Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Mysteries of the Bible”, p. 706, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5; “Salvation to the Jews”, pp. 372-374, in The Acts of the Apostles. Read also The SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 922; and The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 467, 468. “The salvation of humankind does not result from a divine afterthought … Continue reading –>
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Rom. 1:8). It is not known how the congregation in Rome was established. The tradition that the church was founded by Peter or Paul is without historical foundation. Perhaps lay persons established it, converts … Continue reading –>
Here is Paul’s salutation to the church in Rome: “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:7). What principles of truth, of theology, and of faith can we take away from these words? Beloved of … Continue reading –>
“Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16, NKJV). What does this text tell us about how Paul finally got to Rome? What lesson can we draw from this about the unexpected … Continue reading –>
Five hundred years ago this month, Martin Luther, a 33-year-old theology professor, posted his 95 Theses. And although he was seeking, at first, merely to refute a papal charlatan who was milking Luther’s flock by selling indulgences, Luther’s act of defiance became the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation-and the world has never been the … Continue reading –>
There’s no question that the personal touch is the best way to communicate in most cases. We can phone, email, text, even Skype, but face to face, flesh to flesh, is the best way to communicate. That’s why Paul announced in his letter to the Romans that he intended to see them in person. He … Continue reading –>
Romans 16:1-2 indicates that Paul probably wrote Romans in the Greek city of Cenchreae, which was near Corinth. Paul’s mention of Phoebe, a resident of greater Corinth, establishes that place as the likely background for the letter to the Romans. One of the purposes of establishing the city of origin of the New Testament epistles is … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rom. 15:20-27, Acts 28:17-31, Phil. 1:12, Rom. 1:7, Ephesians 1, Rom. 15:14. Memory Text: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:8, NKJV). It is important for a student of the book of Romans to understand the book’s historical background. Context isalways … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose … Continue reading –>
(Gal. 6:16-18) Paul bestows his blessing on those who, he says, “follow this rule” (Gal. 6:16, NIV, NRSV) . Given the context, what “rule” do you think Paul is talking about? The word translated “rule” literally refers to a straight rod or bar used by masons or carpenters for measuring. The word eventually took on a figurative meaning … Continue reading –>
