28:16. And when we were come to Rome, Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.
28:17. And after the third day, he called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were a.s.sembled, he said to them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the people or the custom of our fathers, was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
28:18. Who, when they had examined me, would have released me, for that there was no cause of death in me.
28:19. But the Jews contradicting it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar: not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.
28:20. For this cause therefore I desired to see you and to speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.
28:21. But they said to him: We neither received letters concerning thee from Judea: neither did any of the brethren that came hither relate or speak any evil of thee.
28:22. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that it is every where contradicted.
28:23. And when they had appointed him a day, there came very many to him unto his lodgings. To whom he expounded, testifying the kingdom of G.o.d and persuading them concerning Jesus, out of the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening.
28:24. And some believed the things that were said: but some believed not.
28:25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, Paul speaking this one word: Well did the Holy Ghost speak to our fathers by Isaias the prophet,
28:26. Saying: Go to this people and say to them: With the ear you shall hear and shall not understand: and seeing you shall see and shall not perceive.
28:27. For the heart of this people is grown gross, and with their ears have they heard heavily and their eyes they have shut, lest perhaps they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and should be converted: and I should heal them.
28:28. Be it known therefore to you that this salvation of G.o.d is sent to the Gentiles: and they will hear it.
28:29. And when he had said these things, the Jews went out from him, having much reasoning among themselves.
28:30. And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging: and he received all that came in to him,
28:31. Preaching the kingdom of G.o.d and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without prohibition.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE ROMANS
St. Paul wrote this epistle at Corinth, when he was preparing to go to Jerusalem with the charitable contributions collected in Achaia and Macedonia for the relief of the Christians in Judea; which was about twenty-four years after Our Lord"s Ascension. It was written in Greek; but at the same time translated into Latin, for the benefit of those who did not understand that language. And though it is not the first of his Epistles in the order of time, yet it is first placed on account of sublimity of the matter contained in it, of the preeminence of the place to which it was sent, and in veneration of the Church.
Romans Chapter 1
He commends the faith of the Romans, whom he longs to see. The philosophy of the heathens, being void of faith and humility, betrayed them into shameful sins.
1:1. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of G.o.d.
1:2. Which he had promised before, by his prophets, in the holy scriptures,
1:3. Concerning his Son, who was made to him of the seed of David, according to the flesh,
1:4. Who was predestinated the Son of G.o.d in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead:
Predestinated, etc... Christ as man, was predestinated to be the Son of G.o.d: and declared to be so (as the apostle here signifies) first, by power, that is, by his working stupendous miracles; secondly, by the spirit of sanctification, that is, by his infinite sanct.i.ty; thirdly, by his ressurection, or raising himself from the dead.
1:5. By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name:
1:6. Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:
1:7. To all that are at Rome, the beloved of G.o.d, called to be saints.
Grace to you and peace, from G.o.d our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:8. First, I give thanks to my G.o.d, through Jesus Christ, for you all: because your faith is spoken of in the whole world.
1:9. For G.o.d is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make a commemoration of you:
1:10. Always in my prayers making request, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey, by the will of G.o.d, to come unto you.
1:11. For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual grace, to strengthen you:
1:12. That is to say, that I may be comforted together in you by that which is common to us both, your faith and mine.
1:13. And 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.
1:14. To the Greeks and to the barbarians, to the wise and to the unwise, I am a debtor.
1:15. So (as much as is in me) I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are at Rome.
1:16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of G.o.d unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first and to the Greek.
1:17. For the justice of G.o.d is revealed therein, from faith unto faith, as it is written: The just man liveth by faith.
1:18. For the wrath of G.o.d is revealed from heaven against all unG.o.dliness and injustice of those men that detain the truth of G.o.d in injustice:
1:19. Because that which is known of G.o.d is manifest in them. For G.o.d hath manifested it unto them.
1:20. For 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.
1:21. Because that, when they knew G.o.d, they have not glorified him as G.o.d or given thanks: but became vain in their thoughts. And their foolish heart was darkened.
1:22. For, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
1:23. And they changed the glory of the incorruptible G.o.d into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man and of birds, and of fourfooted beasts and of creeping things.
1:24. Wherefore, G.o.d gave them up to the desires of their heart, unto uncleanness: to dishonour their own bodies among themselves.
1:25. Who changed the truth of G.o.d into a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
1:26. For this cause, G.o.d delivered them up to shameful affections. For their women have changed the natural use into that use which is against nature.