Rom 1:5, 17 | PNT | STEP | By whom . Through Jesus Christ, who is the subject spoken of. We have received . Paul refers to himself, and perhaps to other apostles. Grace . The grace, the favor and mercy of heaven granted to all saints. Apostleship . All saints were not apostles, but one must be a saint to be an apostle. Without the general grace he could not have the special gift of apostleship. For obedience to the faith . The apostleship was given in order to lead all nations to obedience to the faith. "The faith" is a synonym for "the gospel". Observe that it is a system of obedience. In the apostolic age there were no recognized believers but obedient believers.

Romans 1:5

By whom. Through Jesus Christ, who is the subject spoken of.

We have received. Paul refers to himself, and perhaps to other apostles.

Grace. The grace, the favor and mercy of heaven granted to all saints.

Apostleship. All saints were not apostles, but one must be a saint to be an apostle. Without the general grace he could not have the special gift of apostleship.

For obedience to the faith. The apostleship was given in order to lead all nations to obedience to the faith. "The faith" is a synonym for "the gospel". Observe that it is a system of obedience. In the apostolic age there were no recognized believers but obedient believers.

Romans 1:17

For in this. In the gospel. It reveals the righteousness of God. This might mean (1) God's personal righteousness; (2) a righteousness acceptable to God; or, (3) a righteousness bestowed by God. The last is its sense in the Epistle to the Romans. The obedient believer in Christ is forgiven and clothed with Christ's righteousness. See Ro 3:21-25.

From faith to faith. This clause has caused much discussion. The generally received view is thus stated by Dr. Schaff: ``The righteousness is revealed from faith, or through means of faith, in order to produce faith in others.'' It is revealed to us by believing (faith), and the duty of the believer is to extend the gospel, or to extend the faith. Says Dr. Schaff, ``Believing includes knowledge and belief, assent and surrender, appropriation and application.''

As it is written. See Hab 2:4. The Old Testament had predicted this system of righteousness by faith, for the prophet had said, "The just shall live by faith". See also Heb 10:38,39.

The just. Those who have been forgiven and justified by the gospel.