212-6 - Romans part 2

211-6 Romans Part 2

Understanding Paul requires an understanding of his terminology; 1)salvation refers to exaltation, 2) justification is simply forgiveness of sins through Christ, 3) the law is the Law of Moses and 4) Grace is spiritual generosity. (paraphrased from Anderson, "Understanding Paul" p. 177-8)

There are at least 67 Old Testament quotations in the Book of Romans

Chapter 7 - Note the significant # of changes made it the JST.

Paul uses the analogy that a wife is only bound to her husband while he lives and the Jews were only bound to the Law of Moses while it was in force.

"Paul's presentation here is obscure and difficult. From the King James record alone, it is almost impossible to comprehend it. The Inspired Version clarifies and improves the account immeasurably. In effect Paul is saying that the law of Moses was good in its day, that God gave it for a purpose, but that now it is dead, and in place thereof God has given a higher law to which all men must now turn for salvation." (DNTC 2:256-7)

"though there may be a great lesson to learn from ch. 7 as we have received it, it is hard to believe that Paul nearly 20 years after his conversion, is still struggling with carnality and finding no good in himself. The JST alters our view of Romans 7 dramatically, as it draws a distinction between Paul's old life under the Mosaic law and his new life under the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was carnal while under the yoke of the law, but now he is spiritual under the yoke of the gospel-now he is able to overcome and find good through the merits of Christ. Romans 7 in the KJV does not really represent the Paul we read about in the rest of his writings; it does not reflect the great and valiant changes made in his life after his conversion. Romans 7 in the JST gives a more proper impression of the apostle's character.

Chapter 8

Vs. 6 - Spiritually minded vs. carnally minded. See 2 Nephi 9:39

1.     Vs. 7 - Mosiah 3:19 - enmity The state of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. 

Vs. 14 - See Galatians 4:1-7

Vs. 16- See "Topical Guide" p. 485 - Sons and Daughters of God

Vs. 19 - The NIV say "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."

Vs. 24 - There is no hope except in the Hope of Israel. Hope is the desire of faithful people to gain eternal salvation the kingdom of God hereafter. It is not a flimsy, ethereal desire, one without assurance that the desired consummation will be received, but a desire coupled with full expectation of receiving the coveted reward. (DNTC 2:263)

Vs. 26 - Joseph Smith changed "groanings which cannot be uttered" to "striving which cannot be expressed" (TPJS , 278)

Vs. 28 - D&C 90:24

Vs. 29 - "Predestinate" appears 4 times in the bible (though the word predestination does not occur at all). There is nothing in the Greek implying loss of agency; the word literally means "to determine {our potential destiny}beforehand." the word foreordain more aptly describes the concept. Indeed, the Lord has foreordained, or called and elected, each of us to membership in his kingdom. Confirming that ordination, or making that calling and election sure, is now up to us.

            The reformer John Calvin misunderstood the doctrine. He wrote: "by predestination we mean the eternal decree of God, by which he determined with himself whatever he wished to happen with regard to every man. All are not created on equal terms, but some are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation. And accordingly, as each has been created for one or other of these ends, we say that he has been predestined to life or to death: (Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3:21.5). quoted in Ogden p. 178-9.

Vs. 36 - A sheep is one of the few animals that does not protest at its time of slaughter but actually remains hushed, pacific, and submissive to the end. (Ogden p. 179)

Chapter 9

"The whole of the chapter had reference to the Priesthood and the house of Israel; and unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was not taught by the Apostles. God did elect or predestinate, that all those who would be saved, should be saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the Gospel, but He passes over no man's sins, but visits them with correction, and if His children will not repent of their sins He will discard them" (TPJS p. 189)

Vs. 1-6 - Though Christ was born of the chosen Israelite lineage and even though great promises were made to Israel in the pre-earth life, if Israel does not accept the atonement, they will not be saved by Jesus.

Vs. 18 - God leaves us to our own stubbornness or hardness.

Vs. 30-33 - What ultimately matters is not your pre-earthly appointment of your genealogy, but if you are willing to not trip on the stumblingstone who is Jesus.

Chapter 10

Vs. 3 - This was the problem of the Jews and the problem of Christianity before the restoration.

Vs. 12 & 13

Vs. 18-21 - A series of Old Testament verses which say the gospel was proclaimed from heaven, but the gentiles, who were not a united nation like the Jews, understood the message better than the Jews and the Jews are responsible for their not accepting the word.

