Romans Chapter 6 Breakdown

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

Continuing on from what he was talking about at the end of chapter five, Paul says, should we sin, that is continue to break the law of YHWH, so that grace can flourish?

2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

Now, Paul exclaims, NO! If we died to sin, we should avoid it at all costs. When we die to sin, we give up the life of sin and the desires of the flesh. When we die to sin we accept the law of God as our way of life. We do this to avoid sinning. This is one of the verses people use to try to say Paul teaches against keeping Torah, but it is simply misinterpreted and taken out of context. When read within its intended context, it is not difficult to understand what is being implied by Paul.

3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

Being baptized into Yeshua, we take part in His death. He was in the flesh, and His flesh literally died making Him Spiritual. God’s law is spiritual. We will see in the next chapter Paul says outright the law is spiritual.

Romans 7:14

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

This is the law of YHWH. I will get into this a bit more during the next chapter.

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Because Yeshua was raised form the dead, we should WALK in the newness of life. The Torah is life. Paul is telling us to walk according to the Torah.

Proverbs 13:14

The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 6:23

For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life

These verses in Provers align exactly with what Paul is saying. Paul earlier said that sin brings death, and sin is the breaking of Torah, meaning not keeping Torah. Proverbs says the law is a fountain of life and it will “turn one away from” death.

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Our old man was crucified with Yeshua. Our old man is the sinner, the non-believing, non Torah obeying man. Our body of sin, or the body which we continually followed the desires of the flesh will be done away with. We should no longer be “slaves of sin”. Again, sin is breaking God’s law. Paul has made this abundantly clear to this point. Being a slave to sin simply means we continuously choose sin, and live a life of sin. We will be a slave to something whether it is sin or YHWH’s law.

7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

Once we die in the flesh, we no longer live a life of sin. To be freed from sin means we do our best to obey His given law.

8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.

Because death no longer has dominion over Yeshua, sin no longer has dominion over us. We cannot say keeping the law is sinful, and we cannot truthfully say before we believed in Yeshua we lived a life away from sin. Therefore, knowing how not only Paul but also the entire Bible describes sin as breaking God’s commands, we have to consider the idea sin no longer having dominion over us means we are keeping and obeying Torah.

10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

Yeshua died in order to die to sin once and for all. We too, will do this when we die. Now, He lives to God.

11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We should do as Yeshua did, and put YHWH first and follow His commands.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

If sin is done away with, as so many preach, why does Paul inform men to not allow sin to reign in their bodies, causing men to obey its desires? This is the nail in the coffin to that argument. It is obvious sin is still rampant in the world and within believers, otherwise this verse has no purpose and makes Paul double minded for saying it. Why would he say something if it weren’t possible?

13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Here Paul tells the Romans not to allow their bodies to commit sinful acts, as it desires of the flesh. Instead he says to use your bodies for righteousness to God. Recall from the previous chapters, righteousness comes from faith and faith causes men to keep His law. Therefore, Paul is saying do not sin, but obey YHWH’s law.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Now, one of the most misinterpreted verses in all the Bible. Is Paul equating sin having dominion over you because you keep the law of God? This seems to be the general argument being taught in church. But, I do not think the pastors are understanding what Paul is saying here. Because if that is the case, Paul contradicts himself within the next few verses. What Paul is really trying to say here is sin used to have dominion over us, until we found faith. Our faith removes us from under the law, as in trying to keep it for salvation, remember that is the entire debate between Paul and the Jews.

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!

Here Paul says exactly what I just said. Should we then break the law, or sin, because we are not being saved by the law? “Certainly not!” Therefore, we absolutely, according to Paul, should be keeping the law of YHWH. There is no way around it. It is all right here in Romans.

16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

Now, Paul is saying right here, what I stated back in verse five. We will be a slave to something, it is our choice. We can be a slave to sin, or we can be a slave to obedience to YHWH’s Law.

17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

You WERE slaves of sin, but you are now obeying YHWH’s law, which was taught to you.

18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Paul again says being set free from sin, as in sin was the bondage and chains holding you down, now you can keep His law which brings forth righteousness.

