New Light on Romans is a significantly revised translation of Paul's letter to the Romans. Careful attention has been paid to the original languages, and the literal Strong's meanings for the words. Some new formatting has also been employed to help clarify the text. Paul seemed to have a way of running his thoughts into very long sentences. It's my sincere hope that this new look at Romans will greatly enhance your understanding of the YAHWEH's Word. I've chosen to use the proper personal names of YAHWEH and YAHUSHUA as explained on the linked pages in the column on the right. May YAHWEH bless you with an open mind as you read the text. May the new formatting clarify the concepts Paul presents to us for consideration.
Chapter 1
(1) Paul, a slave of YAHUSHUA, The Messiah (Anointed One), by Divine calling (invitation)
-
an apostle, separated for the purpose of the gospel of YAHWEH,
(2)
which He had promised (announced) long ago through
His prophets in the holy documents (Scriptures),
(3)
concerning His Son,
-
who came into being out of the seed of David
according to His flesh;
(4) -
who has been powerfully declared to be The Son of
YAHWEH,
according to The Spirit of Holiness, by His
resurrection
from being dead;
even
YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, my Sovereign,
(5)
through whom we have received apostolic grace,
with a view
to faith-obedience among all the
Gentiles - for the sake of His
name; (6) among whom
you (Gentile believers in Rome) are
yourselves also
the called of YAHUSHUA, The Messiah.
(7) To all who are in Rome, beloved of YAHWEH, called
out, sacred (pure, morally blameless, consecrated):
Grace to you and peace from YAHWEH, our Father, and The Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah.
(8) Indeed, on the one hand, I am thanking my Elohim (God) through YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, concerning you all, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. (9) For YAHWEH is my witness (whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son) how without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; (10) always in my prayers pleading if somehow, now at last, I may succeed by (or in accordance with) the will of YAHWEH to come to you.
(11) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established (turned resolutely in a particular direction, confirmed). (12) Now this (imparting of the spiritual gift) is so that I may be comforted together with you through the mutual faith of both you and me.
(13) On the other hand, I would not have you unaware, brothers, that many times I purposed (intended or planned) to come to you (but have been hindered until the present), in order that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the rest of the Gentiles. (14) I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians (foreigners - meaning non-Greeks), both to wise and to unintelligent (sensual).
(15) Thus, accordingly, I am eager to proclaim the gospel to you who are in Rome also. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the miraculous power of YAHWEH unto salvation (rescue, or safety) for everyone who is actively having faith (on-going action) in YAHWEH, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (17) For in this (the Gospel of YAHWEH) the justification of YAHWEH is revealed out of faith into faith: just as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Hab. 2.4)
(18) For the wrath of YAHWEH is revealed from Heaven against all impiety (wickedness) and injustice (morally wrong character or actions) of men, who hold down (suppress) the truth by means of (their) injustice; (19) because that which may be well-known of YAHWEH is apparent to them; for YAHWEH has made it apparent to them. (20) For His (YAHWEH’s) things, which were not capable of being seen since the original formation of the world, are discerned clearly, being understood through the created things - even His eternal miraculous power and divinity (or deity).
Therefore (because these things are understood through the things created) they are without excuse (lit. without a legal basis upon which to provide a defense of their unbelief), (21) for when they knew of YAHWEH (recognized or understood the existence of - through the created things), they honored and praised Him not as YAHWEH, nor did they express gratitude (to Him for what they saw). On the contrary, they became foolish in their mental considerations, and their unintelligent heart (the thoughts or feelings, or the mind) was obscured.
(22) Asserting themselves as being wise, they have become fooled (deceived), (23) and have exchanged the glory of the incorruptible (or, immortal) YAHWEH into an image (icon, or idol) that resembles corruptible (mortal) man - even birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things; (24) for which cause YAHWEH delivered (surrendered) them into impurity in the lusts of their (unintelligent) hearts in order to treat with scorn their very own bodies, (25) those specific ones who transformed the truth of YAHWEH into a lie, and venerated (adored) and rendered religious homage to (worshipped) the created things more than to the One who created, who is blessed (adorable) into Eternity. Amen.
(26) For this cause Yahweh delivered (surrendered) them into suffering, to their disgrace: those who even willfully exchanged their instinctive female employment (sexual intercourse) into that which is against its natural function. (27) And likewise also the men, having forsaken the instinctive female employment (sexual intercourse), were inflamed in their longing, one toward another, male with male, accomplishing that which is indecent, and receiving back in full, in themselves, the recompense (payback) of their error (fraudulence), which was necessitated (by their actions).
(28) And inasmuch as they did not approve of keeping YAHWEH in recognition (of His Deity), YAHWEH delivered them over to a rejected (worthless) mind, to do what is not becoming (proper or appropriate), (29) (they) having been crammed full with every wrongfulness of character (depravity, greed, malice, full of jealousy, murder, quarreling, deceit, worthless moral habits, rumor mongers, (30) slanderers, haters of YAHWEH (irreverent or impious), insulters, arrogant, braggarts, inventors (discoverers) of evil, disobedient to parents, (31) unintelligent (foolish), contract-breakers, hard-hearted towards kindred, implacable, merciless) (32) who, knowing the justification of YAHWEH - that those who practice things of this sort are deserving of death - not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Chapter 2
(1) Therefore you are unable to be defended, Oh man, every one of you who are condemning, for in whatever you are condemning another you are condemning yourself. Indeed, you who are condemning (others) practice the same things. (2) But we understand that the judicial decision (resulting in condemnation to death) of YAHWEH is, according to truth, upon those who practice such things.
(3) And do you think this, Oh man, (you who are condemning those practicing such things and are doing the same things) that you will escape the judicial decision of YAHWEH? (4) Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, self-restraint (tolerance), and patient endurance, not knowing that the goodness of Yahweh leads you to repentance?