Chapter 11

Vs. 6-10 - "Israel, by God's grace, was elected to receive the blessings and glories of true religion, not by any works done in this life, but by grace alone (as far as this life is concerned)--all because of pre-existence and the law of foreordination. but, unhappily, only a few, those with especial spiritual talents, were in fact receiving the blessings in Paul's day. And now, as though the point has not been driven home to the full, Paul calls upon Isaiah and David (paraphrasing their prophecies, as his custom was) to testify that Israel should sleep and slumber spiritually, with that which should have been for their welfare becoming a trap unto them. (Isa. 29:10; Ps. 69:22-23) DNTC 2:285

Vs. 11-24 - Gentiles are ingrafted or adopted branches into the House of Israel. In a manner contrary to nature, these wild branches are making the natural tree (Israel)

Chapter 12-15

The Sermon on the Mount of the Epistles with at least 50 commandments. Choose your favorites;

Chapter 16

Paul's love note

Robert Millet selected 7 doctrinal subjects from Romans;

1. Justification by Faith in Christ (ch. 3-4)

He stressed that salvation is through Christ and the works of the Mosaic Law and the works of the world are insufficient to justify man. All persons must come to the knowledge of the necessity but insufficiency of their own righteous actions. See JST Rom 4:16.

2. Christ as the 2^nd Adam. (ch. 5)

A descriptive comparison between Adam and Jesus.

Adam father of Mortality - Jesus father of immortality

Adam brings death - Jesus the Resurrection

Adam brought universal condemnation - Jesus justification

3. Walking in Newness of Life (ch. 6)

Through baptism we accept of the atoning sacrifice; through going into the “watery grave,” we participate in the Lord’s burial and his rise from the tomb. Baptism is the channel by which one is both legally initiated into the church and also spiritually initiated into the blessings of the atonement.

4. The Power of Christ to change lives (ch. 7)

Paul - Before and after.

The JST is especially helpful

5. Heirs of God, Joint Heirs with Christ (ch. 8)

6. Christ and True Israel (ch. 9-11)

True Israel are those who accept the true Promised Messiah

7. Newness of Life: A process

There are few instant Christians or sudden disciples.

                                                                                    (Studies in Scripture 6:45-46)

7. Rome in the first century was the third largest city in the Roman empire behind Alexandria, Egypt  and Antioch of Syria. It had a population of about 1 million people, mostly very rich or very poor.

212-5-Romans

PAUL’S EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

3^RD MISSION - CORINTH - 56-58 AD

 Romans is unlike Paul's other's epistles in that he did not found the Church in Rome, nor had he ever visited there.

Extra reading assignment: "Justification and Sanctification" By Elder D. Todd Christofferson, (Ensign, June 2001)

1. Bible Dictionary p. 743 - "Pauline Epistles" also 2 Peter 3:15-16

2. "Paul’s epistle to the Romans is a paradoxical document. On the on hand it is one of the clearest and most profound doctrinal books in the Bible. On the other hand, it is the source of more doctrinal misunderstanding misinterpretation, and mischief than any other biblical book, not even excepting the Book of Revelation.

Four things are apparent with reference to this inspired writing of the Apostle: 1. It was written to and for the saints and can only be understood by them. The Holy Ghost and a basic understanding of the gospel are necessary.  2. It was not written for the world in general.  It was not written from a missionary standpoint. 3. It is the basis of more sectarian confusion than any other inspired writing available to men.  It is a book of calculus in the hands of students still struggling with math. 4. In it is found the rationale used by Luther in his break with Catholicism.

Romans:

1. Defines the gospel

2. Summarizes the laws by obedience to which full salvation comes

3. Speaks plainly of Adam’s fall

4. Speaks plainly of Christ’s atonement

5. Tells how the law of justification works

6. Tells how we are justified through works

7. Talks of the election of grace

8. The status of the chosen race

9. Why salvation cannot come by the Law of Moses alone

10. Why circumcision was done away in Christ

11. How and why salvation was taken to the gentiles.

12. Tells about joint heir-ship with Christ

(DNTC II p. 211-213.)

