For from the creation of the world his invisible perfections, discoverable in the works that are made, are clearly seen, even his eternal power and deity; so that they are inexcusable:

because though they knew [there was] a God, they glorified him not as God, nor gave him thanks, but became triflers in their disputations, and their stupid heart was darkened.

Affecting to be sophists, they turned idiots,

And since they thought not fit to hold the Deity in acknowledgment, God abandoned them to a reprobate mind, to practise deeds unbecoming;

who, though they know the righteous judgment of God, that they who live in such practices are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also find pleasure in the company of those who live in these practices.

All are turned aside together, they are become worthless; there is none that doeth good, there is not even one.

Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have spoken craftily; the poison of asps is under their lips:

And they have not known the way of peace:

"Blessed are they whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered up.

For if they who are of the law are heirs, faith becomes vain, and the promise is useless:

For if by the offence of one, death reigned by that one; much more they who receive the abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Christ Jesus.

For they who are after the flesh, mind the things of the flesh; but they who are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

They then who are in the flesh, cannot please God.

For as many as are guided by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

nor, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

And it shall be in the place where it was said unto them, ye are not my people; there shall they be called the sons of the living God."

And why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as by the works of the law. For they stumbled against that stone of stumbling;

For I am a witness for them, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

For being ignorant of the righteousness which is of God, and seeking to establish a righteousness of their own, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? but how shall they hear without a preacher?

and how shall they preach unless they are sent? as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those who preach the glad tidings of good things!"

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?"

But I say, Have they not heard? Yea verily, "the sound of their voice is gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world."

"Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I only am left, and they seek my life."

as it is written, "God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this present day."

let their eyes be blinded, that they may not see, and bow down their back continually."

I say then, Have they stumbled so as to fall? God forbid: but by their stumbling salvation is come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.

Admitted; by unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear:

But they also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

As concerning the gospel indeed, they are now enemies for your sakes: as concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake.

so also these now have not believed in your mercy, that they also might obtain mercy.

Wherefore he that sets himself against authority, resists the ordinance of God: and they who resist shall receive to themselves condemnation.

For on this account pay ye taxes also: for they are God's ministers, continually employed on this very service.

but as it is written, "To whom the tidings concerning him have not reached, they shall see, and they who have not heard, shall understand."

They have been so pleased indeed, and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been admitted to a participation in their spiritual things, they ought also to minister to them in carnal things.