GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.darby:45urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.darby:45Paul , bondman of Jesus Christ , [ a ] called apostle , separated to God's glad tidings , ( which he had before promised by his prophets in holy writings , ) concerning his Son ( come of David's seed according to flesh , marked out Son of God in power , according to [ the ] Spirit of holiness , by resurrection of [ the ] dead ) Jesus Christ our Lord ; by whom we have received grace and apostleship in behalf of his name , for obedience of faith among all the nations , among whom are * ye * also [ the ] called of Jesus Christ : to all that are in Rome , beloved of God , called saints : Grace to you and peace from God our Father and [ our ] Lord Jesus Christ . First , I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all , that your faith is proclaimed in the whole world . For God is my witness , whom I serve in my spirit in the glad tidings of his Son , how unceasingly I make mention of you , always beseeching at my prayers , if any way now at least I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you . For I greatly desire to see you , that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to establish you ; that is , to have mutual comfort among you , each by the faith [ which is ] in the other , both yours and mine . But I do not wish you to be ignorant , brethren , that I often proposed to come to you , ( and have been hindered until the present time , ) that I might have some fruit among you too , even as among the other nations also . I am a debtor both to Greeks and barbarians , both to wise and unintelligent : so , as far as depends on me , am I ready to announce the glad tidings to you also who [ are ] in Rome . For I am not ashamed of the glad tidings ; for it is God's power to salvation , to every one that believes , both to Jew first and to Greek : for righteousness of God is revealed therein , on the principle of faith , to faith : according as it is written , But the just shall live by faith . For there is revealed wrath of God from heaven upon all impiety , and unrighteousness of men holding the truth in unrighteousness . Because what is known of God is manifest among them , for God has manifested [ it ] to them , -- for from [ the ] world's creation the invisible things of him are perceived , being apprehended by the mind through the things that are made , both his eternal power and divinity , -- so as to render them inexcusable . Because , knowing God , they glorified [ him ] not as God , neither were thankful ; but fell into folly in their thoughts , and their heart without understanding was darkened : professing themselves to be wise , they became fools , and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into [ the ] likeness of an image of corruptible man and of birds and quadrupeds and reptiles . Wherefore God gave them up [ also ] in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness , to dishonour their bodies between themselves : who changed the truth of God into falsehood , and honoured and served the creature more than him who had created [ it ] , who is blessed for ever . Amen . For this reason God gave them up to vile lusts ; for both their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature ; and in like manner the males also , leaving the natural use of the female , were inflamed in their lust towards one another ; males with males working shame , and receiving in themselves the recompense of their error which was fit . And according as they did not think good to have God in [ their ] knowledge , God gave them up to a reprobate mind to practise unseemly things ; being filled with all unrighteousness , wickedness , covetousness , malice ; full of envy , murder , strife , deceit , evil dispositions ; whisperers , back-biters , hateful to God , insolent , proud , boasters , inventors of evil things , disobedient to parents , void of understanding , faithless , without natural affection , unmerciful ; who knowing the righteous judgment of God , that they who do such things are worthy of death , not only practise them , but have fellow delight in those who do [ them ] . Therefore thou art inexcusable , O man , every one who judgest , for in that in which thou judgest another , thou condemnest thyself ; for thou that judgest doest the same things . But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth upon those who do such things . And thinkest thou this , O man , who judgest those that do such things , and practisest them [ thyself ] , that * thou * shalt escape the judgment of God ? or despisest thou the riches of his goodness , and forbearance , and long-suffering , not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance ? but , according to thy hardness and impenitent heart , treasurest up to thyself wrath , in [ the ] day of wrath and revelation of [ the ] righteous judgment of God , who shall render to each according to his works : to them who , in patient continuance of good works , seek for glory and honour and incorruptibility , life eternal . But to those that are contentious , and are disobedient to the truth , but obey unrighteousness , [ there shall be ] wrath and indignation , tribulation and distress , on every soul of man that works evil , both of Jew first , and of Greek ; but glory and honour and peace to every one that works good , both to Jew first and to Greek : for there is no acceptance of persons with God . For as many as have sinned without law shall perish also without law ; and as many as have sinned under law shall be judged by law , ( for not the hearers of the law [ are ] just before God , but the doers of the law shall be justified . For when [ those of the ] nations , which have no law , practise by nature the things of the law , these , having no law , are a law to themselves ; who shew the work of the law written in their hearts , their conscience also bearing witness , and their thoughts accusing or else excusing themselves between themselves ; ) in [ the ] day when God shall judge the secrets of men , according to my glad tidings , by Jesus Christ . But if * thou * art named a Jew , and restest in the law , and makest thy boast in God , and knowest the will , and discerningly approvest the things that are more excellent , being instructed out of the law ; and hast confidence that thou thyself art a leader of the blind , a light of those who [ are ] in darkness , an instructor of the foolish , a teacher of babes , having the form of knowledge and of truth in the law : thou then that teachest another , dost thou not teach thyself ? thou that preachest not to steal , dost thou steal ? thou that sayest [ man should ] not commit adultery , dost thou commit adultery ? thou that abhorrest idols , dost thou commit sacrilege ? thou who boastest in law , dost thou by transgression of the law dishonour God ? For the name of God is blasphemed on your account among the nations , according as it is written . For circumcision indeed profits if thou keep [ the ] law ; but if thou be a law-transgressor , thy circumcision is become uncircumcision . If therefore the uncircumcision keep the requirements of the law , shall not his uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision , and uncircumcision by nature , fulfilling the law , judge thee , who , with letter and circumcision , [ art ] a law-transgressor ? For he is not a Jew who [ is ] one outwardly , neither that circumcision which is outward in flesh ; but he [ is ] a Jew [ who is so ] inwardly ; and circumcision , of the heart , in spirit , not in letter ; whose praise [ is ] not of men , but of God . What then [ is ] the superiority of the Jew ? or what the profit of circumcision ? Much every way : and first , indeed , that to them were entrusted the oracles of God . For what ? if some have not believed , shall their unbelief make the faith of God of none effect ? Far be the thought : but let God be true , and every man false ; according as it is written , So that thou shouldest be justified in thy words , and shouldest overcome when thou art in judgment . But if our unrighteousness commend God's righteousness , what shall we say ? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath ? I speak according to man . Far be the thought : since how shall God judge the world ? For if the truth of God , in my lie , has more abounded to his glory , why yet am * I * also judged as a sinner ? and not , according as we are injuriously charged , and according as some affirm that we say , Let us practise evil things , that good ones may come ? whose judgment is just . What then ? are we better ? No , in no wise : for we have before charged both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin : according as it is written , There is not a righteous [ man ] , not even one ; there is not the [ man ] that understands , there is not one that seeks after God . All have gone out of the way , they have together become unprofitable ; there is not one that practises goodness , there is not so much as one : their throat is an open sepulchre ; with their tongues they have used deceit ; asps' poison [ is ] under their lips : whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness ; swift their feet to shed blood ; ruin and misery [ are ] in their ways , and way of peace they have not known : there is no fear of God before their eyes . Now we know that whatever the things the law says , it speaks to those under the law , that every mouth may be stopped , and all the world be under judgment to God . Wherefore by works of law no flesh shall be justified before him ; for by law [ is ] knowledge of sin . But now without law righteousness of God is manifested , borne witness to by the law and the prophets ; righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ towards all , and upon all those who believe : for there is no difference ; for all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God ; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption which [ is ] in Christ Jesus ; whom God has set forth a mercy-seat , through faith in his blood , for [ the ] shewing forth of his righteousness , in respect of the passing by the sins that had taken place before , through the forbearance of God ; for [ the ] shewing forth of his righteousness in the present time , so that he should be just , and justify him that is of [ the ] faith of Jesus . Where then [ is ] boasting ? It has been excluded . By what law ? of works ? Nay , but by law of faith ; for we reckon that a man is justified by faith , without works of law . Is [ God ] the God of Jews only ? is he not of [ the ] nations also ? Yea , of nations also : since indeed [ it is ] one God who shall justify [ the ] circumcision on the principle of faith , and uncircumcision by faith . Do we then make void law by faith ? Far be the thought : [ no , ] but we establish law . What shall we say then that Abraham our father according to flesh has found ? For if Abraham has been justified on the principle of works , he has whereof to boast : but not before God ; for what does the scripture say ? And Abraham believed God , and it was reckoned to him as righteousness . Now to him that works the reward is not reckoned as of grace , but of debt : but to him who does not work , but believes on him who justifies the ungodly , his faith is reckoned as righteousness . Even as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness without works : Blessed [ they ] whose lawlessnesses have been forgiven , and whose sins have been covered : blessed [ the ] man to whom [ the ] Lord shall not at all reckon sin . [ Does ] this blessedness then [ rest ] on the circumcision , or also on the uncircumcision ? For we say that faith has been reckoned to Abraham as righteousness . How then has it been reckoned ? when he was in circumcision , or in uncircumcision ? Not in circumcision , but in uncircumcision . And he received [ the ] sign of circumcision [ as ] seal of the righteousness of faith which [ he had ] being in uncircumcision , that he might be [ the ] father of all them that believe being in uncircumcision , that righteousness might be reckoned to them also ; and father of circumcision , not only to those who are of [ the ] circumcision , but to those also who walk in the steps of the faith , during uncircumcision , of our father Abraham . For [ it was ] not by law that the promise was to Abraham , or to his seed , that he should be heir of [ the ] world , but by righteousness of faith . For if they which [ are ] of law be heirs , faith is made vain , and the promise made of no effect . For law works wrath ; but where no law is neither [ is there ] transgression . Therefore [ it is ] on the principle of faith , that [ it might be ] according to grace , in order to the promise being sure to all the seed , not to that only which [ is ] of the law , but to that also which [ is ] of Abraham's faith , who is father of us all , ( according as it is written , I have made thee father of many nations , ) before the God whom he believed , who quickens the dead , and calls the things which be not as being ; who against hope believed in hope to his becoming father of many