3.  Possible reasons for the epistle

1. Rome would be a good base of operations for his intended trip to Spain.

2. Rome was the capital of the empire that Paul worked in.

3. Paul and his companions owed much to Rome for their own protection.

4. For Paul to establish friendship with the Saints in Rome before he visited there.

5. To combat the influence and false teachings of the Judaizers there. 10 of 16 chapters are about the relationship of the Jewish law to the Christian gospel.

6. To present a systematic exposition of certain doctrines.

7. To remind the Roman saints of the importance of unity.

8. Paul had many good friends in Rome. Rom. 16 sends greetings to 28 individuals.

4. We know nothing for sure about the origins of the Church in Rome, but here are 3 interesting notes.

1. Acts 2:10- people converted on the Day of Pentecost may have started it.

2. The Catholics maintain that Peter came to Rome about 42 AD during the reign of the Emperor Claudius. Protestants most often disagree.

3. Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome in 49 AD. Nero repealed this edict in 54. In 58 AD we can assume that most of the Church members in Rome were not Jewish. Others say that the edict did not have a large effect on the population of Jews, they only stopped having meetings for a while.               5.  Chapter 1

Vs. 1 - An apostle is one who is sent forth. Note also the footnote 1c.

Vs. 3 & 4 - Great verses on Christ's dual nature as the son of David through Mary and Heavenly Father.

Vs. 5 - Go to BD "Grace" p. 697. The JST gives us a clear message about the relationship of faith and works.

Vs. 6 & 7 - A reminder to the Saints in Rome and everywhere, that like Paul we are also called of Jesus to be Saints.

Vs. 9 - Cross reference to 1 Nephi 1:5- Lehi prayer with all of his heart in behalf of his people.

Vs. 10 - Paul wants to visit Rome

Vs. 16- My green verse for the whole book of Romans!- See James E. Faust, "Stand Up and Be Counted"

Vs. 17-23 - Those who choose not to follow God are condemned. They have changed God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping tings. (23)

Vs. 26-27 - A clear condemnation of homosexuality. (See "Miracle of Forgiveness ch. 6)

Vs. 32- When I read this verse I think about watching movies and delighting in the transgressions of others.

Chapter 2

Vs. 1-7 - How God judges.

Vs. 6 - "Deed is a translation of the Gk. ergon. In the NT this word is translated about 20 times as "deeds" but more than 150 times as "works." ... About 20% of this epistle deals with faith and grace and about 30% deals with works. Paul was speaking to both Jew and Gentile, emphasizing different aspects of the gospel to each group, according to what each needed to hear. (Ogden p. 171-172)

Vs. 11-15 - See Moroni 7:16. We will all be judged according to our knowledge. Everyone with the Spirit of Christ (everyone) knows right from wrong.

Vs. 13- See Elder Chrisofferson's Ensign article. "If Justification removes the punishment for past sin, sanctification removes the stain or effects of sin...

Vs. 16 - Our secrets shall be known. See Luke 12:1-3

Vs. 22 - Remember the accusers of the woman taken in Adultery? (John 8:7- BRM in MM3:142-143) says they were not only sinners, they were adulterers. 

Vs. 25 - How does this apply to our baptism and temple covenants?

Chapter 3

Vs. 1-2 - Note the JST-those following the Law of Moses over the years had been blessed. It came from God and obedience to it therefore brought blessings. Preeminence.

Vs. 3 - A person believing or not believing does not change truth!

Vs. 5-8 - Note the JST from the appendix

Vs. 5- How can we expect God to be just if he doesn't hold us accountable

Vs. 10-18 - A series of quotations and paraphrases from the Psalms reminding the Romans that all need divine intervention to be saved.

Vs. 21-31 Since, as Paul says, all men sin, then no man can be justified (or restored to a proper relationship with God) by works alone. Some intervening power must bridge the gap. That power was provided by Jesus Christ. He lived the law perfectly, had no sin, and therefore never estranged himself from God. In addition, he sacrificed himself so that he could pay the debt of sin with his own holiness for all men who would come unto him. His grace becomes the source of their justification with God.

President Joseph Fielding Smith clearly pointed out the role of both grace and works in our salvation.

“There is a difference between the Lord Jesus Christ and the rest of mankind. We have no life in ourselves, for no power has been given unto us, to lay down our lives and take them again. That is beyond our power, and so, being subject to death, and being sinners—for we are all transgressors of the law to some extent, no matter how good we have tried to be— we are therefore unable in and of ourselves to receive redemption from our sins by any act of our own.