(5) But in accordance with your own callousness and your
own unrepentant heart you are reserving (collecting, as a deposit) unto
yourself (specifically and personally) wrath in The Day of Wrath and (at the)
revelation (Apocalypse; Literally, disclosure) of the just sentence of Yahweh,
(6) who will “render to each individual according to his actions” (Psalm 62.12,
Prov. 24.12);
(7)
on the one hand, to those who are seeking (to worship Yahweh)
by means of
perseverance in good work - glory and honor, and
also immortality (Eternal
Life);
(8)
on the other hand, to those who are self-seeking and willfully
disbelieve the
truth, but assent to injustice (morally wrong action)
- indignation and wrath
(literally - passion and violent passion), (9)
tribulation (stress, pressure)
and calamity (narrow straits) - on
every soul (the spirit) of man who
works evil (intrinsically worthless
actions), of the Jew first, and also of the
Greek (Gentile); (10)
but
glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to
the Jew
first and also to the Greek (Gentile),
(11) for there is no partiality with YAHWEH.
(12) Indeed, as many as have sinned while not subject to
Jewish law will be fully destroyed, also while not subject to Jewish law, and
as many as have sinned within (or under) Jewish law will be condemned
(punished) by means of Jewish law,
(13)
(For the hearers of Jewish law are not innocent before
YAHWEH; on the contrary,
the performers of Jewish law shall be
justified (rendered innocent). (14)
For when Gentiles (nations), who
are not being held to Jewish law, by native
disposition do the
things in Jewish law, these, although not being held to
Jewish law,
are a law to themselves, (15) who demonstrate the work of the law
is inscribed in their hearts, their moral consciousness also
corroborating this
by concurrent evidence, and mean while their
reasonings accusing or also
excusing one another.)
(16) in the day when YAHWEH will judge the concealed
things of those men by means of YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, in accordance with my
gospel.
(17) Look, you are called a Jew, and rely upon the law,
and boast that you are in YAHWEH, (18) and know His will, and approve the
things that are carried within it, being instructed (indoctrinated) out of the
law, (19) and also are convinced that you yourself exist as a guide of the
blind, a light to those who are in darkness (obscurity), (20) a trainer of the
ignorant, an instructor of babes - having the appearance of knowledge and truth
according to the law:
(21)
you, therefore, who teach another; do you not teach yourself?
You
who proclaim that one should not steal; do you steal?
(22)
You who say, “Do not commit adultery,”; do you commit
adultery?
You
who detest idols; do you rob temples (to steal their idols)?
(23)
You who make your boast in the law; do you dishonor YAHWEH
through violation
of the law?
(24) Indeed, “the name of YAHWEH is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” (Is. 52.5) as it is written. (25) For circumcision is indeed profitable if you practice the law; but if you are a violator of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
(26) Therefore, if an uncircumcised man obeys (observes)
the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted
as circumcision?
(27) And the uncircumcised by nature will, if he fulfills the law, condemn you, who because of the written word and circumcision have become a violator of the law.
(28) For he is not a Jew who is one externally, nor is circumcision that which is in the external flesh. (29) On the contrary, he is a Jew who is one privately (inwardly), (And true circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in writings (scriptures).) whose praise is not from men but from YAHWEH.
Chapter 3
(1) What preeminence then has the Jew, or what profit is
circumcision? (2) Much according to every mode! Indeed, in the first place,
because (emphatic) to them were entrusted the utterances of YAHWEH. (3) For
what if some did not believe? Will their faithlessness (disbelief) render the
faithfulness of YAHWEH as useless? (4) May it never become so! Indeed, let
Yahweh be true but every man a liar, just as it is written:
“that
You may be morally right in Your words,
and
innocent when You pronounce sentence.” (Psalm 51.4)
(5) But if our moral wrongfulness demonstrates the justified action of YAHWEH, what shall we say? Is YAHWEH unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) (6) May it never become so! For then in what manner will YAHWEH judge the world?
(7) Therefore, if the truth of YAHWEH has increased exceedingly through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? (8) And why not say, (as we are blasphemously reported and as some proclaim that we say) “Let us do evil in order that good may come”? Their condemnation is fair (legitimate).
(9) What then? Are we better than they? In no event! For
we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
(10) As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; (Eccl. 7.20) (11)
there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after YAHWEH.” (Ps.
53.1-2)
(12)” They have all turned aside; they have together
become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.” (Psalm 14.1-3)
(13) “Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues
they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips; (Psalm 140.3)
(14)” Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. “
(Psalm 10.7)
(15) “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(16) Destruction and misery are in their ways;
(17) And the way of peace they have not known.” (Is.
59:7-8)
(18) There is no fear of YAHWEH before their eyes.”
(Psalm 36.1)
(19) Now we know that whatever the law sets forth, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be silenced, and all (who are in) the world may come under sentence before YAHWEH. (20) Therefore, from (doing) works of the law shall no flesh (the old man - human nature) be justified (rendered innocent) in His sight; because recognition of sin comes through the law.
(21) But now, separately from the law, the justification of YAHWEH is rendered apparent, being witnessed under The Law and The Prophets, (22) even the justification of YAHWEH, which comes through belief in YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, to all who have faith.
Thus, there is no distinction, (23) for all have sinned
and come short of (are inferior to) the glory of YAHWEH, (24) being justified
(regarded as innocent) freely (as a gift) by His grace through the redemption
(ransom in full) which is within The Messiah, YAHUSHUA,
(25)
- whom YAHWEH foreordained as an atonement through faith
(belief, moral
conviction) in His (shed) blood;
-
to show evidence of His justification through the overlooking of
the sins that were
previously existing (26) by means of the
forbearance (self-restraint) of YAHWEH;
-
to show evidence of His justification at the present time so that
He might be just
(equitable or fair), and be the justifier (the One
who renders innocent) of the
one who believes (trusts) in
YAHUSHUA.
(27) Where is boasting (of the Jew) then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Certainly not. But by the law of faith. (28) Therefore we consider man is rendered innocent by faith, apart from works of law.
(29) Or is He The Elohim of the Jews only? Is He not also The Elohim of the Gentiles (nations)? Yes, of the Gentiles (nations) also, (30) since indeed it is only Yahweh who will render as innocent the circumcision out of faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.
(31) Do we then render the law as useless by means of our belief? May it never become so! On the contrary, we establish the law.