19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

Paul says it is the weakness of the flesh which causes him to speak to them the way he is. He then says they had all been using their bodies for lawlessness which caused more lawlessness. Now they should keep YHWH’s law for holiness. Because Paul is saying, you were this way, and it was a form of lawlessness, then says be this way for righteousness, we have to conclude the second way is no longer lawlessness. If we are to live a life not equated to lawlessness then we should be living a life in alignment with the law. In laymen terms, we should obey YHWH’s law.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

To be a slave to sin, you are free to righteousness. These are Paul’s words. Therefore, if this is true, the reverse must also be true. To be a slave to righteousness, meaning keeping the Law of YHWH, you are free to sin. As many times as I have discussed the book of Romans, I have never heard anyone bring up this verse. The issue I have is that this verse sounds as if it is a good thing to be free in regard to righteousness. As if we are free to do as we wish. But the problem is to be free from righteousness is a direct consequence of being a slave to sin.

21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

What did you used to do that you are now ashamed of? To keep doing those things brings death.

22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Here Paul says we are now free in regard to sin and have become slaves to YHWH, our fruit to holiness is the keeping of His law, which the end is not death but everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The result of continued sin is death. Sin is the transgression, or breaking of, YHWH’s law. However, YHWH’s gift to us for our faith, which causes obedience, is eternal life.

1 John 3:4

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Romans Chapter Five Breakdown

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

We are saved by faith and have access to YHWH through Yeshua because of Grace.

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

We should be happy to go through troubles and sufferings because these things create hope.

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Having hope in the promises of YHWH allows the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with the love of YHWH.

6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

While we were still weak, being separated from YHWH, Christ died for those who could not join YHWH.

I would translate this verse as follows based on the Greek word usage:

For our being yet weak according to the season, Christ died for the sake of the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.

Dying for another person is not something men would choose to do. Even if the man is considered to be righteous, or good.

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Yeshua, YHWH in the flesh, died even for the sinner, the ungodly, lowest of the low.

9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Now, having been reunited to the law of YHWH, through the blood of Yeshua, we can be saved from the wrath of YHWH.

10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

At one time we were enemies of YHWH, but now have been returned to the favor of YHWH, through the death of Yeshua. Because of this reconciliation, we can now be saved.

11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Paul continues to reiterate the idea that our reconciliation, or restored relationship with YHWH, came through Yeshua.

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Through Adam, sin entered into the world, with sin being the disobedience of YHWH’s command. This sin allowed death to enter into the world as well. Paul is referring to the law of sin and death here. He goes into more detail about this in chapter 8 of Romans.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Now, because all men have sinned, all men will die. Then Paul goes on to say, before Adam sinned, sin was an option, but it was never attributed to anyone before YHWH gave a command to Adam. Basically what Paul is saying is sin is a direct violation of YHWH’s law. That is how it is attributed to men. Now, if we take this thought and imply it to what is taught in the church today we will undoubtedly see a major fallacy. Paul says outright, there can be no sin if there is no law. The church teaches the law is no longer viable to believers. If there is no sin, why does Paul instruct believers not to sin?  

14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

As men multiplied and spread out among the lands of the world, death reigned due to continued sin. It was during the time of Moses in which men finally wrote down the laws of YHWH. Paul then equates Moses to a type of Yeshua. Moses came and brought the Law of God to all men. Yeshua is the living breathing Law of God, and He came to fulfill the same purpose.

15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

There is a difference between the sin which caused all men to sin and die and the gift of grace Yeshua brought for all men to be saved. However, grace is like the offense in terms of it being spread to all men.

16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.

These two are different in terms of overall effect. The one sin condemned the whole world. Grace was a result of many sins and ultimately brought about justification for many.

17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

If the sin of Adam allowed death to reign, just think how much more grace can reign through the gift Yehsua brought.

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.

Paul confirming what he had just said.

19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Because of Adam, many became sinners. Because of Yeshua’s obedience, many became righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The law of YHWH entered and sin spread immeasurably, due to men choosing to disobey His law. But, where men chose to sin, grace spread tremendously more. Meaning, sin caused men’s physical life to end, but Grace causes a spiritual immorality.

Romans Chapter 4 Breakdown

1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?  2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

Paul is simply declaring Abraham was not justified by his works, but by his faith. He has faith first, then he went on to keep the commands of YHWH. If salvation was simply achieved by works, he would have been able to boast, meaning he would have excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements. That is not the point of keeping the law.

3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Here we have Paul quoting from Torah, and we see it is clear, even in the Torah, it was the belief, or faith, that granted salvation, not the deeds alone.

4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

This argument is still directed toward those teaching deeds based salvation. Using works for justification, or salvation, is not the way to go. It is a process, trust and believe His words, believe in the coming kingdom of heaven, and because of this belief, continue in following the commands.

