Romans 1:2

Romans 1:2 [AV]
(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

ANNOTATED NOTES:

(…): this verse is a parenthetical expression, adding explanation and magnification to the last associated phrase of v1, “the gospel of God".

had: omit

promised afore: the gospel of God did not originate with Paul, but was promised by God in the OT scriptures via the prophets. See Isa 52:7-15; 53:1-12, where the prophet describes events surrounding the coming Savior, his sufferings and his glory (see Rom 10:9-16). Other OT prophets foretold of what Jesus Christ would accomplish for men by his sacrifice (Lk 24:27, 44; Jn 5:46). A truth of the gospel was “preached...unto Abraham”, stating “in thee shall all nations be blessed” (Gal 3:8, 16; Gen 22:18). Also see Acts 3:24-26; 26:22-23. There are 74 references to the OT in Romans alone, notably 1:17, with 25 additional references in the remaining Church Epistles. However, an aspect of the gospel, i.e. the revelation of the mystery, was not revealed until it was first given to Paul (see I Pet 1:10-12; Eph 3:3-11; Rom 16:25)

scriptures = graphe: occurs 51 times in NT, but this is the only place it’s used with holy (hagios) as an adjective. God would have us view the Scriptures with the utmost of reverence, being holy as He is Holy (John 1:1; II Pet 1:20-21).

ALTERNATIVE TRANSLATION:

Romans 1:2 [NKJV]
which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

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