nations , according to that which was spoken , So shall thy seed be : and not being weak in faith , he considered not his own body already become dead , being about a hundred years old , and the deadening of Sarah's womb , and hesitated not at the promise of God through unbelief ; but found strength in faith , giving glory to God ; and being fully persuaded that what he has promised he is able also to do ; wherefore also it was reckoned to him as righteousness . Now it was not written on his account alone that it was reckoned to him , but on ours also , to whom , believing on him who has raised from among [ the ] dead Jesus our Lord , who has been delivered for our offences and has been raised for our justification , it will be reckoned . Therefore having been justified on the principle of faith , we have peace towards God through our Lord Jesus Christ ; by whom we have also access by faith into this favour in which we stand , and we boast in hope of the glory of God . And not only [ that ] , but we also boast in tribulations , knowing that tribulation works endurance ; and endurance , experience ; and experience , hope ; and hope does not make ashamed , because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by [ the ] Holy Spirit which has been given to us : for we being still without strength , in [ the ] due time Christ has died for [ the ] ungodly . For scarcely for [ the ] just [ man ] will one die , for perhaps for [ the ] good [ man ] some one might also dare to die ; but God commends * his * love to us , in that , we being still sinners , Christ has died for us . Much rather therefore , having been now justified in [ the power of ] his blood , we shall be saved by him from wrath . For if , being enemies , we have been reconciled to God through the death of his Son , much rather , having been reconciled , we shall be saved in [ the power of ] his life . And not only [ that ] , but [ we are ] making our boast in God , through our Lord Jesus Christ , through whom now we have received the reconciliation . For this [ cause ] , even as by one man sin entered into the world , and by sin death ; and thus death passed upon all men , for that all have sinned : ( for until law sin was in [ the ] world ; but sin is not put to account when there is no law ; but death reigned from Adam until Moses , even upon those who had not sinned in the likeness of Adam's transgression , who is [ the ] figure of him to come . But [ shall ] not the act of favour [ be ] as the offence ? For if by the offence of one the many have died , much rather has the grace of God , and the free gift in grace , which [ is ] by the one man Jesus Christ , abounded unto the many . And [ shall ] not as by one that has sinned [ be ] the gift ? For the judgment [ was ] of one to condemnation , but the act of favour , of many offences unto justification . For if by the offence of the one death reigned by the one , much rather shall those who receive the abundance of grace , and of the free gift of righteousness , reign in life by the one Jesus Christ : ) so then as [ it was ] by one offence towards all men to condemnation , so by one righteousness towards all men for justification of life . For as indeed by the disobedience of the one man the many have been constituted sinners , so also by the obedience of the one the many will be constituted righteous . But law came in , in order that the offence might abound ; but where sin abounded grace has overabounded , in order that , even as sin has reigned in [ the power of ] death , so also grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord . What then shall we say ? Should we continue in sin that grace may abound ? Far be the thought . We who have died to sin , how shall we still live in it ? Are you ignorant that we , as many as have been baptised unto Christ Jesus , have been baptised unto his death ? We have been buried therefore with him by baptism unto death , in order that , even as Christ has been raised up from among [ the ] dead by the glory of the Father , so * we * also should walk in newness of life . For if we are become identified with [ him ] in the likeness of his death , so also we shall be of [ his ] resurrection ; knowing this , that our old man has been crucified with [ him ] , that the body of sin might be annulled , that we should no longer serve sin . For he that has died is justified from sin . Now if we have died with Christ , we believe that we shall also live with him , knowing that Christ having been raised up from among [ the ] dead dies no more : death has dominion over him no more . For in that he has died , he has died to sin once for all ; but in that he lives , he lives to God . So also * ye * , reckon yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus . Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body to obey its lusts . Neither yield your members instruments of unrighteousness to sin , but yield yourselves to God as alive from among [ the ] dead , and your members instruments of righteousness to God . For sin shall not have dominion over * you * , for ye are not under law but under grace . What then ? should we sin because we are not under law but under grace ? Far be the thought . Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves bondmen for obedience , ye are bondmen to him whom ye obey , whether of sin unto death , or of obedience unto righteousness ? But thanks [ be ] to God , that ye were bondmen of sin , but have obeyed from the heart the form of teaching into which ye were instructed . Now , having got your freedom from sin , ye have become bondmen to righteousness . I speak humanly on account of the weakness of your flesh . For even as ye have yielded your members in bondage to uncleanness and to lawlessness unto lawlessness , so now yield your members in bondage to righteousness unto holiness . For when ye were bondmen of sin ye were free from righteousness . What fruit therefore had ye * then * in the things of which ye are * now * ashamed ? for the end of * them * [ is ] death . But * now * , having got your freedom from sin , and having become bondmen to God , ye have your fruit unto holiness , and the end eternal life . For the wages of sin [ is ] death ; but the act of favour of God , eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord . Are ye ignorant , brethren , ( for I speak to those knowing law , ) that law rules over a man as long as he lives ? For the married woman is bound by law to her husband so long as he is alive ; but if the husband should die , she is clear from the law of the husband : so then , the husband being alive , she shall be called an adulteress if she be to another man ; but if the husband should die , she is free from the law , so as not to be an adulteress , though she be to another man . So that , my brethren , * ye * also have been made dead to the law by the body of the Christ , to be to another , who has been raised up from among [ the ] dead , in order that we might bear fruit to God . For when we were in the flesh the passions of sins , which [ were ] by the law , wrought in our members to bring forth fruit to death ; but now we are clear from the law , having died in that in which we were held , so that we should serve in newness of spirit , and not in oldness of letter . What shall we say then ? [ is ] the law sin ? Far be the thought . But I had not known sin , unless by law : for I had not had conscience also of lust unless the law had said , Thou shalt not lust ; but sin , getting a point of attack by the commandment , wrought in me every lust ; for without law sin [ was ] dead . But * I * was alive without law once ; but the commandment having come , sin revived , but * I * died . And the commandment , which [ was ] for life , was found , [ as ] to me , itself [ to be ] unto death : for sin , getting a point of attack by the commandment , deceived me , and by it slew [ me ] . So that the law indeed [ is ] holy , and the commandment holy , and just , and good . Did then that which is good become death to me ? Far be the thought . But sin , that it might appear sin , working death to me by that which is good ; in order that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful . For we know that the law is spiritual : but * I * am fleshly , sold under sin . For that which I do , I do not own : for not what I will , this I do ; but what I hate , this I practise . But if what I do not will , this I practise , I consent to the law that [ it is ] right . Now then [ it is ] no longer * I * [ that ] do it , but the sin that dwells in me . For I know that in me , that is , in my flesh , good does not dwell : for to will is there with me , but to do right [ I find ] not . For I do not practise the good that I will ; but the evil I do not will , that I do . But if what * I * do not will , this I practise , [ it is ] no longer * I * [ that ] do it , but the sin that dwells in me . I find then the law upon * me * who will to practise what is right , that with * me * evil is there . For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man : but I see another law in my members , warring in opposition to the law of my mind , and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which exists in my members . O wretched man that I [ am ] ! who shall deliver me out of this body of death ? I thank God , through Jesus Christ our Lord . So then * I * * myself * with the mind serve God's law ; but with the flesh sin's law . [ There is ] then now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus . For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and of death . For what the law could not do , in that it was weak through the flesh , God , having sent his own Son , in likeness of flesh of sin , and for sin , has condemned sin in the flesh , in order that the righteous requirement of the law should be fulfilled in us , who do not walk according to flesh but according to Spirit . For they that are according to flesh mind the things of the flesh ; and they that are according to Spirit , the things of the Spirit . For the mind of the flesh [ is ] death ; but the mind of the Spirit life and peace . Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God : for it is not subject to the law of God ; for neither indeed can it be : and they that are in flesh cannot please God . But * ye * are not in flesh but in Spirit , if indeed God's Spirit dwell in you ; but if any one has not [ the ] Spirit of Christ * he * is not of him : but if Christ be in you , the body is dead on account of sin , but the Spirit life on account of righteousness . But if the Spirit of him that has raised up Jesus from among [ the ] dead dwell in you , he that has raised up Christ from among [ the ] dead shall quicken your mortal bodies also on account of his Spirit which dwells in you . So then , brethren , we are debtors , not to the flesh , to live according to flesh ; for if ye live according to flesh , ye are about to die ; but if , by the Spirit , ye put to death the deeds of the body , ye shall live : for as many as are led by [ the ] Spirit of God , * these * are sons of God . For ye have not received a spirit of bondage again for fear , but ye have received a spirit of adoption , whereby we cry , Abba , Father . The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit , that we are children of God . And if children , heirs also : heirs of God , and Christ's joint heirs ; if indeed we suffer with [ him ] , that we may also be glorified with [ him ] . For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [ to be compared ] with the coming glory to be revealed to us . For the anxious looking out of the creature expects the revelation of the sons of God : for the creature has been made subject to vanity , not of its will , but by reason of him who has subjected [ the same ] , in hope that the creature itself also shall be set free from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God . For we know that the whole creation groans together and travails in pain together until now . And not only [ that ] , but even * we * ourselves , who have the first-fruits of the Spirit , we also ourselves groan in ourselves , awaiting adoption , [ that is ] the redemption of our body . For we have been saved in hope ; but hope seen is not hope ; for what any one sees , why does he also hope ? But if what we see not we hope , we expect in patience . And in like manner the Spirit joins also its help to our weakness ; for we do not know what we should pray for as is fitting , but the Spirit itself makes intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered . But he who searches the hearts knows what [ is ] the mind of the Spirit , because he intercedes for saints according to God . But we * do * know that all things work together for good to those who love God , to those who are called according to purpose . Because whom he has foreknown , he has also predestinated [ to be ] conformed to the image of his Son , so that he should be [ the ] firstborn among many brethren . But whom he has predestinated , these also he has called ; and whom he has called , these also he has justified ; but whom he has justified , these also he has glorified . What shall we then say to these things ? If God [ be ] for us , who against us ? He who , yea , has not spared his own Son , but delivered him up for us all , how shall he not also with him grant us all things ? Who shall bring an accusation against God's elect ? [ It is ] God who justifies : who is he that condemns ? [ It is ] Christ who has died , but rather has been [ also ] raised up ; who is also at the right hand of God ; who also intercedes for us . