Romans 15:9: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”
The Apostle Paul quoted four Old Testament passages, introducing the series with the formula, As it is written (perf. tense, “it stands written”). Significantly these quotations are taken from all three divisions of the Old Testament—“the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44)—and from three great Jewish heroes: Moses, David, and Isaiah. The first quotation (Rom. 15:9) is from David’s song of deliverance (2 Sam. 22:50; Ps. 18:49); the second (Rom. 15:10), from Moses’ valedictory song to the people of Israel (Deut. 32:43); the third (Rom. 15:11), from both the shortest and the middle chapter of the Bible (Ps. 117:1); and the fourth (Rom. 15:12), from Isaiah’s messianic prophecy (Isa. 11:10). 1
Application
- Why should you believe the “written word?” – The Bible was written over nearly 1,550 years, with about 40 human writers, from varying backgrounds (king, fisherman, tax collector, shepherd, etc.) and written in various locations (desert, prison, royal court, etc.). Despite covering controversial subjects, it carries one unified message.
Prayer
Lord, I am hungry for Your word, because it will change my life and the world.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.