For from the creation of the world, his invisible [attributes], both his eternal power and deity, are discerned clearly, being understood in the things created, so that they are without excuse.

For [although they] knew God, they did not honor [him] as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasoning, and their senseless hearts were darkened.

Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

And just as they did not see fit {to recognize God}, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do the things [that are] not proper,

being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greediness, malice, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malevolence. [They are] gossipers,

who, [although they] know the requirements of God, that those who do such things are worthy of death, not only do they do the same [things], but also they approve of those who do [them].

For whenever the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things of the law, these, [although they] do not have the law, are a law to themselves,

Much in every way. For first, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

All have turned aside together; they have become worthless; [There] is no one who practices kindness; [there] is not even one.

Their throat [is] an opened grave; they deceive with their tongues; the venom of asps [is] under their lips,

and they have not known the way of peace.

"Blessed [are they] whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins are covered over.

And he received the sign of circumcision [as] a seal of the righteousness by faith which [he had] {while uncircumcised}, so that he could be the father of all who believe {although they are uncircumcised}, so that righteousness could be credited to them,

(just as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations") before God, in whom he believed, the one who makes the dead alive and who calls the things that are not as [though] they are,

nor [are they] all children because they are descendants of Abraham, but "In Isaac will your descendants be named."

for [although they] had not yet been born, or done anything good or evil, in order that the purpose of God according to election might remain,

And it will be in the place where it was said to them, 'You [are] not my people,' there they will be called 'sons of the living God.'"

Why that? Because [they did] not [pursue it] by faith, but as [if] by works. They stumbled over the {stone that causes people to stumble},

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

For ignoring the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

How then will they call upon [him] in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe [in him] about whom they have not heard? And how will they hear about [him] without one who preaches [to them]?

And how will they preach, unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How timely [are] the feet of those who bring good news of good things."

But I say, they have not heard, have they? On the contrary, "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited world."

But I say, Israel did not know, did they? First, Moses says, "I will provoke you [to jealousy] by [those who are] not a nation; by a senseless nation I will provoke you [to anger]."

"Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life!"

let their eyes be darkened so that they do not see, and cause their backs to bend {continually}."

I say then, they did not stumble so that they fell, [did they]? May it never be! But by their trespass, salvation [has come] to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them [to jealousy].

Well said! They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand firm because of faith. Do not think arrogant [thoughts], but be afraid.

And those also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, because God is able to graft them in again.

With respect to the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sake, but with respect to election, [they are] dearly loved for the sake of the fathers.

so also these have now been disobedient for your mercy, in order that they also may now be shown mercy.

For they were pleased [to do so], and they are obligated to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual [things], they ought also to serve them in material [things].

For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own stomach, and by smooth speech and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.