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The Abridged Letter to the Romans

What is the Letter to the Romans?

Paul's longest letter- a big summary of a lot of Christian theology in regards to Jewish theology.


Summary - Top
Pt 1
Ch 1. Intro and Backstory
Ch 2. Judgment and Hypocrasy
Ch 3. Faith v. Law
Ch 4. Abraham's Precedent
Ch 5. Adam vs. Jesus
Ch 6. Death of Evil Desire
Ch 7. Unseen Impact of The Law
Ch 8. Desires vs. Love
Ch 9-11. Law, Religion, Plan
Ch 12. General Advice
Ch 13. Respect Authority
Ch 14. Following Extra Rules
Ch 15a. Last Advice
Ch 15b-16. Goodbyes

Summary and Background

Stats

Other Names
Rom
Author
Authentically by Paul
Setting Range
57CE
Categories
Pauline Church Letters
Academic Composition Range
55CE-57CE
Historical Preservation
Fully Preserved
Public Domain Translations
KJVASVBBEYLTWEB
Abridged Status
Finished- 0% Remaining
Original Verse Count
433
Original Word Count
9,422
Abridged Word Count
5,596
Abridged Length
59%

History and Background of the Letter to the Romans

What do scholars and theologians know about the Letter to the Romans?

Sent to Rome, Italy.
One of the seven letters that nearly all scholars agree is legitmate.

Part 1

Chapter 1

Paul, a follower of Jesus and chosen messenger, expresses his longing to visit the Romans to share spiritual gifts and mutual encouragement in faith, while reflecting on the power of the gospel for salvation and condemning those who turn from God to live in wickedness and idolatry.

1:1. From: Paul

1:1. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

1:7. To: Everyone in Rome
Peace be with you from God and Jesus.

1:7. 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.

1:2-4. This is a message about Jesus, from King David's family, who was proved to be the Child of God when he was brought back to life.

1:2. (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
1:3. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
1:4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

1:5-6. Because of Jesus, we can share God's kindness and invite all people to follow Jesus, including you.

1:5. By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
1:6. Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

1:8. I'm grateful for you all because people everywhere talk about your faith.

1:8. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

1:9. I always remember you in prayer.

1:9. 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;

1:10. I keep asking God to let me visit you when the time is right.

1:10. Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

1:11-12. I want to share a spiritual gift to make you stronger, that way, we can both be encouraged by each other's belief.

1:11. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
1:12. That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

1:13. I've been trying to visit you to share God's blessings as I have with others.

1:13. 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.

1:14. I'm responsible for sharing the message with everyone.

1:14. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

1:15. That's why I'm excited to share it with you in Rome too.

1:15. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

1:16. I'm proud of this message; it's how God saves everyone who believes.

1:16. 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.

1:17. The message shows how God makes us good people from start to finish, through our hope and trust.

1:17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

1:18. God's anger is shown against all who ignore the truth and do wrong.

1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

1:19. People can see what God is like because God has made it obvious to them.

1:19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

1:20. Since the world was created, God's power and nature are clear- no excuses.

1:20. 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:

1:21. People knew God, but weren't appreciative, so their minds dulled and their hearts darkened.

1:21. 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.

1:22. They thought they were smart, but they were just foolish.

1:22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

1:23. They swapped God's greatness for fake images of people and animals.

1:23. 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.

1:24. So God let them follow their desires, leading to disgraceful sexual acts with each other.

1:24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

1:25. They traded God's truth for lies and worshiped created things instead of God.

1:25. 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.

1:26-27. Because of this, God allowed them to follow their unnatural passions- they started being gay!

1:26. 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:
1:27. 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.

1:28. They didn't value knowing God, so God let them do terrible things.

1:28. 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;

1:29-31. They're full of all kinds of wrong, greed, and hate. They envy, hurt each other, lie, and are mean.
They talk badly about others, hate God, are rude, proud, and brag a lot; they find new ways to do bad things and don't listen to their parents.
They don't make sense, don't keep promises, don't care, and are evil.

1:29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
1:30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
1:31. Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

1:32. Even though they know their actions are wrong and deserve punishment, they keep doing them and agree with those who act the same.

1:32. 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.

Chapter 2

People should not judge others for the same wrongs they commit themselves and must realize that it is through following God's truth and showing goodness in their actions, rather than merely adhering to the law externally, that they will receive God's favor, as ultimately everyone will be judged by their secrets and deeds.

2:1. You have no excuse to judge others, because you're guilty of the same things.

2:1. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2:2. We know that when God judges those behaviors, God is being fair.

2:2. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

2:3. Don’t think you can avoid God's judgment if you're doing the same wrong things you judge others for.

2:3. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

2:4. Do you take God's kindness, tolerance, and patience for granted, not understanding that God is being kind, to give you time to change?

2:4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

2:5. By being stubborn and refusing to change, you’re just bringing more punishment on yourself when God finally judges everyone.