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? tribulation or distress , or persecution , or famine , or nakedness , or danger , or sword ? According as it is written , For thy sake we are put to death all the day long ; we have been reckoned as sheep for slaughter . But in all these things we more than conquer through him that has loved us . For I am persuaded that neither death , nor life , nor angels , nor principalities , nor things present , nor things to come , nor powers , nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature , shall be able to separate us from the love of God , which [ is ] in Christ Jesus our Lord . I say [ the ] truth in Christ , I lie not , my conscience bearing witness with me in [ the ] Holy Spirit , that I have great grief and uninterrupted pain in my heart , for I have wished , I myself , to be a curse from the Christ for my brethren , my kinsmen , according to flesh ; who are Israelites ; whose [ is ] the adoption , and the glory , and the covenants , and the law-giving , and the service , and the promises ; whose [ are ] the fathers ; and of whom , as according to flesh , [ is ] the Christ , who is over all , God blessed for ever . Amen . Not however as though the word of God had failed ; for not all [ are ] Israel which [ are ] of Israel ; nor because they are seed of Abraham [ are ] all children : but , In Isaac shall a seed be called to thee . That is , [ they that are ] the children of the flesh , these [ are ] not the children of God ; but the children of the promise are reckoned as seed . For this word [ is ] of promise , According to this time I will come , and there shall be a son to Sarah . And not only [ that ] , but Rebecca having conceived by one , Isaac our father , [ the children ] indeed being not yet born , or having done anything good or worthless ( that the purpose of God according to election might abide , not of works , but of him that calls ) , it was said to her , The greater shall serve the less : according as it is written , I have loved Jacob , and I have hated Esau . What shall we say then ? [ Is there ] unrighteousness with God ? Far be the thought . For he says to Moses , I will shew mercy to whom I will shew mercy , and I will feel compassion for whom I will feel compassion . So then [ it is ] not of him that wills , nor of him that runs , but of God that shews mercy . For the scripture says to Pharaoh , For this very thing I have raised thee up from amongst [ men ] , that I might thus shew in thee my power , and so that my name should be declared in all the earth . So then , to whom he will he shews mercy , and whom he will he hardens . Thou wilt say to me then , Why does he yet find fault ? for who resists his purpose ? Aye , but thou , O man , who art * thou * that answerest again to God ? Shall the thing formed say to him that has formed it , Why hast thou made me thus ? Or has not the potter authority over the clay , out of the same lump to make one vessel to honour , and another to dishonour ? And if God , minded to shew his wrath and to make his power known , endured with much long-suffering vessels of wrath fitted for destruction ; and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy , which he had before prepared for glory , us , whom he has also called , not only from amongst [ the ] Jews , but also from amongst [ the ] nations ? As he says also in Hosea , I will call not-my-people My people ; and the-not-beloved Beloved . And it shall be , in the place where it was said to them , * Ye * [ are ] not my people , there shall they be called Sons of [ the ] living God . But Esaias cries concerning Israel , Should the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea , the remnant shall be saved : for [ he ] is bringing the matter to an end , and [ cutting [ it ] short in righteousness ; because ] a cutting short of the matter will [ the ] Lord accomplish upon the earth . And according as Esaias said before , Unless [ the ] Lord of hosts had left us a seed , we had been as Sodom , and made like even as Gomorrha . What then shall we say ? That [ they of the ] nations , who did not follow after righteousness , have attained righteousness , but [ the ] righteousness that is on the principle of faith . But Israel , pursuing after a law of righteousness , has not attained to [ that ] law . Wherefore ? Because [ it was ] not on the principle of faith , but as of works . They have stumbled at the stumblingstone , according as it is written , Behold , I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and rock of offence : and he that believes on him shall not be ashamed . Brethren , the delight of my own heart and my supplication which [ I address ] to God for them is for salvation . For I bear them witness that they have zeal for God , but not according to knowledge . For they , being ignorant of God's righteousness , and seeking to establish their own [ righteousness ] , have not submitted to the righteousness of God . For Christ is [ the ] end of law for righteousness to every one that believes . For Moses lays down in writing the righteousness which is of the law , The man who has practised those things shall live by them . But the righteousness of faith speaks thus : Do not say in thine heart , Who shall ascend to the heavens ? that is , to bring Christ down ; or , Who shall descend into the abyss ? that is , to bring up Christ from among [ the ] dead . But what says it ? The word is near thee , in thy mouth and in thy heart : that is , the word of faith , which we preach : that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord , and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from among [ the ] dead , thou shalt be saved . For with [ the ] heart is believed to righteousness ; and with [ the ] mouth confession made to salvation . For the scripture says , No one believing on him shall be ashamed . For there is no difference of Jew and Greek ; for the same Lord of all [ is ] rich towards all that call upon him . For every one whosoever , who shall call on the name of the Lord , shall be saved . How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without one who preaches ? and how shall