We will probably have some trouble with discussing II Peter after the long Spring break, so we will go right on to Romans for next time. For Tuesday after spring break, please read as much as you can of Paul's letter to the Romans. From the chapters you read, pick out a verse or two that you think is a particularly important part of Paul's recipe for helping Jewish and gentile believers get along with one another. Cite also a verse you find particularly puzzling and explain why you find this verse hard to understand. Alternatively, you might take a stab at explaining the verse another student found difficult/confusing.
Have a great break.
21 comments:
To get along with one another the verse I chose was Romans 15:3-9 it also continues through a few more verses.
3) For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5) Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6) That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7) Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
8) Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9) And the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
This piece is important because it tells us the more we know of the scriptures the more we know about our past present and future. This book was written before the destruction of the temples in 70AD. The Roman church was diverse it had a hard time accepting the rich, poor, slaves, free people, Jews, Gentiles. In this piece Paul is telling them, this is what God did for you and this is what I will be teaching you. Paul stresses unity he wants to show them some of their wrongs before he arrives.
What I don’t like is the end or Chapter 16. It is more a greeting or personal thoughts to individuals that Paul is looking forward to meeting in Rome. I don’t know how that relates to the Gentiles or really anybody in getting along with one another.
Annie Merkel
Romans 14:1-3 "As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him."
I think that this verse is describing the Jews (those who eat anything) and the gentiles (those who eat only vegetables). Because the Jews are the ones who "know everything they need to know about religion" and the gentiles are those who turn to religion for guidance, this verse describes just that. The Jews must welcome the gentiles, and both groups must not pass judgment on each other over their separate beliefs. The last phrase, "for God has welcomed him," states that both the Jews and the gentiles are accepted by God, so they should accept each other.
Romans 5:13 "sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law."
I think this verse SEEMS easy to understand, but it goes deeper. It states that sin doesn't really matter if there is no law. That makes sense. But what about integrity? Do what is right no matter what - even if nobody is looking. I would think that Christians are expected to do what is both legally and morally right. So even if law doesn't matter, people should still not sin. A sin is a sin - it's that simple.
In his letter Paul writes that the Jews may have been the chosen people of the Lord but they still suffer from the same problems of sin as the Gentiles, therefore they too face the same risk of falling from grace.
Verses 13:8-13 tell people that love is what brings them to grace and keeps them on the path to righteousness. Paul's letter reads like the Christians of the time considered themselves above the Gentiles, which were the majority of the population of the Roman empire, and such contempt brought them low into strife.
Such divisions of people kept everybody from grace, made the Christians blind to their sin, and prevented the Gentiles from finding baptism and the true faith.
Paul says "Love worketh no ill to one's neighbor; therefore love is the fulfiling of the law."
Christians are not to despise those who have yet to find the faith, they are to love and respect the Gentiles and help them to it.
Though Paul speaks of love as the answer it will still seem difficult to understand for those who have yet to find it, until that time it is found the best solution for a dispute with a neighbor is still a left hook-right cross to the head, which is why Paul and the Lord want people to honor the love of others for that draws people into the right kind of agreeable relationships.
Brian Johnson
Romans 2: 11
"For there is no respect of persons with God."
This verse shows an attempt on the part of Paul to help the Jews and Gentiles get along with each other.
It means that God will bless all his children who obey him and also that he will judge all of his children who don't, so there is no point in fighting with each other.
Romans 8: 29-30
I don't think I fully understand these verses. They discuss predestination, but I am not sure what the meaning is when it talks about justifying.
There are many good verses that deal with Gentile and Jew living peaceable together. This makes it difficult to pick just one.
Romans 10:12,"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon him."
I would assume that some Jewish people felt they were better then the Gentiles because they had kept the laws of the Old Testament. However, this verse shows that God does not play favorites with those who believe in him. Although I always had the impression that David was one of His favorites because it was written that David was a man after God's own heart.
Romans 3:23,"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
This verse is the real answer to Jewish and Gentile harmony. We are all sinful, therefore a person who has been a believer longer then another person is not better in the eyes of God. They are equal. So judging another person should be out of the question. However, we are all human, and all guilty of this from time to time. That was long winded. I should have said Paul was saying we are all sinners and all in need of salvation.
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
I think that this shows how he was linking both of the groups together. It give them a common bond between God. The whole story creates a sense that there are linked together and that what they both do will matter in the after life.
