“Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,”
Slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents. The catalogue continues, now emphasizing sins against God and social order. God-haters (theostygēs) and insolent toward human authority represent the rebellion that begins with rejection of God's authority. Disobedience to parents represents the breakdown of the most foundational human relationship and social structure.
Church Fathers on Romans 1:30
“Whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,” and classing things which to many seem indifferent among his charges, he further strengthens his accusation, going up to the stronghold of their wickednesses, and styles them “boasters.” For even worse than sinning is it, even though sinning to be haughty-minded. Wherefore also he charges the Corinthians with it, saying, “You are puffed up.” 1 Corinthians 5:2 For if in a good action he that puffs himself up loses all, if…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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