Romans 1:2-4

 

the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 1:2-4 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Romans 1:2-4 King James Bible (KJV)
 
This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to the flesh, who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power according to the Holy Spirit by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 1:2-4 New English Translation (NET)
 
the gospel
The term "gospel" comes from the Greek word "euangelion," meaning "good news." In the context of Romans, it refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This "good news" is central to Christian faith, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Historically, the concept of "gospel" was used in the Roman Empire to announce significant events, such as the birth of an emperor. Here, Paul uses it to declare the ultimate good news of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
 
He promised beforehand
The phrase "promised beforehand" underscores the continuity and faithfulness of God. The Greek word "proepangellomai" indicates a promise made in advance. This highlights that the gospel was not an afterthought but part of God's eternal plan. Throughout the Old Testament, God made covenants and promises pointing to a coming Messiah, demonstrating His unchanging nature and sovereign will.
 
through His prophets
The prophets were God's chosen messengers, through whom He communicated His will and future plans. The Greek word "prophetes" refers to those who speak forth God's message. In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel foretold the coming of the Messiah. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the gospel message and its deep roots in Jewish tradition and scripture.
 
in the Holy Scriptures
The term "Holy Scriptures" refers to the sacred writings of the Old Testament, known in Greek as "hiera grammata." These texts were revered by the Jewish people as the authoritative word of God. By referencing the Holy Scriptures, Paul affirms that the gospel is not a new doctrine but the fulfillment of what was written long ago. This connection to the Scriptures provides a foundation for the legitimacy and authenticity of the Christian message, showing that it is deeply rooted in God's revealed word.
 
regarding His Son
This phrase emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the message of the Gospel. The Greek word for "Son" here is "huios," which signifies not just a biological relationship but a position of honor and authority. In the context of the New Testament, "His Son" refers to Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature and eternal relationship with God the Father. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the Gospel as centered on the person and work of Jesus, who is both fully divine and fully human.
 
who was a descendant of David
The phrase "descendant of David" is crucial in establishing Jesus' messianic credentials. The Greek term "genomenos" (translated as "was") indicates a historical reality, pointing to Jesus' human lineage. The reference to David is significant because it fulfills Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come from the line of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 11:1). This lineage underscores Jesus' rightful claim to the throne of Israel and His role as the promised King who would establish God's eternal kingdom.
 
according to the flesh
This phrase highlights the humanity of Jesus. The Greek word "sarx," translated as "flesh," refers to human nature and physical existence. By stating "according to the flesh," Paul acknowledges that Jesus, while divine, took on human form and lived among us. This is a profound mystery of the Christian faith, known as the Incarnation, where God became man. It emphasizes that Jesus fully participated in human experience, enabling Him to be the perfect mediator between God and humanity. This dual nature of Christ is essential for understanding His role in salvation, as only one who is both God and man could bridge the gap caused by sin.
 
and who through the Spirit of holiness
The phrase "Spirit of holiness" refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His role in sanctification and divine power. The Greek word for "Spirit" is "pneuma," which can mean breath or wind, symbolizing life and power. "Holiness" comes from the Greek "hagios," meaning set apart or sacred. This highlights the divine nature and purity of the Holy Spirit, who is instrumental in the resurrection and the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God. The Spirit's involvement underscores the Trinitarian nature of God, working in unity to fulfill divine purposes.
 
was declared with power
The Greek word for "declared" is "horizō," meaning to determine or appoint. This declaration is not merely a statement but a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine sonship. The "power" (Greek "dynamis") signifies the miraculous and authoritative nature of this declaration. It is through the resurrection that Jesus is powerfully affirmed as the Son of God, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. This power is not just physical but spiritual, transforming believers and affirming the truth of the Gospel.
 
to be the Son of God
This phrase affirms the divine identity of Jesus. The title "Son of God" is central to Christian belief, indicating Jesus' unique relationship with the Father. In the Jewish context, this title would have been understood as a claim to divinity, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The resurrection serves as the ultimate proof of this claim, validating Jesus' teachings and His authority. This declaration invites believers to recognize and worship Jesus as both Lord and Savior.
 
by His resurrection from the dead
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, as it confirms Jesus' victory over death and His divine nature. The Greek word for "resurrection" is "anastasis," meaning a rising up or standing again. This event is not just a historical occurrence but a transformative reality that offers hope and assurance of eternal life to believers. The resurrection is the Father's vindication of the Son, demonstrating that Jesus' sacrifice was accepted and that He has the power to grant life to all who believe in Him.
 
