Romans 1:4
and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
and who through the Spirit of holiness
The phrase "Spirit of holiness" refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His role in sanctification and divine power. The Greek word for "Spirit" is "pneuma," which can mean breath or wind, symbolizing life and power. "Holiness" comes from the Greek "hagios," meaning set apart or sacred. This highlights the divine nature and purity of the Holy Spirit, who is instrumental in the resurrection and the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God. The Spirit's involvement underscores the Trinitarian nature of God, working in unity to fulfill divine purposes.

was declared with power
The Greek word for "declared" is "horizō," meaning to determine or appoint. This declaration is not merely a statement but a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine sonship. The "power" (Greek "dynamis") signifies the miraculous and authoritative nature of this declaration. It is through the resurrection that Jesus is powerfully affirmed as the Son of God, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. This power is not just physical but spiritual, transforming believers and affirming the truth of the Gospel.

to be the Son of God
This phrase affirms the divine identity of Jesus. The title "Son of God" is central to Christian belief, indicating Jesus' unique relationship with the Father. In the Jewish context, this title would have been understood as a claim to divinity, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The resurrection serves as the ultimate proof of this claim, validating Jesus' teachings and His authority. This declaration invites believers to recognize and worship Jesus as both Lord and Savior.

by His resurrection from the dead
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, as it confirms Jesus' victory over death and His divine nature. The Greek word for "resurrection" is "anastasis," meaning a rising up or standing again. This event is not just a historical occurrence but a transformative reality that offers hope and assurance of eternal life to believers. The resurrection is the Father's vindication of the Son, demonstrating that Jesus' sacrifice was accepted and that He has the power to grant life to all who believe in Him.

Jesus Christ our Lord
This concluding phrase encapsulates the identity and authority of Jesus. "Jesus" (Greek "Iēsous") is His human name, signifying His role as Savior. "Christ" (Greek "Christos") means the Anointed One, the Messiah promised in the Scriptures. "Our Lord" (Greek "Kyrios") denotes His sovereign authority over all creation. This title calls believers to submit to His lordship, acknowledging His rule in their lives. The combination of these titles affirms both His humanity and divinity, inviting believers into a personal and communal relationship with Him as their Redeemer and King.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
Central figure in Christianity, recognized as the Son of God and Savior. His resurrection is a pivotal event in Christian faith.

2. Spirit of Holiness
Refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His role in the sanctification and divine nature of Jesus.

3. Resurrection from the Dead
The event where Jesus rose from the dead, confirming His divine nature and fulfilling prophecy.

4. Son of God
A title affirming Jesus' divine nature and relationship with God the Father.

5. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, writing to the believers in Rome to explain the gospel and its implications.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of Jesus' divine nature and authority. It is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

Role of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of holiness is integral in declaring Jesus' divine sonship. Believers are called to live by the Spirit, reflecting holiness in their lives.

Jesus as Lord
Recognizing Jesus as Lord involves submission to His authority and aligning one's life with His teachings. This acknowledgment is essential for Christian discipleship.

Assurance of Faith
The resurrection provides believers with assurance of their faith and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of God's power and faithfulness.

Identity in Christ
Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God helps believers understand their identity in Him. As children of God, they are called to live in a way that reflects their divine heritage.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God through His resurrection impact your understanding of His authority in your life?

2. In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit to live a life of holiness, as demonstrated by Jesus?

3. How does the resurrection of Jesus provide you with hope and assurance in your daily walk with God?

4. What does it mean for you personally to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and how does this influence your decisions and actions?

5. How can you reflect your identity as a child of God in your interactions with others, knowing that Jesus is the Son of God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Philippians 2:9-11
This passage highlights the exaltation of Jesus and His divine authority, similar to His declaration as the Son of God in Romans 1:4.

Acts 2:24
Discusses the resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing God's power over death, which aligns with the declaration of Jesus' divine sonship.

Hebrews 1:3-4
Describes Jesus as the radiance of God's glory and His superiority over angels, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Explains the significance of the resurrection, affirming Jesus as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, which connects to His declaration as the Son of God.

