18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth [1]in unrighteousness ,
19 because that which is known about God is evident [2]within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood through what has been made , so that they are without excuse . 21 For even though they knew God , they did not [3]honor Him as God or give thanks , but they became futile in their speculations , and their foolish heart was darkened . 22 Professing to be wise , they became fools , 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and [4]crawling creatures . 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity , so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 1:18-24
Commentary on Romans 1:18-25
(Read Romans 1:18-25)
The apostle begins to show that all mankind need the salvation of the gospel, because none could obtain the favour of God, or escape his wrath by their own works. For no man can plead that he has fulfilled all his obligations to God and to his neighbour; nor can any truly say that he has fully acted up to the light afforded him. The sinfulness of man is described as ungodliness against the laws of the first table, and unrighteousness against those of the second. The cause of that sinfulness is holding the truth in unrighteousness. All, more or less, do what they know to be wrong, and omit what they know to be right, so that the plea of ignorance cannot be allowed from any. Our Creator's invisible power and Godhead are so clearly shown in the works he has made, that even idolaters and wicked Gentiles are left without excuse. They foolishly followed idolatry; and rational creatures changed the worship of the glorious Creator, for that of brutes, reptiles, and senseless images. They wandered from God, till all traces of true religion must have been lost, had not the revelation of the gospel prevented it. For whatever may be pretended, as to the sufficiency of man's reason to discover Divine truth and moral obligation, or to govern the practice aright, facts cannot be denied. And these plainly show that men have dishonoured God by the most absurd idolatries and superstitions; and have degraded themselves by the vilest affections and most abominable deeds.