5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,  just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

It is not the works that makes a man justified, but the belief and faith in YHWH. The biggest issue Paul was facing when dealing with the Romans, the Galatians, and the Ephesians was the Jews who kept following the Apostles and teaching salvation by works after they had converts.

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Paul, yet again, quotes from the Old Testament. We must remember sin is defined by the Law of God. Therefore, to no follow the law would be to sin, or transgress the law. The law of God is spiritual, and to be spiritual means to follow His law, but we are to follow it out of love for Him, and not to achieve salvation.

9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.

It was Abraham’s faith in YHWH that brought about his salvation and righteousness.

10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.

Abraham was counted righteous before he was circumcised. Again, the main argument the sect of Jews who taught the deeds based salvation was the gentiles had to first become circumcised in order to be saved. This directly contradicts that belief.

11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

Genesis 17:11

and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.

As we can see again, Abraham received the seal of righteousness before he was circumcised. Paul is making his case against the Jews who argue in favor of circumcision for salvation. There is no argument mentioned, here nor in any other book of the Bible, about not keeping the law out of obedience. Believers should not keep the law to earn salvation, but should keep it out of obedience to YHWH.

13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

It was Abraham’s faith which made him the heir to the promise from YHWH.

14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

Again the argument is against keeping the law for salvation. If those who are “of the law” as in, keeping the law to earn salvation, then there is no need for faith. All anyone would have to do is do is keep the law and be saved. There would be no need for a savior. Here is the deal, no one is righteous based on the law, because we all fall victims to the desires of the flesh at some point. Therefore, we break the law, and breaking the law brings on the wrath of YHWH. If there were no law, there would be no transgression of the law. If there is no transgression of the law, which is sin, there would be no need of a savior.

16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

Genesis 17:5

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

Genesis 15:5

Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

Again, the whole purpose of this argument is to show how Abraham was counted as righteous before he kept the laws given from YHWH, and before he was circumcised. That is the point. We become saved by grace through faith, we believe what YHWH’s word says is true, and then we begin to keep his law out of love for Him. We cannot put the cart before the horse, as is what was being taught.

19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

Abraham believed YHWH would give him a child, a son. This is what made him righteous. He believed in the promise. Just as we are to believe in the promise. Once we believe in His promise, we then act on it, as in show our belief through our deeds.

20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

He showed his belief in the promise YHWH made to him.

22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Paul quotes straight from Torah. This verse gives support to the idea that all believers should be keeping the Law of God. How? Because Abraham was a gentile, as in he grew up in a gentile country. He knew gentile customs. He believed in YHWH and YHWH’s word, became righteous, and then began following what YHWH commanded. Why do we believe Christianity should be different today? Are we not descendants of Abraham once we become saved?

23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

Now Paul says right here, this previous verse was not just for Abraham, but for us also. It is because of the sin and breaking of the law of YHWH by both Jews and Gentiles, that Yeshua had to die. In His death the old covenant was annulled making way for the New. But the New Covenant still contains the same laws, but has a new High Priest, and better promises.

Hebrews 7:12

For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.

Hebrews 8:6

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

The priesthood has been changed, but the Greek word used for change in “change of the law” should be read as transfer, not change. The first word used for “changed” is Strong's G3346 – metatithēmi and it means to transpose (two things, one of which is put in place of the other). This is literally to replace one thing with another. The second Greek word used for “change” is Strong's G3331 – metathesis and it means to transfer: from one place to another. Therefore, we can conclude, the change occurred in the leadership, but not the law in itself.

Romans Chapter 3 Breakdown

1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?

Is there anything good are advantageous about being a Jew, keeping the Law, and becoming circumcised?

2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.

Paul then exclaims, there is definitely an advantage to being a Jew, and growing up with the “oracles” or laws of God. This is one of the biggest advantages for the Jews. They learn the ways of YHWH from birth. They are engrained within the Jew and become second nature. Granted, some still will sin, or use these laws for salvific purposes, but it is an advantage to know all the laws as opposed to having to learn them as an adult, similar to how the gentiles will learn them. This is the advantage, this is why Paul later says gentiles need to focus on certain sins and learn the rest of the law each Sabbath when Moses is read.

3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?

If some of the Jews do not believe, will that cause YHWH to stop His faithfulness?