John 20:31
States the purpose of the Gospel of John, that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name, echoing the declaration in Romans 1:4.
The Witness of the ResurrectionAlexander MaclarenRomans 1:4
The Gospel a Fulfilled ProphecyS.F. Aldridge Romans 1:1-4
A Call to the Ministry -- IncludesJ. Lyth.Romans 1:1-7
A Servant of ChristDean Vaughan.Romans 1:1-7
A Servant of Jesus ChristJ. Vaughan, M. A.Romans 1:1-7
Authentication and SalutationW. Tyson.Romans 1:1-7
Christianity as an Objective SystemT. Binney.Romans 1:1-7
Christ's Servant Christ's RepresentativeProf. J. A. Beet.Romans 1:1-7
Paul, the Slave of Jesus ChristH. Elvet Lewis.Romans 1:1-7
Paul's Description of Himself; Or, the Story of a Noble LifeC.H. Irwin Romans 1:1-7
Paul's First Contact with the Metropolis of the WorldT.F. Lockyer Romans 1:1, 5-7
Paul's SeparationT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 1:1-7
Paul's Servitude and ApostleshipR. Wardlaw, D. D.Romans 1:1-7
Qualifications for the ApostleshipR. Haldane.Romans 1:1-7
Separated unto the GospelW. Griffiths.Romans 1:1-7
The Christian's Personal ServiceBp. Reynolds.Romans 1:1-7
The Gospel of GodR. Haldane.Romans 1:1-7
The Happiness of ServiceDr. Duff.Romans 1:1-7
The Mystery of Loyalty -- the Master and the SlaveCanon Knox-Little.Romans 1:1-7
The Opening AddressT. G. Horton.Romans 1:1-7
The Sublimest ServitudeD. Thomas, D. D.Romans 1:1-7
The True Preacher and His Great ThemeU. R. Thomas.Romans 1:1-7
The Characterization of The Gospel of God, to Which Paul was SeparatedT.F. Lockyer Romans 1:2-4
The Church At RomeR.M. Edgar Romans 1:2-7
Christ as LordT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 1:3-4
Christ Evinced by the Resurrection to be the Son of GodR. Haldane.Romans 1:3-4
Christ the Seed of DavidProf. J. A. Beet.Romans 1:3-4
Christ the Seed of DavidT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 1:3-4
Christ, God's SonT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 1:3-4
Christ's Holy SpiritProf. J. A. Beet.Romans 1:3-4
Christ's Resurrection a Proof of His DivinityR. South, D. D.Romans 1:3-4
The Incarnation of God (A Sermon for Christmas DayDean Church.Romans 1:3-4
The Necessity of Christ's IncarnationC. Kingsley.Romans 1:3-4
The Resurrection of ChristT. Robinson, D. D.Romans 1:3-4
The Secret of the Success of ChristianityW. Baxendale.Romans 1:3-4
People
David, Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Christ, Dead, Decisively, Declared, Designated, Holiness, Holy, Marked, Mean, Power, Proved, Regards, Resurrection, Rising, Sanctification, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 1:4

     1105   God, power of
     1170   God, unity of
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2066   Christ, power of
     2069   Christ, pre-eminence
     2224   Christ, the Lord
     2530   Christ, death of
     2555   Christ, resurrection appearances
     2560   Christ, resurrection
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3030   Holy Spirit, power
     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3269   Holy Spirit, in Christ
     3290   Holy Spirit, life-giver
     5396   lordship, of Christ
     7115   children of God
     8105   assurance, basis of
     8203   character
     9312   resurrection, significance of Christ's

Romans 1:1-4

     2422   gospel, confirmation

Romans 1:1-5

     6668   grace, and Christ
     7708   apostles, function

Romans 1:1-7

     5328   greeting

Romans 1:2-4

     8425   evangelism, nature of

Romans 1:3-4

     1436   reality
     2218   Christ, Son of God
     5738   sons
     8316   orthodoxy, in NT

Library
Beautiful Thoughts
"Beautiful Thoughts" From Henry Drummond Arranged by Elizabeth Cureton {Project Gutenberg Editorial note: Many quotes from "The Greatest Thing in the World" did not provide a page number.} 1892 The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.--Rom. i. 20. To My Dear Friend Helen M. Archibald This Book Is Affectionately Inscribed.
Henry Drummond—Beautiful Thoughts

