The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Romans 1

Executive Summary

Romans 1 unveils the foundational truths of the Gospel, asserting that the righteousness of God is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. This opening chapter, a cornerstone of Pauline theology, establishes Paul’s apostolic authority, his deep desire to preach the Gospel in Rome, and the universal need for salvation. It paints a stark picture of humanity’s descent into unrighteousness and idolatry, resulting in God’s wrath. However, even amidst this grim depiction, the promise of redemption through faith shines brightly. This commentary, rooted in the rich traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church, will delve into each verse, drawing upon patristic wisdom and connecting the ancient text to contemporary life, examining how the *righteous shall live by faith* in a world still grappling with the same fundamental spiritual challenges.

This exploration is not just an academic exercise; it’s a journey into the heart of our faith. The righteous shall live by faith, and understanding Romans 1 is paramount to understanding how that faith transforms our lives.

Introduction

St. Paul’s letter to the Romans stands as a monumental work within the New Testament, offering a profound exposition of the Gospel. Chapter 1 serves as a powerful introduction, laying the groundwork for the central theme: the righteousness of God revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. It is crucial to remember that Rome, at the time of writing, was the epicenter of a vast empire, a melting pot of cultures and beliefs. This context illuminates the urgency and relevance of Paul’s message. He addresses both Jews and Gentiles, revealing their shared need for salvation and introducing a new way of life – one grounded in faith, not works of the law. Let’s embark on this journey, illuminating each verse with the light of the Coptic Orthodox tradition.

Commentary Sections

Romans 1:1-7: Paul’s Salutation

Romans 1:1-7 (KJV): Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 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.

Paul begins by establishing his credentials: “Paul, a servant (δοῦλος, *doulos*) of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.” The term *doulos* signifies not merely a worker but a bondslave, utterly devoted to his master. This highlights the totality of Paul’s commitment. He emphasizes his calling as an apostle, divinely appointed to proclaim the Gospel, which had been “promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures.” This echoes the Coptic Orthodox understanding that the New Testament fulfills and does not negate the Old. Christ, born of the seed of David, yet declared to be the Son of God through the resurrection, is the central figure. This declaration connects to the Nicene Creed, affirming Christ’s divine nature. Paul received grace and apostleship to bring about “obedience to the faith among all nations.” This universality is key, reflecting the Coptic Orthodox Church’s mission to spread the Gospel to all people. Finally, he greets the believers in Rome as “beloved of God, called to be saints,” emphasizing God’s love and their sanctification through Christ.

Spiritual Application: We, too, are called to be servants of Christ, dedicating our lives to His will. How do we embody this *doulos* spirit in our daily lives? Are we willing to set aside our own desires to follow Christ’s leading? Do we pray for guidance like He did when He said: “Not my will, but yours be done,” (Luke 22:42)

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Romans 1:8-15: Paul’s Desire to Preach in Rome

Romans 1:8-15 (KJV): First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Paul expresses his gratitude for the Romans’ renowned faith and his unwavering prayers for them. He yearns to visit them, not for personal gain, but to “impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established.” This highlights the importance of spiritual strengthening and growth within the community. His desire for mutual comfort underscores the communal nature of the Christian faith – we are strengthened not only individually but also through fellowship with other believers. Paul recognizes his obligation to preach the Gospel to all, “both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” This demonstrates the Gospel’s universal appeal and Paul’s commitment to spreading it without discrimination. The phrase “I am debtor” reflects a sense of responsibility and urgency in fulfilling his apostolic calling.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Romans, emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of spiritual fellowship, echoing Paul’s sentiments here. He notes that prayer is a constant dialogue with God, strengthening our resolve and guiding our actions. (*St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans, Homily 1*)

Spiritual Application: Do we emulate Paul’s unwavering prayer life? Do we actively seek opportunities to strengthen our fellow believers and share the Gospel with those who have not yet heard it? How can we cultivate a greater sense of responsibility in sharing our faith with others?

Romans 1:16-17: The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

Romans 1:16-17 (KJV): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

These verses represent the heart of Paul’s message. He declares, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,” emphasizing its transformative power. The Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation,” a promise extended to “every one that believeth.” This salvation is not earned through works but received through faith, initially to the Jew and subsequently to the Greek, showcasing the Gospel’s expansion beyond its Jewish origins. This aligns perfectly with the Coptic Orthodox understanding that the faith is for all. The central concept of the letter is introduced: “therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” This quote from Habakkuk 2:4 underscores the foundational truth that salvation is not attained through adherence to the law but through trusting in God’s grace, manifested in Jesus Christ. The *righteous shall live by faith*, a cornerstone of Christian theology.

