THE EPISTLE OF ROMANS - Part 2 of 15 - The Gospel of God
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Review of Part 1:
Romans is the foundational doctrine for the Church. E. W. Bullinger wrote, “All other truth which we may learn will be out of proportion and out of place if it is not subordinated to and dominated by the essential and fundamental truths written in the Epistle to the Romans.” Martin Luther stated, “This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is purest Gospel.”
Paul was sent as an apostle by the Lord Jesus Christ to deliver the gospel message to the nations of the world. He left us nine letters which are written to the church. These letters, called epistles, comprise the full curriculum for every born again one.
Part 2:
Once we realize the importance of the ministry of the Apostle Paul as the Lord’s messenger we must understand the message he was responsible to minister. This will be the purpose in Part 2 of this hub series on the book of Romans.
The very first verse of Romans gives us crucial information. It tells us 1) who sent the message, 2) who sent Paul with the message, 3) his title as messenger and 4) what the message is:
1) “Paul, 2) a servant of Jesus Christ, 3) called [to be] an apostle, 4) separated unto the gospel of God,” (Romans 1:1 ASV)
THE GOSPEL OF GOD is the one message threaded through the whole Bible. It is THE most important subject to understand. Without an understanding of the gospel a born again one is “blown about with every wind of doctrine” Ephesians 4:14. We must be aware that there are those who “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (the uniformed, Proverbs 14:15),” Romans 16:18. For this reason the Apostle Paul was sent with the gospel to set the standard for the Church, to keep us from erroneous doctrines and practices. The genuine makes known the counterfeit. God wants us knowledgeable of his gospel.
Here are some key points about the gospel as it is used in the Bible:
- Literally “gospel” means good news or glad tidings; a good or joyful message.
- Originally it was a Saxon word coined from “God-spell,” as under the spell of God.
- “Evangel” comes from a Latin word meaning gospel. So, an evangelist is a gospelizer.
- The term “gospel” is not referring to what are now called the four gospels.
- It is not referring to a type of music.
In short, the gospel is the good news about what was freely poured out to all of mankind because of the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel refers to him and the results of his redemptive work.
God, our Father desires to teach you the depths of the value of his gospel.
In the verses below you will find two Strong's Concordance reference numbers. 1. “2098” is the noun form of “gospel,” and, 2. “2097” is the verb form of “gospel” as they are used in the New Testament. The verb form (2097) might best translated “gospelizing” ; however, it is usually translated “preach/preaching”.
This is not an exhaustive list. The following verses were chosen because they communicate many of the varied aspects of the gospel.
Romans 1:1-3a Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel <2098> of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3a Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (“Concerning” is otherwise translated “about,” “centered in,” or “regarding.”).
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel <2098> of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel <2098> beforehand unto Abraham, [saying,] In thee shall all the nations be blessed.
The gospel was the message given immediately following the fall of man in Genesis 3:15 that through the Christ the serpent would be destroyed: "and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.".
Here is the last instance of the word gospel in the Bible:
- Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel <2098> to preach <2097> unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
The last verse of the Bible refers to the gospel in the clearest of terms: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with the saints. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21 ASV)
The first thing noted in Mark which Jesus spoke is the following: Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel <2098> [some manuscripts supply here: “of the kingdom”] of God, 15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel. The gospel is the message of the Kingdom of God.
Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel <2098> of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel <2098> of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel <2098> of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings <2097> of great joy which shall be to all the people: 11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach <2097> the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings <2097> of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached <2097>, and every man presseth into it.
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach <2097> Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching <2097> the word.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching <2097> the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached <2097> unto him Jesus.
Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching <2097> peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel <2098> of the grace of God.
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel <2098>.
Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel <2098>. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Quoted from Isa. 53:1; consider the rest of Isaiah 53. It is the gospel.
Romans 10:16-18 But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings <2098>. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So belief [cometh] of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world. See v. 4 in Psalm 19 from where this is quoted:
Psalms 19:1-6 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language; Their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, And his circuit unto the ends of it; And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Romans 15:15-16 ASV “But I write the more boldly unto you in some measure, as putting you again in remembrance, because of the grace that was given me of God, 16 that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel <2098> of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel <2098> of Christ.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel <2098>, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
1Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel <2097>: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1Corinthians 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel <2098> should live of the gospel <2098>.
1Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel <2098> which I preached <2097> unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached <2097> unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures.
2Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel <2098> be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Colossians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel <2098> of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel <2098>:
Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel <2098> of Christ.
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel <2097> unto you than that which we have preached <2097> unto you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach <2097> any other gospel <2097> unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:10-12 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. 11 For I certify you, brethren, as touching the gospel <2098> which was preached <2097> by me, that it is not after man. 12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel <2098> of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
Galatians 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel <2098>, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel <2098> of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel <2098> of peace;
Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel <2098>:
Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach <2097> among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel <2098>,
Philippians 1:27 Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel <2098> of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith of the gospel <2098>,.
Philippians 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel <2098>.
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel <2098>, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Colossians 1:5-6 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel <2098>,, 6 which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as [it doth] in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
1Thessaloninas 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel <2098>, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
2Thessaloninas 1:7-9 and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, 8 taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God and on those who don’t obey the gospel <2098> of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of everlasting destruction, away from the Lord’s presence and from His glorious strength.
1Timothy 1:11 According to the glorious gospel <2098> of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
2Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel <2098>:
Hebrews 4:1-2 HCSB “Therefore, while the promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear so that none of you should miss it. 2 For we also have received the good news <2097> just as they did; but the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith”
Hebrews 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached <2097> entered not in because of unbelief:
1Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel <2097> unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
1Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached <2097> unto you.
John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Note: Allow our Father to acclimatize your thinking to recognize the gospel in scripture and in life. What is being preached as the gospel?
Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach <2097> him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth <2097> the faith which once he destroyed.
Galatians 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel <2098> might continue with you.
Ephesians 2:17 And came and preached <2097> peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach <2097> among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel <2098>.
Philippians 1:27 Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel <2098> of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith of the gospel <2098>.
And compare the two complementing bookends of Romans - 1:1-5 and 16:25-26.
The purpose of the book of Romans is to declare THE GOSPEL OF GOD CONCERNING HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, that it would be made known to, and lived by, all.
