Scripture Response: Romans 2:17-3:8

In Romans 2:17-3:8 Paul examines the legitimacy of keeping the Mosaic Law and the importance of Jewish ancestry and compares them with faith. In verses 17-29 of chapter two Paul looks at how the Jews define their relationship with God and others. Upon probing Hebrew reasoning, Paul exposes the narrowness and hypocrisy of the Jewish definition of faith by stating, “. . . you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” (Romans 2:21) By subtly referring to defining by genus and difference, Paul reveals that observance of the Law and a Jewish heritage are assets of worshipping God; however, he reveals a fuller, broader definition. At the end of Romans 2 Paul writes,

A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. (Romans 2:29)

Through this statement Paul describes faith as something from the heart. Romans 2:29 broadens the scope of the Jewish definition, while still mentioning the essential characteristics of faith.

Moving to Romans 3, Paul strengthens his conclusion in chapter two. Leaning upon genus and difference, Paul clarifies Judaism as a species of the genus “faith.” In Romans 3:2 Paul affirms the importance of the Hebrew heritage. However, Paul emphasizes the fact that God does not need a Jew or a “Law-keeper” to accomplish his will by stating, “What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar.” (Romans 3:3-4) Overall, by affirming Judaism, Paul does not mean that works influence God’s plan. Instead, Paul places works as the result of genuine faith.

Overall, the sequence of Romans 2:17-3:8 struck me. Recently, I have heard a lot of emphasis on faith, but a strange silence when it comes to the relationship between faith and the Law. By categorizing faith and the Law according to the genus and species model, the relationship now makes sense to me. To accomplish the Law one must first have true faith in the One who made the Law! Also, Romans 2:17-24 and Paul’s comparison of the Jewish standard with their actual religious product convicted me to practice what I preach. As a representative of Christ, the way I act reflects directly upon the way the world looks upon Christ.

Scripture Response: Romans 1:1-2:16

Paul, as an experienced speaker, used different methods of presenting the Gospel. Analysis of Acts 13:16-41 and Acts 26:1-31 shows how Paul utilized technique, familiarity with the audience, and persuasion while preaching. In Acts 13:16-14, Paul presented his viewpoint confidently when he addressed a gathering of Jews in Antioch. For example, Paul treated Jesus’ bodily resurrection as fact when he said, “The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ ” (Acts 13:34) Furthermore, this verse, and others, shows how Paul consistently supported his arguments with Scripture. On the other hand, Paul humbly presented Christianity to Agrippa in Acts 26:1-31. Instead of constantly quoting Scripture, Paul made conclusions based on his background and obvious general statements. To justify of his conversion Paul stated, “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.” (Acts 26: 19) Underscoring God’s sovereignty, Paul queried, “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8) All in all, Paul used confidence in Acts 13 and humility in Acts 26 as techniques to spread the Gospel.

Interestingly, Paul adjusted his presentation technique based on his knowledge of his audience. In Acts 13 Paul addressed his audience as fellow Jews. Therefore, he presumed they knew the Scriptures. Using this assumption, he devoted his time to examine prophecies in the Psalms, Isaiah, and Habakkuk to justify his conclusion that “. . . through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” (Acts 13:38) However, in Acts 26 Paul recounted his conversion experience and discussed the key points of the Christian faith with King Agrippa. Appealing solely to Scripture did not carry any weight because Agrippa, a Gentile ruler, drew his authority from secular sources. With this knowledge, Paul presumed on Agrippa’s knowledge of Hebrew matters, saying, “The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him.” (Acts 26:26) Then Paul explained how his viewpoint did not contradict the Scriptures, saying, “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 his own people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23) Overall, Paul used different techniques to persuade his audience concerning the validity of the Gospel based on what he knew of his audience.

Depending upon his audience, Paul employed different types of persuasion. Paul used force of words and Old Testament texts Acts 13persuade his Judaic listeners that he knew his subject. He ended his speech by quoting Habakkuk 1:5, stating, “Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.” Used the harshness of this passage, Paul endeavored to convince the Jews to consider his claims and believe in Jesus. However, Paul conversed with Agrippa to explain his point in Acts 26. At the end of his speech Paul pleaded, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am . . . .” (Acts 26:29) This plea contrasts markedly with Paul’s stern warning in Acts 13. In summary, when Paul witnessed, he employed technique, knowledge of his audience, and persuasion to present the Gospel to others.



Works Cited
The Holy Bible, New International Bible, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corporation, 1991.
(Unless otherwise noted, all verses quoted are from this version.)

