Isiah and Paul

Isiah and Paul

Now that the winds have calmed and life is getting back to normal picking up with Isiah, and spending time studying the longest book in the Bible, the picture that Paul paints throughout Romans, but especially in chapter 7, becomes all to clear. During our study of Romans the appreciation for Paul grew to the point of hero status. Paul seems to echo Isiah and harken back to what Isiah prophesied so many years before.

The depth of teachings that Paul brings to the table is rivaled by those of Isiah. While only scratching the surface of the Book of Isiah, it appears the potential for another hero to emerge is developing. Isiah’s teachings came some 700 years prior to Jesus Christ being born, but the Prophet Isiah detailed His arrival and Paul echoed some of Isiah as he traveled the land spreading the Gospel.

Bible study this morning focused primarily on Isiah chapters 9, 10 and 53. During this time is when it became clear that Paul and Isiah were connected.

We find Isiah, in chapter 9 NKJV, announcing the coming of Christ, the One true God, 700 years prior to His birth

6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

What a description! Isiah tells us that He is coming. That He will be born and He will rule From that time forward, even forever Yes, He does and will.

Yesterday there was a short discussion of Isiah chapter 10. This is where the idea of Paul echoing Isiah was born. In Romans 7 it may be possible to hear an echo of Isiah 10. Maybe it’s not, maybe it’s nothing and not related in the least, but it seems to be an echo.

Isiah 10 NKJV
3 What will you do in the day of punishment,
And in the desolation which will come from afar?
To whom will you flee for help?
And where will you leave your glory?
4 Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners,
And they shall fall among the slain.”
For all this His anger is not turned away,
But His hand is stretched out still.

Romans 7 NKJV
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.