“This is the grace that Paul was teaching. Therefore, it is by the grace of Jesus Christ that we are saved. And had he not come into the world, and laid down his life that he might take it again, or as he said in another place, to give us life that we may have it more abundantly we would still be subject to death and be in our sins . . . .

“So it is easy to understand that we must accept the mission of Jesus Christ. We must believe that it is through his grace that we are saved, that he performed for us that labor which we were unable to perform for ourselves, and did for us those things which were essential to our salvation, which were beyond our power; and also that we are under the commandment and the necessity of performing the labors that are required of us as set forth in the commandments known as the gospel of Jesus Christ:” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:309–11.)

Vs. 24 - Note the JST

Vs. 25 - Propitiation is appeasing or making well disposed (from Latin propitiāre, to appease, from propitius, gracious), ^[1] especially a deity, thus incurring divine favor or avoiding Divine retribution.

Vs. 28- Some Judaizers believed that a person could earn God's pleasure and glory without external intervention. (Martin Luther's favorite verse)

Chapter 4

"Having taught that man is justified by faith in Christ, because of the atonement, and not by the performances of the law of Moses, Paul now takes Abraham as the illustration of this doctrine-Abraham who was justified before there was a law of Moses, Abraham whose faith and works ranked him with the justified before the rite of circumcision was revealed. The high point the Apostle's presentation, as clarified by the Inspired Version account, is that man is "justified of faith and works, through grace", or as Nephi expressed it, Believe in Christ, and ...be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (2 Nephi 25:23)" BRM - DNTC 1:235

Chapter 5  - Christ as the 2nd Adam

Vs. 3-8 - A great reminder of the role of hard times in our lives.

Vs. 11 - The only use of the word "atonement in the KJV of the New Testament.

Vs. 14-21 - Compare the dichotomy between Adam and Christ: Adam gave the offense (the Fall); Christ gave the free gift (the Atonement). Adam brought death; Christ brought life. Adam brought condemnation. Christ brought justification. Because of Adam there is an abundance of sin; because of Christ there is an abundance of grce. (Ogden p. 176)

Vs. 20 - The Greek word Paul uses here that is translated entered means literally "to come in by the side of." In classical Greek it was often ussed of actors in the theaters who played a supporting role and who would come on stage from the wingts, play their part, and disappear again. Such a word used to descibe the law of Moses points out the same thing that Paul suggested in Galatians 3:4 when he called the law a "schoolmaster." (NTSM p. 318)

Be grateful for the scriptures of the restoration in understanding the atonement of Jesus Christ. - 2 Nephi 2; 9; 25:23; Alma42; Mormon 9 Ether 3.

Chapter 6

Vs. 1 & 2 - How to act when you are baptized- see 5:20

Vs. 20-23 - What manner of man should we be?

Chapter 7

Note the JST in the Appendix

Day 4

212-4 - ACTS 21-28

Reading Assignment. D. Kelly Ogden, “Jesus and the Temple,” Ensign, Apr 1991 ...

I. Paul's journey from Miletus to Jerusalem; Coos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, (7 days-1st warning about going to Jerusalem), Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea (Philip and Agabus- 2nd warning) vs. 13, vs. 15 carriages, vs. 16- other translations are more clear; they brought us to the house if Mnason-an early disciple.

II. Paul meets with church leaders and reports on mission (21:20)

II. Paul’s receives complaints from the Jews (21:21-40)

A. Accused of leading Jews from the Law of Moses

B. Paul returns to temple and tries to show that he respects the Law

C. Accused falsely of taking a Gentile into the temple. " The outer court of the Temple was called the Court of the Gentiles. It was from this court that Jesus had cast out the moneychangers. Non-Jews were allowed only this far onto the Temple Mount. Surrounding the Temple proper was a balustrade. (Hebrew, soreg), an elevated stone railing about 4 1/2 ft. high with inscriptions posted in both Greek and Latin warning Gentiles not to pass beyond. One of these inscriptions was found in 1935... It read, 'No Gentile shall enter inward of the partition and barrier surrounding the Temple, and whosoever is caught shall be responsible to himself for his subsequent death." (Ogden p. 102)

D. Rescued from Jews by Claudius Lysias, the chief captain of the garrison who mistook him for an Egyptian Jew who had led an insurrection of the Jews against Rome. He was forced into hiding and the captain thought he had come back. Wrong guy-It was Paul. (Josephus)

E. Receives permission to speak to Jews from Antonia Fortress - Hebrew Ha Metzad (same word as Masada) The Antonia Fortress was a military barracks built by Herod the Great in Jerusalem on the site of earlier Ptolemaic and Hasmonean strongholds, named after Herod's patron Mark Antony. The fortress was built at the eastern end of the great wall of the city (the second wall), on the northeastern side of the city, near the temple and Pool of Bethesda.

