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Romans 9:26-16:27
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Romans 9:26-16:27
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
26 “And in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they shall be called children of the living God.”(A)
27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the children of Israel were like the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,(B) 28 for the Lord will execute his sentence on the earth quickly and decisively.”[a] 29 And as Isaiah predicted,
“If the Lord of hosts had not left descendants to us,
we would have fared like Sodom
and been made like Gomorrah.”(C)
Israel’s Unbelief
30 What then are we to say? Gentiles, who did not strive for righteousness, have attained it, that is, righteousness through faith,(D) 31 but Israel, who did strive for the law of righteousness, did not attain that law.(E) 32 Why not? Because they did not strive for it on the basis of faith but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,(F) 33 as it is written,
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall,
and whoever trusts in him[b] will not be put to shame.”(G)
10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not based on knowledge.(H) 3 Not knowing the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness.(I) 4 For Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.(J)
Salvation Is for All
5 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.”(K) 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say?
“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim),(L) 9 because[c] if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe[d] in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.(M) 10 For one believes[e] with the heart, leading to righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, leading to salvation. 11 The scripture says, “No one who believes[f] in him will be put to shame.”(N) 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.(O) 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”(P)
14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed?[g] And how are they to believe[h] in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”(Q) 16 But not all have obeyed the good news,[i] for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed[j] our message?”(R) 17 So faith[k] comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.[l]
18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have:
“Their voice has gone out to all the earth
and their words to the ends of the world.”(S)
19 Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,
“I will use those who are not a nation to make you jealous;
with a foolish nation I will provoke you.”(T)
20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”(U)
21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”(V)
Israel’s Rejection Is Not Final
11 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.(W) 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?(X) 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars; I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” 4 But what is the divine reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”(Y) 5 So, too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.[m](Z)
7 What then? Israel has not achieved what it was pursuing. The elect have achieved it, but the rest were hardened,(AA) 8 as it is written,
“God gave them a sluggish spirit,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
down to this very day.”(AB)
9 And David says,
“Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them;(AC)
10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
and keep their backs forever bent.”
The Salvation of the Gentiles
11 So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling[n] salvation has come to the gentiles, so as to make Israel[o] jealous.(AD) 12 Now if their stumbling[p] means riches for the world and if their loss means riches for gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
13 Now I am speaking to you gentiles. Inasmuch as I am an apostle to the gentiles, I celebrate my ministry(AE) 14 in order to make my own people[q] jealous and thus save some of them.(AF) 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted among the others to share the rich root[r] of the olive tree, 18 do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember: you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off on account of unbelief,[s] but you stand on account of belief.[t] So do not become arrogant, but be afraid.(AG) 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.[u] 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen but God’s kindness toward you, if you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.(AH) 23 And even those of Israel,[v] if they do not continue in unbelief,[w] will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.(AI) 24 For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree.
All Israel Will Be Saved
25 I want you to understand this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not claim to be wiser than you are: a hardening has come upon part of Israel until the full number of the gentiles has come in.(AJ) 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,
“Out of Zion will come the Deliverer;
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.”(AK)
27 “And this is my covenant with them,
when I take away their sins.”(AL)
28 As regards the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their ancestors, 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience,(AM) 31 so also they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they also may now[x] receive mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.(AN)
33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!(AO)
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”(AP)
35 “Or who has given a gift to him,
to receive a gift in return?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.(AQ)
The New Life in Christ
12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship.(AR) 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.[y](AS)
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.(AT) 4 For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function,(AU) 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith;(AV) 7 ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching;(AW) 8 the encourager, in encouragement; the giver, in sincerity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.(AX)
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.(AY) 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.(AZ)
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.(BA) 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly;[z] do not claim to be wiser than you are.(BB) 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.(BC) 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.(BD) 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God,[aa] for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”(BE) 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Being Subject to Authorities
13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.(BF) 2 Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval,(BG) 4 for it is God’s agent for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority[ab] does not bear the sword in vain! It is the agent of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.(BH) 6 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s agents, busy with this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
Love for One Another
8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.(BI) 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”(BJ) 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.(BK)
An Urgent Appeal
11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;(BL) 12 the night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off[ac] the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;(BM) 13 let us walk decently as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in illicit sex and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.(BN) 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.(BO)
Do Not Judge Another
14 Welcome those who are weak in faith[ad] but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.(BP) 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.(BQ) 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat, for God has welcomed them. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on slaves of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord[ae] is able to make them stand.
