As Paul begins Romans 9, he is grieved because the large majority of his fellow Jews have failed to respond to the gospel with faith. But his ultimate concern is God’s faithfulness to his promises. If Israel is “accursed and cut off from Christ” (Rom. 9:3), then have God’s purposes for them been frustrated? Paul’s […]

What is the church? A typical, modern-day conception of the church is that it is a building where you go to hear preaching and singing once a week (or at least on Christmas and Easter).  But the question is a bit misleading. The church is not so much a what but a who. According to Scripture, the […]

As Paul moves into a defense of his gospel against the criticisms of his opponents, he gives a brief autobiography detailing the events surrounding his conversion. He explains that though he formerly “was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” of Christianity, he nevertheless “received mercy” – being transformed into one of the most remarkable evangelists of all […]