III. Paul preaches to Jews

A. Recounts story of his conversion

B. The Jews listen until he says that he was sent to the Gentiles. (V. 21-22)

C. Saved from scourging by his Roman citizenship

D. Before Sanhedrin (23:1-10)

1. Doesn’t recognize High Priest Ananias

2. Divides Sanhedrin with reference to resurrection (23:6-10)

E. Lord appears to Paul and promises him a trip to Rome (11) 3rd appearance

IV. Vow to kill Paul and Escape to Caesarea (23:12-33)

V. Paul before Felix, Festus and Agrippa (23:34-26:32)

A. Tertullus, representing Ananias and the Sanhedrin, accuses Paul of 1)Sedition, 2)being a ringleader of the Nazarenes (a name of the followers of Jesus of Nazareth)  and 3) profaning the temple

B. Paul defends himself (23:10-23)

C. Paul in prison for two years at Caesarea (24-27)

D. Festus replaces Felix (24:27-25:6)                        V

Vs. 28-29 - "Agrippa's remark was not a flippant one; he was seriously touched" (Maxwell "Taking Up the Cross," p. 255) The Revised Standard Version of the Bible says, "In a short time you think to make mea a Christian!" and Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am-except these chains." (Ogden p. 108-9)

E. Paul before Festus, appeals to Caesar (25:7-12)

F. Paul before Agrippa (25:13-26:32)

VI. Paul sails for Rome (27:1-28:31) about 2000 miles

A. Sails from Caesarea to Malta, where they are ship wrecked (27:1-44) Vs. 9 "the fast is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. After this date, between September and October of each year, the waters were unsafe for travel until weather moderated again early the next spring. Paul warned them against continuing the journey." (Ogden p. 110) Vs. 14 -A Euroclydon is today called a "levanter, a small-scale hurricane or cyclone.

B. Paul preaches and heals on Malta for 3 months  (28:1-11)

C. Paul imprisoned in Rome ((28:12-31)

Paul’s 1st imprisonment 61-63 AD - We don’t know why he waited so long for trial, He was visited by many friends Although the Apostle Paul is a prisoner, he is allowed in Rome to live by himself guarded only by a Roman soldier (Acts 28:16). He is able to receive visitors and continues to preach of the Gospel (Acts 28:17-31). Paul also has the opportunity to speak with Jewish religious leaders in Rome (Acts 28:17-29). In Rome the Apostle Paul is acquitted of the charges against him and is set free. Wrote Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon & Philippians (The Captivity Epistles)

Spring 63 A.D. Paul is acquitted of all charges against him and is set free. He sails from Rome to the island of Crete in order to meet with Titus (Titus 1:5). Paul leaves Titus in Crete (Titus 1:5) and sails to Nicopolis in Macedonia (Titus 3:12). From Nicopolis Paul writes the New Testament books of 1Timothy and Titus. Paul may have gone to Spain (Romans 15:22-25, 28) and less likely Britain and then visited Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae. 2 Timothy was written during the 2nd Imprisonment which was from 67-68  In 68 AD he was beheaded. His Roman citizenship saved him from being crucified. The Apostle Paul is put to death by beheading, under Roman Emperor Nero, around May or June of 68 A.D. Paul's death occurs just before Nero's suicide on June 9, 68 A.D. in Greece. Nero is the first emperor of the Roman Empire to actively persecute and kill Christians. Rome will carry out at least TEN major efforts to exterminate Christians and expunge Christianity from the empire. The persecutions first start under Nero in 67 A.D. and continue until 313 A.D., when Emperor Constantine's Edict of Milan legalizes Christianity and ends Rome's persecutions. At the time of his martyrdom the apostle Paul was about sixty-six (66) years old.

Day 3- Pg 4

Day 3- Pg 3

Day 3- Pg 2

Day 3- Pg 1