Chapter 4
(1) What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh (human nature)? (2) For if Abraham was rendered innocent by works, he holds something to boast about. On the contrary, he does not (hold something to boast about) before Yahweh. (3) For what does scripture state? “Abraham believed in YAHWEH, and it was accounted to him as justification.” (Gen. 15.6)
(4) Now to him who is working the pay for his service is
not counted as grace (as a gift) but as something owed to him. (5) But to him
who is not working, but is believing (trusting) on Him who renders the
irreverent as innocent, his belief is counted as justification, (6) exactly as
David also describes the blessedness (good fortune) of the man to whom Yahweh
counts (reckons) justification apart from works:
(7) “Blessed
(how happy) is he whose rebellion is forgiven (lifted
up), whose offence
is covered;
(8) Blessed
(how happy) is the man unto whom YAHWEH shall not
regard perversity
(moral evil),” (Psalm 32.1-2)
(9) Does this blessedness (good fortune) therefore come upon the circumcision only, or does it come also upon the uncircumcision? Because we say that faith was accounted to Abraham as justification. (10) How then was it accounted? While he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not while in circumcision; on the contrary, while in uncircumcision.
(11) And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the justification of the faith (moral conviction) which he had while in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of every one who is having (active tense) the same faith, even though they are in uncircumcision, that justification might be accounted unto them also; (12) even the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but also of those who are walking (present active tense) in the steps (pathway) of the faith of our father Abraham while in their uncircumcision.
(13) For the promise that he exists as to the heir of the world was not made to Abraham or to his seed because of the law. On the contrary, it exists because of the justification of faith. (14) Indeed, if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise rendered useless, (15) because law accomplishes (completes fully) wrath. Indeed, where no law exists, neither is there a violation of law.
(16) Therefore it is of faith, that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, (17) (as it is written: “I have appointed you a father of many nations” – Gen. 17.5) before Him whom he believed - YAHWEH, who revitalizes (resurrects) the dead and calls forth those who do not exist (are not alive) as though they exist (are alive); (18) who, against hope, with hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants exist.” (Gen. 15.5)
(19) And being not at all weak in faith he considered his own body, already deadened - being somewhere around a hundred years old - and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. (20) He doubted not the promise of YAHWEH in unbelief. On the contrary, his faith was strengthened, giving glory to Yahweh, (21) even being completely convinced that what He had promised He was also able to do. (22) And therefore “it was accounted to him as justification.” (Gen. 15.6)
(23) Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was accounted to him. (24) But indeed also for us it shall be accounted, to those who believe in Him who raised up YAHUSHUA, our Sovereign, from the dead: (25) who was surrendered (to death) because of our errors (sins), and was raised (from death) for our acquittal (so we could be rendered innocent).
Chapter 5
(1) Therefore, having been rendered innocent by reason of our belief, we possess peace with YAHWEH through our Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, (2) through whom also we possess admission by faith (in Him) into this grace in which we firmly stand; and we boast over the anticipation of (experiencing one day) the glory of YAHWEH.
(3) And not only that, but we also boast in our pressures (stresses), knowing that the tribulation is producing hopeful endurance; (4) and hopeful endurance, (is producing) a test; and the test (is producing) anticipation. (5) Now the anticipation never makes us ashamed, because the love of YAHWEH has been poured out in our hearts (thoughts or feelings - mind) through the Holy Spirit’s being given to us.
(6) Indeed, being that we were still without strength, according to the proper time, The Messiah died for the ungodly (irreverent). (7) Indeed, with difficulty would someone die for an innocent man; yet possibly for the good man someone would even dare to die. (8) But YAHWEH demonstrates His own love (agape) toward us, in that while we still existed as sinful The Messiah died for us.
(9) Much more certainly now, having been justified (rendered innocent) by means of His (shed) blood (a perfect sacrifice), we shall be saved (delivered) from the punishment because of Him.
(10) If then we, being enemies, were reconciled to YAHWEH through the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved (delivered) by His life. (11) And not only this, but we also rejoice (boast) in YAHWEH through our Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, through whom we have now received (as a possession) the restoration to favor (reconciliation).
(12) Because of this, just as through one man The Sin (old nature) entered into the world, and The Death (eternal separation from YAHWEH) as a result of The Sin (old nature), even in this manner The Death (eternal separation from YAHWEH) has come upon everyone who sins. (13) (For prior to law Sin existed in the world, but Sin is not attributed where there is not any law.) (14) Nevertheless, death was sovereign from Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who were not sinning according to the form of Adam’s violation (of the commandment) - who is a type of Him who was to come (The Messiah).
(15) But on the other hand, the gracious gift is not like the violation (sin). For even if by the one who violated the command (sinned) the many died, much more the grace of Yahweh and the gift, through the grace of the one Man (YAHUSHUA, The Messiah), abounded greatly to the many. (16) And the gracious gift is not as though it was through one having sinned (Adam). For on the one hand the judgment is the result of one - to condemnation; but on the other hand, the gift is the result of many offences - unto justification (acquittal - being accounted as not guilty). (17) For if by the violation of the one The Death was sovereign through that one, much more those who are receiving the superabundance of the grace, and the gift of justification, shall reign in (Eternal) Life through The One, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah.
(18) Therefore, since through one man’s offense judgment came upon all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through One’s (YAHUSHUA’s) act of rendering us innocent YAHWEH’s grace came to all men, resulting in acquittal for (Eternal) Life. (19) For just as through the one man’s disobedience many were designated as sinful, so also through The One’s obedience many shall be designated as innocent.
(20) Moreover, the law entered in order that the offense would increase. But where sin increased grace abounded exceedingly, (21) so that as sin reigned, unto Death, even so grace reigns through justification, unto Eternal Life, through YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, our Sovereign.
Chapter 6
(1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin that grace may increase? (2) May it never be so! How shall we who are dead to Sin (the old nature) still live in it? (3) Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, were baptized into His death?
(4) Therefore we were buried with Him, through baptism into His death, in order that just as The Messiah was raised up (resurrected) from among the dead by the glorious power of The Father, in this manner we ourselves should also walk in newness of life (The New Nature). (5) For if we have become closely united in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall exist in the likeness of His resurrection, (6) knowing this, that our old man (the old Sin nature) was crucified with Him, in order that the Sinful body (the old man/nature) might be rendered entirely useless, which we no longer serve as slaves of the Sin (nature), (7) because he who has died has been rendered innocent from the Sin (nature).
(8) And if we died with The Messiah, we have faith (moral conviction) that we shall also continue to live in common with Him, (9) knowing that The Messiah, having been raised up from among the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has rule (power) over Him. (10) Therefore, being that He died, He died to the Sin (nature) only once; but the life that He lives, He lives to (or for) YAHWEH.