Joe Adam
Romans 1:14-15
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish: so I am eager to preach the gospel to you also in Rome.
In these verses it is as if Paul is speaking more towards everyone of a different ethnicity. Not just towards the Jews and the Gentiles but to the Greeks and Barbarians
Zach Anderson
A confusing verse that I found was 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your your spiritual act of worship." I found this verse confusing because much of Romans talk about faith over works to me this walks that line between faith and law, which is a topic talked about a lot by Paul.
A verse I really liked was Romans
6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." I like this because one of the biggest questions and probably the only thing every person has in common, other than birth, is death. The salvation that Christianity offers through faith is the comfort of knowing that we all die, but our sin can be over come and we will not perish because of our sin.
Chapter 12 really stands out to me as an important part of Paul’s recipe. In particular, he speaks of being many parts of the same body, the body of Christ.
Romans 12:4-5 “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.”
By considering Jews and Gentiles as being part of the same body, he is telling them that neither group of people are more important or more loved by God, those who love and have faith in Jesus Christ are equal in his sight.
As seems to be confusing for others as well, Chapter 16 was confusing for me. The greeting of almost thirty people at the end caught me off guard. I’m guessing Paul was trying to establish a connection among the Christians in Rome by mentioning mutual acquaintances. By mentioning so many women I’m assuming he is highlighting the important role women played in his ministry and in the leadership of the early church..?
Amanda Imberi
Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them."
I believe that this line is very significant in getting the Jews and gentiles to get along with each other. Paul is saying that you should not only get along with your enemy, but to bless them. And since the two camps both want to achieve the gift of going to heaven they will follow Paul's words and stop the hate that has existed between them for so long.
One passage that I found to be hard to understand was in Romans 12:13. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God." This confuses me because I do not understand how you should be a subject to the governing authoritative even though they can be wrong since they are not God, yet we are supposed to go along with them.
Jon Adam
Romans 3: 9-10 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: "There is one righteous, not even one;
This part of Paul's letter seems to help try and tie both groups together, by tring to show how neither group is better then the other. They are both equal in ever aspect.
As for something that seems to be a little confusing. Romans 15: 23-33 you have Paul talking about how he would like to visit Rome and about his plan to get there. Most of Romans seems to be about the Gentiles and Jews, so it seems kind of odd to pretty much finish up his letter, with him talking about his plan to visit Rome.
Eric Bengs
Romans 14:13
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block of an occasian to fall in his brother's way.
I think this is an important peice of advice one person could give another. Paul basically says that judging someone only hurts that person, and makes them less likely to change what they are doing. This is great advice.
Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more of grace: otherwise work is no more work.
I finally got what Paul was trying to say but I had to read over it a handfull of times. Paul seems to be talking in circles.
Jon Hepola
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I have always like this verse and when I saw that we were discussing Romans I knew this is the verse I would choose. I think this verse is very important to bring the Jews and Gentiles together because it puts everyone together. Everyone who sins is going to die. However, if you believe in Jesus and God you will get eternal life. Paul doesn't specify who he is talking to in this because he is talking to everyone.
Brett Newton
Romans 1 16:17
is is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes first for the jew then for the gentile. for in the gospel of righteousness from God is revealed
I really like this passage because it shows how he felt about both groups. He wanted them to be identified as one not two seperate groups.
He tries to do this through uniting them with a belief and cause that is above themselves. These were two distinct groups and he offers through salvation and God our ability to have this. Very powerful message even tdoay when we look at other groups, racially or other differences in coming together under one cause or belief to resolve or make stronger.
I am going to write about the puzzling verse first, because it happens right away with the first words. Paul calls himself, "a slave of Jesus Christ." I can only assume Paul is using this terminology for his intended audience, showing him as a submissive servant.
One verse that helps the Jewish and gentile believers get along can be found in chapter one as well, verses 16-17. "It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, then Greek. For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, "the one who is righteous by faith will live."" I think this verse shows that we need to set aside differences and focus on our one true faith. If we believe in him, that is all that matters, not our difference in background.
Sam Merkel
Romans 2: 11 "For there is no respect of persons with God."
I believe that this shows how Paul is making strides towards getting the jews and the gentiles together so there is no more fighting between the two of them.
It shows that if a person follows in God that he will be blessed. If a person chooses not to follow God's way that person will be blessed as well. So either way both groups are going to be ok, it just doesn't make any sense for them to get into arguments about it.