2:5. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

2:6. God will reward or punish everyone based on what they've done.

2:6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

2:7. Those who consistently do good and seek to be noble and last forever will get to live forever.

2:7. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

2:8. But selfish people who ignore the truth and do bad things will face God's anger.

2:8. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

2:9. Anyone who does wrong will face tough times, no matter who they are.

2:9. Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

2:10. But those who do good will receive praise and peace, no matter who they are.

2:10. But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

2:11. God treats everyone the same, with no special favors.

2:11. For there is no respect of persons with God.

2:12. It doesn’t matter if you know God’s law or not; if you do wrong, you’ll face the consequences.

2:12. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

2:13. It’s not enough just to know God’s rules; you have to follow them to be good.

2:13. (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

2:14. Even if people don't know God's law, if they naturally do what the law says, they are their own guide.

2:14. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

2:15. They show that deep down they understand right from wrong.

2:15. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

2:16. Jesus will be the one to judge peoples' secret.

2:16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

2:17-22. If you call yourself religious and depend on religious law,
and are proud of your relationship with God,
and think you know what God wants,
and you think you’re better because the law taught you,
and you're so sure you can guide others who don't know,
shouldn’t you follow your own teaching?
If you say stealing is wrong, shouldn't you not steal?
If you say cheating is wrong, shouldn't you not cheat?
If you hate false gods, shouldn't you not use their temples?

2:17. Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
2:18. And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
2:19. And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
2:20. An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
2:21. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
2:22. Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

2:23. By bragging about following the law, are you disrespecting God by breaking it?

2:23. Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

2:24. People who don't believe in God laugh at God because of how you act.

2:24. For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

2:25. Following your religious rules only matters if you follow all the other rules too; otherwise, it's like you didn't follow them at all.

2:25. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

2:26. And if people who aren't part of your religion follow the rules, shouldn't they be considered just as good?

2:26. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

2:27. If someone who doesn't follow your religious rituals but follows the rules will outshine those that follow the rituals but break the rules.

2:27. And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

2:28. Being religious isn't just about what you show on the outside.

2:28. For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

2:29. True faith is about what's on the inside, and following God’s spirit, not just the rules. People who live this way get praise from God, not just from people.

2:29. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Chapter 3

Jews have a special role because they received God's words, but all people, Jew or Gentile, are sinful and can only be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by following the law, which highlights human sinfulness.

3:1. So what's the benefit of being Jewish or the point of being circumcised?

3:1. What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

3:2. There's a lot! For starters, they were given God's teachings.

3:2. Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

3:3. Does it matter if some don't believe? Does that mean all of God isn't trustworthy?

3:3. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

3:4. Not at all! God's word is always true, even if everyone else lies.

3:4. God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

3:5-8. Yes, even when we do evil, we give God the chance to play hero, which is still an overall positive.
(That doesn't make it okay to do evil, we're certainly not saying, "We should do evil so God has a chance to be the hero.")

3:5. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
3:6. God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
3:7. For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
3:8. And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

3:9. So what's the verdict? Are we better off? No way! Everyone is under the influence of evil.

3:9. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

3:10-18. The scriptures say: "No one is good enough, no one really gets it, no one is searching for God.
Everyone’s gone astray, they're useless; no one does the right thing, not one single person.
Their speech is evil; lies roll off their tongues, and are like snake venom, full of cursing and hate.
They’re quick to hurt and kill;
destruction and unhappiness are in their future.
They don’t know the way of peace.
They have no respect for God."

3:11. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
3:10. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
3:12. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
3:13. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
3:14. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
3:15. Their feet are swift to shed blood:
3:16. Destruction and misery are in their ways:
3:17. And the way of peace have they not known:
3:18. There is no fear of God before their eyes.

3:19. We know that the law is only for those it was made for- so that everyone knows the rules.

3:19. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

3:20. The law doesn't help anyone actually become good, it just tells you how you're bad.

3:20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

3:21. But now, a way to become truly good been revealed. It's separate from the Law- but supported by it and the scriptures.

3:21. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

3:22-24. This goodness comes through believing in Jesus. Everyone is the same- we have all screwed up and now quite perfect, but we're made good and given freedom, all simply by God's kindness.

3:22. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
3:23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
3:24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

3:25-26. God sent Jesus as a sacrifice to clear us all, because God had to do something this time, God couldn't just let everything go.

3:25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
3:26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

3:27. So, can we brag about our achievements? No. Everything you did worth bragging about was done by God, not you.

3:27. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

3:28. A person is made good by God, not by following the law.

3:28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

3:29-30. God is for everyone, and everyone will be judged by the same standards.

3:29. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
3:30. Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

3:31. Does our goodness mean we can ignore the law? Absolutely not! We uphold it.

3:31. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Chapter 4

Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith in God, not his actions, a principle that extends to all who believe, regardless of adherence to the law.

4:1. What did Abraham, our ancestor, find out about this topic?

