Study it in the app“For since the creation of the world his invisible things are clearly seen, being understood through the things made, both his eternal power and divinity, so that they are without excuse.”
Paul says God's power can be clearly seen in what has been madeCreation
Forγὰρsinceἀπὸthe creationκτίσεωςof the worldκόσμουhisαὐτοῦinvisible thingsτὰ ἀόραταare clearly seen,καθορᾶταιbeing understoodνοούμεναthrough the things made,τοῖς ποιήμασινbothτεhisαὐτοῦeternalἥ ἀΐδιοςpowerδύναμιςandκαὶdivinity,θειότηςso thatεἰς τὸthey areεἶναι αὐτοὺςwithout excuse.ἀναπολογήτους
creation
All that God made, or a being he made.
Where else “ktiseōs” appearscreation
Everything God made.
Where else “kosmou” appearsinvisible
Invisible: what cannot be seen.
Where else “aorata” appearssee clearly
See clearly, perceive well.
Where else “kathoratai” appearsunderstand
To grasp, realize.
Where else “nooumena” appearswhat is made, work
Something made, a work: what someone has made.
Where else “poiēmasin” appearseternal
Everlasting, eternal: lasting always.
Where else “aidios” appearspower
The strength to act, above all that of God and his Spirit.
Where else “dynamis” appearsdivinity
Divinity, divine nature: what makes God God.
Where else “theiotēs” appearsbe
To be: says who or what something is.
Where else “einai” appearswithout excuse
Without excuse: with nothing to say in one's defense.
Where else “anapologētous” appears19because what can be known about God is plain among them, for God made it plain to them.
20 · This verse (above)
21Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts, and their senseless heart was darkened.
1. What it says
How does Paul introduce himself at the start of the letter, and what does he say he is not ashamed of? (vv. 1, 16)
2. What it means
Paul says God's invisible qualities are perceived in what he made (vv. 19-20). What do you think he means by that?
3. How I live it
Paul was not ashamed of the good news (v. 16). How can you speak naturally and respectfully about what you value most?