Jesus Christ our Lord
This concluding phrase encapsulates the identity and authority of Jesus. "Jesus" (Greek "Iēsous") is His human name, signifying His role as Savior. "Christ" (Greek "Christos") means the Anointed One, the Messiah promised in the Scriptures. "Our Lord" (Greek "Kyrios") denotes His sovereign authority over all creation. This title calls believers to submit to His lordship, acknowledging His rule in their lives. The combination of these titles affirms both His humanity and divinity, inviting believers into a personal and communal relationship with Him as their Redeemer and King.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Verse 2:
Paul starts by emphasizing that what he is about to discuss was not a new teaching but was "promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures." This establishes a continuity between the Old Testament promises and the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
 
Verse 3:
"Regarding his Son": Paul introduces Jesus not as a new figure but as the one prophesied in the Scriptures.
 
"Who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David": This is crucial because it ties Jesus to the Davidic lineage, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah coming from David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 11:1). This human aspect of Jesus is highlighted here.
 
Verse 4:
"And who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power": Here, Paul shifts to the divine nature of Jesus. "The Spirit of holiness" is often interpreted as the Holy Spirit, indicating that Jesus' divine sonship was manifested and affirmed through His resurrection.
 
"By his resurrection from the dead": The resurrection is pivotal, marking Jesus' victory over death and affirming His divine authority and identity as the Son of God. This event is seen as the ultimate proof of Jesus' deity.
 
"Jesus Christ our Lord": This title encapsulates Jesus' role as both savior (Christ) and sovereign (Lord).
 
Paul uses these verses to lay a theological foundation for his readers, connecting the Jewish expectation of a Messiah with the Christian belief in Jesus. He emphasizes both the human (descendant of David) and divine (Son of God through resurrection) aspects of Jesus' identity, which are central to Christian doctrine.
 
This passage serves to both authenticate Jesus' messiahship through Jewish prophecy and to assert his divine nature, providing a comprehensive view of Christology that would be foundational for the theological arguments that follow in the epistle.
 
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Which he had promised afore,.... The Gospel is here further commended from the antiquity it: it was no novel doctrine, an upstart notion, but what God had conceived in his own breast from eternity. This mystery was hid in him from the beginning of the world, and was ordained before the world was; in time God was pleased to make it known to the sons of men; he "promised" it, he spoke of it, and declared it
by his prophets, Isaiah and others, "afore" the Apostle Paul was called forth to be a preacher of it; which promise, or promises of it, lie
 
in the Holy Scriptures; the books of the Old Testament, so called from the author, matter, and usefulness of them. The apostle speaks in the language of his nation, for the Jews frequently call the Bible, writings, Holy Ones; "for", say they, כל כתובים קדש, "all the Scriptures are holy" (c), and style them, כתבי הקדש, "Scriptures of holiness", or holy Scriptures (d).
 
(c) Misn. Yadaim, c. 3. sect. 5. (d) Misn. Parah, c. 10. sect. 3. T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 116. 2.
 
