Romans
Chapter 1 — A Faithful Listening Among All the Nations
Paul, a servant of Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, called as an emissary, and separated for the good news of the Almĭghty, 1:2which he promised beforehand, through his prophets, in the holy writings, 3about his Sŏn, who was born from the seed of Daυi̱d, according to the flesh, 4who has been designated the Almĭghty Sŏn with power, according to the Spĭrit of holiness, by his resurrection from the dead, Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, our A’dŏnai̱, 5through whom we have received loving-kindness, and the mission to bring about a faithful listening among all the nations, for the sake of his name, 6among whom you also are called by Yĕshūa̒ Mĕssiah. 7To all those living in Rome, beloved of the Almĭghty, called holy ones. Loving kindness to you and shalōm from our Almĭghty Făther, and A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah.
From Faithfulness to Faithfulness
8First indeed, I am giving thanks to my Almĭghty through Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah for all of you, because your faithfulness is being proclaimed in all the world. 9Because the Almĭghty is my witness, whom I am serving in my spirit in connection to the good news of his Sŏn, as to how unceasingly I am making mention of you, 10always in my prayers asking, if somehow now at last I will succeed by the will of the Almĭghty to come to you. 11Because I am longing to see you, so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established. 12But this is so that we may be encouraged together with you, through each other’s faithfulness, yours as well as even mine. 13But, I am not wanting you to be unaware, brothers, that often I set plans before the present to come to you, (and am prevented until now) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the nations.
14To Greeks, as well as also to Barbarians, to educated as well as also to the unlearned, a debtor I am. 15So, for my part, I am also eager to announce good news to you who are in Rome.
16For I am not ashamed of the good news, because it is the power of the Almĭghty for salvation to everyone affirming faithfulness, to the Yehūdi̱ firstly, as well as also to the Greek, 17because the justice of the Almĭghty in it is revealed from faithfulness to faithfulness, even as it is written, “But the righteous one by faithfulness will live.”
The Fierce Anger of the Almĭghty
18This is because the fierce anger of the Almĭghty is being revealed from heaven upon all the evil and injustice of men, who are holding back the truth by injustice, 19because that which is known about the Almĭghty is being manifested among them, because the Almĭghty makes it manifest to them, 20because the things, which are not seen about him, from the creation of the universe, and by way of the things made being understood, are clearly perceived, even his eternal power and divinity, such that they are without excuse.
21Because as those that know the Almĭghty, they do not glorify him as Almĭghty, or give thanks. But they have become worthless in their reasonings, and their senseless heart has become darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they have become foolish, 23and have exchanged the glory of the incorruptible Almĭghty for an image of corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and reptiles.
24Therefore the Almĭghty has given them over to the evil lusts of their hearts, to the uncleanness of dishonoring their bodies with themselves, 25who have changed the truth of the Almĭghty into the lie, and have been worshiping and serving the creature rather than the one who has created, who is blessed for the ages. A’mēn.
26Because of this the Almĭghty has given them over to dishonorable passions, because even their females have exchanged the natural function for that which is against nature, 27likewise besides, also the males that having left the natural function of the female, have burned in their desire toward one another, males with males working shame. And the reward (which was necessary) of their error, they are receiving back into themselves. 28And even as they have approved not the Almĭghty for holding fast, in true knowledge, the Almĭghty has given them over to a worthless mind, for doing those things which are not proper, 29being filled with all injustice, wickedness, greed, evil, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossips, 30slanderers, haters of the Almĭghty, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31without moral sense, traitors, lacking natural love, unmerciful, 32who the penalty of the Almĭghty fully know, that those doing such things are worthy of death. And not only are they doing them, but also altogether they are giving a good approval to the ones practicing them.
Chapter 2 — The Doers of the Law will be Declared Righteous
Therefore, you are without excuse, O man, every one judging, because in the thing which you are judging the other, you are condemning yourself, because these same things you are doing. 2:2And we know that the judgment of the Almĭghty is according to truth upon those practicing such things. 3But are you considering this, O man, who is judging those practicing such things and doing the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of the Almĭghty? 4Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, and his forbearance, and long-suffering, without knowing that the kindness of the Almĭghty is leading you to repentance?
5But according to your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of the Almĭghty, 6who will reward to each according to his deeds. 7Indeed, to those who, by patient endurance in good work, are seeking glory and honor and incorruptibleness, everlasting life, 8but to those acting from selfish ambition, and disloyal to the truth, (that is, being loyal to unrighteousness), he will pay back wrath and anger, 9tribulation and distress—upon every soul of man who is practicing evil, upon the soul of the Yehūdi̱ firstly besides also the soul of the Greek, 10but glory and honor and peace to everyone that is working good, to the Yehūdi̱ firstly besides also to the Greek.