4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

Paul then exclaims again, No! YHWH is faithful always. He sticks to His word and upholds what He says. Paul then quotes from the Old Testament, yet again.

Psalm 51:4

Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

Men sin against YHWH, He does not sin against men.

5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)

If our sin establishes YHWH’s righteousness, does that make YHWH unjust when He brings forth His wrath?

6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?

Paul exclaims again, absolutely not! He must bring forth His wrath because of the unrighteousness of men. His law is what He will judge the world by. It is His law which is broken that causes unrighteousness. We know men can be counted as righteous in the eyes of God, because they have been before. Speaking of Zacharias, a priest during the days of Harod, and his wife, Luke’s gospel says this,

Luke 1:6

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless

So, we can see it takes believers walking and upholding the laws of YHWH to be considered righteous in His eyes. This is not a salvific issue, but a way to express our love for the Father.

7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?

Now Paul is asking a rhetorical question, basically repeating what he had already asked.

8 And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

Here is the claim which states Paul, along with the rest of the Apostles, are arguing against keeping the law of YHWH. He says they are being slandered. If people are saying that Paul is teaching against the law, considering evil is sin and sin is breaking YHWH’s law, and Paul says this is slanderous, or untrue, then we can only conclude that Paul is absolutely not teaching the law no longer applies to believers. The only thing Paul is teaching is the law does not bring salvation, but it is sinful not to obey YHWH’s commands.

9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

Are Jews better than gentiles? No, they are not. Both, have been sinners.

10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;

11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.

12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”

13 “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”;

14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”

15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;

17 And the way of peace they have not known.”

18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Paul then goes on to quote many Old Testament verses, as he does so often.

Psalms 14:1–3

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.

Psalms 53:1–3

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good. God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Every one of them has turned aside; They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.

Ecclesiastes 7:20

For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin

Psalm 5:9

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue.

Psalm 140:3

They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips.

Psalm 10:7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.

Isaiah 59:7- 8

Their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; Wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; Whoever takes that way shall not know peace.

Psalm 36:1

An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.

After seeing all the different Old Testament verses Paul uses, it makes it very difficult to make an argument claiming he teaches against the laws found in this portion of the Bible. Taking all these verses Paul quoted from, an connecting the dots, it is the sinner who defies YHWH’s law. The sinner is on a “crooked path” and that crooked path is contrary to the path of YHWH’s law. The contrary, crooked path brings no peace, but YHWH’s path, His laid out law, or instructions for this life, they bring great peace.

Psalm 119:165

Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.

Isaiah 2:3

Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

The law is for those who are under the law, so that those who sin with their words, may be stopped. Everyone in the world has sinned and we all will stand guilty before YHWH.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Here is the argument, it is not the deeds that cause men to be justified. This is where Paul gets extremely confusing because it seems to be in direct contradiction to what we previously read from the Gospel of Luke. The law tells men what sin is, it defines sin for us. Just going through the motions is not what causes men to be justified. It is knowing what sin is, and then doing it out of love and not to be saved. It is comparable to how you love your husband or wife, you learn what they want, then you do those things because you know they enjoy it. You get to do those things because you belong to that person. It is the very same with YHWH’s law, you don’t have to keep it, you get to keep it, knowing it makes Him happy.

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

YHWH’s righteousness is apart from the law, and we can see it now through our faith. It comes from His grace. This is due to every man having committed sin, and falling short.

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.

Here, Paul is calling out the boasting of the circumcision sect of the Jews who did not keep the law themselves and did boast when they were able to get believing gentiles to allow them to circumcise them. Because, if those who believe a man must be circumcised in order to be saved, and a man allows that group to circumcise him, it would seem to others that man also believed he must be circumcised to be saved allowing the sect of Jews to boast in having more converts.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

All the Apostles, then, believe and teach it is not through works a man is justified, but by faith. It is not the keeping of the law that will save a man, but a man should keep the law. Therefore, abandoning the law is not what is being taught, ever. It is abandoning the idea that salvation comes through keeping the law.

29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

YHWH is not only the God of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles. YHWH will justify both Jews and Gentiles, circumcised and uncircumcised.

