Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 1:2

"which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures," — Romans 1:2 (ASV)

Before the historic events providing the basis for the gospel message unfolded, God “promised” the Good News in the prophetic Scriptures. Promise means more than prophecy, because it commits the Almighty to make good his word, whereas a prophecy can be merely an advance announcement of something that will happen. The concept of promise permeates this letter (4:13–25; 9:4; 15:8). The reference to “the Holy Scriptures” prepares the reader for rather copious use of the OT, beginning with 1:17.