Romans 1:18-23

¹⁸ “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. ²¹ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. ²² Claiming to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures.

Verse 18: Paul introduces the concept of God’s wrath being revealed against the godlessness and wickedness of humanity. He highlights that people, through their wickedness, suppress the truth. This suppression of truth is a result of their rebellion against God and their refusal to acknowledge His existence and authority.

Verse 19: Paul explains that God has made himself known to all people. The evidence of God’s existence and His divine attributes can be clearly seen in the created world. The natural world serves as a testimony to God’s existence and His divine nature, leaving humanity without excuse for their rejection of him.

Verse 20: Paul further emphasizes that God’s invisible qualities, such as His eternal power and divine nature, are evident in the created world. The intricate design and order of the universe point to a Creator. Therefore, people are without excuse for their rejection of God, as the evidence of His existence is clearly seen and understood through His creation.

Verse 21: Paul explains that despite having the knowledge of God, people chose not to honor him or express gratitude towards him. Instead, their thinking became futile, and their hearts were darkened. This highlights the consequences of rejecting God and the downward spiral that occurs when people suppress the truth and turn away from him.

Verse 22-23: Paul describes how people, in their foolishness, exchanged the glory of the immortal God for idolatry. They worshiped created things rather than the Creator himself. This idolatry reflects humanity’s inclination to replace the truth of God with false beliefs and worship of created beings and objects.