Romans 1:1-7

Random Thoughts:

*Why all the talk about the ‘spiritual journey’ or ‘walk with God’ when Paul was so adamant it was a race? (2 Tim. 4:7)*

Background

• Paul never visited Rome, which made it possible to write Romans!
• Paul uses historical figures (Abraham etc.) probably as a common starting point for the doctrinal work.

Text

‘Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God…’ (Romans 1:1)

• Bondservant – a willing servant
• Apostle – messenger (one who is sent)
• Separated to Gospel – all his life devoted to it.

‘which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,’ (Romans 1:2)

• Promised the Gospel (or its method) before through the prophets (eg. Isaiah and Psalms)

‘concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.’ (Romans 1:3-4)

• Of the line of David (man) and also the Son of God
• ‘Declared’ Son of God because He was God beforehand (eg. at creation)
• With power *according* to the Spirit, through the resurrection. Why ‘according to’ here? The resurrection was the great declaration of His deity, and the great proof. Fake magicians can perform ‘miracles’ by deceiving the eye, but none claim to rise from the dead from such a brutal death. In fact, the two most telling signs of His deity were His birth and resurrection, the bookends of His life.

‘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;’ (Romans 1:5-6)

• Through Him we receive grace – this is the first inkling of the important content of the rest of the letter.
• Obedience to the faith? Ie. Faith requires action on the part of the one having the faith.
• Grace and apostleship are all for His glory (His name!)
• ‘called of Jesus Christ’ – election implied?

‘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.’ (Romans 1:7)

• The letter is to all who are beloved of God in Rome (ie the church in Rome)
• Why can Paul send grace? He can easily wish them peace, but how grace? And why isn’t the Holy Spirit mentioned? Only Jesus and God are mentioned.

Summary

It is a greeting where he identifies himself (Paul), his position and calling (an Apostle), his intent (to the Gospel of God) and justifies his purpose. He identifies his audience, and justifies his audience (called to be saints).

What Do I Learn?

Am I a bondservant? Am I separated to the Gospel?