This verse highlights that the gospel isn't a new idea, but a fulfillment of ancient promises found within the "holy writings." The emphasis on "holy writings" suggests these aren't just any books, but uniquely sacred texts, underscoring the divine origin and long-standing plan behind the gospel.
which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is introducing his letter to the believers in Rome, whom he has never met, and he wants to establish his authority and the trustworthiness of the gospel message. He emphasizes that the gospel isn't a new, sudden idea but a message God had been planning and revealing through the prophets in the Old Testament Scriptures all along. This connection to ancient prophecy grounds the gospel in God's long-standing plan, showing it as the fulfillment of what was promised to both Jews and Gentiles.
Did Paul just invent this 'gospel' he's talking about? Or was it something new under the sun? This verse reveals a brilliant strategy Paul employs right from the start.
Paul emphasizes that the gospel isn't a sudden, out-of-the-blue revelation. Instead, he grounds it in the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically the promises made by God through the prophets.
Paul calls the Scriptures 'holy.' What makes them stand out from all other books? It's not just about their age, but their divine character and purpose.
The phrase 'holy Scriptures' is more than just a label; it points to the unique nature and divine authority of the Old Testament writings.
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Understand the original words
graphē · Greek Noun
Divinely inspired writings characterized by their source in God and their purpose to reveal His nature and will to humanity. They are set apart from all other human literature as the authoritative rule of faith.
huios · Greek Noun
In a messianic context, it denotes the divine Person who shares the Father's nature and authority, serving as the mediator between God and humanity. He is the eternal heir and the unique object of the Father's love.
sarx · Greek Noun
Refers to the physical, human nature of Christ. It highlights the reality of His humanity and His genealogical link to the line of King David, fulfilling messianic prophecy.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, representing the divine presence and power of God. In the context of Christ, it denotes His divine nature and the power by which He was raised and vindicated.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The act of being brought back to life physically. Theologically, it is the seal of God's approval on Christ's work and the guarantee of the future victory of believers over death.
Christos · Greek Noun
'The Anointed One.' It signifies Jesus' role as the promised Messiah, the King who fulfills the office of Prophet, Priest, and King.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of sovereignty. It denotes absolute authority, ownership, and lordship over all creation and specifically over the lives of those who belong to Him.
Paul grounds the radical message of the Gospel in the historical continuity of God's promises. He emphasizes that the good news about Jesus wasn't a sudden new idea, but the culmination of divine revelations given through the prophets over centuries in the Holy Scriptures.
c. 1446 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
The first five books of the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to Moses, are given. These scriptures contain early promises and prophecies that Paul will later connect to the Gospel.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
The Psalms and other writings from David's era are composed, often containing messianic prophecies and promises of God's enduring covenant.
c. 750-450 BC
Prophetic Writings Compiled
Major prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others are written, containing explicit promises about a coming Messiah and a new covenant.
c. 400 BC
Completion of the Old Testament Canon
The collection of Jewish scriptures, the Old Testament, is largely considered complete, containing all the promised prophecies that Paul references.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central event of the Gospel occurs: Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected, fulfilling the ancient promises.
c. AD 48-58
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul travels extensively, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches, often referencing the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfills prophecy.
This passage speaks of 'comforting' God's people, which aligns with the Old Testament promises that Paul refers to, hinting at the good news to come.
Jeremiah 31:31-34This prophecy describes a 'new covenant' that God will make, which is a key theme of the gospel that Paul preached and that was promised through the prophets.
Acts 2:14-21Peter directly quotes Joel here, explaining that the events of Pentecost were a fulfillment of God's promise through the prophet Joel, illustrating how the early church connected present events to ancient prophecies.
Acts 26:22-23Paul himself recounts his defense before Agrippa, stating that he said nothing 'other than what the prophets and Moses foretold,' directly linking his message to the Old Testament promises.
Hebrews 1:1-2This passage echoes Romans 1:2 by stating that God 'spoke long ago to our forefathers through the prophets at different times and in different ways,' emphasizing the continuity of God's communication from the Old Testament to the New.
ellicottRomans 1:2: "(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)"
(2) Which he had promised. —More correctly, which He promised before by His prophets in holy writ. There is a nicety of meaning expressed by the absence of the article before this last phrase. A slight stress is thus thrown upon the epithet “holy.” It is not merely “in certain books which go by the name of holy scriptures,” but “in certain writings the character of which is holy.” They are “holy” as containing t…
barnesRomans 1:2: "(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)"
Which he had promised afore - Which gospel, or which doctrines, he had before announced. By the prophets - The word "prophets" here is used to include those who wrote as well as those who spake. It included the teachers of the ancient Jews generally. In the holy scriptures - In the writings of the Old Testament. They were called holy because they were inspired by the Holy Spirit, and were regarded as separated f…
This verse highlights that the gospel isn't a new idea, but a fulfillment of ancient promises found within the "holy writings." The emphasis on "holy writings" suggests these aren't just any books, but uniquely sacred texts, underscoring the divine origin and long-standing plan behind the gospel.
Paul is introducing his letter to the believers in Rome, whom he has never met, and he wants to establish his authority and the trustworthiness of the gospel message. He emphasizes that the gospel isn't a new, sudden idea but a message God had been planning and revealing through the prophets in the Old Testament Scriptures all along. This connection to ancient prophecy grounds the gospel in God's long-standing plan, showing it as the fulfillment of what was promised to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul is introducing his letter to the believers in Rome, whom he has never met, and he wants to establish his authority and the trustworthiness of the gospel message. He emphasizes that the gospel isn't a new, sudden idea but a message God had been planning and revealing through the prophets in the Old Testament Scriptures all along. This connection to ancient prophecy grounds the gospel in God's long-standing plan, showing it as the fulfillment of what was promised to both Jews and Gentiles.
"which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his res…" — This verse highlights that the gospel isn't a new idea, but a fulfillment of ancient promises found within the "holy writings." The emphasis on "holy writings" suggests these aren't just any books, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