A Sheep’s Senseless Stragglings

Although not the most intelligent creature, the sheep occupied an important place in everyday life during Biblical times. Many passages mention this common animal in different contexts. David uses the sheep in Psalm 23 to picture our relationship with Christ, the Good Shepherd. Throughout this chapter one can observe the weakness of the sheep and its reliance on the shepherd. Amazingly, David’s illustration of sheep also transfers to a Christian’s life, teaching numerous lessons about a believer’s true state and God’s love.

With the sheep as an example Christians can better understand their fallen state. Constantly going off-track, sheep need direction and prodding from the shepherd to prevent them from wandering. Isaiah 53:6 says, “all we like sheep have gone astray,” comparing this same characteristic to man’s sinful condition. Foolish and undiscerning on their own, humans often stumble and fall into harmful situations which force them to cry out to the Lord for rescue. To find refuge from savage animals that may threaten them, the helpless sheep must rely on the protection of the shepherd. Just as sheep hear the shepherd’s call and follow, believers need to recognize the Lord’s prompting and respond in obedience. Because of their feebleness, followers of Christ do not have the power to face life’s battles on their own. Only the Good Shepherd can provide security and supply green pastures and still waters for their refreshment. As sheep depend on the shepherd in every aspect of life, likewise the Christian looks to Christ for sustenance.

Comparing myself with a wandering sheep opens my eyes to see my true instability. I wonder how many times the Shepherd rescues me from the wrong path. That Christ patiently continues to lift me from sin over and over again confirms his love for me. With thankfulness I realize I could never repay Him for the faithful care He gives. Stronger and wiser than my own intellect, the Lord knows every circumstance that threatens my weakness. Only He can protect me from the lurking enemy. When He calls, I must follow in submission with the conviction that He will lead me in the right way. As all of my efforts fail, I trust in Jesus who alone can satisfy every need.

A Training Ground for Obedience

Fathers and mothers should receive respect from their children as authorities placed by God. Each child should acknowledge God’s command to obey and honor parents. Ephesians 6:2-3 states, “ ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ ” Seasoned through life’s experiences, parents offer advice and words of guidance which their children should readily accept. Unfortunately, children tend to have independent spirits that do not always desire or acknowledge counsel. As a result, they often fall into situations they could have easily avoided by heeding a parent’s wise warning. But, if children do not honor and yield to their parents, how will they respond to God? Will they ignore and rebel against Him? Learning how to honor a parent’s authority prepares a child to respect and obey God’s authority. Furthermore, those who honor His word by obeying their parents will receive God’s blessing. In summary, realizing that their reaction to parents’ instruction determines their response to God, children should focus on honoring their parents in order to please the Lord.

Soak in the Word

Christians ought to read God’s Word on a regular basis in order to deepen their walk with the Lord. Described in Psalm 119 as a lamp and a light, God’s Word serves as the blueprint for a believer’s life. With this in mind, a Christian should know the Bible from cover to cover. Preparing believers to overcome daily struggles, the Bible provides encouragement and refreshment to strengthen faith in Him. One who desires to live a life pleasing to the Lord should absorb each word of this book to learn how God wants a Christian to act. Also, a Christian should read the Bible with a keen desire to know God better. While meditating on the Word, believers can sense the meaning and significance of God’s work in a new light as the Holy Spirit reveals texts which pierce the soul. As a result, they can rejoice and worship Him fervently with a greater understanding of His mercies. Most importantly, repeatedly reading and thinking on God’s Word trains one’s mind to continually focus on the Lord. Crucial in a Christian’s life and a deep well of spiritual sustenance, studying the Scriptures gives believers a better understanding of the One they serve and draws them closer Him.

An Undistracted Education of Worth

Free from distractions, homeschooling enables me to study with a Biblical interpretation. I can plunge into academics at home without everyday pressures that come in a secular, public school setting. My parents do not have to worry about harmful influences of students around me. Without these obstacles as a hindrance, I can achieve much more at home with a set focus. Homeschooling helps me avoid the confusion of having to unlearn philosophy taught contrary to the Bible. In order to have a strong foundation in life, a Christian’s education must promote confidence in Scripture. Contrary to public education, I gain a deeper understanding of the Lord in my studies at home, equipping me to serve him with my knowledge. Do I regret homeschooling? As a homeschooled student I do not see myself deprived of anything. Instead, protected from a culture full of distractions and dangerous pressures, this environment helps me pursue an education of far greater worth and benefit to my life–one based on Biblical truth.