5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6 Those who observe the day, observe it for the Lord. Also those who eat, eat for the Lord, since they give thanks to God, while those who abstain, abstain for the Lord and give thanks to God.(BR)
7 For we do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.(BS) 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.(BT)
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.[af](BU) 11 For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall give praise to[ag] God.”(BV)
12 So then, each one of us will be held accountable.[ah](BW)
Do Not Make Another Stumble
13 Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother or sister.(BX) 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who considers it unclean.(BY) 15 If your brother or sister is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let your good be slandered. 17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.(BZ) 18 The one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and has human approval.(CA) 19 Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.(CB) 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong to make someone stumble by what you eat; 21 it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble.[ai](CC) 22 Hold the conviction that you have as your own before God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves because of what they approve. 23 But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat because they do not act from faith,[aj] for whatever does not proceed from faith[ak] is sin.[al]
Please Others, Not Yourselves
15 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.(CD) 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.(CE) 3 For Christ did not please himself, but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.(CF) 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus,(CG) 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the ancestors(CH) 9 and that the gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will confess you among the gentiles
and sing praises to your name”;(CI)
10 and again he says,
“Rejoice, O gentiles, with his people”;
11 and again,
“Praise the Lord, all you gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him”;
12 and again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the gentiles;
in him the gentiles shall hope.”(CJ)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(CK)
Paul’s Reason for Writing So Boldly
14 I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.(CL) 15 Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God(CM) 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.(CN) 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. 18 For I will not be so bold as to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the gentiles, by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit,[am] so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.(CO) 20 Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation,(CP) 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him shall see,
and those who have never heard of him shall understand.”(CQ)
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
22 This is the reason that I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, with no further place for me in these regions, I desire, as I have for many years, to come to you(CR) 24 when I go to Spain. For I do hope to see you on my journey and to be sent on by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a little while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints,(CS) 26 for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.(CT) 27 They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them, for if the gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things.(CU) 28 So, when I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,[an] I will set out by way of you to Spain, 29 and I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing[ao] of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf,(CV) 31 that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my ministry[ap] to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.(CW) 33 The God of peace be with all of you.[aq] Amen.(CX)
Personal Greetings
16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[ar] of the church at Cenchreae,(CY) 2 so that you may welcome her in the Lord, as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus,(CZ) 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the gentiles. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert[as] in Asia for Christ.(DA) 6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia,[at] my fellow Israelites who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.(DB) 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my fellow Israelite Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and greet his mother—a mother to me also. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.(DC) 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.(DD)
Final Instructions
17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who create dissensions and hindrances, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them.(DE) 18 For such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites,[au] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.(DF) 19 For your obedience is known to all; therefore, I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and guileless in what is evil.(DG) 20 The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.[av](DH)
21 Timothy, my coworker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Israelites.(DI)
22 I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord.[aw]
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.[ax](DJ)
Final Doxology
25 Now to God[ay] who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages(DK) 26 but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith(DL)— 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.[az]
Footnotes
- 9.28 Other ancient authorities read for he will finish his work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make the sentence shortened on the earth
- 9.33 Or it
- 10.9 Or namely, that
- 10.9 Or trust
- 10.10 Or trusts
- 10.11 Or trusts
- 10.14 Or trusted
- 10.14 Or trust
- 10.16 Or gospel
- 10.16 Or trusted
- 10.17 Or trust
- 10.17 Or about Christ; other ancient authorities read of God
- 11.6 Other ancient authorities add But if it is by works, it is no longer on the basis of grace, otherwise work would no longer be work
- 11.11 Or transgression
- 11.11 Gk them
- 11.12 Or transgression
- 11.14 Gk my flesh
- 11.17 Other ancient authorities read the root and the richness
- 11.20 Or faithlessness or lack of trust
- 11.20 Or faithfulness or trust
- 11.21 Other ancient authorities read perhaps he will not spare you
- 11.23 Gk lacks of Israel
- 11.23 Or faithlessness or lack of trust
- 11.31 Other ancient authorities lack now
- 12.2 Or what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God
- 12.16 Or give yourselves to humble tasks