(11) In this manner you also count (consider) yourselves to exist as dead indeed to the Sin (nature), but as living unto YAHWEH in The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, our Sovereign. (12) Therefore the Sin nature is not to rule in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its desires.
(13) And do not present the parts of your body as tools of injustice, for Sin (the old nature), but on the contrary, present yourselves to YAHWEH as if being alive from among the dead, and the parts of your body as tools of justification (innocence) for YAHWEH. (14) For Sin (the old nature) shall not rule over you; for you are not under law but rather under grace.
(15) What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be so! (16) Do you not know that to whom you stand beside (agree with) as slaves in submission, you are slaves of him to whom you submit, either of sin leading to death, or of submission (to YAHWEH) leading to justification?
(17) But thanks be to YAHWEH, because you were slaves of the Sin (nature), but now you have listened attentively from the heart (thoughts or feelings - mind) to that type of instruction to which you have surrendered. (18) And having been set free from the Sin (nature), you are enslaved to the justification (of YAHWEH).
(19) I speak in human terms because of the frailty of your flesh (human nature). For just as you yielded your body parts as subservient to the impurity, and also to the violation of the law, for the purpose of violating the law, so now yield your body parts as subservient to justification, for the purpose of purity.
(20) Therefore, when you were slaves of the Sin (nature), you were unrestrained by the justification (of YAHWEH). (21) What fruit therefore did you possess at that time in those things of which you are now ashamed? For the result of those things is death.
(22) But now, being liberated from the Sin (nature) and having been enslaved to YAHWEH, you possess your fruit for the purpose of purity, and the result - Eternal Life. (23) For the wages of the Sin (nature) is (Eternal) Death, but the gift of YAHWEH is Eternal Life through YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, our Sovereign.
Chapter 7
(1) Or do you not know, brothers, (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law rules over a man as long as he lives? (2) For the married woman who has a husband is bound by law to her husband if he is living. But if the husband dies, the law of her husband is rendered useless. (3) Therefore if, while her husband lives, she becomes a different man’s wife, she will be called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is unrestrained by the law. She is not an adulteress by becoming a different man’s wife.
(4) Therefore, my brothers, you also have become dead to the law through the (crucified) body of The Messiah, for the purpose of becoming married to another - to Him who was raised up from among the dead - in order that we should be fertile (fruitful) for YAHWEH. (5) For when we were in the flesh (the Sin nature), the experiences of the Sin nature (which were because of the law) were active in our body parts making us fertile (fruitful) for the purpose of Eternal Death. (6) But now we have been rendered as being not affected by the law, having died to that by which we were held, in order that we should be slaves (to YAHWEH) in newness of spirit and not oldness of a writing (law).
(7) What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be so! On the contrary, I did not know the Sin (nature) except through law. And, indeed, I would not have perceived desire (craving) unless the law had said, “You shall not delight in (crave, covet).” (Ex. 20.17, Deut. 5.21) (8) But the Sin (nature), taking opportunity through the commandment, worked fully in me (the fulfilling of) every (selfish) craving. For without law sin (the act) is dead.
(9) Now, I was alive at one time without (apart from) law, but when the commandment came the Sin (nature) came to life again, and I died. (10) So then, I found the commandment, whose purpose is life, resulted in death. (11) For sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, wholly seduced me, and through it killed me. (12) Therefore law is indeed sacred, and also the commandment is sacred, and just, and good.
(13) Has therefore that which is good become death to me? May it never be so! On the contrary, the Sin (nature), in order that it might be illuminated as sin, was (through that which is good) accomplishing death in me, so that the Sin (nature) through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.
(14) Indeed, we know that The Law is spiritual (of the
spirit), but I am fleshly, sold into slavery under the Sin (nature). (15)
Therefore what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I choose to do, that I
am not practicing; but on the contrary, what I detest, this I am doing. (16) If, then, I do what I choose not
to do, I agree with The Law, which is morally good. (17) But now it is no
longer I myself who am doing this, but rather the Sin (nature) that resides
within me.
(18) For I perceive that in me (that is, in my flesh) resides no good; for to choose (or to prefer) is available to me, yet to accomplish that which is good is not (available to me). (19) For the good that I choose to do, I am not doing; but on the other hand the worthless things I choose not to do, this I am practicing. (20) Now if I do what I choose not to do, it is no longer I myself doing this but rather the Sin (nature) that resides within me.
(21) I find therefore the law (the principle) with me that though wanting to do what is good, that which is worthless (the Sin nature) is still present with me. (22) For I delight in the law of Yahweh according to the inner man, (23) but I see another law (of a different kind) in my body, attacking the law of my mind (the new nature), and making me a captive to the law of the Sin (nature) which is in my body.
(24) I am a miserable man. Who will rescue me from this (mortal) body of death? (25) Indeed, it (my rescue) is by the grace of Yahweh through YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, our Sovereign!
Therefore then, on the one hand, with the mind I myself am serving the law of YAHWEH (in the New nature) as a slave, but on the other hand, with the flesh (I am serving as a slave) the law of Sin (the old nature).
Chapter 8 (A continuation of the thoughts of Chapter 5 verse 21)
(1) There is therefore now absolutely no condemnation to those who are in The Messiah, YAHUSHUA - who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (2) For the law of the spirit of life (the New nature) (obtained) in The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, has liberated me (made me exempt) from the law of the Sin (nature), and the (resulting Eternal) Death.
(3) Therefore what The Law (of Moses) could not do, in
that it was weak because of the flesh (the Sin nature), YAHWEH did, by sending
His own Son in the form of sinful flesh, because of sin - thereby condemning
the Sin (nature) by means of the flesh
(4) in order that the righteous requirement of The Law might be fully satisfied in us who do not live according to the flesh (the Sin nature) but according to the spirit (the New Nature).
(5) Indeed, those who live according to the flesh are mentally disposed to follow the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, the things of the spirit. (6) Indeed, the mental inclination toward the flesh (Sin nature) is death, but the mental inclination toward the spirit (New nature) is life, and peace, (7) for the very reason that the fleshly mental inclination is hostility toward YAHWEH - for it is not subordinate to YAHWEH’s law, nor indeed is it possible (to be subordinated). (8) So then, those who are in the flesh (the Sin nature) are not able to be agreeable (with Him).
