Romans 1:18

New Catholic Bible

Footnotes

1. Romans 1:18 In comparison with the liberation brought by the Gospel, humanity apart from Christ and without grace seems to be filled with sin and alienation. Paul begins by sketching a grim picture of the world as a prison and of the darkness in which human beings walk, whether Jews or Gentiles, who have abandoned themselves to their passions and to their own vain efforts (Rom 1:18—3:20). But into this world that is without vitality or a future, the love of God bursts forth and brings liberation. This conviction is central to the section. And this justification is given to whoever believes in Christ (Rom 3:20-31). What does “believe” mean? Paul explains it at length, using what he regards as the magnificent example of Abraham (Rom 4:1-25).
2. Romans 1:18 Without Christ the world goes astray and cannot reach its goal, which is God. It is under “the wrath of God,” an Old Testament phrase that indicates the ineradicable opposition between God and evil (see Isa 9:11-20; 10:4; 30:27). Thus, the world is a victim of corruption, of its useless efforts, of its lack of a sense of sin. Paul is especially sensitive to this situation and paints the dark scene on two panels: an indictment against paganism and a statement on the failure of Judaism. Neither paganism nor Judaism can save human beings.