ISB ~ Romans 1 v18 - 32

Paul reflects on the moral and spiritual depravity of the Gentiles. Although God placed himself and his law within the reach of their rational minds (1:19), they defiantly turned their backs to him, piling ingratitude upon impiety (1:21) until their sins smothered his truth within their consciousness (1:18). This is the underlying cause of their foolish and idolatrous ways.

• Paul’s diagnosis of pagan corruption has close affinities with the Jewish assessment in Wis 11-14.