11Because there is no partiality with the Almĭghty, 12because as many as lawlessly sin, as lawless ones will also perish. Also as many as have sinned according to law through the Law will be judged, 13because not the hearers of the Law are righteous before the Almĭghty, but the doers of the Law will be declared righteous. 14For when nations, who do not have the Law, are naturally doing the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, to themselves, are law, 15who are showing the deed of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts accusing, one with another, or also defending them, 16in connection to the day when, the Almĭghty will be judging the secrets of men, according to my good news, through Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒.
Circumcision of the Heart is by the Spĭrit
17But if you are calling yourself Yehūdi̱ and are finding rest in the Law and are rejoicing in the Almĭghty, 18and know his will and are approving things making a difference, being instructed out of the Law, 19as well, are confident yourself to be a guide of the blind, a light of those in darkness, 20a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having the structural form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law, 21who, then, are teaching another, are you not teaching yourself? You who are proclaiming do not steal, are you stealing? 22You who are saying do not commit adultery, are you committing adultery? You who are abhorring idols, are you robbing temples? 23You who are boasting in the Law, through transgression of the Law, are you dishonoring the Almĭghty? 24since the name of the Almĭghty is being blasphemed among the nations because of you, just as it is written.
25Because circumcision indeed is profiting when you may be practicing the Law, but when you may be a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision is the same as uncircumcision.
26So if the uncircumcised man should be keeping the just things of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be considered as circision? 27And the one who is naturally uncircumcised, when keeping the Law, will judge you, who through a sentence and circumcision are a transgressor of Law.
28Because what is on the outside is not Yehūdi̱, nor is what is on the outside in the flesh circumcision, 29so much as one is in the inside Yehūdi̱. And circumcision of the heart is by the Spĭrit, and not through sentences, in persons whose praise is not from men, but from the Almĭghty.
Chapter 3 — The Benefit of Circumcision
Then what advantage has the Yehūdi̱? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 3:2Great in every way. Firstly, indeed, in that they were affirmed faithful with the sayings of the Almĭghty. 3So what if some are unfaithful? Perhaps their unfaithfulness will undo the faithfulness of the Almĭghty?
We are being Slandered
4May it never be! So, let the Almĭghty be found true, and every man a liar, as it is written, so “that you may be justified in your words, and you will prevail when you are judged.” 5But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the justice of the Almĭghty, what will we say? “Perhaps the Almĭghty who brings down the wrath is unjust?” (I am speaking humanly.) 6May it never be! Otherwise, how will the Almĭghty judge the world? 7But, “when the truth of the Almĭghty by my lie abounds to his glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?” 8And it is not, just as we are being slandered, and just as some are claiming us to be saying, “We should do evil so that good may come” for whom the judgment is just.
Have the Yehūdi̱m been Better than the Nations?
9What then? Are we better? Not at all, because we previously charged Yehūdi̱m, besides also Greeks, all to be liable to Rebellion, 10just as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one.” 11There is none that understands, there is none who is seeking the Almĭghty. 12All turn aside. Together they are useless. None is doing good, not even one. 13Their throat is an opened grave. Their tongues were smooth in deceit. The poison of asps is under their lips. 14Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. 15Their feet are swift to shed blood. 16Destruction and misery are in their paths, 17and, the path of peace they know not. 18There is no fear of the Almĭghty before their eyes.”
Works do not Satisfy Divine Justice
19But we know that as much as the Law is saying to those instructed in the Law, it is also speaking so that every mouth may be closed and all the lost world may come under the just penalty to the Almĭghty. 20Therefore, by the customary works no flesh will satisfy justice before him, because through the Law is full recognition of sin.
The Exception To Customary Justice — A Forgiving Justice
21But now apart from the norm the justice of the Almĭghty is made visible, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22that is, the justice of the Almĭghty, through the faithfulness of Yĕshūa̒, the Mĕssiah, unto all those affirming faithfulness, because there is no distinction, 23because all have sinned and are falling short of the glory of the Almĭghty, 24having justice fulfilled as a gift, by his lovingkindness through the redemption which is in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, 25whom the Almĭghty set forth as a wiping away through faithfulness, by his blood, to show his justice, because he overlooked the iniquities that occurred previously, 26according to the mercy of the Almĭghty, for a demonstration of his justice in the present time, that he should be just and the one fulfilling justice, which is from the faithfulness of Yĕshūa̒.
His Faithfulness Fulfills Yăhwēh’s Exceptional Forgiving Justice
27Where then is boasting? It is excluded. Through what tradition? one of works? No! But by a law of faithfulness, 28because we are accounting a man to be fulfilling justice by His faithfulness apart from the customary works.
29Or is he the Almĭghty for Yehūdi̱m only, and not also for the nations? Yes, he is also for the nations, 30since it is one Almĭghty who will fulfill justice for the circumcised from faithfulness and the uncircumcised through faithfulness. 31So are we undoing the Law through faithfulness? May it never be! But we are establishing the Law.
Chapter 4 — ’Av̱raham fulfilled righteousness by works
What then will we say our forefather A̕v̱raham found according to the flesh? 4:2Certainly, when A̕v̱raham fulfilled righteousness by works, he had praise, but not against the Almĭghty, 3because what is the Scripture saying? And A̕v̱raham “made his support in Yăhweh, and it was accounted to him as righteousness.”