- 12.19 Gk the wrath
- 13.4 Gk it
- 13.12 Other ancient authorities read lay aside
- 14.1 Or conviction
- 14.4 Other ancient authorities read for God
- 14.10 Other ancient authorities read of Christ
- 14.11 Or confess
- 14.12 Other ancient authorities add to God
- 14.21 Other ancient authorities add or be upset or be weakened
- 14.23 Or conviction
- 14.23 Or conviction
- 14.23 Other ancient authorities add here 16.25–27
- 15.19 Other ancient authorities read the Spirit of God or the Holy Spirit
- 15.28 Gk have sealed to them this fruit
- 15.29 Other ancient authorities add of the gospel
- 15.31 Other ancient authorities read my bringing of a gift
- 15.33 One ancient authority adds 16.25–27 here
- 16.1 Or minister
- 16.5 Gk first fruits
- 16.7 Or Junias; other ancient authorities read Julia
- 16.18 Gk their own belly
- 16.20 Other ancient authorities lack this sentence
- 16.22 Or I Tertius, writing this letter in the Lord, greet you
- 16.23 Other ancient authorities add verse 24, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.
- 16.25 Gk the one
- 16.27 Other ancient authorities lack 16.25–27 or include it after 14.23 or 15.33; others put 16.24 after 16.27
Romans 9:26-16:27
New International Version
Romans 9:26-16:27
New International Version
26 and,
“In the very place where it was said to them,
‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”[a](A)
27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:
“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,(B)
only the remnant will be saved.(C)
28 For the Lord will carry out
his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”[b](D)
29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:
“Unless the Lord Almighty(E)
had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.”[c](F)
Israel’s Unbelief
30 What then shall we say?(G) That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;(H) 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness,(I) have not attained their goal.(J) 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.(K) 33 As it is written:
“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall,
and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[d](L)
10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire(M) and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous(N) for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.(O) 4 Christ is the culmination of the law(P) so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.(Q)
5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”[e](R) 6 But the righteousness that is by faith(S) says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”[f](T) (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’”[g](U) (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).(V) 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[h](W) that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare(X) with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”(Y) and believe(Z) in your heart that God raised him from the dead,(AA) you will be saved.(AB) 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[i](AC) 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile(AD)—the same Lord is Lord of all(AE) and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord(AF) will be saved.”[j](AG)
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[k](AH)
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news.(AI) For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[l](AJ) 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,(AK) and the message is heard through the word about Christ.(AL) 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:
19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
“I will make you envious(AN) by those who are not a nation;
I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”[n](AO)
20 And Isaiah boldly says,
“I was found by those who did not seek me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”[o](AP)
21 But concerning Israel he says,
The Remnant of Israel
11 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means!(AR) I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham,(AS) from the tribe of Benjamin.(AT) 2 God did not reject his people,(AU) whom he foreknew.(AV) Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”[q]?(AW) 4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”[r](AX) 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant(AY) chosen by grace.(AZ) 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;(BA) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.(BB) The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,(BC) 8 as it is written:
“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
eyes that could not see
and ears that could not hear,(BD)
to this very day.”[s](BE)
9 And David says:
“May their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,(BF)
and their backs be bent forever.”[t](BG)
Ingrafted Branches
11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all!(BH) Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles(BI) to make Israel envious.(BJ) 12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles,(BK) how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles,(BL) I take pride in my ministry 14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy(BM) and save(BN) some of them. 15 For if their rejection brought reconciliation(BO) to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?(BP) 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits(BQ) is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 If some of the branches have been broken off,(BR) and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others(BS) and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.(BT) 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.(BU) Do not be arrogant,(BV) but tremble.(BW) 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22 Consider therefore the kindness(BX) and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue(BY) in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.(BZ) 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.(CA) 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree,(CB) how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
All Israel Will Be Saved
25 I do not want you to be ignorant(CC) of this mystery,(CD) brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited:(CE) Israel has experienced a hardening(CF) in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,(CG) 26 and in this way[u] all Israel will be saved.(CH) As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is[v] my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”[w](CI)
28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies(CJ) for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,(CK) 29 for God’s gifts and his call(CL) are irrevocable.(CM) 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient(CN) to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now[x] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience(CO) so that he may have mercy on them all.
