Romans – Chapter 1

New Testament32 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 1 of Romans begins: "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." The chapter centers on David and Paul. Across its 32 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and justice and care for the poor. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.

2Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures,

3Concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh,

4Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead:

5By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name:

6Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:

7To all that are at Rome, the beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

8First, I give thanks to my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all: because your faith is spoken of in the whole world.

9For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make a commemoration of you:

10Always in my prayers making request, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey, by the will of God, to come unto you.

11For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual grace, to strengthen you:

12That is to say, that I may be comforted together in you by that which is common to us both, your faith and mine.

13And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come unto you (and have been hindered hitherto) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

14To the Greeks and to the barbarians, to the wise and to the unwise, I am a debtor.

15So (as much as is in me) I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are at Rome.

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first and to the Greek.

17For the justice of God is revealed therein, from faith unto faith, as it is written: The just man liveth by faith.

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those men that detain the truth of God in injustice:

19Because that which is known of God is manifest in them. For God hath manifested it unto them.

20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. His eternal power also and divinity: so that they are inexcusable.

21Because that, when they knew God, they have not glorified him as God or given thanks: but became vain in their thoughts. And their foolish heart was darkened.

22For, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

23And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man and of birds, and of fourfooted beasts and of creeping things.

24Wherefore, God gave them up to the desires of their heart, unto uncleanness: to dishonour their own bodies among themselves.

25Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26For this cause, God delivered them up to shameful affections. For their women have changed the natural use into that use which is against nature.

27And, in like manner, the men also, leaving the natural use of the women, have burned in their lusts, one towards another: men with men, working that which is filthy and receiving in themselves the recompense which was due to their error.

28And as they liked not to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them up to a reprobate sense, to do those things which are not convenient.

29Being filled with all iniquity, malice, fornication, avarice, wickedness: full of envy, murder, contention, deceit, malignity: whisperers,

30Detractors, hateful to God, contumelious, proud, haughty, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31Foolish, dissolute: without affection, without fidelity, without mercy.

32Who, having known the justice of God, did not understand that they who do such things, are worthy of death: and not only they that do them, but they also that consent to them that do them.

Important Verses in Romans 1

Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead:

Romans 1:4

To all that are at Rome, the beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:7

For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first and to the Greek.

Romans 1:16

Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Romans 1:25

Historical Context

Romans addresses the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 1 of 16 opens the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 32 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David and Paul, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." The final verse reads: "Who, having known the justice of God, did not understand that they who do such things, are worthy of death: and not…" The wider setting of Romans is this: Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 4: "Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead:" The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of justification by faith and life in the Spirit. Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1362).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

David1 mentionPaul1 mention

Reflection for Today

According to Catholic teaching, Romans Chapter 1 establishes the universal need for salvation that only Christ can provide. The Catechism of the Catholic Church cites this chapter in teaching about natural revelation—that God's existence and attributes can be known through creation (CIC 32, 286-288). This is the foundation for Catholic natural theology and the Church's dialogue with philosophy and science.

Paul's declaration that the Gospel is "the power of God for salvation" grounds the Catholic understanding of evangelization. The Church teaches that salvation comes through faith in Christ, expressed through Baptism and lived out in the sacramental life of the Church. The phrase "the righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17), central to the Reformation debates, is understood by Catholics as faith working through love (Galatians 5:6).

The chapter's description of humanity's rejection of God and its consequences illustrates the Catholic doctrine of original sin and its effects. The Catechism teaches that sin darkens the intellect and weakens the will (CIC 1865). Yet Catholic theology always reads this diagnosis in light of the remedy—the grace of Christ that heals and elevates human nature, offered through the Church's sacraments.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 1 about?

Romans 1 contains 32 verses. It opens with "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." and closes with "Who, having known the justice of God, did not understand that they who do such things, are worthy of death: and not…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 1?

One of the most significant verses is verse 4: "Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Romans Chapter 1?

This chapter mentions David, Paul.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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