4:1. What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

4:2. If Abraham was made good by what he did, he could brag.

4:2. For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

4:3. But Abraham trusted God, and that was what counted..

4:3. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

4:4. When you work, you earn a salary- not as a present, but as something owed to you.

4:4. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

4:5. But if you depend on God, your belief is seen as goodness.

4:5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

4:6-8. David also talks about how happy people are when God sees them as good without needing to earn it.

4:6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
4:7. Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
4:8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

4:9. Is this happiness only for Jewish people, or for everyone? We say Abraham's trust made him good.

4:9. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

4:10. God blessed Abraham before his circumcision, not after.

4:10. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

4:11. So Abraham is a role model for all those who believe without getting circumcised.

4:11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

4:12. But, since he also got cirumcised, he's a role model to the circumcised as well.

4:12. And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

4:13. Abraham and his family were promised they'd inherit the world not because of legal rules but because of trust and goodness.

4:13. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

4:14. If following laws are the way to get blessed, then trusting God means nothing, and God would have to break the promise- and God never breaks promises.

4:14. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

4:15. Laws themselves cause punishment. If there's no rules, no rules can be broken.

4:15. Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

4:16-18. That’s why the promise is based on trust, so it can be given freely and be sure for all Abraham's children, not just for law-followers but also for those who trust like Abraham. He's everyone's forefather.

4:16. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
4:17. (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
4:18. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

4:19. Abraham didn't doubt God, even when he was very old and Sarah couldn't have children.

4:19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:

4:20-21. Abraham was completely sure that God could do what was promised.

4:20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
4:21. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

4:22-24. That's why his trust was seen as goodness- and that applies to us too.

4:22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
4:23. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
4:24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

4:25. Jesus was sacrificed for our wrongs and brought back to life to make it easier for us to believe in God.

4:25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Chapter 5

Through Jesus, we find peace with God, embrace suffering, and look forward to eternal life- which is the exact spiritual opposite of the death introduced by Adam.

5:1. Because we believe, we are now right with God and at peace.

5:1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

5:2. Through faith, Jesus gives us access to God's kindness, and we're excited about sharing it.

5:2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

5:3-4. We're also happy when things are tough because tough times teach us to keep going, build our character, and give us hope.

5:3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
5:4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5:5. God has filled our hearts with love through the Holy Spirit.

5:5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

5:6. Jesus died for us at the perfect time, even though we didn't deserve it.

5:6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

5:7. It's rare for someone to die for a decent person, but maybe for a really honorable person, someone might risk it.

5:7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

5:8. However, God showed love for us by having the Chosen die for us, even though we were making wrong choices.

5:8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

5:9. Now that we've been made right by Jesus' sacrifice, we're definitely being saved from God's anger.

5:9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

5:10. If God killed their own child for people who hate God, imagine what God does for people who love God!

5:10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

5:11. So that makes us happy.

5:11. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

5:12. Death came into the world because of mistakes of just one man, Adam. Everyone dies and everyone does wrong like Adam.

5:12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

5:13. But, all this happened way before God's rules were given. Evil isn't counted if there are no rules against it.

5:13. (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

5:14. Death claimed victims from Adam until Moses, even if their mistakes weren't as bad as Adams, yet.

5:14. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

5:15-16. But the gift that God has given through Jesus is so much better than the mistake that one man, Adam, made.
If many died because of that one mistake, Jesus is the one good thing that will save many more!

5:15. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
5:16. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

5:17. Those who receive God's the gift will live powerfully.

5:17. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

5:18-19. One bad act led to death, one good act lead to life.

5:18. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
5:19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

5:20. God gave the rules so that people would see how much they were doing wrong, but it just caused more people to do more wrong. Still, that just caused God to show even more kindness.

5:20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

5:21. So, just as evil once led to death, now good leads to eternal life.

5:21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Chapter 6

We should not continue sinning just because we're forgiven.

6:1. So- should we keep doing more wrong to make God seem like a bigger hero?

6:1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

6:2. No way! We've left that life; why would we want to keep living that way?

6:2. God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

6:3. Haven't you heard that when we were baptized, we died along with Jesus?

6:3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

6:4. We were "buried" with Jesus when we were baptized, so we could start fresh, just like Jesus came back to life.

6:4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

6:5. Symbollically joining Jesus in death will allow us to join him in life.

6:5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

6:6. Our old self was "killed off" so we could break free from our evil past.

6:6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

6:7. If you're dead, evil doesn't control you anymore.

6:7. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

6:8. We believe we'll live with Jesus later if we died with Jesus now.

6:8. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

6:9. We know Jesus won't die again; Death can't touch Jesus.

6:9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

6:10. He died to beat evil for good, but now he's alive for God.

6:10. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

6:11. Think of yourselves as dead to evil but living for God.

6:11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

6:12. So, don't let evil take over and make you do bad things.

6:12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

6:13. Stop using your body for bad stuff and start using it for good.