Doxology
33 Oh, the depth of the riches(CP) of the wisdom and[y] knowledge of God!(CQ)
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!(CR)
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”[z](CS)
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”[aa](CT)
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.(CU)
To him be the glory forever! Amen.(CV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you,(CW) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,(CX) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform(CY) to the pattern of this world,(CZ) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.(DA) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is(DB)—his good, pleasing(DC) and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me(DD) I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,(DE) 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body,(DF) and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts,(DG) according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,(DH) then prophesy in accordance with your[ab] faith;(DI) 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;(DJ) 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;(DK) if it is giving, then give generously;(DL) if it is to lead,[ac] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere.(DM) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.(DN) 10 Be devoted to one another in love.(DO) Honor one another above yourselves.(DP) 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,(DQ) serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope,(DR) patient in affliction,(DS) faithful in prayer.(DT) 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.(DU) Practice hospitality.(DV)
14 Bless those who persecute you;(DW) bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.(DX) 16 Live in harmony with one another.(DY) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[ad] Do not be conceited.(DZ)
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.(EA) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.(EB) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.(EC) 19 Do not take revenge,(ED) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[ae](EE) says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[af](EF)
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Submission to Governing Authorities
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,(EG) for there is no authority except that which God has established.(EH) The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,(EI) and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.(EJ) 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.(EK) 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.(EL)
6 This is also why you pay taxes,(EM) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;(EN) if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Love Fulfills the Law
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.(EO) 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[ag](EP) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up(EQ) in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[ah](ER) 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.(ES)
The Day Is Near
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come(ET) for you to wake up from your slumber,(EU) because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.(EV) So let us put aside the deeds of darkness(EW) and put on the armor(EX) of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness,(EY) not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.(EZ) 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,(FA) and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[ai](FB)
The Weak and the Strong
14 Accept the one whose faith is weak,(FC) without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.(FD) 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt(FE) the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge(FF) the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?(FG) To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another;(FH) another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God;(FI) and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone,(FJ) and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.(FK) 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life(FL) so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.(FM)
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[aj]? Or why do you treat them with contempt?(FN) For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.(FO) 11 It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’(FP) says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[ak](FQ)
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.(FR)
13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment(FS) on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.(FT) 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.(FU) But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.(FV) 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.(FW) Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.(FX) 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.(FY) 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,(FZ) but of righteousness, peace(GA) and joy in the Holy Spirit,(GB) 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.(GC)
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace(GD) and to mutual edification.(GE) 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.(GF) All food is clean,(GG) but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.(GH) 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.(GI)
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn(GJ) himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts(GK) is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.[al]
15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak(GL) and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good,(GM) to build them up.(GN) 3 For even Christ did not please himself(GO) but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[am](GP) 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,(GQ) so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind(GR) toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify(GS) the God and Father(GT) of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another,(GU) then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[an](GV) on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises(GW) made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles(GX) might glorify God(GY) for his mercy. As it is written:
10 Again, it says,
11 And again,
12 And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse(HC) will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”[ar](HD)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace(HE) as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(HF)
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness,(HG) filled with knowledge(HH) and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me(HI) 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.(HJ) He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God,(HK) so that the Gentiles might become an offering(HL) acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus(HM) in my service to God.(HN) 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles(HO) to obey God(HP) by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders,(HQ) through the power of the Spirit of God.(HR) So from Jerusalem(HS) all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.(HT) 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel(HU) where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.(HV) 21 Rather, as it is written:
22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.(HX)
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,(HY) 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain.(HZ) I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist(IA) me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem(IB) in the service(IC) of the Lord’s people(ID) there. 26 For Macedonia(IE) and Achaia(IF) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.(IG) 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.(IH) 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain(II) and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you,(IJ) I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit,(IK) to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.(IL) 31 Pray that I may be kept safe(IM) from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution(IN) I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people(IO) there, 32 so that I may come to you(IP) with joy, by God’s will,(IQ) and in your company be refreshed.(IR) 33 The God of peace(IS) be with you all. Amen.