Key Reflection: This idea of “from faith to faith” (*ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν*) can be interpreted in several ways. Some Fathers understood it to mean from the faith of the Old Testament to the faith of the New Testament, culminating in the faith in Christ. Others see it as a progression of faith, growing ever stronger as we deepen our relationship with God. Whichever interpretation is taken, we learn how important it is to grow in faith.

Spiritual Application: Are we truly unashamed of the Gospel? Does our life reflect the transformative power of faith? Do we actively seek to deepen our faith, growing in our understanding of God’s righteousness and relying on His grace?

Romans 1:18-32: God’s Wrath Against Ungodliness

Romans 1:18-32 (KJV): For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Paul presents a sobering depiction of humanity’s fallen state. He asserts that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” This wrath is not arbitrary but a consequence of rejecting God’s manifest presence in creation. Even without explicit revelation, God’s “eternal power and Godhead” are evident through the created world. The rejection of this truth leads to idolatry – exchanging the “glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man.” This rejection then spirals into moral decay, including sexual immorality and a host of other vices. Paul uses stark language to describe these behaviors, emphasizing their unnatural and destructive nature. He concludes by noting that these individuals, “knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” This highlights the depths of their depravity and their complete disregard for God’s law.

Historical Context: This description of societal decay resonates with historical accounts of the Roman Empire, particularly its moral laxity and widespread idolatry. Archaeological findings confirm the prevalence of pagan worship and its influence on daily life.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in *On the Incarnation*, argues that the fall of humanity stems from a turning away from the divine, leading to corruption and death. Only the incarnation of Christ can restore humanity to its original state. (*St. Athanasius, On the Incarnation, Chapter 4*)

Spiritual Application: We must be vigilant against the insidious nature of sin. Are we actively guarding our hearts and minds against ungodliness and unrighteousness? Do we recognize the subtle ways in which we might be tempted to exchange the truth of God for idols of our own making, whether they be material possessions, social status, or fleeting pleasures?

Subtopic Sections

Let’s delve deeper into some key reflections arising from Romans 1:

• The Universality of Sin: Romans 1 demonstrates that sin is not confined to a particular group or culture but is a universal human condition. This underscores the need for a universal savior.
• The Power of Idolatry: Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols; it’s the elevation of anything above God. This can manifest in various forms in modern life, from obsession with technology to the pursuit of worldly success.
• The Consequences of Rejecting Truth: Rejecting the truth about God, whether through ignorance or willful defiance, leads to moral decay and spiritual darkness.
• The Importance of Gratitude: Paul highlights the lack of thankfulness as a root cause of humanity’s downfall. Cultivating gratitude is essential for maintaining a right relationship with God.
• The Gift of Discernment: We must pray for discernment to recognize and resist the subtle influences of the world that can lead us astray.
• Embrace the Gospel: The Gospel is not just information. It is the good news and the power of God. The righteous shall live by faith.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the themes raised in Romans 1:

Q: Why does God’s wrath seem so harsh in Romans 1?

A: God’s wrath is not arbitrary anger but a just response to the rejection of truth and the embrace of unrighteousness. It’s a consequence of turning away from the source of life and goodness.

Q: How does Romans 1 relate to the concept of free will?

A: Romans 1 demonstrates that humanity, endowed with free will, has chosen to reject God and embrace sin. God’s wrath is a consequence of these choices, not a violation of free will.

Q: Is Romans 1:26-27 condemning all same-sex attraction, or only certain expressions of it?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church, based on its understanding of Scripture and Tradition, interprets these verses as condemning homosexual acts, which are seen as contrary to God’s design for human sexuality within the context of marriage between a man and a woman.

Q: How can I apply the teachings of Romans 1 to my everyday life?

A: Focus on cultivating gratitude, seeking God’s guidance, and resisting the temptation to idolize anything above Him. Strive to live a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, always remembering that *the righteous shall live by faith*.

Conclusion

Romans 1 presents a challenging yet essential foundation for understanding the Gospel. It reveals the universal need for salvation, the consequence of rejecting God, and the transformative power of faith. This chapter invites us to examine our own lives, to identify any idols we may be worshipping, and to embrace the righteousness of God revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. The righteous shall live by faith, and this faith must be the guiding principle of our lives, shaping our thoughts, actions, and relationships. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to be beacons of light in a world shrouded in darkness, sharing the Good News and living lives that reflect the love and grace of our Lord and Savior. Let us always remember that *the righteous shall live by faith* and never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

Tags

Romans, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Faith, Gospel, Wrath of God, Righteousness, Paul, Bible Commentary, Apostolic Tradition

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Explore Romans 1 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Uncover the meaning of God’s wrath, the universality of sin, and the transformative power of faith in Christ. The righteous shall live by faith. Find out how!