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Home , Romans 1

Romans 1:1 Introduction

"The chief part of the and the perfect gospel." "The cathedral of the Christian faith." Frederick Godet "The most important book theologically in the whole New Testament." William MacDonald

Author: Paul "From Syrian Antioch he set out on his third missionary journey (A.D. 53-57). Passing through Asia Minor, he arrived in Ephesus where he labored for three years (A.D. 53- 56). During this time, he wrote 1 Corinthians (A.D. 56). Finally, Paul left Ephesus and traveled by land to Macedonia, where he wrote 2 Corinthians (A.D. 56). He continued south and spent the winter of A.D. 56-57 in Corinth. There he wrote the , and sent it by (:1-2) to the Roman church." Dunn, Romans

Purpose Paul as an apostle, wanted to visit (Romans 1:11-13) to encourage and strengthen the believers there. Paul also wanted to evangelize both Jews and Gentiles (Romans1:14,15). The other main purpose was for Paul to try to establish missionary support for the advancement of the gospel to Spain (:23-24). The letter then was written to go before him and prepare the way.

Subject The subject of Romans in short, is the gospel. Romans reveals the tragic helplessness of the human race, which includes both Jew and Gentile. However, Romans talks about the redemption that God offers through his Son Christ. It is through Jesus Christ that salvation for mankind is provided, which is God's divine plan. 'Paul wrote Romans as a carefully presented statement of his faith' NIV, Study

"To the unsaved it offers a clear exposition of their sinful, lost condition and God's righteous plan for saving them. New believers learn of their identification with Christ and of victory through the power of the Holy Spirit. Mature believers find never-ending delight in its wide spectrum of Christian truth: doctrinal, prophetical, and practical." MacDonald, Believers Bible Commentary.

Major Themes Some major themes are sin, salvation, growth, sovereignty and service.

"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God." Romans 1:1

Servant of Christ Jesus δοῦλος (doulos) - 'one who is solely committed to another, slave, subject...of one's relation to Christ.' BDAG

It is interesting to note that Paul calls himself a servant. For Paul as a Roman citizen, the idea of being a servant would have been unthinkable! However, Paul gladly uses this in relation to Jesus Christ. A slave or servant was often purchased and Paul was no different. Paul was purchased by the precious blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19,2, 1 Peter 1:18,19).

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." :22  Are we solely committed to Christ?  Are we slaves to sin or slaves to Christ?

Called to be an apostle κλητὸς (klētos)" - 'of calling to an office: called (by God) as an apostle' (Romans 1:1) BDAG. Paul was called directly by the Lord Jesus Christ (:1-5).  What job are you called by God to serve him in?  Where are you called to serve him?  How are you serving him?

____ a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be ____ and set apart for the gospel of God.

Set apart In the Greek it means to select one person out of a group for a purpose, to set apart, appoint. The purpose that Paul has been 'set apart' for is to proclaim the gospel. Paul was 'set apart' by Jesus Christ himself:

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man (Paul) is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:15-16

When a person is 'set apart' for a particular ministry endeavor, there is always personal sacrifice. Paul was a Roman citizen so he had status and certain rights (:37,38; 22:25,26). As a Jew he was a well educated Pharisee and would have had respect amongst his community (Philippians 3:5,6). In short, he could have had a very comfortable life, but was willing to give it all up in order to be 'set apart' for Christ and fulfill his calling.

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Philippians 3:7-9

"To Paul, this gospel is so great that he is willing to separate himself from anything - wealth, health, acclaim, friends, safety and so on - in order to be faithful to his calling." Keller, Romans 1-7 For You.

For the gospel of God εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) - good news What is the gospel? MacDonald, Believers Bible Commentary  Its source is from God and not from man. (v1)  It is promised by the OT scriptures (v2)  It is the good news concerning God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (v3)  It is God's power for salvation (v16)  It is for all men, Gentiles as well as Jews (v16)  It is by faith alone (v17)

"Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures," 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

The gospel then, is the good news that God sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of mankind, both Jew and Gentile. Jesus died, was buried and God raised him to life. This is God's power of salvation.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Romans 1:16

Paul is set apart for the purpose of bringing the gospel, i.e. the good news which comes from God. This good news will free mankind from their sin and bring salvation through Jesus Christ. For everyone who believes this good news, Jew or Gentile, will be saved.  Do you believe the good news today?  Do you believe that God sent his son Jesus Christ to die for your sin, that he was buried and that God raised him to life as your Savior?