February 19. "As Much as in Me is I am Ready" (Rom. I. 15).
"As much as in me is I am ready" (Rom. i. 15). Be earnest. Intense earnestness, a whole heart for Christ, the passion sign of the cross, the enthusiasm of our whole being for our Master and humanity--this is what the Lord expects, this is what His cross deserves, this is what the world needs, this is what the age has a right to look for. Everything around us is intensely alive. Life is earnest, death is earnest, sin is earnest, men are earnest, business is earnest, knowledge is earnest, the age is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Third Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 11-20. 11 Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection.
The Son of God, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead.'--Rom. i. 4. These words speak of a twofold birth of Christ. According to the flesh, He was born of the seed of David. According to the Spirit, He was the first begotten from the dead. As He was a Son of David in virtue of His birth through the flesh, so He was declared to be the Son of God with power,
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

First Day. God's Call to Holiness.
Like as He which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy, for I am holy.'--1 Pet. i. 15, 16. The call of God is the manifestation in time of the purpose of eternity: 'Whom He predestinated, them He also called.' Believers are 'the called according to His purpose.' In His call He reveals to us what His thoughts and His will concerning us are, and what the life to which He invites us. In His call He makes clear to
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Gospel the Power of God
'I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.'--ROMANS i. 16. To preach the Gospel in Rome had long been the goal of Paul's hopes. He wished to do in the centre of power what he had done in Athens, the home of wisdom; and with superb confidence, not in himself, but in his message, to try conclusions with the strongest thing in the world. He knew its power well, and was not appalled. The danger was an attraction to his chivalrous
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Witness of the Resurrection
'Declared to be the Son of God with power, ... by the resurrection of the dead.'--ROMANS i. 4 (R.V.). It is a great mistake to treat Paul's writings, and especially this Epistle, as mere theology. They are the transcript of his life's experience. As has been well said, the gospel of Paul is an interpretation of the significance of the life and work of Jesus based upon the revelation to him of Jesus as the risen Christ. He believed that he had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus, and it was that appearance
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Privilege and Obligation
'To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints.'--ROMANS i. 7. This is the address of the Epistle. The first thing to be noticed about it, by way of introduction, is the universality of this designation of Christians. Paul had never been in Rome, and knew very little about the religious stature of the converts there. But he has no hesitation in declaring that they are all 'beloved of God' and 'saints.' There were plenty of imperfect Christians amongst them; many things to rebuke; much
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Paul's Longing
'I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12. That is, that I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me.'--ROMANS i. 11, 12. I am not wont to indulge in personal references in the pulpit, but I cannot but yield to the impulse to make an exception now, and to let our happy circumstances mould my remarks. I speak mainly to mine own people, and I must trust that other friends who may hear or read my words will
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
ROMANS i. 28.--"As they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind." In the opening of the most logical and systematic treatise in the New Testament, the Epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul enters upon a line of argument to demonstrate the ill-desert of every human creature without exception. In order to this, he shows that no excuse can be urged upon the ground of moral ignorance. He explicitly teaches that the pagan knows that there is one Supreme
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
ROMANS i. 24.--"When they knew God, they glorified him not as God." The idea of God is the most important and comprehensive of all the ideas of which the human mind is possessed. It is the foundation of religion; of all right doctrine, and all right conduct. A correct intuition of it leads to correct religious theories and practice; while any erroneous or defective view of the Supreme Being will pervade the whole province of religion, and exert a most pernicious influence upon the entire character
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
The people mentioned by Paul in our text fell into two great evils, or rather into two forms of one great evil--atheism: the atheism of the heart, and the atheism of the life. They knew God, but they glorified him not as God, neither were they thankful. We will first consider the first sin mentioned here, and then the second. I shall not look at these two evils as if you were Romans, because I know that you are not, but I shall adapt the text to your own case, and speak of these sins, as Englishmen
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 30: 1884

Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude
"They are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful."--Romans 1:20-21. This first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans is a dreadful portion of the Word of God. I should hardly like to read it all through aloud; it is not intended to be so used. Read it at home, and be startled at the awful vices of the Gentile world. Unmentionable crimes were the common pleasures of those wicked ages; but the chapter is also a striking picture of heathenism
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
"To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."--Romans 1:7. IN A FEW MINUTES we shall gather together as members of the Church of Christ to celebrate the memorial of his death. It is a memorable sight to see so many Christian people sitting together with the object of observing this ordinance. Frequently as I have seen it, I must confess that, when sitting in the chair at the head of the table, I often feel overawed
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 39: 1893