6:13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

6:14. Selfishness isn't your boss anymore because you're living in God's kindness, not stuck following old rules.

6:14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

6:15. Does that mean we are allowed to do evil because we know God will forgive us? Absolutely not!

6:15. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

6:16. You can dedicate yourself to evil and death, or dedicate yourself to good and life.

6:16. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

6:17. You were once dedicated to selfishness and evil, and now you follow the teaching and changed.

6:17. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

6:18. You were freed from evil and now you work for good.

6:18. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

6:19. I'm putting it simply because you might not understand otherwise. Just as you used to do bad things with your body, now use it to do good.

6:19. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

6:20. Back when you did wrong freely, you didn't care about doing right.

6:20. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

6:21. Were you even happy back then? And you're still embarrased.

6:21. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

6:22. But now, being free from evil and working for God, you get good lives and, in the end, eternal life.

6:22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

6:23. Evil leads to death, but God's gift is eternal life.

6:23. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Chapter 7

The text discusses the concept that the law only applies to a person while they're alive, uses marriage as an analogy to explain how Christians are similarly released from the law through Christ. It goes on to talk about the struggle between selfish nature and the desire to follow the rules.

7:1. Laws only apply to someone as long as they're alive.

7:1. Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

7:2. Like, a wife is legally tied to her living husband, but if he dies, she's free from the marriage law.

7:2. For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

7:3. This means if she gets with another guy while her husband is alive, she's cheating. But if her husband's dead, she's not cheating by remarrying.

7:3. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

7:4. In the same way, friends, you're widowed away and free from the law- you've died with Jesus, and can now be part of something new and live for God.

7:4. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

7:5. When we were driven by selfish desires, we wanted to rebel against rules for the sake of it, which led us to do things that lead to death.

7:5. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

7:6. But we've left that behind- now we live a spirit-guided life, not just following a set of rules.

7:6. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

7:7. So, is the law bad? No way! The law can help you understand what good and evil mean.

7:7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

7:8. Evil makes me want to do all kinds of forbidden stuff. Without the law, doing wrong doesn't matter.

7:8. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

7:9. I felt alive when I didn't know the law; but when I saw how evil it said I was, evil came alive, and I felt dead.

7:9. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

7:10. The very rules that were supposed to be good and life-giving, actually ended up making me feel like shit.

7:10. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

7:11. Evil tricked me with the law, and it ended up killing me spiritually.

7:11. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

7:12. So really, the law itself is sacred, and every one of its commands is fair, right, and good.

7:12. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

7:13. So, did something good decide to kill me? No! Evil used something good to do something bad.

7:13. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

7:14. We know the law is spiritual, but humans aren't, by nature.

7:14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

7:15-21. I know there's nothing good in me- sometimes my actions don't make sense to even myself.
I want to do the right thing, but I can't, I keep doing the bad things I don't want to do. Whenever I want to do good, evil is right there.
But it's not really me doing it- it's the evil inside me- I know the law is good.

7:15. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
7:16. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
7:17. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
7:19. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
7:20. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
7:21. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

7:22-23. Deep down, I want to follow God's law; but that's not how it tends to work.

7:22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
7:23. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

7:24. I feel miserable! Who can save me from this cycle of death?

7:24. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

7:25. Oh yeah- Jesus! So in my mind, I want to follow God's law, but my selfish side is a influenced by evil.

7:25. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Chapter 8

People who follow Jesus are not condemned but are freed from sin by the Spirit, live in righteousness, and nothing can separate them from God's love.

8:1-2. So, if you're with the Chosen, you won't be judged- we have a new way to live that frees us from our wrongdoings and their consequences.

8:1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

8:3-4. The law couldn't fix our human weaknesses- but God sent Jesus so we could start living with the Spirit, and get rid of our old bad habits.

8:3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
8:4. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

8:5. If you follow your bad impulses, you'll think about selfish desires; if you follow the Spirit, you'll focus on spiritual things.

8:5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

8:6-7. A corrupt mind fights with God and leads to destruction, but a Spirit-led mind brings life and peace.

8:6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8:8. If you're driven by bad impulses, you can't make God happy.

8:8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

8:9. But if God's Spirit is in you, you're not ruled by those impulses.
If you don't have The Chosen's Spirit, you're not truly on Jesus' team.

8:9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

8:10-11. If The Chosen is in you, your old body is dead, but your spirit is alive.

8:10. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
8:11. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

8:12-13. So, friends, don't listen to your bad impulses- or you'll face death.

8:12. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
8:13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

8:14-16. If you follow the Spirit, you'll overcome your evil and live. The Spirit also lets you call upon God like a loving parent.

8:14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
8:15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
8:16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

8:17. We'll inherit blessings like Jesus did, if we go through similar suffering.

8:17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

8:18. I believe our current troubles are nothing compared to the amazing future God has planned for us.

8:18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

8:19. Everyone waits for the time when God's children are fully revealed and allowed to rule with God.