they preach unless they have been sent ? according as it is written , How beautiful the feet of them that announce glad tidings of peace , of them that announce glad tidings of good things ! But they have not all obeyed the glad tidings . For Esaias says , Lord , who has believed our report ? So faith then [ is ] by a report , but the report by God's word . But I say , Have they not heard ? Yea , surely , Their voice has gone out into all the earth , and their words to the extremities of the habitable world . But I say , Has not Israel known ? First , Moses says , * I * will provoke you to jealousy through [ them that are ] not a nation : through a nation without understanding I will anger you . But Esaias is very bold , and says , I have been found by those not seeking me ; I have become manifest to those not inquiring after me . But unto Israel he says , All the day long I have stretched out my hands unto a people disobeying and opposing . I say then , Has God cast away his people ? Far be the thought . For * I * also am an Israelite , of [ the ] seed of Abraham , of [ the ] tribe of Benjamin . God has not cast away his people whom he foreknew . Know ye not what the scripture says in [ the history of ] Elias , how he pleads with God against Israel ? Lord , they have killed thy prophets , they have dug down thine altars ; and * I * have been left alone , and they seek my life . But what says the divine answer to him ? I have left to myself seven thousand men , who have not bowed knee to Baal . Thus , then , in the present time also there has been a remnant according to election of grace . But if by grace , no longer of works : since [ otherwise ] grace is no more grace . What [ is it ] then ? What Israel seeks for , that he has not obtained ; but the election has obtained , and the rest have been blinded , according as it is written , God has given to them a spirit of slumber , eyes not to see , and ears not to hear , unto this day . And David says , Let their table be for a snare , and for a gin , and for a fall-trap , and for a recompense to them : let their eyes be darkened not to see , and bow down their back alway . I say then , Have they stumbled in order that they might fall ? Far be the thought : but by their fall [ there is ] salvation to the nations to provoke them to jealousy . But if their fall [ be the ] world's wealth , and their loss [ the ] wealth of [ the ] nations , how much rather their fulness ? For I speak to you , the nations , inasmuch as * I * am apostle of nations , I glorify my ministry ; if by any means I shall provoke to jealousy [ them which are ] my flesh , and shall save some from among them . For if their casting away [ be the ] world's reconciliation , what [ their ] reception but life from among [ the ] dead ? Now if the first-fruit [ be ] holy , the lump also ; and if the root [ be ] holy , the branches also . Now if some of the branches have been broken out , and * thou * , being a wild olive tree , hast been grafted in amongst them , and hast become a fellow-partaker of the root and of the fatness of the olive tree , boast not against the branches ; but if thou boast , [ it is ] not * thou * bearest the root , but the root thee . Thou wilt say then , The branches have been broken out in order that * I * might be grafted in . Right : they have been broken out through unbelief , and * thou * standest through faith . Be not high-minded , but fear : if God indeed has not spared the natural branches ; lest it might be he spare not thee either . Behold then [ the ] goodness and severity of God : upon them who have fallen , severity ; upon thee goodness of God , if thou shalt abide in goodness , since [ otherwise ] * thou * also wilt be cut away . And * they * too , if they abide not in unbelief , shall be grafted in ; for God is able again to graft them in . For if * thou * hast been cut out of the olive tree wild by nature , and , contrary to nature , hast been grafted into the good olive tree , how much rather shall they , who are according to nature be grafted into their own olive tree ? For I do not wish you to be ignorant , brethren , of this mystery , that ye may not be wise in your own conceits , that blindness in part is happened to Israel , until the fulness of the nations be come in ; and so all Israel shall be saved . According as it is written , The deliverer shall come out of Zion ; he shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob . And this is the covenant from me to them , when I shall have taken away their sins . As regards the glad tidings , [ they are ] enemies on your account ; but as regards election , beloved on account of the fathers . For the gifts and the calling of God [ are ] not subject to repentance . For as indeed * ye * [ also ] once have not believed in God , but now have been objects of mercy through the unbelief of * these * ; so these also have now not believed in your mercy , in order that * they * also may be objects of mercy . For God hath shut up together all in unbelief , in order that he might shew mercy to all . O depth of riches both of [ the ] wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable his judgments , and untraceable his ways ! For who has known [ the ] mind of [ the ] Lord , or who has been his counsellor ? or who has first given to him , and it shall be rendered to him ? For of him , and through him , and for him [ are ] all things : to him be glory for ever . Amen . I beseech you therefore , brethren , by the compassions of God , to present your bodies a living sacrifice , holy , acceptable to God , [ which is ] your intelligent service . And be not conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of [ your ] mind , that ye may prove what [ is ] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God . For I say , through the grace which has been given to me , to every one that is among you , not to have high thoughts above what he should think ; but to think so as to be wise , as God has dealt to each a measure of faith . For , as in one body we have many members , but all the members have not the same office ; thus we , [ being ] many , are one body in Christ , and each one members one of the other . But having different gifts , according to the grace which has been given to us , whether [ it be ] prophecy , [ let us prophesy ] according to the proportion of faith ; or service , [ let us occupy ourselves ] in service ; or he that teaches , in teaching ; or he that exhorts , in exhortation ; he that gives , in simplicity ; he that leads , with diligence ; he that shews mercy , with cheerfulness . Let love be unfeigned ; abhorring evil ; cleaving to good : as to brotherly love , kindly affectioned towards one another : as to honour , each taking the lead in paying it to the other : as to diligent zealousness , not slothful ; in spirit fervent ; serving the Lord . As regards hope , rejoicing : as regards tribulation , enduring : as regards prayer , persevering : distributing to the necessities of the saints ; given to hospitality . Bless them that persecute you ; bless , and curse not . Rejoice with those that rejoice , weep with those that weep . Have the same respect one for another , not minding high things , but going along with the lowly : be not wise in your own eyes : recompensing to no one evil for evil : providing things honest before all men : if possible , as far as depends on you , living in peace with all men ; not avenging yourselves , beloved , but give place to wrath ; for it is written , Vengeance [ belongs ] to me , * I * will recompense , saith the Lord . If therefore thine enemy should hunger , feed him ; if he should thirst , give him drink ; for , so doing , thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head . Be not overcome by evil , but overcome evil with good . Let every soul be subject to the authorities that are above [ him ] . For there is no authority except from God ; and those that exist are set up by God . So that he that sets himself in opposition to the authority resists the ordinance of God ; and they who [ thus ] resist shall bring sentence of guilt on themselves . For rulers are not a terror to a good work , but to an evil [ one ] . Dost thou desire then not to be afraid of the authority ? practise [ what is ] good , and thou shalt have praise from it ; for it is God's minister to thee for good . But if thou practisest evil , fear ; for it bears not the sword in vain ; for it is God's minister , an avenger for wrath to him that does evil . Wherefore it is necessary to be subject , not only on account of wrath , but also on account of conscience . For on this account ye pay tribute also ; for they are God's officers , attending continually on this very thing . Render to all their dues : to whom tribute [ is due ] , tribute ; to whom custom , custom ; to whom fear , fear ; to whom honour , honour . Owe no one anything , unless to love one another : for he that loves another has fulfilled the law . For , Thou shalt not commit adultery , Thou shalt not kill , Thou shalt not steal , Thou shalt not lust ; and if there be any other commandment , it is summed up in this word , namely , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself . Love works no ill to its neighbour ; love therefore [ is the ] whole law . This also , knowing the time , that it is already time that * we * should be aroused out of sleep ; for now [ is ] our salvation nearer than when we believed . The night is far spent , and the day is near ; let us cast away therefore the works of darkness , and let us put on the armour of light . As in the day , let us walk becomingly ; not in rioting and drunkenness , not in chambering and lasciviousness , not in strife and emulation . But put on the Lord Jesus Christ , and do not take forethought for the flesh to [ fulfil its ] lusts . Now him that is weak in the faith receive , not to [ the ] determining of questions of reasoning . One man is assured that he may eat all things ; but the weak eats herbs . Let not him that eats make little of him that eats not ; and let not him that eats not judge him that eats : for God has received him . Who art * thou * that judgest the servant of another ? to his own master he stands or falls . And he shall be made to stand ; for the Lord is able to make him stand . One man esteems day more than day ; another esteems every day [ alike ] . Let each be fully persuaded in his own mind . He that regards the day , regards it to [ the ] Lord . And he that eats , eats to [ the ] Lord , for he gives God thanks ; and he that does not eat , [ it is ] to [ the ] Lord he does not eat , and gives God thanks . For none of us lives to himself , and none dies to himself . For both if we should live , [ it is ] to the Lord we live ; and if we should die , [ it is ] to the Lord we die : both if we should live then , and if we should die , we are the Lord's . For to this [ end ] Christ has died and lived [ again ] , that he might rule over both dead and living . But thou , why judgest thou thy brother ? or again , thou , why dost thou make little of thy brother ? for we shall all be placed before the judgment-seat of God . For it is written , * I * live , saith [ the ] Lord , that to me shall bow every knee , and every tongue shall confess to God . So then each of us shall give an account concerning himself to God . Let us no longer therefore judge one another ; but judge ye this rather , not to put a stumbling-block or a fall-trap before his brother . I know , and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus , that nothing is unclean of itself ; except to him who reckons anything to be unclean , to that man [ it is ] unclean . For if on account of meat thy brother is grieved , thou walkest no longer according to love . Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ has died . Let not then your good be evil spoken of ; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking , but righteousness , and peace , and joy in [ the ] Holy Spirit . For he that in this serves the Christ [ is ] acceptable to God and approved of men . So then let us pursue the things which tend to peace , and things whereby one shall build up another . For the sake of meat do not destroy the work of God . All things indeed [ are ] pure ; but [ it is ] evil to that man who eats while stumbling [ in doing so ] . [ It is ] right not to eat meat , nor drink wine , nor [ do anything ] in which thy brother stumbles , or is offended , or is weak . Hast * thou * faith ? have [ it ] to thyself before God . Blessed [ is ] he who does not judge himself in what he allows . But he that doubts , if he eat , is condemned ; because [ it is ] not of faith ; but whatever [ is ] not of faith is sin . But * we * ought , we that are strong , to bear the infirmities of the weak , and not to please ourselves . Let each one of us please his neighbour with a view to what is good , to edification . For the Christ also did not please himself ; but according as it is written , The reproaches of them that reproach thee have fallen upon me . For as many things as have been written before have been written for our instruction , that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope . Now the God of endurance and of encouragement give to you to be like-minded one toward another , according to Christ Jesus ; that ye may with one accord , with one mouth , glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . Wherefore receive ye one another , according as the Christ also has received you to [ the ] glory of God . For I say that Jesus Christ became a minister of [ the ] circumcision for [ the ] truth of God , to confirm the promises of the fathers ; and that the nations should glorify God for mercy ; according as it is written , For this cause I will confess to thee among [ the ] nations , and will sing to thy name . And again he says , Rejoice , nations , with his people . And again , Praise the Lord , all [ ye ] nations , and let all the peoples laud him . And again , Esaias says , There shall be the root of Jesse , and one that arises , to rule over [ the ] nations : in him shall [ the ] nations hope . Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing , so that ye should abound in hope by [ the ] power of [ the ] Holy Spirit . But I am persuaded , my brethren , I myself also , concerning you , that yourselves also are full of goodness , filled with all knowledge , able also to admonish one another . But I have written to you the more boldly , [ brethren , ] in part , as putting you in mind , because of the grace given to me by God , for me to be minister of Christ Jesus to the nations , carrying on as a sacrificial service the [ message of ] glad tidings of God , in order that the offering up of the nations might be acceptable , sanctified by [ the ] Holy Spirit . I have therefore [ whereof to ] boast in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God . For I will not dare to speak anything of the things which Christ has not wrought by me , for [ the ] obedience of [ the ] nations , by word and deed , in [ the ] power of signs and wonders , in [ the ] power of [ the ] Spirit of God ; so that I , from Jerusalem , and in a circuit round to Illyricum , have fully preached the glad tidings of the Christ ; and so aiming to announce the glad tidings , not where Christ has been named , that I might not build upon another's foundation ; but according as it is written , To whom there was nothing told concerning him , they shall see ; and they that have not heard shall understand . Wherefore also I have been often hindered from coming to you . But now , having no longer place in these regions , and having great desire to come to you these many years , whenever I should go to Spain ; ( for I hope to see you as I go through , and by you to be set forward thither , if first I shall have been in part filled with your company ; ) but now I go to Jerusalem , ministering to the saints ; for Macedonia and Achaia have been well pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor of the saints who [ are ] in Jerusalem . They have been well pleased indeed , and they are their debtors ; for if the nations have participated in their spiritual things , they ought also in fleshly to minister to them . Having finished this therefore , and having sealed to them this fruit , I will set off by you into Spain . But I know that , coming to you , I shall come in [ the ] fulness of [ the ] blessing of Christ . But I beseech you , brethren , by our Lord Jesus Christ , and by the love of the Spirit , that ye strive together with me in prayers for me to God ; that I may be saved from those that do not believe in Judaea ; and that my ministry which [ I have ] for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints ; in order that I may come to you in joy by God's will , and that I may be refreshed with you . And the God of peace be with you all . Amen . But I commend to you Phoebe , our sister , who is minister of the assembly which is in Cenchrea ; that ye may receive her in [ the ] Lord worthily of saints , and that ye may assist her in whatever matter she has need of you ; for * she * also has been a helper of many , and of myself . Salute Prisca and Aquila , my fellow-workmen in Christ Jesus , ( who for my life staked their own neck ; to whom not * I * only am thankful , but also all the assemblies of the nations , ) and the assembly at their house . Salute Epaenetus , my beloved , who is [ the ] first-fruits of Asia for Christ . Salute Maria , who laboured much for you . Salute Andronicus and Junias , my kinsmen and fellow-captives , who are of note among the apostles ; who were also in Christ before me . Salute Amplias , my beloved in the Lord . Salute Urbanus , our fellow-workman in Christ , and Stachys , my beloved . Salute Apelles , approved in Christ . Salute those who belong to Aristobulus . Salute Herodion , my kinsman . Salute those who belong to Narcissus , who are in [ the ] Lord . Salute Tryphaena and Tryphosa , who labour in [ the ] Lord . Salute Persis , the beloved , who has laboured much in [ the ] Lord . Salute Rufus , chosen in [ the ] Lord ; and his mother and mine . Salute Asyncritus , Phlegon , Hermes , Patrobas , Hermas , and the brethren with them . Salute Philologus , and Julia , Nereus , and his sister , and Olympas , and all the saints with them . Salute one another with a holy kiss . All the assemblies of Christ salute you . But I beseech you , brethren , to consider those who create divisions and occasions of falling , contrary to the doctrine which * ye * have learnt , and turn away from them . For such serve not our Lord Christ , but their own belly , and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting . For your obedience has reached to all . I rejoice therefore as it regards you ; but I wish you to be wise [ as ] to that which is good , and simple [ as ] to evil . But the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [ be ] with you . Timotheus , my fellow-workman , and Lucius , and Jason , and Sosipater , my kinsmen , salute you . I Tertius , who have written this epistle , salute you in [ the ] Lord . Gaius , my host and of the whole assembly , salutes you . Erastus , the steward of the city , salutes you , and the brother Quartus . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [ be ] with you all . Amen . Now to him that is able to establish you , according to my glad tidings and the preaching of Jesus Christ , according to [ the ] revelation of [ the ] mystery , as to which silence has been kept in [ the ] times of the ages , but [ which ] has now been made manifest , and by prophetic scriptures , according to commandment of the eternal God , made known for obedience of faith to all the nations -- [ the ] only wise God , through Jesus Christ , to whom be glory for ever . Amen .