Sources of Our Knowledge of Jesus
20. The earliest existing record of events in the life of Jesus is given to us in the epistles of Paul. His account of the appearances of the Lord after his death and resurrection (I. Cor. xv. 3-8) was written within thirty years of these events. The date of the testimony, however, is much earlier, since Paul refers to the experience which transformed his own life, and so carries us back to within a few years of the crucifixion. Other facts from Jesus' life may be gathered from Paul, as his descent
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

The Holy Spirit in the Glorified Christ.
"Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."--Rom. i. 4. From the foregoing studies it appears that the Holy Spirit performed a work in the human nature of Christ as He descended the several steps of His humiliation to the death of the cross. The question now arises, whether He had also a work in the several steps of Christ's exaltation to the excellent glory, i.e., in His resurrection, ascension, royal dignity, and second coming.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Proposition Though the Necessity and Indispensableness of all the Great and Moral Obligations of Natural Religion,
and also the certainty of a future state of rewards and punishments, be thus in general deducible, even demonstrably, by a chain of clear and undeniable reasoning; yet (in the present state of the world, by what means soever it came originally to be so corrupted, the particular circumstances whereof could not now be certainly known but by revelation,) such is the carelessness, inconsiderateness, and want of attention of the greater part of mankind; so many the prejudices and false notions taken up
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Rome and Ephesus
Corinth as portrayed in the Epistles of Paul gives us our simplest and least contaminated picture of the Hellenic Christianity which regarded itself as the cult of the Lord Jesus, who offered salvation--immortality--to those initiated in his mysteries. It had obvious weaknesses in the eyes of Jewish Christians, even when they were as Hellenised as Paul, since it offered little reason for a higher standard of conduct than heathenism, and its personal eschatology left no real place for the resurrection
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

With the Opening of this ChapterWe Come to Quite a Different Theme. ...
With the opening of this chapter we come to quite a different theme. Like a fever-tossed patient, Ecclesiastes has turned from side to side for relief and rest; but each new change of posture has only brought him face to face with some other evil "under the sun" that has again and again pressed from him the bitter groan of "Vanity." But now, for a moment, he takes his eyes from the disappointments, the evil workings, and the sorrows, that everywhere prevail in that scene, and lifts them up to see
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

Here Some Man Shall Say; "If the Concupiscence of the Bad...
16. Here some man shall say; "If the concupiscence of the bad, whereby it comes that they bear all evils for that which they lust after, be of the world, how is it said to be of their will?" As if, truly, they were not themselves also of the world, when they love the world, forsaking Him by Whom the world was made. For "they serve the creature more than the Creator, Who is blessed for ever." [2670] Whether then by the word "world," the Apostle John signifies lovers of the world, the will, as it is
St. Augustine—On Patience

On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. '
We must look at the sense not the wording. The offence excited is at the sense; meaning of the Symbols; the question of their not being in Scripture. Those who hesitate only at coessential,' not to be considered Arians. Reasons why coessential' is better than like-in-essence,' yet the latter may be interpreted in a good sense. Explanation of the rejection of coessential' by the Council which condemned the Samosatene; use of the word by Dionysius of Alexandria; parallel variation in the use of Unoriginate;
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Fundamental Ideas of Man and his Redemption.
To Athanasius the Incarnation of the Son of God, and especially his Death on the Cross, is the centre of faith and theology (Incar. 19, kephalaion tes pisteos, cf. 9. 1 and 2, 20. 2, &c.). For our salvation' (Incar. 1) the Word became Man and died. But how did Athanasius conceive of salvation'? from what are we saved, to what destiny does salvation bring us, and what idea does he form of the efficacy of the Saviour's death? Now it is not too much to say that no one age of the Church's existence has
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter vi (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He protests against the reputation for holiness which is attributed to him, and promises to communicate the treatises which he has written. I. Even if I should give myself to you entirely that would be too little a thing still in my eyes, to have recompensed towards you even the half of the kindly feeling which you express towards my humility. I congratulate myself, indeed, on the honour which you have done me; but my joy, I confess, is tempered by the thought that it is not anything
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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