NOTE TO THE READER
From the Author

        Inspiration assures us that in all of the epistles of Paul there are "some things hard to be understood." 2 Peter 3:16. Perhaps this is the case with the Epistle to the Romans in a greater degree than with any other. But they are not impossible to be understood, and it is only the "unlearned and unstable" who wrest them unto their own destruction.
        Note that it is only those who wrest "the other scriptures" to their own destruction who thus miss the point of Paul's writings. They who have a desire to understand and who read the simple promises of the Bible with profit, will not be among that number.
        In beginning this study it will be an encouragement to the reader if he will remember that it is simply a letter written to the church in Rome. We can not suppose that the congregation in Rome differed from the great body of Christians in general. Of them we read that "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." 1 Corinthians 1:26. The truest followers of Jesus have always been among "the common people." So in the church in Rome there were doubtless shopkeepers, artisans, day laborers, carpenters, gardeners, etc., and many servants in the families of wealthy citizens, together with a few who might hold some position of rank. When we consider that it was confidently expected that people of this sort would understand the letter, we may be encouraged to believe that the same class of people can understand it now.
        Paul's exhortation and assurance to Timothy form the best guide to the study of all his epistles, and the whole Bible as well: "Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things." "God is his own interpreter." The words of the Bible explain the Bible. This is why you should closely question the text so as to get at exactly what is said, in connection with what precedes and follows.
        The notes that accompany the text in this study are designed to fix the student's attention more closely upon the word, and for the benefit of the casual reader. That the study of this epistle may be greatly blessed to those who pursue it, and that the word may become more highly esteemed by all because of the increased light that the Holy Spirit may cause to flash from it, is the earnest prayer of the writer.

Ellet J. Waggoner

(Original form: Signs of the Times Articles from October, 1895 through September, 1896.)

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