Personal Greetings
16 I commend(IT) to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[at][au] of the church in Cenchreae.(IU) 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord(IV) in a way worthy of his people(IW) and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
3 Greet Priscilla[av] and Aquila,(IX) my co-workers(IY) in Christ Jesus.(IZ) 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.(JA)
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert(JB) to Christ in the province of Asia.(JC)
6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews(JD) who have been in prison with me.(JE) They are outstanding among[aw] the apostles, and they were in Christ(JF) before I was.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ,(JG) and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.(JH)
Greet those who belong to the household(JI) of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.(JJ)
Greet those in the household(JK) of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus,(JL) chosen(JM) in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.
15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people(JN) who are with them.(JO)
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.(JP)
All the churches of Christ send greetings.
17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.(JQ) Keep away from them.(JR) 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ,(JS) but their own appetites.(JT) By smooth talk and flattery they deceive(JU) the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard(JV) about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.(JW)
20 The God of peace(JX) will soon crush(JY) Satan(JZ) under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.(KA)
21 Timothy,(KB) my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius,(KC) Jason(KD) and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.(KE)
22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius,(KF) whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.
Erastus,(KG) who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [ax]
25 Now to him who is able(KH) to establish you in accordance with my gospel,(KI) the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery(KJ) hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings(KK) by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[ay] faith(KL)— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.(KM)
Footnotes
- Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10
- Romans 9:28 Isaiah 10:22,23 (see Septuagint)
- Romans 9:29 Isaiah 1:9
- Romans 9:33 Isaiah 8:14; 28:16
- Romans 10:5 Lev. 18:5
- Romans 10:6 Deut. 30:12
- Romans 10:7 Deut. 30:13
- Romans 10:8 Deut. 30:14
- Romans 10:11 Isaiah 28:16 (see Septuagint)
- Romans 10:13 Joel 2:32
- Romans 10:15 Isaiah 52:7
- Romans 10:16 Isaiah 53:1
- Romans 10:18 Psalm 19:4
- Romans 10:19 Deut. 32:21
- Romans 10:20 Isaiah 65:1
- Romans 10:21 Isaiah 65:2
- Romans 11:3 1 Kings 19:10,14
- Romans 11:4 1 Kings 19:18
- Romans 11:8 Deut. 29:4; Isaiah 29:10
- Romans 11:10 Psalm 69:22,23
- Romans 11:26 Or and so
- Romans 11:27 Or will be
- Romans 11:27 Isaiah 59:20,21; 27:9 (see Septuagint); Jer. 31:33,34
- Romans 11:31 Some manuscripts do not have now.
- Romans 11:33 Or riches and the wisdom and the
- Romans 11:34 Isaiah 40:13
- Romans 11:35 Job 41:11
- Romans 12:6 Or the
- Romans 12:8 Or to provide for others
- Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
- Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
- Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22
- Romans 13:9 Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deut. 5:17-19,21
- Romans 13:9 Lev. 19:18
- Romans 13:14 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
- Romans 14:10 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family; also in verses 13, 15 and 21.
- Romans 14:11 Isaiah 45:23
- Romans 14:23 Some manuscripts place 16:25-27 here; others after 15:33.
- Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9
- Romans 15:8 Greek circumcision
- Romans 15:9 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49
- Romans 15:10 Deut. 32:43
- Romans 15:11 Psalm 117:1
- Romans 15:12 Isaiah 11:10 (see Septuagint)
- Romans 15:21 Isaiah 52:15 (see Septuagint)
- Romans 16:1 Or servant
- Romans 16:1 The word deacon refers here to a Christian designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Phil. 1:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
- Romans 16:3 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
- Romans 16:7 Or are esteemed by
- Romans 16:24 Some manuscripts include here May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.
- Romans 16:26 Or that is
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