(9) But you are not in the flesh (Sin nature) but in the spirit (New nature), if indeed The Spirit of YAHWEH (divine nature) dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have The Spirit of The Messiah, he is not His. (10) And if The Messiah (His spirit) is in you, on the one hand the body is dead because of sin, but on the other hand the spirit is alive because of justification.
(11) Now if the spirit (New nature) of Him who raised YAHUSHUA from the dead dwells in you, then He who raised The Messiah from the dead will also revitalize your mortal bodies by means of His spirit (New nature) which dwells in you.
(12) Therefore, brothers, we are certainly not persons indebted to the flesh (Sin nature), to live according to the flesh (Sin nature). (13) For if you live according to the flesh (the Sin nature) you will die. But if by the spirit (New nature) you are putting to death the practices of the body (the flesh), you will live. (14) For as many as are led by The Spirit (New nature) of YAHWEH, these are sons of YAHWEH.
(15) For you have not receive the spirit of slavery again
(once more), into fear, but you have received the spirit of son-ship by which
we exclaim, “Abba, Father.” (16)
The Spirit Himself testifies jointly with our spirit (The New nature) that we are children of YAHWEH, (17) and if children, then heirs - heirs on the one hand of YAHWEH, and on the other hand joint heirs with The Messiah, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be exalted to dignity in company with Him.
(18) Therefore I reckon that the difficulties of this
present time are not comparable to the glory which shall be revealed unto us,
(19) because the intense anticipation of the creation fully expects the
revelation (The Apocalypse) of The Son of YAHWEH,
(20)
because this creation was made subject to uselessness (or
depravity), not willingly,
but because of Him who subjected it -
resting upon hope,
(21)
because this creation itself also will be liberated from the
slavery of the decay
into the glorious freedom of The Son YAHWEH.
(22) For we perceive that the whole creation groans and has birth pangs together (with us) even until now. (23) Not merely it, but on the other hand we also (the ones having the first fruits of The Spirit), even we ourselves groan within ourselves, fully expecting the adoption, i.e. the ransom in full of our body. (24) For we have been saved with this expectation.
But an expectation that is observed does not exist as an expectation. Indeed, why does one also have an expectation for that which he already observes? (25) But on the other hand, if that which we do not observe is being expected, we, through hopeful endurance, are still fully expecting it.
(26) Now also, in the same way (see v. 16), The Spirit assists in our weakness, because we do not know for what we should necessarily pray to YAHWEH. However, The Spirit Himself intercedes on our behalf with unspeakable sighs. (27) Now He (The Spirit) who investigates the hearts (thoughts or feelings) knows what the intention of the spirit (the New nature) is, because He makes intercession on behalf of the morally blameless (those who have a New nature) before YAHWEH.
(28) And we know, that for those who are loving YAHWEH, all things work together for good, for those who are the called, who are existing in accordance with His purpose. (29) For whom He knew beforehand (would love Him) He also predetermined to become similar to the form of His Son. For that purpose He Himself (The Son of YAHWEH) became the firstborn of many brothers.
(30) Moreover, whom He knew beforehand (would be like His Son), these He also called; whom He called, these He also rendered innocent; and whom He rendered innocent, these He also rendered glorious.
(31) What then shall we say about these things? If YAHWEH is for us, who (or what) is against us? (32) Indeed, He who did not treat leniently His own Son, but on the contrary surrendered Him for the sake of every one of us, in what manner shall He not indeed together with Him also pardon every one of us?
(33) Who shall bring a charge against YAHWEH’s chosen?
This
same YAHWEH renders them innocent.
(34) Who is the one who pronounces sentence?
YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, is the one who has died, but, much more, is
resurrected;
who is even at the right hand of YAHWEH; who also
entreats with favor
for our sake.
(35) What shall separate us from the love (agape) of The
Messiah?
Shall
pressure, or distress, or persecution, or lack of food, or
nakedness, or danger,
or a knife (sword)?
(36) As it is written:
“For
Your sake we are killed all day long;
We
are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” (Psalm 44.22)
(37) On the contrary, in all these things (life’s daily trials) we have gained a decisive victory through Him who loves us. (38) Indeed, I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities (chief in rank), nor powers (Heavenly forces), nor things present, nor things to come, (39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing (of a different kind), shall be able to separate us from the love of YAHWEH which is in The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, our Sovereign.
Chapter 9
(1) I set forth the truth in The Messiah, I am not lying, my conscience bearing witness of me by the Holy Spirit, (2) that I have great sadness and continual grief in my heart, (3) because I have wished that I myself was excommunicated from The Messiah in the place of my brothers, my fellow countrymen according to the flesh, (4) who are Israelites; of whom is the adoption, and also the (Shekinah) glory, and also the inheritance, and also The Law, and also the worship of YAHWEH, and also the promises; (5) of whom are the fathers, and out of whom is The Messiah (according to the flesh), being Elohim over all, blessed for eternity. Amen.
(6) But it is not as though The Word of YAHWEH has become inefficient. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, (7) nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham. On the contrary, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” (Gen. 21.12) (8) That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of YAHWEH; but on the contrary, the children of the promise are counted as the seed. (9) For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.” (Gen. 18.10, 14)
(10) And not only this, but when Rebecca also held sperm from one man, our father Isaac, (11) (therefore, children being not yet born, not even having practiced any thing good or bad; in order that the purpose of YAHWEH according to divine selection might stay in place, not from human effort, but rather of Him who calls.) (12) it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” (Gen. 25.23) (13) Just as it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” (Mal. 1.2-3)
(14) What shall we say then? Is there injustice with YAHWEH? May it never be so! (15) For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” (Ex. 33.19)
(16) So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but it is of Yahweh who is compassionate. (17) For the scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” (Ex. 9.16) (18) Therefore He has compassion on whom He chooses, and whom He chooses He renders stubborn.
(19) You will say to me then, “Why does He still lay blame? For who has resisted His resolve?” (20) So then at least, oh man, who are you to contradict YAHWEH? Will the thing formed say to Him who formed him, “Why have You made me in this manner?” (21) Does the potter not have mastery over the clay, from the same mass to make one vessel for value and another for disgrace?