31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

This is the verse which supports everything I have argued for throughout this entire chapter. We, as believers are not to make void or abolish, or abandon YHWH’s law, ever. We are to establish, uphold, and keep YHWH’s law. Therefore, if we are to say YHWH’s law is only for the Jews, we have a problem throughout this chapter due to Paul claiming YHWH is the God of both and justifies them both by the same means. If we are to say YHWH’s law no longer applies to us because we are followers of Christ, that does not work because Paul is saying right here that believers should keep and uphold His law. The only way to reconcile all this is to say the argument Paul is making has Believers keeping and obeying YHWH’s laws, but not for the purpose of salvation, because that would mean we can work for it and expect it which would allow us to boast because one man may keep His law better than another, but out of love for YHWH and to avoid sin.

Jews will naturally be better at keeping YHWH’s laws because they were born into it as their way of life. Gentiles, for the most part, will need to learn how to keep His laws over time and will eventually start cutting sin out of their lives and that is the ultimate goal of YHWH, to have His people live a life separate of sin, which will set them apart from the rest of the world who delight in the desires of the flesh.  

Romans Chapter 2 Breakdown

1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

This verse goes back to the end of chapter one, Paul is calling these judges out. Basically, he is saying they judge others and try to hold them accountable, but in turn do the very same things, or at least they are breaking Torah in their own right.

2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

YHWH’s judgment is according to His Torah. According to the Old Testament, His law is known as truth, therefore, if His judgment is according to the truth, we can conclude it is according to His Torah, and Law.

Psalm 119:142

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.

3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

A rhetorical question for those who judge sinners but intentionally sin all the same.

4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

YHWH’s goodness, patience, and tolerance brings His believers to repentance. This is another rhetorical question.

5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Having an unrepentant heart stores up wrath on the Day of the Lord. Paul then quotes from Psalms and Psalms.

Psalm 62:12

Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.

Proverbs 24:12

If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

Those who obey the truth, that is, God’s law, with continued seeking of glory, honor and immortality do what is right in God’s eye. By not obeying God’s law a person is obeying unrighteousness. Either decision which is made, by either the Jew or the Gentile, choosing to obey God’s Law or not, brings blessings or curses.

11 For there is no partiality with God.

God does not hold one group of people above another in terms of those who believe and obey contrasted to those who do not obey. This is of particular interest to me because it is taught God holds “Christians” above all other believing groups. To go further it isn’t just Christians but Christians who choose not to obey His law.

12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law  (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Those who do not have the law and have sinned, will perish with the law. This is simple English, if you do not know the law and still do not keep it, you will die and that’s it, gone. If you sin and know the law, you will be judged by the law. It is the law which defines sin, so to know what sin is, and continue sinning means you will be judged by it. The next part only cements this argument. It is not the hearers of God’s law who are justified to YHWH, meaning just knowing the Word is not enough to be considered justified. It is those who choose to follow and keep His law who He considered justified is His eyes. Even those who have never heard His law are able to keep it. Men who naturally know right from wrong show they have His law written on their heart.

17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.

Jewish teachers considered themselves all of these things. They held themselves to high esteem when it came to knowing God’s law.

21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

Here Paul is calling out the Jews who teach one thing but practice another. Basically, they are going around teaching salvation is achieved by keeping the law and all the gentiles who want to be saved must keep the law perfectly. But, they themselves are not perfectly keeping the law. Paul then quotes from the prophets.

Isaiah 52:5

Now therefore, what have I here,” says the Lord, “That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail,” says the Lord, “And My name is blasphemed continually every day.

Ezekiel 36:22

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went.

Paul is continually quoting the Old Testament, the claim he teaches against keeping the Law is absurd.

25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Here is one of the verses used to claim Paul teaches against the law. But if you really break down what Paul is saying, it does not seem to mean what churches think it means. Paul says being circumcised is a good thing for those who keep the law, or those who do not sin. But, if you are a sinner and continually break His law, your circumcision means nothing. Basically, this is just an argument saying circumcision is not the only way to be saved. Even those who have not been physically circumcised can keep the law as God intended and still be saved. The only purpose of circumcision was to be a sign of the covenant between YHWH an man.

Genesis 17:11

and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.

Again we see it is not all about circumcision, Paul says it is those who keep the Law who will judge those who break the law, regardless of if they are physically circumcised. True circumcision is of the heart, not of the penis. We can find this in several places of the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 10:16

Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.

It is not about the outward appearances that YHWH is concerned with, but the inward. That is why we can know keeping the law is Spiritual, as in, we are making a Spiritual decision, being led by the Spirit of YHWH when we do keep the law of God. The distinction in what Paul is saying and what the sect of the Jews are saying is the Jews say do this to be saved. Paul says because you are already saved, you should do this to please God.

