Paul's Introduction to the Church in Rome Romans 1:1

The letter we have before us is directed toward the church that was established in Rome. Most scholars believe it was written by Paul the apostle from the city of Corinth between 53 and 58 a.d., and it has become a backbone to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul began his letter with these words to the church by referring to himself and his position in God's kingdom, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ” where we read:

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

The verse begins, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, ...” Paul began with his name, “Paul” which means “small or little” and was “the most famous of the apostles and wrote a good part of the New Testament – fourteen Pauline epistles”, “a servant” which is the Greek word “doulos” which means “slave, bond-slave or a man of servile condition” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul began this letter by using his Greek name, “small or little”, and stated his position as “bond-slave” or as a “willing servant” of Jesus Christ.

The verse continues, “... called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God”. Paul added the word, “called” which means “invited (by God in the proclamation of the Gospel) to obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom through Christ, divinely selected and appointed” “to be an apostle” or “to function and exist as a delegate, messenger and one sent forth with orders”, “separated” which means “appointed and set apart” “unto the gospel” which refers to “towards the good and glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah who is the founder of this kingdom” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul not only was a “bond-servant” of Jesus , but he was also “appointed and set apart” by God to share His “good news” of salvation to the world.

When we think through these words of Paul, we note not only his humility as he wrote this letter, “bond-servant”, but also his recognition to his personal “calling” by God. Paul was designated and divinely selected by God to function as an “apostle” or “sent out one”. His mission was to share the “good news” of the “Salvation” offered from God through His Son Jesus Christ, and those who read, understand and believe these words from Paul shall not only benefit from his thoughts, but also shall hear the very heart of God and His offer of “grace” to as many as will receive Him. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit open our minds and hearts as we read these beautiful words that proceed from the pen of “Paul the bond-servant apostle” who was “called” of God for this purpose.

Next time Paul continues his introduction to the church in Rome as he refers to what God “had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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