Jesus being the means of our salvation and the existence of God the father and The Holy Spirit. So liberty concerns itself with opinions, period. The fundamentals of Christianity are not open to debate, just matters of opinions. As far as I am concerned, the girl in the picture can wear whatever color outfit she wants on Monday, no problem. I am learning to be flexible about Monday; Tuesday is another matter altogether. I guess I need to work on my flexibility some more.