His faithfulness apart from our works
4Now with respect to the working the reward is not accounted as a favor, but according to what is due. 5But with respect to the failure to work (yet affirming one’s faithfulness to the one who renders justice to the ungodly) His faithfulness is accounted as justice 6just as Daυi̱d also speaks about the blessing of the man to whom the Almĭghty is accounting justice apart from works:
7“Blessed are those whose transgressions are carried away, and whose sins are forgiven. 8Blessed is the man for who Yăhwēh will not intend punishment.”
When was he accounted righteous?
9Is this blessing then upon the circumcised (baptized), or also upon the uncircumcised (unbaptized)? Because we say, the fidelity was reckoned to A̕v̱raham as righteousness 10How then is it accounted? While being circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised! 11Then he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faithfulness which he had while uncircumcised, so he could be the father of all those who affirm faithfulness, even though uncircumcised, so that righteousness may be accounted to them also, 12and the father of circumcision, not for those from the circumcision alone, but also to those lining up in the steps of the faithfulness of our father A̕v̱raham while uncircumcised.
The Promise is not Through the Normal Justice
13Because the promise to be heir of the world was not through the norm to A̕v̱raham or to his seed, but through the righteousness of faithfulness. 14Because if those from the norm are heirs, the faith is emptied and the promise is nullified, 15because the norm works the result of wrath. But where the the norm does not apply, neither is there transgression.
16Because of this, it is from faithfulness, so that according to loving-kindness, the promise should be secure to all the seed, not only to the one wholly knowing the Law, but indeed to the one of A’v̱raham’s faithfulness, who is father of all of us, 17as it is written, “The father of many nations I will have made you”, with respect to which he affirmed faithfulness in the Almĭghty, in the One making alive the dead, even calling those not existing into being, 18who beyond hope, with hope affirmed it to be faithful that he should become the father of many nations according to what had been spoken, “So will your seed be.”
19And being not weakened in faithfulness, he observed his own body becoming dead, being about one-hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb, 20but, concerning the promise of the Almĭghty, he did not hesitate in unfaithfulness, but he was empowered in faithfulness, giving glory to the Almĭghty, 21and he was completely convinced that what He promised, He was able to do. 22Therefore also, it was accounted to him as righteousness.
23But it is not written because of him alone that, it was accounted to him, 24but also because of us, to whom he is going to be accounting it, to those affirming faithfulness to the one who raised Yĕshūa̒ our A’dŏnai̱ from the dead, 25who was delivered up for our transgressions, and is raised because justice is done concerning us.
Chapter 5 — Forgiving Justice has been Accomplished
Therefore justice having been fulfilled by His faithfulness we have shalōm with the Almĭghty through our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, 5:2by whom also we hold access, in the faith, into this loving kindness in which we stand. And we are rejoicing in the confident expectation of the glory of the Almĭghty. 3And not only this, but we also are rejoicing in our sufferings, knowing that suffering is bringing about endurance, 4and endurance, passing the test, and passing the test, hope 5and the hope will not disappoint, because the love of the Almĭghty is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spĭrit who is given to us.
6Because while we were still weak, at the right season, Mĕssiah died for the ungodly. 7Because someone will hardly die for the righteous one, though possibly, indeed, for a good person even someone is risking to die. 8But the Almĭghty commends his love to us, because while we were still sinners, Mĕssiah died for us. 9So how much more, justice being now fulfilled by his blood, we will be saved through him from wrath, 10because if while enmities exist, we are reconciled with the Almĭghty, through the death of his Sŏn, how much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. 11Yet not only this, but also we our selves are rejoicing in the Almĭghty through our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, through whom we now have received reconciliation.
12Therefore, as through one man the sin entered into the world, and death through the sin, even so into all men death has spread, due to which all sin. 13Certainly, until the Law sinfulness was in the world, but sinfulness is not taken account of where there is no law. 14But death did reign from A’dam until Mōshēh, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of the transgression of A’dam, who was a type of the one about to come.
15But the favorable gift is not like the transgression. Because if by the transgression of the one, many die, then it is much rather better that the favor of the Almĭghty, (and the gift with favor, by the one man, Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah), overflows to the many. 16Also, the gift is not as through the one who sinned, because indeed the judgment coming out of one man leads to condemnation, but the favorable gift after many transgressions leads to correction.
17Because, if by the transgression of the one, death reigns through the one, then it is much rather better that the ones receiving the overflowing of favor, and the gift of justice shall reign in everlasting life through the one, Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah!
18So then, as through one trespass respecting all men, one is led to condemnation, likewise also through one just act relating to all men, one is led to just action in life. 19Because just as through the refusal to listen by the one man, the many are caused to be sinners, likewise also through the submissive listening of the one, the many will be caused to be righteous.
