Bible Study with Danelle

Reading this part of the letter Paul wrote to the Romans, I feel that there is a need to understand who Paul was before his life in Christ. Remember, he was not one of the original 12 apostles.

In order to do that, we need to go back to the book of Acts. In chapter 7:54, we are introduced to Saul. He is a young Jewish man whose parents had Roman citizenship. When reading it appears he is a leader persecuting new Christians. In Acts 7, we find one of the disciples, Stephen, who is being stoned to death for preaching the good news of Jesus. Saul approves of the execution. Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

Saul continues on with persecuting Christians. Pulling them out of the their homes and putting them in jail. He was such a believer in the “law” and thought that the “law” on its own is what brought righteousness with God.

But God….

On his way Damascus, Saul has an encounter with Jesus that changes his whole life. This encounter set him on a path of preaching, planting churches and reading the letters we read today. Saul (his Hebrew name) is now know as Paul (his Roman name). Paul preached to the Gentiles and went by his Roman name after coming to Christ.

So, going back to this passage in Romans, Paul has first had experience with thinking the “law” was the only way to God, but finding out that it was not. That trying to live right and please God in our own strength is useless. Apart from Jesus and the grace of God, our feeble attempts just lead us back to sin.

I love how my study bible put it: God’s law is not what makes us righteous. It is what allows us to see our sin and reveal our need for Him. When we have a relationship with Jesus, we have the strength we need to live right with God.

Today, I pray that this brings you hope and reminds you that you don’t have to rely on your own strength. If that was the case, there would be no need for Jesus and what he did on the cross. Remember that as you go through today. Trust in Jesus, have a relationship with Him, and use His strength on a daily basis.

For more information on the conversion of Saul to Paul, Click Here.