Romans 5:13 "sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law."
To me I think that it means to where there is no law, and since there is no law a person can't do right or wrong in the society. Thats what I get out of it.
Ruth Wilson
Romans 3:9-20
No One Is Righteous
This passage tells everyone that they have fallen short of the glory of God, both Jew and Gentile. As a race, Jews have been so very proud of the fact that they are God's chosen people. The Parasees and Saducees were proud of their abuility to follow laws and/or rituals. This points out that none of that will save them. Because anybody not Jewish is Gentile, this passage would be the greatest stumbeling block to those who use thier gifts of evangalism to a distructive end, one that dammages the Christian faith and the faith of those in it. Im talking of the tv preachers that ask for money because 'God has called them to!' or tell people that they can be healed by touching the tv screen and sending in a small donation or some such filth. Or the close minded church elders that are just so sure they are perfect and ostracise those that don't fit their mold. Paul tells them all that nobody is perfect, not one.
This is also a message to comfort the aflicted, those that have fallen, yet again, in their walk with their Savior. 'All have fallen short...' says Paul. It is hard to sepperate the love in this message, really. Even when Paul is pointing out the failings of those hardhearted, stiff-necked people, he does it in love, so nobody miss interprets what he is saying, even if it would be easier and in some ways more satisfying, to hit them on the head. The rest of the book simply affirms what I'm saying. Love is always present in what Paul preaches, for the Jew, the Gentile, those who are holier than thou, those so weary from another stumbeling block in their path, all to further his message, the love of a Savior.
Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.
To begin with, this verse is important to Paul’s recipe to help Jews and Gentiles get along, because it shows both parties that their God appointed this man, Paul, to share the Gospel of the Lord. Of course, if anyone is going to help these two parties get along, they should have the authority to conduct this process.
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
This verse is very confusing. Why? Because, at least I fairly sure, most laws were founded on the Judeo-Christian belief system. So, in this case, would not man be justified in both faith and deeds?
Romans 14:1-23
I think that chapter 14 of Romans tells us not to get caught up in what day of the week we worship(14:5), or if we eat meat, or when we eat meat, or what we eat (14:3,4). Do not get caught up in these various customs and practices which may seperate Jew from Gentile. Rather, realize what is really important to your faith.(14:8-10). We shall all give an account of our actions to God, so let us not judge, he will judge and let us not cause another man to stumble. What is important is faith in God and serving Christ. (Chapter 14:11-23)
Romans 14:1-23
I think that chapter 14 of Romans tells us not to get caught up in what day of the week we worship(14:5), or if we eat meat, or when we eat meat, or what we eat (14:3,4). Do not get caught up in these various customs and practices which may seperate Jew from Gentile. Rather, realize what is really important to your faith.(14:8-10). We shall all give an account of our actions to God, so let us not judge, he will judge and let us not cause another man to stumble. What is important is faith in God and serving Christ. (Chapter 14:11-23)
I think chapter 1 verses 14-17 helps with making Jews and Gentiles get along with one another. In these verses Paul says that he is "obligated to both Greeks and non-Greeks." This is telling the members of the Roman church that the gospel that Paul is teaching them is for everyone, not just Greeks. He then goes on to say that "salvation is for everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." and then finishes with the quote "the righteous will live by faith." These verses show that your ancestry has nothing to do with if you will be saved or not. By realizing this it would help both Jews and Gentiles realize that just because of what race they are doesn't make them any more special than others. This will then help minimize the ideas of superiority that some people may have over others by thinking they are more holy or better people just because of who they are. And by finishing with "the righteous will live by faith" Paul is cementing the idea that it doesn't matter who you are, as long as you are a believer.
I would have to agree with Brian when he says that the verses on predestination are confusing. The teaching of predestination is probably one of the harder teachings to grasp. I know I still have trouble understanding all of it. This teaching says that God knows who everyone is that will be saved, and that he will not let them fall away. But on the other hand it does NOT say that God chose others to not be saved. Some might say that logically if you choose some to be saved but not others you are therefore choosing them to not be saved. But this is not the case. I don't know how to explain it, it is just something that we have to believe with a child like faith and trust in God more than anything, even if it doesn't make sense logically. Just remember that "the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom." (1 cor. 1:25)
John Rawerts
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