20So a norm came alongside such that the transgression would increase, but where the sin increased, loving-kindness greatly over-flows. 21Therefore, just as sin reigns in death, so also loving kindness can reign through righteousness unto everlasting life through Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah our A’dŏnai̱.
Chapter 6 — Should We Continue in Sin?
What then will we say? “We should continue in sin so that grace may increase?” 6:2May it never be! How can we who die to sin, still live in it? 3Or do you not know that all we who are immersed into Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, into his death are immersed? 4Therefore we are buried in sympathy with him through immersion into death, so that just as Mĕssiah was raised from the dead through the glory of the Făther, likewise we too should walk in newness of life.
5Because if we are sown in sympathy to the likeness of his death, we will surely also be in his rising, 6knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, so that the sinful body should have no effect, that we no longer should serve sin, 7because he who dies is rendered justice by sin. 8But if we die with Mĕssiah, we affirm faithfulness, because we will also live with him, 9knowing that Mĕssiah, who is raised from the dead, need not again die. Death will not again master him. 10For the death he died, for sin he died, at one time, but the life he lives, he lives for the Almĭghty. 11Likewise, also, make your intent to be dead, on the one hand, to sin, and living, on the other, for the Almĭghty in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒.
12Do not let sin be reigning in your mortal body to be listening to its lusts, 13that is, do not let the members of your body stand by to be tools of unrighteousness to sin, but let yourselves stand by the Almĭghty as living from the dead, and your members as tools of righteousness to the Almĭghty. 14Because sin must not master you, because you are not under the norm but under loving-kindness.
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the norm but under loving-kindness? May it never be! 16Do you not know that whatever you yourselves stand by as slaves to listen to, its slaves you are—to whatever you are listening to, either of sin unto death, or obedience to righteousness? 17But thanks be to the Almĭghty, that though you were slaves of sin, you listened, namely from the heart to the teaching imprint which was handed over you, 18that is, having been freed from sin, you really have become servants to righteousness. 19I speak humanly because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you made your members stand by to be slaves to uncleanness, and by lawlessness for lawlessness, likewise now you must cause your members to stand by to be slaves to righteousness, to be made holy, 20because when you were slaves of sin, you were liberated from righteousness. 21Therefore, what fruit did you have at that time, over which you are now ashamed? Because the end of those things is death. 22But now having been freed from sinful rebellion and having been made servants to the Almĭghty, you keep your fruit for holiness, and the end: everlasting life. 23Because the wages of sin is death, but the favorable gift of the Almĭghty is everlasting life in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ our A’dŏnai̱.
Chapter 7 — Freed from the legal norm of sin and death
ORdo you not realize, brothers, because I am speaking to those knowing the legal norm, that the legal norm is ruling over man for as much time as he is living? 7:2Because the married woman is bound by the legal norm to the living husband, but whenever the husband will die, she is released from the legal norm about the husband. 3So then, while the husband is living, she will be used as an adulteress whenever she will come to another man, but if the husband should die, she is free from the norm, so that she is not an adulteress if she comes to be with another man.
4Therefore, my brothers, you also are made to die to the norm through the body of the Mĕssiah, so that you may come to another Husband, to the one raised from the dead, so that we might bear fruit for the Almĭghty. 5Because when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, these through the norm were working in our members to bear fruit to death. 6But now we are released from the norm, dead to what was holding us, and so serve in newness of spirit and not oldness of a sentence.
7What will we say then? Is the legal norm Sin? May it never be! But, I would not know Sin except through the Law, because, I would not have realized coveting unless the Law was saying, “You shall not covet.”
How Willful Sin responds to a commandment
8Now sinful rebellion, taking a starting point, using the commandment, worked in me every sort of coveting. Because apart from the norm, sinful rebellion is deadened. 9So I was once feeling alive without the norm, but when the command came to notice, sinful rebellion revived, and I felt the death sentence. 10And this commandment, which is for life, was discovered by me to be unto death, 11because sinful rebellion took a starting point through the commandment, and deceived me, and through it issued a death sentence. 12So indeed, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
13Then is what is good to me become death? May it never be! But the sinful rebellion, so that it may be revealed as sinful rebellion, through what is good to me, itself produced a death sentence, wherein the sinful rebellion can be seen as very sinful rebellion, through the command. 14Because we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold under sinful rebellion.
Sinful habits remain in the flesh after affirming faithfulness to Mĕssiah
15So what I do, I do not know, because I am not practicing what I am wanting, but what I am hating, this I am doing. 16But when what I am not wanting, this I am doing, I agree with the Law, that it is good.
17So now, no longer am I working it, but sin dwelling in me. 18Because I know that good is not dwelling in me, that is, within my flesh, because the willing is present in me, but working out the good is not. 19So the good I am wanting, I am not doing, but the evil I am not wanting, this I am accomplishing. 20But when I am doing this which I am not wanting, I am no longer working it out, but the sin dwelling in me. 21So, I am finding the norm with my wishing to do good that in me evil is present. 22Because I myself am rejoicing in the Law of the Almĭghty in the inner man, 23but I am seeing another norm in my members, waging war against the Law in my understanding and keeping me a prisoner in the sinful norm which is existing in my members. 24Miserable man I am! Who will rescue me from this dying body? 25But thanks to the Almĭghty through Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah our A’dŏnai̱! So then, indeed I myself in the mind am serving the Law of the Almĭghty, but the flesh’s sinful habit a norm of sin.
