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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 1:2 the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/1-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/45_Rom_01_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 1:2 - Greeting the Saints in Rome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures," /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/1-1.htm" title="Romans 1:1">◄</a> Romans 1:2 <a href="/romans/1-3.htm" title="Romans 1:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />which He promised beforehand through His prophets in <i>the</i> Holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the sacred Scriptures—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />which He promised long ago through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />that he promised long ago by what his prophets said in the holy Scriptures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />which he promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />(God had already promised this Good News through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />(Which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />which God had already promised through His Prophets in Holy Writ, concerning His Son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />which He announced before through His prophets in holy writings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />which He promised beforehand through His prophets in <i>the</i> Holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> which He announced before through His prophets in holy writings -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />(Which he before promised by his prophets in the holy writings,)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />which he had promised beforehand, through his Prophets, in the Holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Which was promised from early days by his prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Which from the first he had promised by his Prophets in the Holy Scriptures,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />which he formerly promised through his prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />which He proclaimed beforehand through His prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />(which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />which God had promised by his prophets in the holy scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />which God had already promised through His Prophets in Holy Writ, concerning His Son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />which He promised before through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />separated unto the gospel of God, (which He had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures) concerning his Son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/1-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm">Greeting the Saints in Rome</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">the gospel</a> <a href="/greek/4279.htm" title="4279: proepēngeilato (V-AIM-3S) -- To promise beforehand. Middle voice from pro and epaggello; to promise of old.">He promised beforehand</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētōn (N-GMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">prophets</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagiais (Adj-DFP) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">the Holy</a> <a href="/greek/1124.htm" title="1124: graphais (N-DFP) -- (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.">Scriptures,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-32.htm">Acts 13:32-33</a></span><br />And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers / He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a></span><br />On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a></span><br />Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-44.htm">Luke 24:44</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39</a></span><br />You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-18.htm">Acts 3:18</a></span><br />But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15-16</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">1 Corinthians 15:3-4</a></span><br />For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, / that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-8.htm">Galatians 3:8</a></span><br />The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a></span><br />Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-22.htm">Acts 26:22-23</a></span><br />But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: / that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">2 Peter 1:20-21</a></span><br />Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-1.htm">Isaiah 53:1-12</a></span><br />Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? / He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a></span><br />And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-1.htm">Psalm 22:1-31</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? / I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. / Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">(Which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)</p><p class="hdg">Which.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/24-26.htm">Luke 24:26,27</a></b></br> Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/10-43.htm">Acts 10:43</a></b></br> To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/26-6.htm">Acts 26:6</a></b></br> And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:</p><p class="hdg">by.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Romans 3:21</a></b></br> But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;</p><p class="hdg">the holy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-2.htm">Romans 3:2</a></b></br> Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/33-22.htm">Afore</a> <a href="/acts/27-9.htm">Already</a> <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Announced</a> <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Beforehand</a> <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/acts/28-25.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/26-6.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Scriptures</a> <a href="/acts/28-25.htm">Word</a> <a href="/romans/2-24.htm">Writ</a> <a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Writings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/9-23.htm">Afore</a> <a href="/romans/1-13.htm">Already</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-2.htm">Announced</a> <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Beforehand</a> <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/romans/4-21.