(22) What if YAHWEH, choosing to indicate His wrath and to make known His powerfulness, endured (with much patient endurance) the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, (23) also, in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon the vessels of compassion which He had prepared beforehand for the purpose of glory, (24) even us whom He has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
(25) As He says also in Hosea: “I will call them My people, who were not My people,” (Hos. 2.23) and call her beloved, who was not beloved. (26) And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there they shall be called sons of The Living Elohim.” (Hos. 1.10)
(27) Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:
“Though
the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the
sea, the
remnant will return. (28) For the destruction decreed shall
overflow with righteousness,
because YAHWEH, Elohim of Assemblies,
will make a decreed destruction
in the midst of the land.” (Is. 10.22-23)
(29) And as Isaiah said before:
“Unless
YAHWEH of Assenblies had left us a few survivors,
We
would have become like Sodom,
And
we would have resembled Gomorrah.” (Is. 1.9)
(30) What shall we say then, that Gentiles, who did not
pursue justification, have eagerly accepted justification, even the
justification that is from moral conviction, (31) but Israel, pursuing a law of
justification, has not arrived at justification by means of law? (32) Why?
Because they did not seek it out of faith, but rather out of works (of the
law). Therefore they stumbled at that stumbling stone. (33) Just as it is written:
“Behold,
I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense” (Is.
8.14) and,
“ Whoever believes on Him will not act hastily.” (Is. 28.16)
Chapter 10
(1) Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to Yahweh for Israel is that they may be saved. (2) For I bear them witness that they hold a zeal for YAHWEH, but not according to full discernment. (3) For they, being ignorant of YAHWEH’s justification and seeking to establish their own justification, have not submitted to the justification of YAHWEH. (4) For (salvation in) The Messiah is the end point of the law, leading to justification for everyone who has faith in Him.
(5) Therefore Moses writes about the justification which is from the law, “The man who does those things shall live in them.” (Lev. 18.5) (6) But the justification of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into The Heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring The Messiah down from above) (7) or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring up The Messiah again from the dead). (Deut 30.12)
(8) But what does it say? “The word (of YAHWEH) is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”. (Deut. 30.14) That is the word of moral conviction which we proclaim; (9) that if you acknowledge from your mouth YAHUSHUA as (your) Sovereign, and have faith in your heart (mind or feelings) that YAHWEH has raised Him from among the dead, you shall be saved. (10) For with the heart one has faith, for justification, and with the mouth acknowledgement is made, for salvation.
(11) Therefore The Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” (Is. 28.16) (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Sovereign of all is rich toward all who entitle Him (to be their Sovereign). (13) For “whoever calls on the name of YAHWEH shall be saved.” (Joel 2.32)
(14) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have
not had faith? And how shall they have faith in Him of whom they have not
heard? And how shall they hear without one proclaiming the message? (15) And
how can one proclaim the message if they are not sent? Just as it is written:
“How
beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the good news
of peace, who
bring good news of good things!” (Is. 52.7, Nah. 1.15)
(16) But they have not all listened attentively to the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Who has believed our announcement?” (Is. 53.1) (17) So then, moral conviction is the result of hearing a message, and hearing the message through The Word of YAHWEH.
(18) But on the other hand I say, “Have they not heard?”
Without doubt,
“Their
utterance has gone out into all the earth,
And
their words to the extremities of the land.” (Ps. 19.4)
(19) And I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says:
“I
will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation,
I
will provoke you to anger by a foolish nation.” (Deut. 32.21)
(20) And Isaiah is very bold and says:
“I
was worshipped by those who did not inquire of Me;
I
was made revealed to those who did not search for Me.” (Is. 65.1)
(21) And to Israel he says:
“All
day long I have extended My hands
To
a disbelieving and refusing (to believe) people.” (Is. 65.2)
Chapter 11
(1) I say then, has YAHWEH rejected His people? May it never be so! For I also am an Israelite, out of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. (2) YAHWEH has not rejected His people whom He foresaw (as His Chosen People). Or do you not know what The Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with YAHWEH against Israel, saying,(3) “...they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? (1Kings 19.10, 14) (4) And what does the divine response proclaim to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” (1Kings 19.18)
(5) In like manner then, at this present time, a remnant, according to election is being created, belonging to grace. (6) And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
(7) What is this then? Israel (the nation) has not
attained what it searches for; but the elect have attained it, and the rest
were hardened. (8) Just as it is written:
“YAHWEH has given them a spirit of lethargy,
Eyes
that they should not see
And
ears that they should not hear,
To
this very day.” (Is 29.10)
(9) And David says:
“Let
their table become a snare and a trap,
A
stumbling block and a recompense to them.
(10) Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see,
And
bow down their back always.” (Ps. 69.22-23)
(11) I say therefore, have they stumbled that they should fall? May it never become so! On the contrary, by their error salvation exists for the Gentiles, to provoke them (Israel) to emulation. (12) And if their error is riches for the world, and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more is their completion.
(13) Therefore I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am indeed an apostle to the Gentiles. I glorify my ministry (14) so that if by any means I may provoke to emulation those who are my flesh and save some of them. (15) For if their being rejected is the reconciliation of the world, what will their admission (into faith) be if not life from among the dead?
(16) For if the first fruit is sacred, the whole mass is also sacred; and if the root is sacred, so are the branches. (17) But if some of the branches were broken off, and you (being a wild olive tree) were grafted in among them, and with them have become a co-participant of the root and richness of the olive tree, (18) do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
(19) You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” (20) Well said. For disbelief they were cut off, and you stand by moral conviction. Do not be arrogant, but rather stand in awe; (21) for if indeed YAHWEH did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you.
(22) Consider then the excellence in character and
decisiveness (in cutting off) of YAHWEH
-
on those who failed, decisiveness (in cutting off);
-
but upon you, excellence of character
- if you remain excellent in character
since you also could be cut off.
(23) And these same ones also, if they do not continue in disbelief, will be grafted in, for YAHWEH is capable of grafting them in once more. (24) For if you were cut off of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, which are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
(25) Therefore, I do not want you to be ignorant,
brothers, of this mystery, (so that you should not be conceited) that hardness
in part has happened to Israel until the completion of the Gentiles has come.
(26) And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written:
“The
Deliverer will come from of Zion,
And
He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
(27)
For this is My covenant with them” (Is. 59.20-21),
when
I take away their sins.
(28) Indeed, according to the gospel they are hostile toward you, but according to the election they are beloved because of the fathers. (29) For the gifts and the invitation of YAHWEH are irrevocable.
