What does Romans 1:19 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:19 indicates that the knowledge of God, particularly His eternal power and divine nature, is evident within people inherently, as God has made Himself known to them.

It suggests an inbuilt understanding or awareness of God in every person.

This verse is part of a larger argument that the Apostle Paul is making about the accountability of mankind to acknowledge God because His attributes are clearly perceived in the world.

The deeper meaning here is that ignorance of God cannot be claimed by anyone since He has revealed Himself through what He has created.

This innate knowledge obligates individuals to respond to God’s revelation.

Historical Context

Romans 1:19 was written by Paul in his Epistle to the Romans, which is believed to have been composed around A.D. 57.

Paul was writing to the church in Rome, a diverse community living in the capital of the Roman Empire.

The historical context is marked by a multicultural and multi-religious environment, where Roman religion and philosophy, as well as various cults and sects, were prevalent.

The assertion that God's attributes could be clearly seen in creation was meant to challenge both the polytheistic worldview of the gentiles and the reliance on the Mosaic Law by the Jews for righteousness before God.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Romans 1:19 speaks to the concept of general revelation, which is the idea that God discloses Himself to all people in a general way through nature and the created order.

It contrasts with special revelation, which is God making Himself known through specific events, scriptures, or prophetic utterances.

Some theologians see this verse as an affirmation of the human conscience being inherently aware of God's existence and moral standards. Others delve into the notion of natural theology, proposing that one can come to a basic understanding of God simply by observing the natural world.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 1:19 can encourage individuals to reflect on the wonder of creation and the natural world, recognizing these as evidence of a Creator. It also serves as a call to personal accountability, as it suggests that no one is without excuse for ignoring the divine.

The verse can also be seen as a call to engage in dialogue with people of different faiths or no faith, based on the shared existence of an innate knowledge of God.

Cross-References

• Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
• Acts 17:28 - "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
• Romans 2:15 - "Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)"
• Romans 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, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "may be known of God" (τὸ γνωστὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ) implies the aspects of God that can be perceived or understood.

The word "manifest" (φανερόν) means that which is clear, apparent, or known.

The phrase "God hath shewed it unto them" (ὁ Θεὸς ἐφανέρωσεν αὐτοῖς) indicates that God has actively made this knowledge evident or disclosed it to them.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with ancient mythology, the concept of a singular God revealing Himself through nature was distinct from many polytheistic beliefs that attributed various aspects of nature to different deities.

In other ancient religions, such as in some strains of Hellenistic philosophy, there was an understanding of a prime mover or an ultimate deity.

However, this was often more abstract and not necessarily tied to a moral law or personal revelation as described in Christian theology.

Scientific Perspectives

The intersection of this verse with modern science can be found in discussions about the origins of the universe, the complexity of life, and the argument of design.

While some scientists hold to a strictly naturalistic view of the world, others see in the order and complexity of the cosmos an indication of an intelligent Designer, which could be seen as consistent with the claims of Romans 1:19.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators have offered various interpretations of Romans 1:19.

John Calvin commented on this verse, highlighting natural revelation as proof of God's existence and hence the inexcusability of mankind's unbelief.

Matthew Henry emphasized the sufficiency of such knowledge of God to leave the world without excuse for its idolatry.

More contemporary scholars focus on the verse's implications for humanity's moral and spiritual consciousness, as well as the universal accessibility to some knowledge of the divine.