Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 1:18

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness;" — Romans 1:18 (ASV)

As a preliminary stage to this revelation of justification and faith, there is another that is its opposite—a revelation and disclosure of divine wrath. The proof is seen in the present condition of both the Gentile and Jewish world. And first, concerning the Gentile world: Romans 1:18–32.

Revealed.—The revelation of righteousness is, while the Apostle writes, being made in the Person of Christ and in the salvation offered by Him. The revelation of wrath is to be inferred from the actual condition—the degradation doubly degraded—in which sin leaves its devotees.

From heaven.—The wrath of God is revealed from heaven, inasmuch as the state of things in which it is exhibited is the divinely-inflicted penalty for previous guilt. Against that guilt, shown in outrage against all religion and all morality, it is directed.

Ungodliness and unrighteousness.—These two words stand respectively for offences against religion and offences against morality.

Who hold the truth in unrighteousness.—Rather, who suppress and thwart the truth—the light of conscience that is in them—by unrighteousness. Conscience tells them what is right, but the will, motivated by wicked motives, prevents them from obeying its dictates. The truth is their knowledge of right, from whatever source derived, which finds expression in conscience. Hold is the word that we find translated hinder in 2 Thessalonians 2:6–7—having the force of to hold down, or suppress.