8:19. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

8:20-22. In fact, everything in nature is suffering and can't wait to be destroyed for something better to come.

8:20. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
8:21. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
8:22. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

8:23. We feel it, too.

8:23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

8:24-25. It's exactly what we're waiting for. We patiently hope.

8:24. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
8:25. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

8:26. The Spirit gives us help. Sometimes we don't know what to pray, how to feel, or what to think, but the Spirit can help us with that.

8:26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

8:27. God searches our hearts, and understands what the Spirit with us is saying. They work together.

8:27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

8:28. For those who love God, everything works out.

8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

8:29. God had a plan to chose Jesus first, and then everyone else would later would be as equal siblings.

8:29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

8:30. If God chose you to be good before creation, then you became good, and you're all good with God.

8:30. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

8:31. God supports us- who can be against us?

8:31. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

8:32. God already killed Their favorite child for us, so there's nothing God won't do.

8:32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

8:33-34. Only God can arrest us and judge us, and Jesus is our lawyer.

8:33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
8:34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

8:35-37. Can anything cut us off from Jesus' love?
Even with pain, harassment, hunger, poverty, danger, and violence- we still win because of Jesus' love.

8:35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
8:36. As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
8:37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

8:38-39. Neither death or life,
angels or demons,
time or distance
or anything else
will be able to separate us
from the love that Jesus has.

8:38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
8:39. 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.

Chapters 9-11

The author expresses deep sadness for his fellow Israelites who are not embracing Christ, noting that true children of God are defined by faith rather than lineage, and asserts that God has mercy and calls people according to His will, both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing salvation through faith rather than works. The text emphasizes the importance of faith and confession in achieving salvation through Christ, recognizing that the Jews' zeal for God lacked true knowledge of His righteousness, and that salvation is equally available to all, Jew and Gentile alike, through belief in and proclamation of Jesus as Lord.

9:1. I only speak the truth. My conscience is clear with the Holy Spirit.

9:1. I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

9:2. But the truth is I'm really sad.

9:2. That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

9:3-4. I'd give anything- even be cursed and outcast- if it could help my own people, the Jewish people, see the truth.

9:3. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
9:4. Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

9:5. They have great ancestors, who led to the Chosen being born.

9:5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

9:6. But having the right ancestors isn't everything.

9:6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

9:7. Abraham had more than one kid after all- and Isaac was the important one.

9:7. Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

9:8. In other words, being God's child isn't about birth; it's about being part of God's promise.

9:8. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

9:9. God promised Abraham and Sarah a kid.

9:9. For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

9:10-13. God promised Rebekah that her son Jacob was going to rule over her other son Esau- before those kids were even born.

9:10. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
9:11. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
9:12. It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
9:13. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

9:14. This isn't because God is unfair.

9:14. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

9:15-16. God shows mercy and compassion to whoever God wants. It doesn't matter what we do.

9:15. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
9:16. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

9:17. The Scriptures say that God only gave the Pharaoh power to spread the name of God.

9:17. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

9:18. God can show mercy or even make someone stubborn.

9:18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

9:19. So, why does God blame us if we have no choice?

9:19. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

9:20. Fuck if I know. But I'm not asking God.

9:20. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

9:21. Sometimes metal is used to make beautiful jewelry, sometimes it's used to make stinky plumbing pipes.

9:21. Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

9:22. What if God disciplined people, but was patient and gave time to change before totally destroying anyone?

9:22. What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

9:23-24. This would make God look good to everyone.

9:23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
9:24. Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

9:25-26. The Scriptures say that God was always planning on adding and expanding Their people.

9:25. As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
9:26. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

9:27-29. Isaiah says only a few Jewish people will even be saved.

9:27. Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
9:28. For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
9:29. And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

9:30. So what's the conclusion? The Gentiles gained God's favor through trust, not by following the law.

9:30. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

9:31. And Israel, who tried to follow the law, largely didn't succeed.

9:31. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

9:32. Why? Because they relied on their actions, not on trust. They tripped over the obstacle in their path.

9:32. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

9:33. In Scripture it says: "There's a stone that trips people, but if you trust in God, you won't be embarrased."

9:33. As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

10:1. I really want and pray that the people of Israel will be saved.

10:1. Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

10:2. I know they're enthusiastic about God, but they're missing the right information.

10:2. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

10:3. They didn't understand God's way of doing things, so they tried doing it their way.

10:3. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

10:4. Jesus ended the need for the old religious laws by creating a way for everyone to be good with God, simply by trusting.

10:4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

10:5. Moses explained how following the law could give life if someone could actually keep it perfectly.

10:5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

10:6-7. But going on faith and trust alone means you don't have to have to go looking all over heaven and hell to understand.

10:6. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
10:7. Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

10:8. The message we need is very close to us; it's in what we're saying, and what's in our hearts.

10:8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

10:9-10. If you both say out loud, "Jesus is the leader of my life," and in your heart truly believe Jesus came back to life, you’ll be saved.