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,.... These words are in connection with "the Gospel of God", Rom_1:1, and express the subject matter of it, the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord; for Christ, as the Son of God, the Saviour of sinners, the only Mediator between God and men, who is Lord both of the dead and living, is the sum and substance of the Gospel: he is here described by his relation to God, his Son, of the same nature with him, equal to him, and distinct from him; by his usual names, "Jesus Christ", the one signifying a "Saviour", the other "anointed", and both, that he was anointed of God to be the Saviour of his people; and by his dominion over the saints our Lord, not merely by creation, but by redemption and grace, and happy is the person that can claim interest in him, as is here done; and by the distinction of natures in him:
 
which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; this respects Christ in his human nature, who was made flesh, and of a woman; and shows his existence before his incarnation, and the immediate power and hand of God in it; and which was done, not by transmutation of him into flesh, but by an assumption of human nature into union with his divine person: he is said to be made "of the seed of David"; this points out the family from whence he sprung; designs the posterity of David, particularly Mary; has regard to the promise made to David, which God fulfilled; and shows the royal descent of Christ: it is added, "according to the flesh"; that is, according to his human nature; which phrase does not denote the corruption, but the truth of that nature; and supposes that he had another nature, otherwise there would have been no need of this limiting and restrictive clause.
 
And declared to be the Son of God,.... Not made as he is said to be before, when his incarnation is spoken of; nor did he begin to be the Son of God, when he was made of the seed of David, but he, the Son of God, who existed as such, from everlasting, was manifested in the flesh, or human nature: and this his divine sonship, and proper deity, are declared and made evident,
with, or "by"
 
his power; which has appeared in the creation of all things out of nothing; in upholding all things in their beings; in the government of the world, and works of Providence; in the miracles he wrought; in his performing the great work of redemption; in the success of his Gospel, to the conversion of sinners; and in the preservation of his churches and people: here it seems chiefly to regard the power of Christ in raising the dead, since it follows, and which is to be connected with this clause,
 
by the resurrection from the dead; and designs either the resurrection of others, as of Lazarus, and some other persons, in his lifetime, and of some at his resurrection, and of all at the last day: or the resurrection of his own body, which dying he had power to raise up again, and did; and which declared him to be, or clearly made it appear that he was the Son of God, a divine person, truly and properly God: and this was done
 
according to the Spirit of holiness; which may be understood of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity, who is holy in himself, and the author of holiness in the saints; and who is the declarer of Christ's sonship, partly by bearing a testimony to it in the word, and in the hearts of believers, and chiefly by being concerned in the resurrection of the body of Christ from the dead; or else by the Spirit of holiness may be meant the divine nature of Christ, which, as it is holy, so by it Christ offered himself to God, and by it was quickened, or made alive, when he had been put to death in the flesh; and which must be a clear and strong proof of his being truly the Son of God.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
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It is all too easy for us to forget that this Good News about God, the Good News, which was brought to us by God, was a result of promises he made many years previously. Over and over, throughout the Old Testament, God had provided hints and glimpses of the glorious Good News that was to come. For that reason alone, the Old Testament deserves our study, appreciation, and understanding. How can we hope to understand how God has fulfilled his promises if we don't even know what his promises were?
 
And who is this Gospel, this Good News about? It is Christ Jesus who, according to human reckoning, was a descendant of King David, thus fulfilling the Scriptures concerning the coming Messiah. This is crucial and must be firmly established in everyone's mind. We may not understand all the mechanics of how this all works, we just need to be assured it does work. To claim that Jesus is not a descendant of King David, the promised descendant, would be declaring that Jesus is not the promised Messiah and everything we believe is utterly false.
 
While taking great pains to establish the credibility of the claims concerning Jesus, Paul is following an established and well-known process at use withing the Jewish community, one which Matther and other writers used in varying degrees of detail. The entire Bible of that time, what we commonly refer to as the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament, are full of ancestral lists and genealogical pedigrees to establish many different things, including who is qualified to be a priest or Levite. It isn’t something we often see today, but being able to recite one’s ancestry was a primary means of identifying who you were and where you belonged.
 
Of course, determining who Jesus was in the overall scheme of things with Israel only laid the foundation. Paul now had to take his readers from that familiar ground to a place that was wholly unfamiliar. In this introduction, Paul does this with rapid fire speed, like ripping off a bandage. He will spend the rest of Romans explaining in greater detail what he means in these verses.