Romans Chapter 1 Breakdown

1-4

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Here is Paul’s introduction of himself to the Romans in this letter. Notice the first thing he says is the gospel, or the good news, was promised within the prophets. This means we should be able to go back and see exactly what the promise was, and who it was intended for, and it should all be laid out for us within the books of the prophets.

5-7

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Next we have Paul claiming grace and apostleship is for obedience to the faith, and this is how we are to be called saints. See, grace is only half the equation, it is because of grace we are saved. Once we are saved we are to be obedient to the instructions given to us throughout the scriptures. Everyone who has ever been called a saint, were all obedient to the Law of God.

8

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

The Romans faith in YHWH had been spoken of throughout the world.

9-10

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.

Paul says he serves God with his spirit in the gospel of His Son, who we know is the living, breathing, Torah made flesh.

11-12

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

These two verses are a bit odd, Paul states he wishes to teach the believing Romans spiritual gifts, implying these gifts can be taught and learned. With them learning something new, they would be stimulated to continue growing stronger in their faith, and seeing their excitement, Paul would be inspired to continue in his work of spreading the gospel. This is a great thought here. I know there are times in which I become stagnant in my studying the word, and it usually happens when I run out of people to talk to about my studies. I believe this is why it is extremely important to have someone study with you and join together each Sabbath to discuss the things that you have learned.

13

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

Paul claims he is continually stopped from coming to visit the Romans. He wants to be able to be part of their good deeds.

14-15

I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

He again wants to preach the gospel to the Romans. He owes them, as well as other gentiles, according to these verse.

16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

The gospel of Christ is the power of God to give salvation to all who believe, the Jew first, then the gentile. This is extremely important to understand. The Jew is granted salvation first, have you ever wondered why? It seems many have been teaching this means the gospel was taught to the Jews first, but they rejected it, then it was taught to the gentiles who believed it. I disagree with this and throughout this book of Romans breakdown you will undoubtedly see why. Paul is saying here, the Jews are saved first, this is because it was the Jews who were never divorced from YHWH. They always kept the commandments of YHWH. It was the Northern Kingdom of Israel who was divorced and then dispersed among the gentile nations who then assimilated into those nations, essentially becoming indistinguishable from the gentile.

17

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Habakkuk 2:4

“Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

It is in the gospel of Christ that reveals the righteousness of God. That can be shown all the way back in the Old Testament. Paul, always quotes from the Old Testament. In doing so, he is showing how it is still very relevant to believers today. Knowing the same gospel was also taught in the Old Testament, should also help us to understand how important God’s laws are for us today.

Hebrews 3:16-4:2

For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

Too often these verses are broken up because one comes at the end of a “chapter”. But, when read as intended, it is clear even those who came out of Egypt heard the very same good news gospel as Paul is teaching today. It is a mixture of faith with the deeds that is a benefit to us. Paul is only teaching the deeds alone will not save anyone.

18-19

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

This is one of the scariest passages in the entire New Testament. God’s wrath is revealed against all “ungodliness and unrighteousness of men”, that is scary enough considering we all sin and sin causes us to be unrighteous in the sight of God. But the passage continues by referring to the men “who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”. Therefore, we can conclude there will be men who try to cover up God’s true will for His creation, and hide or destroy it with lies. In the Old Testament we read about YHWH’s Law and how it is truth, and here we see men suppressing the truth with sin. If keeping God’s Law is living the way He intended us to live, just as the Bible tells us, then not keeping His law and teaching against it would be what ultimately reveals God’s wrath.

Psalm 119:142

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth

20-21

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

This is a great passage. Paul states it is clear to everyone that God is and has always been clearly visible, even though we cannot physically see Him. Men simply choose not to see Him and credit all He does to natural phenomenon or men. God has shown everything to man, manifesting Himself in them.

22-23

Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Men again, claim to be wise in their own right, but eventually prove themselves to be fools by not acknowledging the presence of YHWH. Ultimately, they end up exchanging all the good God can bring for things man can make, relying only on themselves.

24-25

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

This eventually is what led YHWH to give them up to their sin, and desires of the flesh. Men want to worship other men, and created things because they choose to ignore God and all He does.

26

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.

Here Paul continues with his commentary on why the world continues to grow more sinful by the day. The more men turn away from God’s Law and His ways, the more men will be given over to their sinful nature.