Chapter 8 — No Condemnation of the Faithful
SOnow there is no condemnation for those in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, 8:2because the Law of the Spĭrit of life in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ has freed you from the norm of sinful rebellion and death. 3Because the inability of the Law is in that it was being weakened through the flesh. But the Almĭghty, sending his own Sŏn, in the form of sinful flesh, even concerning sin, has judged against sin in the flesh, 4so that the correction of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the sin nature but according to the Spĭrit. 5Because those who are according to the sin nature set their minds on the things of the sin nature, but those who are according to the Spĭrit, the things of the Spĭrit. 6Because the fleshy thinking leads to death, but the thinking set on the Spĭrit leads to life and peace, 7because the sinful thinking is hostile toward the Almĭghty, because it is not subjected to the Law of the Almĭghty, nor indeed is able to be. 8So those who are controlled by the sinful nature cannot please the Almĭghty.
9However, you are not controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spĭrit, if indeed the Spĭrit of the Almĭghty dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spĭrit of Mĕssiah, he does not belong to him. 10When Mĕssiah is in you, though the body is under a death sentence because of sin, yet the spirit is given life through righteousness. 11But when the Spĭrit of him who raised Yĕshūa̒ from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spĭrit who dwells in you.
12So then, brothers, we are under obligation, not to the sinful nature, to live according to the sinful nature, 13because if you are living according to the sinful nature, you must die, but if, by the Spĭrit, you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Those led by the Spĭrit are Heirs
14Because all who are being led by the Spĭrit of the Almĭghty, the same are sons of the Almĭghty. 15Because you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spĭrit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “A̕bba̕! Făther!” 16The Spĭrit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of the Almĭghty, 17and when children, heirs also, heirs of the Almĭghty and fellow heirs with Mĕssiah, if indeed we jointly suffer so that we may also be jointly glorified.
18Because I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19Because the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of the Almĭghty. 20Because the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of the Almĭghty.
22Because we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spĭrit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24Because in hope we are saved, but a hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we trustingly expect what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
26In the same way the Spĭrit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spĭrit himself intercedes for us with unspeakable sighing, 27and he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spĭrit is, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to the will of the Almĭghty.
Those loving Him to be Made Righteous in Glory
28And we know that the Almĭghty works for good with all things, for those loving the Almĭghty, for those who are called according to his purpose, 29because those whom he has acknowledged before the judgment he also has determined before then to be conformed to the image of his Sŏn, so that he may be the firstborn in rank among many brothers. 30And whom he appointed beforehand, he also has called, and those whom he has called, he also has fulfilled justice for, and whom he will have made righteous these he also he will have glorified.
31What then shall we say to these things? If the Almĭghty is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not spare his own Sŏn, but delivered him over for us all, how will he not also with him freely give us all things? 33Who will bring a charge against the Almĭghty’s chosen? The Almĭghty is the one who is fulfilling justice. 34Who is the one who condemns? Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ is he who died, yes, more so who was raised, who is at the right hand of the Almĭghty, who also intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of Mĕssiah? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36Just as it is written, “For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through him who loves us. 38Because I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor messengers, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of the Almĭghty, which is in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ our A’dŏnai̱.
Chapter 9 — Concerning Unfaithful Israelites
Iam telling the truth in Mĕssiah. I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spĭrit, 9:2that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3Because I could wish that I myself were accursed, from Mĕssiah for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4who are sons of Yisra’ēl, concerning whom is the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the service and the promises, 5of whom are the fathers, and from whom is the Mĕssiah according to the flesh, who is over all, Almĭghty, blessed for the ages. ’Amēn.
Not all Yisra’ēl will be counted as Seed
6But it is not as though the word of the Almĭghty has failed, because they are not all Yisra’ēl who are from Yisra’ēl. 7Nor are they all children because they are A̕v̱raham’s seed, but “in Yitsḥaq your seed will be named.” 8That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of the Almĭghty, but the children of the promise are considered as seed.
An Illustration
9Because this is the word of the promise, “At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.” 10And not only this, but there was Riv̱qah also, when she had conceived by one man, our father Yitsḥaq. 11Because though they were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that the Almĭghty’s purpose according to his choice would stand, not from works but from him who calls, 12it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” 13Just as it is written, “Ya‘aqōv̱ I loved, but Ē‘saυ I loved less.”
14What shall we say then? There is no injustice with the Almĭghty, is there? May it never be! 15Because he says to Mōshēh, “I will have mercy on whom I may have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I can have compassion.” 16So then it is not for the one wishing or the one running, but from the Almĭghty who has mercy, 17because the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed throughout all the earth.” 18So then he is having mercy on whom he intends, and he is hardening whom he intends.
