For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse.

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed --

And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised, so that he would become the father of all those who believe but have never been circumcised, that they too could have righteousness credited to them.

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Much more then, because we have now been declared righteous by his blood, we will be saved through him from God's wrath.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, since we have been reconciled, will we be saved by his life?

Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.

(For someone who has died has been freed from sin.)

We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead, he is never going to die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

and having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.

But now we have been released from the law, because we have died to what controlled us, so that we may serve in the new life of the Spirit and not under the old written code.

so they too have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy.

For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God's appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.

And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person's foundation,

so that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many, including me.

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages,

but now is disclosed, and through the prophetic scriptures has been made known to all the nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith --