Romans 1:4
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Romans 1:4
This verse completes a two-fold claim about Jesus: his designation as the Son of God with power and his vindication through the Spirit of holiness, culminating in the resurrection from the dead. The phrase “declared to be the Son of God with power” signals a public, divine endorsement. The resurrection is the decisive sign that Jesus is who he claimed to be and that God’s power is at work in him. The “spirit of holiness” (also translated as the Holy Spirit) emphasizes Jesus’ unique relationship with God, his purity, and his empowerment for ministry. In the broader Roman context, deities were often associated with power or status; Paul foregrounds that Jesus’ power is evidenced precisely through the resurrection, a historical event witnessed by many. This verse, then, ties Jesus’ identity to the resurrection as the ultimate proof of his divine sonship and mission.
The resurrection is foundational for Christian faith. By tying Jesus’ messianic identity to the Spirit’s power, Paul underscores the inseparability of Jesus’ humanity and divinity, his anointed role, and the Spirit’s enabling presence. Theologically, it proclaims victory over sin and death, confirms the truth of God’s promises, and inaugurates the new creation. The Holy Spirit’s role in declaring Jesus’ Sonship points to the Spirit’s work in believers—producing faith, bearing witness, and empowering obedience. The verse also foreshadows the universal scope of salvation: through the power of the Spirit, Jesus is exalted and made known to all nations.
Today, cling to the resurrection as the source of confidence in Jesus’ identity. When you doubt, rehearse the empty tomb as evidence that God’s power breaks finality. Invite the Holy Spirit to bear witness in your heart to Jesus’ lordship and to empower your daily life. In practical terms, rely on the Spirit for boldness in sharing faith, endurance in trials, and transformation in character. The resurrection also reshapes your view of power: God’s strength often appears through humility, service, and sacrificial love—qualities demonstrated in Jesus and accessible to his followers through the Spirit. Let the reality of the Spirit’s sanctifying work motivate holiness, gratitude, and mission.
Cross-References: Acts 2:36; Romans 8:11; Philippians 3:10–11; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 1 Peter 1:3