19You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? Because who resists his will?” 20On the contrary, who are you, man, who answers back to the Almĭghty? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? 22What if the Almĭghty, although intending to demonstrate his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23And he did so to make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, 24even us, whom he also called, not from among the Yehūdi̱m only, but also among the nations.
25As he says also in Hōshēa̒, “I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ and her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’ 26And it will be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’ there they will be called sons of the living Almĭghty.”
27And Yesha̒yahū cries out concerning Yisra’ēl, “Though the number of the sons of Yisra’ēl be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved, 28because Yăhwēh will execute his word upon the earth, thoroughly and quickly.” 29And just as Yesha̒yahū foretold, “Except Yăhwēh of Armies had left to us a posterity, we would have become like Sedōm, and would have resembled A̒mōrah.”
The Norm of Justice vs. Forgiving-Justice
30What shall we say then? we say that nations, who did not pursue justice have grasped justice, that is justice which is by faithfulness 31but Yisra’ēl, pursuing the norm of justice has not arrived first to the Law. 32Why? Because they did not pursue justice by Messiah’s faithfulness, but as from works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33just as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Tsi̱yōn a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one affirming faithfulness to him will not be disappointed.”
Chapter 10 — The End of the Norm for Justice
Brothers, indeed, my heart’s desire and prayer to the Almĭghty concerning them is for salvation. 10:2Because I testify to them, that they have zeal for the Almĭghty, but not according to accurate knowledge, 3because they are not acknowledging the Almĭghty’s justice, and while seeking to establish their own justice they have not submitted to the justice of the Almĭghty. 4Because Mĕssiah is the end of the norm for justice to everyone affirming faithfulness.
Those Affirming Faithfulness are Not Evaluated by the Norm
5Certainly, Mōshēh does write about the righteousness which is from the Law, that, “the one who does them will live by them,” 6But at the same time, the righteousness from faithfulness speaks in this way, “You should not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Mĕssiah down) 7or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Mĕssiah up from the dead).” 8But what is it saying? “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” which is the word of the faithfulness which we are proclaiming, 9that if you should confess with your mouth, A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒, and should affirm faithfulness in your heart, because the Almĭghty raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10Because with the heart one affirms oneself faithful to righteousness, and with the mouth is confession unto salvation. 11Because the scripture is saying, “Everyone affirming faithfulness to him will not be ashamed.” 12Because there is no distinction between Yehūdi̱ and Greek, because the same A’dŏnai̱ is A’dŏnai̱ of all, abounding in riches to all who call on him, 13because, “All who shall call upon the name of Yăhwēh will be saved.”
14How then can they call to whom they have not affirmed faithfulness? And how may they affirm faithfulness for whom they have not heard? And how will they listen without someone announcing? 15How will they announce unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
16However, they did not all listen to the good news, because Yesha‘yahū says, “Yăhweh, who has affirmed faithfulness to our message?” 17So faithfulness comes from listening, and listening by the word of Mĕssiah.
18But I ask, have they not heard? On the contrary, “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” 19But I ask, did Yisra’ēl not know? First Mōshēh says, “I will make you jealous by that which is not a nation, by a nation without understanding will I anger you.” 20And Yesha‘yahū is very bold and says, “I was found by those who sought me not. I became manifest to those who did not ask for me.” 21But as for Yisra’ēl he says, “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disloyal and obstinate people.”
Chapter 11 — A Remnant of Yisra’ēl Remains
Iask then, has the Almĭghty rejected his people? May it never be! For I too am a Yisra’ēli̱, a descendant of A’v̱raham, of the tribe of Binyami̱n. 11:2The Almĭghty has not rejected his people whom he chose before. Or do you not know what the Scripture says about Ē’li̱yahū, how he pleads with the Almĭghty against Yisra’ēl? 3“Yăhwēh, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” 4But what is the oracle to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Ba‘al.”
5In the same way then, there has also come to be, at the present time, a remnant according to the choice of loving-kindness. 6But if it is by loving kindness, it is still not from works! Otherwise loving kindness would still not be loving kindness. 7What then? What Yisra’ēl is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened, 8just as it is written, “The Almĭghty gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day.” 9And Daυi̱d says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, and a stumbling block and a retribution to them. 10Let their eyes be darkened to see not, and bend their backs continually.”
11I ask then, did they stumble so that they should fall? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation is come to the nations, making them jealous. 12Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the nations, how much more will their fullness be!
13But I am speaking to you about the nations. Inasmuch then as I am an emissary for the nations, I magnify my ministry, 14if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them, 15because if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16If the first fruit is holy, the lump is also. And if the root is holy, the branches are too. 17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18do not rejoice against the fallen branches, but if you rejoice against them, it is not you who supports the root, but the root that supports you. 19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20Quite right!? They were broken off because of their unfaithfulness, but you stand by your faithfulness. Do not be conceited but fear, 21because if the Almĭghty did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you, either.