27

Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

Both men and women will burn with desire and lust for a homosexual relationship. This is the New Testament and Paul calling homosexual relationships shameful according to God’s Law.

28-32

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

For choosing to ignore YHWH and His laws, they were given over to a corrupted mind. Paul then lists many sinful acts which are clearly viewed in our modern world today, many of which are considered acceptable and normal.

Day of the Lord - Isaiah Chapter 13

The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.

“Lift up a banner on the high mountain, Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. 3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger— Those who rejoice in My exaltation.”

4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The Lord of hosts musters The army for battle. 5 They come from a far country, From the end of heaven— The Lord and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. 6 Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames.

9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine.

11 “I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the Lord of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger. 14 It shall be as the hunted gazelle, And as a sheep that no man takes up; Every man will turn to his own people, And everyone will flee to his own land. 15 Everyone who is found will be thrust through, And everyone who is captured will fall by the sword. 16 Their children also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; Their houses will be plundered And their wives ravished.

17 “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, Who will not regard silver; And as for gold, they will not delight in it. 18 Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; Their eye will not spare children. 19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 It will never be inhabited, Nor will it be settled from generation to generation; Nor will the Arabian pitch tents there, Nor will the shepherds make their sheepfolds there. 21 But wild beasts of the desert will lie there, And their houses will be full of owls; Ostriches will dwell there, And wild goats will caper there. 22 The hyenas will howl in their citadels, And jackals in their pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, And her days will not be prolonged.”

I chose this entire chapter because it is very significant. Many choose to argue this is not speaking of Mystery Babylon but rather Babylon from long ago. I will show that is not the case using verses from this very chapter.

First, Id like to point out this is a prophecy against Babylon. There is so much in this chapter which directly relates to what we find in Revelation as well as other prophecies found in the New Testament. To break this chapter down we first must understand what is going on. YHWH is proclaiming the destruction of Mystery Babylon. I say this is Mystery Babylon because in verse nine we see specifically this will occur at the Day of the Lord. Secondly, in verse twenty we read that no one will ever inhabit the land again, from generation to generation. It will be utterly destroyed similar to Sodom and Gomorrah.

The proclamation against Mystery Babylon breaks down the different things that will take place in the last days. First we can see it is not YHWH Himself who destroys Babylon, but rather an army of men. The set apart group of people He will use as a rod for His anger. The verse containing, “those who rejoice in my exaltation”, I don’t completely buy this translation. Here is the Hebrew and meaning of those Hebrew words.

Isaiah 13:3

I have commanded ^H6680 my sanctified ones, ^H6942 I have also called ^H7121 my mighty ones ^H1368 for mine anger, ^H639even them that rejoice ^H5947 in my highness. ^H1346

(Tsavah) to command (qadash) to be set apart (qara')to call (gibbowr) mighty ('aph) anger (`alliyz) exultant (ga`avah) pride

I believe this verse can be translated just as easily as “I have commanded my set apart people, the mighty men of my anger, who are jubilant and full of pride.” This fits with the overall prophecy better than interpreting this as Believers destroying Babylon. Revelation 17 can be set side by side with this chapter. We will get to that shortly. So as of now, we know there is a city, Mystery Babylon, and we know there is a group of people in which YHWH uses to fulfil His will in destroying this city.

This group of people destroy the city, kill men, women, and children. The children will be murdered before their parent’s eyes and the women will be raped, as well as the pregnant women will be slaughtered. They loot every home of Babylon as well. This causes many who live there to flee to their native countries.

This Babylon will be known as the glory of Kingdoms. No longer will any Arab pitch his tent in this city. At least one of the groups of people who are attacking Mystery Babylon are the Medes. Whether they are known as the Medes during that time or not doesn’t matter, at minimum they will be the descendants of the Medes. These are some very significant points we can take away from this chapter to help identify who this Mystery Babylon will be in the last days.

Revelation 17

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the Desert: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Most of the connections between these two chapters occur from verse fifteen to the end. But, I chose to show the entire chapter to give some supporting background info on what is going on. For starters, John is taken away into the desert, according to verse three. It is here where John sees everything go down. Mystery Babylon is made up of many nations of people. Lots of immigrants have come to this city. Babylon is also part of the ten kingdoms of the beast, simply put, riding on the beast. However, these countries hate this city and will utterly destroy it, which will fulfill God’s will. This city is the great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. This matches exactly with what was discovered in the Isaiah chapter 13.