In this section of Paul's letter to the church at Rome, he give thanks that their faithfulness is known throughout the world. He expressed his desire to come and visit, and then he shared, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, 'The righteous will live by faith' (Hab. 2:4b). (Romans 1:16-17)." This is the central passage of the letter of Romans. Paul then spoke of the wrath of God which will come upon those who suppress the truth, and do not glorify or give thanks to God. God then gives them over in their sinful desires (vs. 24), shameful lusts (vs. 26), and then to a depraved mind (vs. 28). This is a downward cycle combining humanities choices and will, with God's sovereignty. Then Paul focused on the sin of the religious who pass judgment on the "Gentiles," and yet do the same sins. Paul says God will give to each person what he has done (2:6), and that God does not show favoritism (2:11). Paul then explained the Jews were under the law, and the Gentiles were apart from the law, but what really mattered was those who will be declared righteous are those who obey the law, Jew or Gentile, because God will put His law into their minds and hearts, and they will want to obey the law of God.