22Behold then the kindness and severity of the Almĭghty. To those who fell, severity, but to you, the Almĭghty’s kindness, if you continue in his kindness, otherwise you also will be cut off. 23And they also, if they do not continue in their unfaithfulness, will be grafted in, because the Almĭghty is able to graft them in again. 24Because if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural ones be grafted into their own olive tree?
The Fullness of the Nations
25Because I do not want you, brothers, to be uninformed of this mystery, so that you will not be wise in your own estimation, since a partial hardening has happened to Yisra’ēl until the fullness of the nations comes in, 26and so all Yisra’ēl will be saved, just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Tsi̱yōn, and he will remove ungodliness from Ya‘aqōv̱. 27And this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.”
28With respect to the good news they are enemies because of you, but with respect to being chosen they are beloved for the sake of the fathers, 29because the gifts and this calling from the Almĭghty is irrevocable. 30Because just as you once were disloyal to the Almĭghty, but now are found by mercy, because of their disloyalty, 31so these also now have become disloyal to the mercy belonging to you, in which case they also must now be found by mercy, 32because the Almĭghty confines all for disloyalty wherein he might show mercy to all.
33Oh, the deepness of the riches, and of the wisdom and knowledge of the Almĭghty! How unfathomable are his judgments and untraceable his ways! 34Because who has known the mind of Yăhwēh, or who became his counselor? 35Or who has first given to him that it might be paid back to him again? 36Because from him and by means of him and for him are all things. To him be the glory for all the ages. A’mēn.
Chapter 12 — Living Sacrifices
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of the Almĭghty, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to the Almĭghty, which is your reasonable worship. 12:2And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of the Almĭghty is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3Because through the loving-kindness given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think so as to have sound judgment, as the Almĭghty apportions to each a measured trust.
4Because just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Mĕssiah, and individually members one of another. 6We have gifts that differ according to the favor given to us. If it is prophecy, let it be in agreement with the faith. 7If it is service, let it be in his serving, or he who teaches, in his teaching, 8or he who exhorts, in his exhortation. If it is he who gives, let it be with liberality, or he who leads, with diligence. If it is he who shows mercy, let it be with cheerfulness.
9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Give preference to one another in honor, 11not lagging behind in diligence, enthusiastic in spirit, serving Yăhwēh, 12rejoicing in confident expectation, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13contributing to the needs of the holy ones, practicing hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of the Almĭghty, because it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine! I will repay,’ says Yăhwēh. 20But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink, because in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. [LASTPAR]21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Chapter 13 — Obey The Higher Authority
Every person is to be in subjection to the higher authorities, because there is no legitimate authority except from the Almighty, and those which exist are established by the Almighty. 13:2So whoever resists the authority really opposes the ordinance of the Almighty, and those opposing will receive condemnation against themselves, 3since rulers are not a cause of fear respecting a good deed, but against the evil deed. So do you want to have no fear of the authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same, 4because he is a servant of the Almighty to you for good. Yet if you should do an evil thing, be afraid, because he does not carry the sword for nothing, because he is a servant of the Almighty, an avenger who brings wrath on the one doing an evil thing.
5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6Because of this you also pay levies, because they are ministers of the Almighty, attending to this very thing. 7Return to all what is owed them. Levy to whom levy is due, tax to whom tax is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
8Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another, because the one loving another completes the Law. 9Indeed this, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and in regard to some other commandments, it is headed up under this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore love is the completion of the Law.
11Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to be awakened from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer to us than when we affirmed faithfulness. 12The night advances, yet the day is near. Therefore we should lay aside the deeds of the darkness and we should put on the weapons of light. 13We should walk properly as in daytime, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensual liberties, not in strife and jealousy. 14But put on our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Chapter 14 — Fasting, Meat, and Common Food
Now welcome the one who is weak in the faith but not for scrutinizing his reasoning. 14:2One person affirms it to be trustworthy to eat everything, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, because the Almighty has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls, and he will stand, for Yăhwēh is able to make him stand.
5One person chooses one fast day over another fasting day another chooses every day. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6The one concerned about the fast day, is concerned about it for Yăhwēh, but he who eats, does so for Yăhwēh, because he gives thanks to the Almĭghty. And he who eats not, for Yăhwēh he does not eat, and gives thanks to the Almĭghty, 7because not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself.
8Because if we live, we live for Yăhwēh, or if we die, we die for Yăhwēh. Therefore whether we live or die, we are Yăhwēh’s. 9Because to this end Mĕssiah died and lived again, that he might be both A’dŏnai̱ of the dead and of the living. 10But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? Because we will all stand before the judgment seat of the Almĭghty. 11Because it is written, “As I live, says Yăhwēh, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to the Almĭghty.” 12So then each one of us will give an account of himself to the Almĭghty. 13Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this, not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
14I know and am convinced in A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒, that nothing is common on its own, except to him who is considering anything be common to him it is common. 15Because if through food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Mĕssiah died.