(30) Therefore, just as you at one time disbelieved YAHWEH, and have now been shown mercy through their disbelief, (31) also in this way these who have now disbelieved, by the mercy shown to you may also be shown mercy. (32) For YAHWEH has included everyone in disbelief, that He may show mercy to everyone.
(33) Oh, the profoundness of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of YAHWEH! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways are untraceable! (34) For, “ who has managed The Spirit of YAHWEH? Or as His advisor has taught Him?” (Is. 40.13, Jer. 23.18) (35) Or who has anticipated Me that I should repay him?” (Job 41.11) (36) For out of Him, and through Him, and for Him are all things; to whom be glory for Eternity. Amen.
Chapter 12
(1) I implore you accordingly, brothers, through the compassions of Yahweh, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, consecrated to YAHWEH, acceptable as your logical worship. (2) And do not be conformed to the same pattern as that of this age (time period). On the contrary, be transformed by the renovation of your mind, in which you are testing what is the will of Yahweh - that which is good and acceptable and complete.
(3) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than it’s necessary to think, but rather to think as having a sound mind, as YAHWEH has apportioned to each one a measure of moral conviction.
(4) Therefore exactly as we possess many parts in one
body, but all the parts do not have the same function, (5) in this same manner
the many exist as one body in The Messiah, and accordingly are parts belonging
to one another, (6) now possessing gifts varying according to the grace that is
given to us:
if prophecy,
let it be according to the proportion to our faith;
(7) if service, let it be in serving;
if one who teaches, let it be in instruction;
(8) if one who invites, let it be in inviting;
if one who shares, let it be with generosity;
if one who presides, let it be with eagerness;
one who is compassionate, let it be done willingly.
(9) Love (agape) sincerely;
detest utterly that which is evil;
stick to that which is good;
(10) cherish one another with brotherly love, leading the
way for others toward one another;
(11) be not lagging in eagerness;
be fervent in spirit - being a slave to The Master;
(12) rejoicing in hope;
persevering in stress;
being constantly diligent in prayer;
(13) sharing with others in the affairs of the saints;
pursuing hospitality;
(14) speak well of those who persecute you; speak well of
them and do not curse;
(15) be cheerful among with those who are cheerful,
and weep with those who weep;
(16) have the same opinion toward one another (of the
same kind);
do not think on high things, but associate with those who
are humiliated;
do not be wise in your own opinions.
(17) to not even one person give back evil (harm) because
of evil (harm).
Consider in advance what is morally good in the sight of all people,(18) if possible, from what is within yourself, living peacefully among all men.
(19) Do not retaliate for yourselves, beloved, but rather
give place for wrath; for it is written, “Revenge is Mine, and repayment,” (Deut.
32.25) says YAHWEH. (20) Therefore:
“If
your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If
he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For
in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” (Prov. 25.21-22)
(21) Do not be subdued under that which is evil, but rather subdue evil by means of that which is good.
Chapter 13
(1) Let every soul be subordinate to (obey) the superior authorities. For there is no authority except from YAHWEH, and the authorities that exist are appointed under YAHWEH. (2) Therefore whoever is opposing the authority is opposing the arrangement of YAHWEH; and those who oppose it will obtain judgment for themselves. (3) For indeed leaders do not exist as an alarm toward good works, but toward evil. And do you not want to be frightened by the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
(4) Indeed, he is the minister of YAHWEH to you for the purpose of good. But in the event you do that which is evil, be afraid, because he does not carry the sword without reason. For he is the minister of YAHWEH, a punisher for the purpose of wrath toward those who practice evil. (5) Consequently, be subordinate out of necessity, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of moral consciousness. (6) For to this end you also pay taxes, for they are YAHWEH’s public servants, being constantly diligent for this very thing.
(7) Give back accordingly to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes is owed, customs to whom customs is owed, fear to whom fear is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (8) Owe absolutely not even one person anything except to love (agape) each other, because he who is loving another has fulfilled the law (it’s purpose).
(9) For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” (Ex. 20.13-15, 17) and if there is any different commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22.39) (10) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
(11) And do this knowing this is the time, that even now is the hour for you to awake out of spiritual dormancy, for now our rescue (salvation) is nearer than when we had faith (in The Messiah). (12) The night is well along. The Day (of The Messiah) is near. Accordingly, let us put away the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (13) Let us walk appropriately, as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lack of moral restraint, not in quarreling and jealousy. (14) But put on The Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, and make no provision for the flesh (the Old Nature), for its perverse desires.
Chapter 14
(1) Admit into fellowship one who is weak in moral conviction, but not for disputes over legalistic matters. (2) For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. (3) Let not him who eats denigrate him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat condemn him who eats; for YAHWEH has admitted him into fellowship. (4) Who are you to condemn another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he shall be made to stand, for YAHWEH is able to make him stand.
(5) On the one hand, one determines each day is different from another day. But on the other hand, one determines every day is alike. Each one is fully convinced in his own mind. (6) He who regards the day, regards it as unto The Sovereign, and he who does not regard the day, as unto The Sovereign he does not regard it. He who eats, eats as unto The Sovereign, and he gives YAHWEH thanks. And he who does not eat, unto The Sovereign he does not eat, and gives YAHWEH thanks.
(7) For not even one of us lives for himself, and not even one dies for himself. (emphatic) (8) For if we live, we live for The Sovereign; and if we die, we die for The Sovereign. Therefore, whether we live or whether we die, we are The Sovereign's. (9) For to this end The Messiah died and rose and lived again, that He might rule both the dead and the living.
(10) And why do you condemn your brother; or why do you
show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of The Messiah. (11) For it is written:
“As
I live, says YAHWEH,
Every
knee shall bow to Me,
And
every tongue shall confess.” (Is. 45.23)
(12) So then each of us shall give account of himself to YAHWEH. (13) Therefore let us not condemn one another any longer, but rather decide this: to not put a stumbling block nor a cause to sin before a brother. (14) I perceive and am convinced by The Sovereign, YAHUSHUA that there is nothing unclean in itself; but to him who counts anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. (15) Yet if your brother is distressed because of food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom The Messiah died.
(16) Accordingly, do not let your good be spoken of with disrespect; (17) for the Kingdom of YAHWEH is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (18) For he who serves The Messiah as a slave in these things is well-pleasing to YAHWEH and approved by men.
