Romans 1:4
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)
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The phrase "according to the spirit of holiness" points not just to the Holy Spirit's action, but to Jesus' own divine nature, contrasting it with his human "flesh" and underscoring that his resurrection powerfully revealed this divine identity.
Paul is building his argument for the gospel, starting with the divine nature of Jesus Christ. He's established Jesus' lineage from David according to his human nature in the previous verse, and now he's contrasting that with Jesus' divine identity. This verse is crucial because it lays the foundation for understanding the power and authority of the gospel message that Paul is about to unfold.
How did God publicly affirm Jesus as His Son? It wasn't a quiet whisper, but a powerful, world-changing event.
The verse declares Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God... by his resurrection from the dead." This wasn't about making Him the Son of God, but proving it to the whole world. Think of it like a legal declaration: the resurrection was the ultimate evidence, the undeniable proof.
What's the 'spirit of holiness,' and how does it connect Jesus' divine nature to His resurrection?
The phrase 'according to the spirit of holiness' is key here. It contrasts with 'according to the flesh' (mentioned in verse 3, referring to His human lineage).
Understand the original words
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.
This verse is deeply rooted in the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Paul isn't presenting an abstract theological concept but a powerful declaration of Jesus' identity, demonstrated through the ultimate act of divine power: His resurrection. Understanding this event as the historical anchor helps grasp the 'power' and 'declaration' Paul speaks of.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus Christ lived, taught, performed miracles, died by crucifixion, and was resurrected.
c. AD 30-33
The Resurrection and Ascension
Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead and later ascended into heaven.
c. AD 30s
Early Christian Preaching
The apostles began preaching the Gospel, emphasizing Jesus' resurrection as proof of his divine sonship and Lordship.
c. AD 50s
Paul Writes to the Romans
Paul, an apostle called by Jesus Christ, writes this letter to the church in Rome, likely before his final imprisonment.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 2:7, which is understood by many scholars and within the commentary to be a foundational text for understanding Christ's declaration as the Son of God, especially in light of His resurrection. It highlights the divine decree of His sonship.
1 Peter 3:18This verse presents a parallel to Romans 1:4 by contrasting Christ being 'put to death in the flesh' with being 'made alive in the spirit,' mirroring the contrast between 'according to the flesh' and 'according to the spirit of holiness.' It emphasizes the power of His divine nature in overcoming death.
Colossians 1:18This verse calls Jesus 'the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,' which resonates with Romans 1:4's emphasis on the resurrection as the critical act that declared His divine status. It links His resurrection to His preeminence and divine authority.
Hebrews 1:3This passage describes Christ as 'the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,' and states that 'by a powerful word he upholds all things.' This echoes Romans 1:4's assertion of His divine power and nature, particularly in how His resurrection confirms this inherent divinity.
Philippians 2:9-11ellicottRomans 1:4: "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"
(4) With power. —That is, in a transcendent and superhuman manner. According to the spirit of holiness.—In antithesis to “according to the flesh,” and therefore coming where we should expect “in His divine nature.” And yet there is a difference, the precise shade of which is not easy to define. What are we to understand by the “spirit of holiness”? Are we to regard…
barnesRomans 1:4: "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:"
And declared - In the margin, "determined." Τοῦ ὁρισθέντος Tou horisthentos. The ancient Syriac has, "And he was known to be the Son of God by might and by the Holy Spirit, who rose from the house of the dead." The Latin Vulgate, "Who was "predestinated" the Son of God," etc. The Arabic, "The Son of God destined by power special to the Holy Spirit," etc. The wo…
The phrase "according to the spirit of holiness" points not just to the Holy Spirit's action, but to Jesus' own divine nature, contrasting it with his human "flesh" and underscoring that his resurrection powerfully revealed this divine identity.
Paul is building his argument for the gospel, starting with the divine nature of Jesus Christ. He's established Jesus' lineage from David according to his human nature in the previous verse, and now he's contrasting that with Jesus' divine identity. This verse is crucial because it lays the foundation for understanding the power and authority of the gospel message that Paul is about to unfold.
Paul is building his argument for the gospel, starting with the divine nature of Jesus Christ. He's established Jesus' lineage from David according to his human nature in the previous verse, and now he's contrasting that with Jesus' divine identity. This verse is crucial because it lays the foundation for understanding the power and authority of the gospel message that Paul is about to unfold.
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While not a direct quotation, this passage describes God exalting Jesus and giving Him the name above all names, which is a cosmic declaration of His divine Sonship. This elevation and universal recognition parallel the 'declaration' of His Sonship in power mentioned in Romans 1:4.
"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," — The phrase "according to the spirit of holiness" points not just to the Holy Spirit's action, but to Jesus' own divine nature, contrasting it with his human "flesh" and underscoring that his resurrec…