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/romans/3-21.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Scriptures</a> <a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Word</a> <a href="/romans/2-24.htm">Writ</a> <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Writings</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Paul commends his calling to the Romans;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/1-9.htm">and his desire to come to them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/1-16.htm">What his gospel is.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/1-18.htm">God is angry with sin.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/1-21.htm">What were the sins of mankind.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/romans/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>the gospel</b><br />The term "gospel" comes from the Greek word "euangelion," meaning "good news." In the context of Romans, it refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This "good news" is central to Christian faith, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Historically, the concept of "gospel" was used in the Roman Empire to announce significant events, such as the birth of an emperor. Here, Paul uses it to declare the ultimate good news of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection.<p><b>He promised beforehand</b><br />The phrase "promised beforehand" underscores the continuity and faithfulness of God. The Greek word "proepangellomai" indicates a promise made in advance. This highlights that the gospel was not an afterthought but part of God's eternal plan. Throughout the Old Testament, God made covenants and promises pointing to a coming Messiah, demonstrating His unchanging nature and sovereign will.<p><b>through His prophets</b><br />The prophets were God's chosen messengers, through whom He communicated His will and future plans. The Greek word "prophetes" refers to those who speak forth God's message. In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel foretold the coming of the Messiah. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the gospel message and its deep roots in Jewish tradition and scripture.<p><b>in the Holy Scriptures</b><br />The term "Holy Scriptures" refers to the sacred writings of the Old Testament, known in Greek as "hiera grammata." These texts were revered by the Jewish people as the authoritative word of God. By referencing the Holy Scriptures, Paul affirms that the gospel is not a new doctrine but the fulfillment of what was written long ago. This connection to the Scriptures provides a foundation for the legitimacy and authenticity of the Christian message, showing that it is deeply rooted in God's revealed word.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Which he had promised.</span>--More correctly, <span class= "ital">which He promised before by His prophets in holy writ.</span> There is a nicety of meaning expressed by the absence of the article before this last phrase. A slight stress is thus thrown upon the epithet "holy." It is not merely "in certain books which go by the name of holy scriptures," but "in certain writings the character of which is holy." They are "holy" as containing the promises referred to in the text, and others like them. It will thus be seen how even this faint shade of meaning works into the general argument. The writings in which the promises are contained, like the promises themselves, their fulfilment, and the consequences which follow from them, all are part of the same exceptional divine scheme.<p>The prophetic writings describe not only salvation, the <span class= "ital">substance</span> of the gospel, but also the <span class= "ital">preaching</span> of salvation, the gospel itself. (See <a href="/isaiah/40-2.htm" title="Speak you comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry to her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she has received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins.">Isaiah 40:2</a>, "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem," and following verses; <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm" title="He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.">Isaiah 42:4</a>; <a href="/isaiah/52-1.htm" title="Awake, awake; put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for from now on there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean.">Isaiah 52:1</a> <span class= "ital">et seq.;</span> <a href="/psalms/19-4.htm" title="Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them has he set a tabernacle for the sun,">Psalm 19:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/68-11.htm" title="The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.">Psalm 68:11</a>, <span class= "ital">et al.</span>) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Which he promised before through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning his Son</span>. Here the parenthetical passage begins, extending to the end of ver. 6. It is unnecessary to complicate it by connecting <span class="greek">περὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ</span> with the previous <span class="greek">εὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ</span>. It goes more naturally with <span class="greek">προεπηγγείλατο</span>, denoting the subject of the Old Testament promises. By <span class="greek">προφητῶν</span> are meant not only the sacred writers distinctively so called, but (as in <a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1</a>) all who spoke of old under Divine inspiration, as by <span class="greek">γραφαῖς ἁγίαις</span> is signified the Old Testament generally. This intimation of the gospel being the fulfilment of prophecy is fitly introduced here, as preparing the reader for the argument of the Epistle, in the course of which the doctrine propounded is shown to be in accordance with the Old Testament, and in fact anticipated therein. This is, indeed, a prominent point in the general teaching of apostles and evangelists. They announce the gospel as the fulfilment of prophecy, and the true completion of all the ancient dispensation; and it is to the Old Testament that, in addressing Israelites, they ever in the first place appeal. Thus St. Peter (<a href="/acts/2-14.htm">Acts 2:14</a>; <a href="/acts/3-18.htm">Acts 3:18</a>; <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a>); thus Stephen (<a href="/acts/7.htm">Acts 7</a>.); thus St. Paul at Antioch in Pisidia, at Thessalonica, and before Agrippa (<a href="/acts/13-16.htm">Acts 13:16</a>; <a href="/acts/17-2.htm">Acts 17:2</a>; <a href="/acts/26-6.htm">Acts 26:6, 22</a>); thus Philip to the Ethiopian proselyte (<a href="/acts/8-35.htm">Acts 8:35</a>); thus Apollos at Corinth (<a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Acts 18:28</a>). Our Lord himself had done the same, as in <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>; <a href="/luke/4-21.htm">Luke 4:21</a>; <a href="/luke/24-27.htm">Luke 24:27, 44</a>; <a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39</a>. All this is important as showing how the old and new dispensations are regarded together as parts of a whole, the old one being but the needful preparation for a fulfilment in the new, and so becoming intelligible; and thus how "through all the ages one eternal purpose runs." There was also a providential preparation in the Gentile world, though not so direct and obvious, and though, of course, not similarly noticed in addresses to disciples of the Law. But St. Paul intimates it; as in his speech on Areopagus, and also, as will be seen, in this Epistle. Even the gospel (it may be further observed) is set forth as but a further stage of progress towards a final consummation, as the dawn only of a coming daybreak. We have still but an earnest of our inheritance; the "earnest expectation of the creature" still awaits "the manifestation of the sons of God." Meanwhile, in the revelation already made through Christ, and the redemption accomplished by him, we are taught to cling to our faith in a Divine purpose throughout the world's perplexing history - that of resolving at last all discords into eternal harmony, and making manifest "one great love, embracing all." This grand view of a providential order leading to a final consummation (though how and when we know not) pervades St. Paul's writings, and should be kept in mind for a proper understanding of this Epistle. God's promises through his prophets in Holy Scripture are said to have been "concerning his Son;" and a question hence arises as to the exact sense in which "his Son" is to be here understood; a consideration of which question may help our interpretation of the expression in the following verse, which is not without difficulty, <span class="greek">Τοῦ ὁρισθέντος υἱοῦ</span> <span class="greek">Θεοῦ ἐν δυνάμει</span>. We may distinguish between three senses in which Christ is called "the Son of God." <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> With reference to his Divine pre-existence, the term expressing his relation to the Father from eternity, like the <span class="greek">Λόγος</span> (and probably the <span class="greek">μονογενὴς υἱὸς</span>) of St. John. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> With reference to his incarnation, as being conceived by the Holy Ghost; as in <a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Luke 1:35</a>, <span class="greek">Διὸ καὶ τὸ γεννώμενον</span> <span class="greek">α{γιον κληθήσεται υἱὸς Θεοῦ</span>. <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> With reference to the position assigned to the Messiah in psalm and prophecy, as the <span class="accented">Son</span> exalted to the right hand of God, and crowned with glory. It is with the last of these three references that the title is used in the Epistle to the Hebrews; where the ideal of sonship, found in the Old Testament, and imperfectly typified by the theoretic position of the theocratic kings, is regarded as prophetic, and pointing to Christ, in whom alone it is shown to be fulfilled. Hence in that Epistle his exaltation to the rank and dignity of <span class="accented">Son</span> is regarded as subsequent to his human obedience, and even the consequence and reward of it. It was "<span class="accented">because</span> <span class="accented">of</span> the suffering of death (<span class="greek">διὰ τὸ πάθημα</span> <span class="greek">θανάτου</span>)" that he has been "crowned with glory and honour" (<a href="/hebrews/2-9.htm">Hebrews 2:9</a>); it was after he had made a purification of sins that he "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," having "inherited" that "more excellent name" - the name of Son (<a href="/hebrews/1-4.htm">Hebrews 1:4</a>). It is by no means implied that the said Epistle does not recognize a true Sonship of Christ <span class="accented">before</span> his exaltation; he was all along "the Son" (cf. <a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Hebrews 5:7</a>, <span class="greek">Καίπερ</span> <span class="greek">ὤν υἱὸς ἔμαθεν</span>, etc.), though not enthroned as such over mankind and all creation till after his resurrection; and, further, the essential doctrine of his pre-existent and eternal Sonship. in the first of the senses noted above, is distinctly taught (as in ch. 1:3), though not there by the use of the term "Son." All we say is that this word is used in the Epistle to the Hebrews to denote Christ's position and office as the royal High Priest of humanity, exalted, after suffering, to the right hand of God, rather than his original Divine Personality; such being the significance of the title in the prophetic anticipations of the Messiah. Now, this being so, and it being the promises made "through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning his Son" that are being spoken of in the passage before us, it may seem at first most probable that the idea here implied by the word "Son" is the same as in the Epistle to the Hebrews, and no more. We ought, however, to take further into account what St. Paul himself seems to signify by the term when he uses it elsewhere. It does not follow that his own conception of its significance was confined to what was apparent in "the prophets." Reading them in the light of the gospel revelation, he may have seen in their language more implied than it distinctly expressed, and himself intended to imply more. The passages in his Epistles, apart from this chapter, where Christ is called God's Son are these: . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/1-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">He promised beforehand</span><br /><span class="grk">προεπηγγείλατο</span> <span class="translit">(proepēngeilato)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4279.htm">Strong's 4279: </a> </span><span class="str2">To promise beforehand. Middle voice from pro and epaggello; to promise of old.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prophets</span><br /><span class="grk">προφητῶν</span> <span class="translit">(prophētōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Holy</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁγίαις</span> <span class="translit">(hagiais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Scriptures,</span><br /><span class="grk">γραφαῖς</span> <span class="translit">(graphais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/1-2.htm">NT Letters: Romans 1:2 Which he promised before through his prophets (Rom. 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