ROMANS 1:1-7
Paul’s Introduction to the Romans
Romans 1:1
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle...”
Paul begins his letter to the Romans by stating quite clearly that he is not writing to them under his own authority. Paul understood that any and all authority that he had came directly from Christ. He makes reference to this fact in the greetings of practically every letter he writes.
Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead)
Ephesians 1:1a
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead)
Philippians 1:1a
Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ
Colossians 1:1a
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God
Paul recognizes that the primary directive of his ministry was to preach unto the Gentiles, speaking to them on God’s behalf. He also adds that he was chosen for this office, not that he chose this calling himself. Paul indeed did not choose this calling, but rather was called by God unto this task. He tells the Romans that he was chosen to confirm the fact that he was a particular apostle of Christ. Paul also makes reference to the fact that he is a ”bondservant” of Christ. This is not meant to say that he is not a free man, but refers back to and clarifies his ministry and office. He wants them to know that in delivering this letter he is doing nothing but his duty.
“… separated to the gospel of God…”
Paul here states the mission to which he was separated; the Gospel of Christ. This is his primary mission and goal in writing this letter to the Romans; setting forth the Gospel. It is interesting to note that in ancient Greek culture, the word for ”gospel”, “εὐαγγέλιον”, always had reference to the crowning of a new king, and indeed this is the heart and soul of the Gospel which Paul is proclaiming! Christ has been exalted to the right hand of the Father, and is now King of the universe; this is the Gospel; the “Good News”. The whole of the gospel is that Christ is King, and we his subjects owe Him our allegiance.
A thought-worthy quote: “We must here observe, that all are not fitted for the ministry of the word; for a special call is necessary: and even those who seem particularly fitted ought to take heed lest they thrust themselves in without a call.” ~ John Calvin
Romans 1:2
“…which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures…”
He makes a point to show that the same system of grace and truth, which was predicted and partially revealed in the Old Testament, is the same Gospel which is fully revealed and fulfilled in the New. [Gen. 3:15, Isa. 9:6, Micah 5:2, Mal. 3:1, Zech. 9:9]. Even in the Old Testament times, the faithful followers understood the significance of their sacrifices was not in the blood of goats and lambs, but rather they found their efficacy in the coming sacrifice, which was Jesus Christ. Though they did not have full or complete understanding of just who that King was, they did know one thing; He was coming. Paul also confirms the faith and credibility of the gospel, not only by antiquity, which can and often is faked, but also by the testimony of the Prophets of God. The Old Testament covenants and sacrifices were all archetypes of Christ, and Paul here takes the time to mention that Jesus is the fulfillment of them.
Romans 1:3
“concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh…”
Paul makes the statement that the whole sum of the gospel can be and is found in Christ. Jesus is the beginning and end goal of the gospel, He is the reason for it! The definition Paul gives of the Gospel is indeed Christ Jesus. He makes it a point to mention that Christ is the seed of David; this is to show that Jesus indeed fulfilled the requirements of the Old Testament promise that the Savior would be of the seed of David. [2 Sam. 7:10-13]
A thought-worthy quote: “Two things must be found in Christ, in order that we may obtain salvation in him, even divinity and humanity. His divinity possesses power, righteousness, life, which by his humanity are conveyed to us. ~ John Calvin
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.”
Here Paul is referencing Christ’s resurrection as evidence of His Sonship; it is the proof of His claims to be the Son of God. The resurrection is referred to as the great conclusive evidence of the truth of all Christ taught, and as validating all of His claims. His rising from the dead showed God’s approval of all that Jesus claimed. He had power over death, and a liar could hold no such claim.
A thought-worthy quote: “Son of God is not a title of office, but of nature, and therefore Christ cannot be said to have been constituted the Son of God.” ~ Charles Hodge
Romans 1:5-6
“…Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ…”
Paul re-states that he did not choose to be an apostle, or take the office upon himself in a pompous manner; rather that the office was given to him by Christ. It was his duty first, then his pleasure and joy. It is also worth mentioning that he cannot help but take time to make mention to the fact that the whole point of grace and apostleship is to bring the nations under the reign of Christ, making them willing and devoted to Him and His Kingdom. I often like to ask fellow believers what is the point of our Salvation? So that we can go to Heaven? No, although this is a glorious gift given to Christ’s beloved. No, the whole point of salvation, and the point of everything in existence, is to glorify God first and foremost. This is the point of grace and salvation; God’s glory. We have a command from Christ to preach the Gospel among the nations. This does not only mean by words. More times than not, ”Preaching the Gospel” is done through the actions of His servants. How we act speaks volumes to the non-believer. Even in his introduction, Paul cannot help but present the gospel. Are we so zealous? Paul tells us that we too are called to spread the gospel, and to proclaim that ”Jesus is Lord!” to all the nations. It is worth noting the historical significance of the term “Jesus is Lord. This phrase was coined during the Roman empire, where the common phrase of the day was “Caesar is Lord.” The Christians were allowed to worship Christ, so long as they burned an incense to Caesar and declared him lord. They rejected this, proclaiming the “Jesus is Lord,” more times than not at the cost of their own lives. We are called to stand for Christ in our thoughts, actions, and daily lives. Do we?
Romans 1:7
“…To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. “
Paul reminds the Roman church that they are ”called to be saints”; they have a responsibility to be a worthy leader that the rest of the world could follow. Many believe that is was Paul’s fervent hope that Rome would become the epicenter and leader of the spread of Christianity to the rest of the world, and he seems to be reminding them of their duty not only to the world, but to Christ.
Bibliography:
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/romans-1.html
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hdg/romans-1.html
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/gsb/romans-1.html
Captivated for Christ 