10:9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10:10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

10:11. If you trust God, you won’t regret it.

10:11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

10:12-13. It doesn't matter if you're Jewish or not- God blesses everyone who reaches out.

10:12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
10:13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

10:14-15. But someone can't reach out to God, unless we tell them about God. Spread the good news!

10:14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
10:15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

10:16-17. If faith starts when you hear about Jesus, why did some people not welcome the good news?

10:16. But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

10:18. Did they actually hear the message? Absolutely, everyone is talking about it.

10:18. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

10:19. So did they not understand it?
I don't think that was the issue.
Moses predicted there would be a people we would get jealous of and angry at.

10:19. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

10:20. Isaiah said God was found by those not looking and not asking.

10:20. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

10:21. And our scriptures have been saying the whole time how rebellious and disobedient we are.

10:21. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

11:1. So, did God give up on us? No way! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

11:1. I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

11:2. God didn't turn his back on us, God always had these plans.
Remember- When Elijah the Prophet said:

11:2. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

11:3. "God, they've killed your messengers and wrecked your altars; I'm the only one left, and they're after me too."

11:3. Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

11:4. God said, "I've kept 7,000 people who haven't worshiped the false gods."

11:4. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

11:5. Just like that, now there's a small group that God has chosen.

11:5. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

11:6. And if it's about kindness, then it has nothing to do with what we've done; otherwise, kindness wouldn't really be kindness.

11:6. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

11:7-8. So, why is this? Israel didn't get what they were chasing after for so long, but some randomly chosen ones did. Instead, they were made stubborn and oblivious.

11:7. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
11:8. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

11:9-10. David says: "Let their lives be full of traps and trouble, let them get what they deserve. Let them be blind and suffer forever."

11:9. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
11:10. Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

11:11. So, did they mess up so badly they can't recover? No way! Their mistake actually helps others, and that will motivate Israel with jealousy.

11:11. I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

11:12. So- if their mistake means others gain, and then they can apologize and get that gain too, that would awesome.

11:12. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

11:13. I'm directly addressing you non-Israelites here. Since I'm your representative, I take my job very seriously.

11:13. For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

11:14. I hope that by doing a great job, I might make my own people want what you have, and save some of them.

11:14. If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

11:15. The world benefited from their mistake. Imagine how much more awesome it would be if they were welcomed back, too.

11:15. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

11:16. If a little bit of dough is offered to God and becomes sacred, then the whole batch is sacred.
If the root of a tree is sacred, so are the branches.

11:16. For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

11:17-18. If some branches were cut off, and you were added in their place and now get nutrients, you're not allowed to brag or make fun of the cut-off branches.
Remember, you're not supporting the root; the root is supporting you.

11:17. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
11:18. Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

11:19-21. The branches were only cut off because of their disobedience, and you were only added because of your faith.
Don't be proud; be cautious- if God didn't hesitate with the original branches, he won't hesitate with you either.

11:19. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
11:20. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
11:21. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

11:22. Think about how both the kindness and strictnes of God: strict to those who fell, but kind to you- if you stay kind. If not, you'll be cut off too.

11:22. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

11:23. And they can always be added back.

11:23. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

11:24. After all- you were cut from a wild tree and added to a different one. It would be much easier to add the original branches back to their own tree.

11:24. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

11:25. I don't want you in the dark about this secret, friends- a part of Israel will continue to be stubborn until everyone else has had a chance.

11:25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

11:26-27. Eventually, all of Israel will be saved, as the Scriptures say, "A savior will show up from Zion and get rid of ungodliness from Jacob. That's how I'll keep my promise when I erase their sins."

11:26. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
11:27. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

11:28-29. Currently, they do see you as opponents. However, they are still protected and loved because of their ancestors. God has made promises to them which can't be taken back.

11:28. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.
11:29. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

11:30-32. God has allowed everyone to be rebellious so that God can show mercy to everyone.

11:30. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
11:31. Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
11:32. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

11:33. God's wisdom and knowledge are deep! God's decisions and paths are impossible to fully understand!

11:33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

11:34-35. Who can know God's thoughts? Who can give him advice? Who has ever helped God?

11:34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
11:35. Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

11:36. Everything comes from God, continues to exist because of God, and will exist forever because God. Go God! Amen.

11:36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Chapter 12

Live a life that is dedicated and pleasing to God by being selfless, using your gifts to serve others, loving genuinely, rejecting evil, and maintaining peace with everyone.

12:1. So, I'm asking you to dedicate yourselves to be a living sacrifice of always doing what's good and right.

12:1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

12:2. Stop copying what everyone else does, and think for yourself. You'll be able to understand God's Will.

12:2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

12:3. Don't overestimate yourselves, but be realistic.

12:3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

12:4-5. Just like our body has different parts that do different things- we are all different, but we all are connected.

12:4. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
12:5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

12:6. We all have unique skills, so if you're meant to share messages from God, do it with as much belief as you have.

