Part 1316

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 God 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 God 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 God 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 God.

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 God 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 God: 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 sanctity; 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 God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:8. First, I give thanks to my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all: because your faith is spoken of in the whole world.

1:9. For 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:

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 God, to come unto you.