The interpretation timeline

Rom 1:32

How this passage has been read — the sources, oldest to newest.

From the early Church Fathers to now.

11 Patristic witnesses · 1 Orthodox witness · 1 Catholic witness

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Patristic before A.D. 750
Basil of Caesarea · c. A.D. 330–379 A.D. 379
“Perverted human tradition is the source of great evil for us, in that some sins are denounced while others are viewed with indifference. Crimes like homicide and adultery are the object of a violent but feigned indignation while others, like anger, reviling, drunkenness or avarice, are not considered deserving of even a simple admonition.”
Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Rom 1:32 (ON THE JUDGMENT OF GOD) PD · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database ↗
Apollinaris of Laodicea · c. A.D. 310–390 A.D. 390
“Here again we see the innocence of God and the guilt of man and the justice of the judgment which is brought. For men do these things, not being unaware that they are worthy of punishment by God the judge. For it is clear that they are not unaware of this when they judge others and hand those who do such things over to death. For when evil men have knowledge of the good and make use of it as if they are not given over to pleasures, they bear witness that God's creation is good.… But those who lead men into wrong, as well as those who follow what is wrong, are both evil.”
Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Rom 1:32 (PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH) PD · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database ↗
John Chrysostom · A.D. 347–407 A.D. 407
“"Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death. not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Having assumed here two objections, he in the first place removes them. For what reason have you to say, he means, that you know not the things which ought to be done? At best, even if you did not know, you are to blame in having left God who instructs you. But as it is by many arguments we have shown that you do know, and transgress willingly. But are you drawn by passion? Why then do you both cooperate therewith and praise it? For they "not only do such things," he says, "but have pleasure in them that do them." Having then put the more grievous and the unpardonable sin first, that he might have done with it (for he that praiseth the sin is far worse than even he that trespasseth); having then put this the first, he by this method grapples more powerfully with him in the sequel.”
Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Rom 1:32 (Homily on Romans 5) PD · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database ↗
Severian of Gabala · fl. c. A.D. 400 A.D. 430
“When Paul talks about the "judgment of God" he means the just recompense which God gives to everyone according to their deserts. For men know by their natural reasoning that transgressors will be punished by God, but instead of ceasing from their wicked ways they are actually pleased with those who do such things!… Therefore God will judge those who do such things as absolutely and without question worthy of death.”
Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Rom 1:32 (PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH) PD · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database ↗
584 years pass — nothing from this stretch is hosted yet
Scholastic c. 1100 – 1500
Theophylact of Ohrid · c. 1055–1107 1126
“Having demonstrated that the pagans were filled with every vice because they did not wish to know God, he now proves that they deserve no excuse. They cannot say: we did not know what is good; for they knew that God is righteous. This means they do evil voluntarily, and, what is even worse, they approve of those who do it, that is, they patronize evil — which is an incurable disease.”
Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Rom 1:32 (Commentary on Romans) PD · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database ↗
Thomas Aquinas · 1225–1274 1274
“Then when he says who, having known the justice, he shows that they are deserving of God's anger or vengeance. In this regard there are three points to consider. First, their naturalistic attitude, because although they knew that God is just and possessed of all other perfections, they did not believe that he would punish their sins: they say in their hearts: the Lord will not do evil (Zeph 1:12). This is why he says, who, having known the justice of God, did not understand. Second, the punishment due to their sins, when he says, are worthy of death. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). For it is fitting that the soul which deserts God should be deserted by its own body through bodily death and in the end be deserted by God through eternal death: the death of the wicked is very evil (Ps 34:22); over such the second death has no power (Rev 20:6). Third, he considers those who deserve this punishment: first, they who do such things, i.e., the above mentioned sins: you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies (Ps 5:5–6). But not only they who do them, but they also who consent to those who do them. And this in two ways: in one way directly, by applauding sin: the wicked is praised in the desires of his heart (Ps 10:3), or even by offering advice and help: should you help the wicked (2 Chr 19:2). In another way, indirectly, by not objecting or opposing in any way, and especially when one is obliged by his office. Thus, the sins of his sons were imputed to Eli (1 Sam 3:13). In particular, this is directed against those gentile wise men who, even though they did not worship idols, did nothing to oppose those who did.”
Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Rom 1:32 (Commentary on Romans) PD · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database ↗
Undated date unknown
Ambrosiaster · fl. c. A.D. 366–384
“Those who knew by the law of nature that God requires righteousness realized that these things were displeasing to God, but they did not want to think about it, because those who do such things are worthy of death, and not only those who do them but those who allow them to be done, for consent is participation. Their wickedness is double, for those who do such things but prevent others are not so bad, because they realize that these things are evil and do not justify them. But the worst people are those who do these things and approve of others doing them as well, not fearing God but desiring the increase of evil. They do not seek to justify them either, but in their case it is because they want to persuade people that there is nothing wrong in doing them.”
Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Rom 1:32 (COMMENTARY ON PAUL'S EPISTLES) PD · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database ↗

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