Romans 1:21

"For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse."

Key Reflection

Romans 1:21 from the New Testament reveals a profound theological truth about God's revelation to humanity. Paul argues that since the creation of the world, the divine attributes—specifically God’s eternal power and divinity—are clearly visible through the natural world (the “things that are made”). This means that even without explicit religious instruction, people have access to fundamental knowledge of God, making them accountable for acknowledging Him. The cultural context suggests that this inherent understanding should prevent humans from claiming ignorance as an excuse for their unrighteousness.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. Because that. The apostle here is showing that it was right to condemn men for their sins. To do this it was needful to show them that they had the knowledge of God, and the means of knowing what was right; and that the true source of their sins and idolatries was a corrupt and evil heart. When they knew God. Greek, knowing God. That is, they had an acquaintance with the existence and many of the perfections of one God. That many of the philosophers of Greece and Rome had a knowledge of one God, there can be no doubt. This was undoubtedly the case with Pythagoras, who had travelled extensively in Egypt, and even in Palestine; and also with Plato and his disciples.

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