The Controversial Verses Of Romans 1:20-32 Explained

Introduction

One of the most controversial passages in the New Testament is found in the book of Romans, chapter 1, verses 20-32. This passage has been a topic of debate for centuries, with some interpreting it as a condemnation of homosexuality and others arguing that it is a condemnation of those who reject God.

The Context of Romans 1:20-32

To understand the meaning of these verses, it’s important to look at the context of the entire chapter. In Romans 1, the apostle Paul is addressing the Gentile believers in Rome and is explaining the gospel message that he has been called to preach.

Verse 20

Verse 20 states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” This verse is often used to argue that God’s existence is evident through creation, and therefore those who reject him are without excuse. However, it’s important to note that this verse is referring to the general revelation of God’s existence, not the specific revelation of the gospel message.

Verse 21

Verse 21 continues, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” This verse is often interpreted as a condemnation of those who reject God, but it’s important to note that Paul is not specifically talking about atheists or those who have never heard of God. He is addressing Gentile believers who have turned away from God and are following their own desires.

Verse 22

Verse 22 states, “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” This verse is a warning against pride and self-righteousness. Paul is cautioning the Gentile believers in Rome against thinking that they are better than others because they have accepted the gospel message.

Verse 23

Verse 23 continues, “and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.” This verse is a condemnation of idolatry, which was a common practice in the Gentile world. Paul is warning the believers in Rome against turning away from the one true God and worshiping false gods.

Verse 24

Verse 24 states, “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.” This verse is often used to argue that homosexuality is a sin, but it’s important to note that Paul is not specifically talking about homosexuality here. He is referring to all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, and prostitution.

Verse 25

Verse 25 continues, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” This verse is a repetition of the warning against idolatry. Paul is reminding the believers in Rome that they should worship the one true God and not created things.

Verse 26

Verse 26 states, “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.” This verse is often used to argue that homosexuality is a sin, but it’s important to note that Paul is not specifically talking about homosexuality here. He is referring to all forms of sexual immorality, including lesbianism.

Verse 27

Verse 27 continues, “In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” This verse is often used to argue that homosexuality is a sin, but it’s important to note that Paul is not specifically talking about homosexuality here. He is referring to all forms of sexual immorality, including homosexual acts.

Verse 28

Verse 28 states, “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” This verse is a warning against rejecting God and following one’s own desires. Paul is cautioning the believers in Rome against turning away from God and becoming morally depraved.

Verse 29

Verse 29 continues, “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,” This verse is a condemnation of the moral depravity that results from rejecting God. Paul is warning the believers in Rome against becoming like the Gentiles who have turned away from God and are living in sin.

Verse 30

Verse 30 continues, “slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;” This verse is a continuation of the condemnation of moral depravity. Paul is warning the believers in Rome against becoming like the Gentiles who have turned away from God and are living in sin.

Verse 31

Verse 31 continues, “they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” This verse is a summary of the moral depravity that results from rejecting God. Paul is cautioning the believers in Rome against turning away from God and becoming morally depraved.

Verse 32

Verse 32 concludes the passage by stating, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” This verse is a condemnation of those who not only turn away from God, but also encourage others to do the same. Paul is warning the believers in Rome against becoming like the Gentiles who have turned away from God and are leading others down the path of moral depravity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the controversial verses of Romans 1:20-32 are not a condemnation of homosexuality, but rather a warning against rejecting God and becoming morally depraved. Paul is cautioning the Gentile believers in Rome against turning away from God and following their own desires. It’s important to read these verses in the context of the entire chapter and not to interpret them in isolation.