(19) Therefore then pursue the things of peace and the building up of one another. (20) Do not tear apart the work of YAHWEH for the sake of food. All things are indeed clean (ritually); but on the other hand, they are harmful for the man who eats as though it’s a stumbling-block. (21) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother is made to stumble, or is enticed to sin, or is made weak.
(22) Do you have moral conviction? Hold it for your own benefit in the sight of YAHWEH. Supremely blessed is he who does not condemn himself in that which he approves. (23) But he who hesitates is condemned if he eats, because he eats not out of moral conviction. And whatever is not done out of moral conviction is sin.
Chapter 15
(1) We then who are strong are under obligation to lift up the scruples of conscience of those who are weak, and not please only ourselves. (2) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, for the purpose of building him up. (3) For even The Messiah did not please Himself. But on the other hand, as it is written, “The disgraces of those who defamed you have fallen on Me.” (Ps. 69.9)
(4) Therefore, whatever things were written previously were written previously for the sake of our instruction, in order that we, through the endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures, might have confidence. (5) Now may the Elohim of endurance and encouragement give you the same mind (same kind of thinking) toward one another, in accord with The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, (6) that you may unanimously with one voice render glory to YAHWEH, even The Father of our Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah.
(7) Consequently, accept one another, just as The Messiah accepted us, into the glory of YAHWEH.
(8) Now I say that YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, became a servant
to the circumcision for the sake of the truth of YAHWEH, to confirm the
promises made to the fathers, (9) and that the Gentiles might glorify YAHWEH for the sake of His mercy; as it is written:
“For
this reason I will give thanks to You among the Gentiles,
And
sing praises unto Your name.” (Ps. 18.49)
(10) And again he says:
“Rejoice,
O Gentiles, with His people!” (Deut. 32.43)
(11) And again:
“Praise
YAHWEH, all you Gentiles!
Commend
Him, all you peoples!” (Ps. 117.1)
(12) And again, Isaiah says:
“There
shall be a root of Jesse;
And
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In
Him the Gentiles shall hope.” (Is. 11.10)
(13) Now may the Elohim of confidence fill you with all joy and peace in trusting, that you may excel in confidence in the power of The Holy Spirit. (14) Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to gently reprove one another. (15) Nevertheless, brothers, I have written more boldly to you on some points by way of reminding you (through the grace being given to me by YAHWEH, (16) so that I am a minister of YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of YAHWEH), in order that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, made holy through The Holy Spirit.
(17) Therefore I have reason to boast, because of The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, with respect to the things which pertain to YAHWEH. (18) Indeed, I will not venture to speak of any of those things which The Messiah has not accomplished through me for the obedience of the Gentiles - by word or by action, (19) by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of The Spirit of YAHWEH - so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as those of Illyricum I have provided the gospel of The Messiah.
(20) Indeed, in this way I am eager to proclaim the
gospel, not where The Messiah was named, so that I would build on another man’s
foundation, (21) but as it is written:
“To
whom He was not announced, they shall see;
And
those who have not heard shall understand.” (Is. 52.15)
(22) And consequently I have been greatly detained from coming to you. (23) But now, no longer having an opportunity in these regions, and having an intense longing to come to you for these many years, (24) whenever I travel to Spain I will come to you. Indeed, I expect to visit you while traveling through, and to be helped on my way there by you, provided first that I may be satisfied by your presence.
(25) But now I am traveling to Jerusalem to minister to the saints (The Jews), (26) for it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints (The Jews) who are in Jerusalem. (27) It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. Therefore, if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, they are obligated also to minister to them in fleshly things.
(28) Therefore, when I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall depart because of you into Spain. (29) And I perceive that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of The Messiah.
(30) Now I implore you, brothers, through The Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, and through the love of The Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to YAHWEH for me, (31) that I may be rescued from those in Judea who disbelieve, and that my ministering for the sake of Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, (32) in order that I may come to you with joy, through the will of YAHWEH, and may be refreshed, along with you.
(33) And now The Elohim of peace be with every one of you. Amen.
Chapter 16
(1) Now I commend to you Phoebe our sister, being a
servant of the called out ones (Believers) who are in Cenchrea, (2) that you
may receive her in The Sovereign in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in
whatever affairs she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many,
and of myself also.
(3) Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in The
Messiah, YAHUSHUA, (4) who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only
I give thanks, but also all the called out ones (Believers) of the Gentiles.
(5) Likewise greet the called out ones (Believers) who
are in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of
Achaia to The Messiah.
(6) Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
(7) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my
fellow prisoners, who are eminent among the apostles, who also were in The
Messiah before me.
(8) Greet Amplias, my beloved in The Sovereign.
(9) Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in The Messiah, and
Stachys, my beloved.
(10) Greet Apelles, approved in The Messiah. Greet those
who are of the household of Aristobulus.
(11) Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are
of the household of Narcissus who are in The Sovereign.
(12) Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in The Sovereign. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in The Sovereign.
(13) Greet Rufus, chosen in The Sovereign, and his mother
and mine.
(14) Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes,
and the brothers who are with them.
(15) Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
(16) Greet one another with a holy kiss. The called out
ones (Believers) of The Messiah greet you.
(17) Now I implore you, brothers, regard those who cause the dissensions and snares (scandals), contrary to the instruction which you learned to do, and avoid them. (18) For those who are of this sort are not serving as slaves to our Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, but rather their own belly, and through smooth words and flattering speech completely seduce the hearts (thoughts and feelings) of the unsuspecting.
(19) Indeed, your obedience has spread forth to all. Therefore I am happy on your behalf. But I want you to be wise on the one hand in what is good, and innocent on the other hand concerning what is harmful. (20) And The Elohim of peace will crush Satan completely under your feet in haste. The grace of our Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, be among you. Amen.
(21) Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and
Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.
(22) I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in The Sovereign.
(23) Gaius, my host and the host of the entire called out
ones (Believers), greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you,
and Quartus, a brother.
(24) The grace of our Sovereign, YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, be with you all. Amen.
(25) Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the proclamation of YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, according to the revelation of the mystery (kept secret for all time (26) but now made apparent), and also through the prophetic Scriptures made known to all the Gentiles, according to the commandment of The Eternal Elohim for the sake of obedience of the faithful – (27) to YAHWEH who alone is wise, be glory through YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, for Eternity. Amen.