Romans Bible Study Notes

Romans 1:18-21 (English Standard Version)

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Greek New Testament

18αποκαλυπτεται γαρ οργη θεου απ ουρανου επι πασαν ασεβειαν και αδικιαν ανθρωπων των την αληθειαν εν αδικια κατεχοντων 19διοτι το γνωστον του θεου φανερον εστιν εν αυτοις ο θεος γαρ αυτοις εφανερωσεν 20τα γαρ αορατα αυτου απο κτισεως κοσμου τοις ποιημασιν νοουμενα καθοραται η τε αιδιος αυτου δυναμις και θειοτης εις το ειναι αυτους αναπολογητους 21διοτι γνοντες τον θεον ουχ ως θεον εδοξασαν η ηυχαριστησαν αλλ εματαιωθησαν εν τοις διαλογισμοις αυτων και εσκοτισθη η ασυνετος αυτων καρδια

Key Biblical Words and Phrases Found in the text of Romans 1:18-21


1. Wrath (Orge) anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath, (Romans 1:18, 2:5, 2:8, 4:5, 5:9, 9:22, 12:19, 13:4, 13:5)

2. revealed (Apokalupto) reveal (Romans 1:17, 18, 8:18)

3. ungodliness (Asebeia) want of reverence towards God, impiety, ungodliness (Romans 1:18, 11:26)


4. unrighteousness (adikia) iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong (Romans 1:18, 1:29, 2:8, 6:13, 9:14)

5. suppress (katecho) have, hold, hold fast, keep, make, misc, possess, stay, take (Romans 1:18, 7:6)


6. truth (Aletheia) (Romans 1:18, 1:25, 2:2, 2:8).

7. invisible attributes (aoratos) invisible, invisible things, (Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:15, 1:16, 1 Timothy 1:17, Heb. 11:27).


8. eternal/ power (Aidios) eternal, everlasting (Romans 1:20, Jude 1:6). Power-dunamis, might, strength, virtue, (Romans 1:4, 1:16, 1:20, 8:38, 9:17, 15:13)

9. divine nature ((Theiotes), divinity, godhead, divine nature) (Romans 1:20).


10. darkened (Skotizo) darkened, (Romans 1:21, 11:10).



Revelation This means the disclosure of something that was unknown. There are two types of revelation: natural and special.

Natural revelation is that which is revealed about God through what we can see in creation (Rom. 1:20 ). Through creation we may learn that there is a God, that He is in control, that He has an order, and that He is concerned for our welfare. However, through natural revelation, we are not able to discover the plan of salvation. That comes from special revelation.
Special revelation is that which is given to us through Prophets, the Bible, and even visions and dreams (Num. 12:6-8). The ultimate in revelation is the incarnation of Jesus because He came to reveal the Father to us (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; Heb. 1:1-3) and to communicate to us the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4 by which comes salvation.


Key Verses on General Revelation

Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line[a] has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world.

Romans 2:12-16

12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Key Verses on Special Revelation

“So then, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ…” See (Romans 10:13-17)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God… (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“Sanctify them by your Word, Your Word is the Truth (John 17:17) (Also see: John 14:6. 8:26, 8:58, Acts 4:12, 2 Peter 1:18-21).