16However do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil, 17because, the kingdom of the Almighty is not eating and drinking, but justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18Because he who in this way serves Mĕssiah is acceptable to the Almĭghty and approved by men. 19So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
20Do not tear down the work of the Almĭghty for the sake of food. All surely is clean, but they are evil for the man who through stumbling eats. 21It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or whatever makes your brother stumble. 22The confidence which you have, have as your own conviction before the Almĭghty. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it is not from faithfulness. And whatever is not from faithfulness is sin.
Chapter 15 — Mĕssiah, Yăhwēh’s Servant
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not please ourselves. 15:2Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3Because even Mĕssiah did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell upon me.”
4Because whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have a trustworthy expectation. 5Now may the Almĭghty who patiently endures and gives encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, 6so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the Almĭghty and Făther of our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah.
7Therefore, accept one another, just as Mĕssiah also accepted us to the glory of the Almĭghty. 8Because I say that Mĕssiah certainly became a servant of the circumcision on behalf of the truth of the Almĭghty to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9and the nations for mercy, to glorify the Almĭghty, as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to you among the nations, and I will sing to your name.” 10And again he says, “Rejoice, ye nations, with his people.” 11And again, “Praise Yăh all ye nations, and let all the nations praise him.” 12Again Yesha‘yahū says, “There will come the root of Yishai̱, even he who arises to rule the nations, upon him will the nations put their confidence.”
13Now may the Almĭghty of trustworthy expectation fill you with all joy and peace while affirming faithfulness, so that you will abound in trusting expectation by the power of the Holy Spĭrit.
14And concerning you, my brothers, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. 15But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the favor that was given me from the Almĭghty, 16to be a minister of Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ to the nations, doing a priestly service for the good news of the Almĭghty, that the offering of the nations might be acceptable, being made holy by the Holy Spĭrit.
17Therefore in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ I have found reason for glorying in things pertaining to the Almĭghty, 18because I will not presume to speak of anything except what Mĕssiah has accomplished through me, for the listening submission of the nations by word and deed, 19by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spĭrit, so that from Yerūshalayim and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Mĕssiah.
20And so I aspire to proclaim the good news, not where Mĕssiah has been already named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21but as it is written, “They who had no news of him will see, and they who have not heard will understand.” 22For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you. 23But now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24whenever I go to Spain, I expect to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while.
25But now, I am going to Yerūshalayim, serving the holy ones, 26because Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the holy ones in Yerūshalayim. 27Yes, they were pleased, and they are indebted to them. Because if the nations have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. 28Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Mĕssiah. 30Now I urge you, brothers, by our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah and by the love of the Spĭrit, to strive together with me in your prayers to the Almĭghty for me, 31that I may be rescued from those who are disloyal in Yehūdah, and that my service for Yerūshalayim may prove acceptable to the holy ones, 32so that I may come to you in joy by the will of the Almĭghty and can enjoy mutual rest with you. 33Now the Almĭghty of peace be with you all. A’mēn.
Chapter 16 — Greetings
Icommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is also a servant of the assembly which is in Cenchrea, 16:2that you receive her in Yăhwēh as worthy of the holy ones, and that you stand by her in whatever matter she may have need of you, also because she has been a helper of many, and of myself.
3Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, 4who for my life risked their own necks, for whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the assemblies in the nations, 5and the assembly in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is a first fruit to Mĕssiah in Asia.
6Greet Miryam, who does many labors for you.
7Greet Andronicus and Eunias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the emissaries, who also were in Mĕssiah before me.
8Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in Yăhwēh.
9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Mĕssiah, and Stachys my beloved.
10Greet Apelles, the approved in Mĕssiah. Greet those who belong to Aristobulus.
11Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those belonging to Narcissus, who are in Yăhwēh.
12Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in Yăhwēh. Greet Persis the beloved, who are laboring in Yăhwēh.
13Greet Rufus, chosen for Yăhwēh, and his mother and mine.
14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them.
15Greet Philologus and Eulia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the holy ones who are with them.
16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the assemblies of Mĕssiah greet you.
17Now I urge you, brothers, to watch for those causing dissensions and hindrances alongside the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them, 18because such ones are slaves, not of our A’dŏnai̱ Mĕssiah but of their own appetite, and by graceful words and pleasant sounding speech they deceive the hearts of those who practice no deceit.
19Because your submissive listening has touched all, therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise regarding good and innocent regarding evil.
20The Almĭghty of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The loving-kindness of our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ be with you.
21Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and Lucius and Iason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in Yăhwēh.
23Gaius, my host and all the assembly, greet you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother.
25Now praise be to the one himself able to confirm you according to my good news, and by the proclamation of Yĕshūa̒ Mĕssiah, according to the unveiling of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages, 26but now has been manifested, besides through the prophetic writings, according to the command of the everlasting Almĭghty, for a submissive hearing of faithfulness, to all the nations, having been made known, 27by the only wise Almĭghty, through Yĕshūa̒ Mĕssiah, to whom is the glory forever. A’mēn.