12:6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

12:7. If helping is your thing, focus on helping; if you teach, then teach;

12:7. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

12:8. If you're good at encouraging others, encourage them; if you help those who are struggling, be generous; if you're a leader, take it seriously; if you're kind, do it with a smile.

12:8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

12:9. Love for real. Hate bad stuff and stick to what's good.

12:9. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

12:10. Care about each other like family. Put others before yourself.

12:10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

12:11. Don't lose your enthusiasm, but keep up your energy in serving God.

12:11. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12:12. Stay hopeful and happy, be patient when times are hard, and don't stop praying.

12:12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

12:13. Help out other believers who need it. Be welcoming to everyone.

12:13. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

12:14. Speak well of those who give you a hard time; don't say bad things about them.

12:14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

12:15. Be happy with those who are happy; be there for those who are sad.

12:15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

12:16. Try to get along with everyone. Don't be snobby, and hang out with people who aren't seen as important. Don't think you're better than others.

12:16. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

12:17. Don't respond to bad actions with more bad actions. Try to do what everyone agrees is right.

12:17. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

12:18. If you can, live peacefully with everyone as much as it depends on you.

12:18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

12:19. Don't try to get back at others, but let God handle the wrongs.

12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

12:20. If someone who doesn't like you is in need, still help them out. This might make them feel guilty and change.

12:20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

12:21. Don't let bad behavior beat you, but beat bad behavior by being good.

12:21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Chapter 13

Respect and obey authorities as they are established by God, pay your dues, love others as that fulfills the law, and live honorably, casting aside sinful behaviors and emulating Jesus Christ.

13:1. Everyone should follow their leaders, because only God decides who leads.

13:1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

13:2. Going against the leaders is like going against God, and you'll be judged for that.

13:2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

13:3. Good people don't need to fear leaders, only the bad do. Do good, and you won't be scared.

13:3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

13:4. Leaders are there to help you by doing good. But if you're bad, you should be scared of punishment.

13:4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

13:5. You should obey the leaders to avoid punishment and because you know it’s the right thing.

13:5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

13:6. Taxes are paid because leaders work for us in their governing roles.

13:6. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

13:7. Pay what you owe, whether it’s taxes, money, respect, or honor.

13:7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

13:8. Keep giving until the only thing you have to give is more love.

13:8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

13:9. Rules like not cheating, killing, stealing, or being jealous are all covered by loving others as yourself.

13:9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

13:10. Love is kind to others and is what law aims for.

13:10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

13:11. Realize the importance of the time we're in. It's time to wake up, because salvation is closer than before.

13:11. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

13:12. Nighttime is almost over and a new day is coming. Let's live honorably, like in daylight.

13:12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13:13. We should live properly, without wild parties, getting drunk, having affairs, or being jealous and fighting.

13:13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

13:14. Follow Jesus's example and don’t obsess over satisfying your own bad desires.

13:14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Chapter 14

Respect the beliefs and practices of others in matters of faith, including dietary choices and observance of special days, without passing judgment, because we each answer to God and should aim for peace and mutual encouragement.

14:1. Welcome everyone, even if they want to doubt God and follow extra rules, and don't argue over them.

14:1. Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

14:2-3. Some people believe they can eat anything, including meath, while others less trust may choose to be vegetarian. They shouldn't judge each other- God has welcomed both.

14:2. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
14:3. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

14:4. It's not your place to judge others' actions. God will.

14:4. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

14:5-6. Some people want to celebrate holidays, others don't. Everyone should be confident in their own decisions.

14:5. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
14:6. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

14:7. We don't live or die just for ourselves.

14:7. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

14:8. Whether we're alive or dead, we belong to God.

14:8. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

14:9. The Chosen died and was brought back to life to be the leader of both the living and the dead.

14:9. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

14:10. So why criticize or look down on your fellow person? We will all be judged by God.

14:10. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

14:11. Scriptures say everyone will eventually acknowledge God.

14:11. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

14:12. Each of us will have to explain our own actions to God.

14:12. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

14:13. Let's stop criticizing each other.
Don't do things that could cause others to be tempted.

14:13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

14:14. As a believer in Jesus, I'm sure that no food is inherently wrong to eat. But if someone thinks a food is wrong, for them it is.

14:14. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

14:15. But, if your diet upsets your friend, you're no longer being caring. Don't let your eating habits hurt someone who God cares about.

14:15. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

14:16. Don't let good things you enjoy be criticized as bad.

14:16. Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

14:17. God’s kingdom isn't about what we eat or drink, but about living right- peace and joy through the Holy Spirit.

14:17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

14:18. Serving in this way both pleases God and earns people's approval.

14:18. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

14:19. So let's aim to live peacefully and help each other grow.

14:19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

14:20. All foods may be okay to eat, but it's wrong to eat something if it causes another person to struggle.

14:20. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

14:21. It's best to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything that might make others be tempted.

