Romans 1:24. Wherefore. Having shown that the heathen had the truth and held it back in unrighteousness, the Apostle now shows how God's wrath was displayed: generally in giving them up to uncleanness (Romans 1:24-25), and specially to unnatural sensuality (Romans 1:26-27), as well as to other vices which are named (Romans 1:28-32).

Gave them up. This is more than ‘permitted.' That sin is punished by sin, we are taught by the Bible and by daily experience. God abandons man to the consequence of his own doings, and thus punishes him. This is a divinely instituted law, in perfect harmony with our personal freedom and moral accountability.

In the lusts of their hearts. Not ‘through,' but ‘in,' signifying the moral sphere in which they were, when the judicial abandonment by God delivered them over to a still worse condition.

Unto uncleanness; impurity, unchastity. The heathen scarcely recognized lewdness as sinful.

That their oodles were dishonored. This may mean either (1) the purpose, or (2) the result, or (3) wherein the uncleanness consisted. The last is preferable.

Among them. This seems a better supported reading than ‘themselves'; but the notion is of reciprocal dishonor.

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Old Testament