Devine Scripture

Romans 1:2

What does Romans 1:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 1:2 means

Paul insists that the gospel he serves is no novelty. God promised it beforehand through his prophets in the holy writings. The good news has deep roots in the Old Testament; it is the fulfillment of long-standing promises, not a break from them. This underlines both the reliability of the message and the unity of God’s plan across the ages. The prophets prepared the way, anticipating the Messiah and the salvation he would bring. By anchoring the gospel in Scripture, Paul reassures Jewish and Gentile believers that the message stands on God’s revealed word, not on current trends or speculative ideas.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Of which God had given word before by his prophets in the holy Writings,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

which He announced before through His prophets in holy writings--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(which he had before promised by his prophets in holy writings,)

Context

After stating his role and separation to God’s gospel in verse 1, Paul now grounds that gospel in God’s prior promises (verse 2). This prepares for verses 3–4, which identify the promised content specifically as concerning God’s Son—his lineage, lordship, and resurrection power. The flow moves from the gospel’s antiquity and authority to its Christ-centered substance. Then verses 5–7 will show how this promised gospel creates a mission to all nations and calls the Roman believers themselves.

v.1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, calledto bean apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

v.2This passage

v.3concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 3:21

    But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

  • Acts 26:6

    And now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers;

  • Romans 3:2

    Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God.

  • Acts 10:43

    To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.

  • Titus 1:2

    in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal;

  • Luke 24:26

    Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?

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