14:21. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

14:22. Keep your personal beliefs to yourself and God. You're blessed if you don't feel guilty.

14:22. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

14:23. But if you have doubts and still do it, you are guilty, because that's not acting on faith.

14:23. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Chapter 15a

This text encourages the strong to support the weak, follow the example of Christ's service and acceptance, unite in glorifying God, and exhorts readers to contribute to the needs of others, with the writer expressing his intentions to visit and seek prayer for his mission and safety.

15:1. If you're strong, help the weak instead of just doing what makes you happy.

15:1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

15:2. Try to make others around you happy for their benefit and growth.

15:2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

15:3. Jesus didn't live to make himself happy. He took on others' insults for your sake.

15:3. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

15:4. The things written long ago are there to teach us to keep going and find encouragement in the hope they offer.

15:4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

15:5. May God help you work together and follow Jesus closely.

15:5. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

15:6. Then you all can praise God together.

15:6. That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15:7. Be accepting of each other, like Jesus accepted you, to honor God.

15:7. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

15:8-9. Jesus served the Jewish people to show the truth and fulfill old promises, so that non-Jewish people can also worship God.

15:8. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
15:9. And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

15:10. Be happy together, whether you're Jewish or not.

15:10. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

15:11. Everyone, everywhere, should praise God.

15:11. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

15:12. Isaiah said a leader would come for all nations and inspire everyone.

15:12. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

15:13. Trust in God, and be filled with the happiness, peace, and hope of the Holy Spirit.

15:13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Chapters 15b-16

This text encourages the strong to support the weak, follow the example of Christ's service and acceptance, unite in glorifying God, and exhorts readers to contribute to the needs of others, with the writer expressing his intentions to visit and seek prayer for his mission and safety.

15:14. I'm sure you're all good, knowledgeable people and can teach each other.

15:14. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

15:15. I've reminded and criticized you of some things because God told me to.

15:15. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

15:16. I'm called to be the Chosen's servant- to share the good news with non-Jewish, so they can be cleaned by the Holy Spirit and made acceptable to God.

15:16. That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

15:17. I take pride in serving God and Jesus.

15:17. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

15:18-19. I only talk about the signs and miracles I've done personally, to bring outsiders in.

15:18. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
15:19. Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

15:20-21. My goal has been to preach where Jesus isn't known, not where others have already worked.

15:20. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
15:21. But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

15:22. This is why I couldn't visit you before.

15:22. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

15:23. There's no work left here for me, but I've wanted to see you for a long time.

15:23. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

15:24. When I go to Spain, I hope to stop by and see you and get your help on my trip after a short visit.

15:24. Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

15:25-26. Right now, I'm headed to Jerusalem, to deliever the donations from Macedonia and Achaia.

15:25. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
15:26. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

15:27. They were glad and felt they should donate because they share in the Jewish spiritual blessings.

15:27. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

15:28. I'll make sure they get the donation, then head to Spain and see you on the way.

15:28. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

15:29. When I visit, I'll bring Jesus' full blessing.

15:29. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

15:30. Please pray for me in my struggles.

15:30. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

15:31. Ask for my safety, and for my work in Jerusalem to be well-received.

15:31. That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

15:32. Hopefully God will let me see you soon.

15:32. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

15:33. May the God who gives peace be with all of you. Amen.

15:33. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

16:1-2. There's a woman named Phoebe, who helps out at the church. Please welcome her as a true friend and give her a hand if she needs it because she's been really helpful to lots of people, including me.

16:1. I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
16:2. That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

16:3-5. Say hi to Priscilla and Aquila, and all their family and friends. They were brave enough to risk their lives for me, everyone is thankful for them.

16:3. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
16:4. Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
16:5. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

16:6. Give my regards to Mary for all the hard work she's done for you.

16:6. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

16:7. Also Andronicus and Junias, who I did prison time with. They're well-respected and actually believed in Jesus before I did.

16:7. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

16:8-15. Just say hi to everyone for me.

16:8. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
16:9. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
16:10. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
16:11. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
16:12. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
16:13. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
16:14. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
16:15. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

16:16. Greet each other with a kiss. The other churches say hi.

16:16. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

16:17. Be cautious of those who teach against what we teach. Stay away from them.

16:17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

16:18. They really serving Jesus- they're just looking out for themselves. They trick innocent people with smooth talk and fake compliments.

16:18. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

16:19. Everyone knows you're good at following instructions, and that makes me happy. But be smart about good things and stay innocent of bad things.

16:19. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

16:20. God will soon defeat evil.

16:20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

16:21-23. Tertius (I'm the one writing the letter for Paul) says hi. Timothy and a bunch of others say hi, too.

16:21. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
16:22. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
16:23. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

16:24. Let Jesus be with you.

16:24. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

*Not in earliest manuscripts- added by later scribes.

16:25-27. Praise God. Be strengthened through this message which was just revealed for everyone. Amen.

16:25. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
16:26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
16:27. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

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