A108.1.1-Romans 1:1-7 Paul’s Greetings

Overview

In the opening verses of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul introduces himself with a profound sense of calling and authority. He identifies himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle, someone who has been “set apart for the gospel of God.” Paul emphasizes that this gospel is not new, but was promised long ago through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures. It centers on God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who, according to the flesh, is a descendant of David, affirming His humanity and royal lineage. Yet Jesus is also declared to be the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead, marked by the Spirit of holiness—a reference to His divine nature and messianic authority. Through Christ, Paul received grace and apostleship with the mission of calling people from all nations to the “obedience of faith,” a response of trusting submission to the gospel. He affirms that the believers in Rome are among those called to belong to Jesus Christ. The greeting concludes with a blessing: grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These verses lay the theological and relational foundation for the entire letter, establishing Paul’s authority, the identity of Christ, and the universal scope of the gospel.

In-Depth

In the opening verses of Romans 1, Paul introduces himself with a strong emphasis on his identity and divine calling. He begins with the phrase “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ” (v. 1), which is both a statement of humility and a profound theological declaration. The term servant (Greek: doulos) in this context conveys the idea of someone who has been bought and belongs entirely to their master. Paul sees himself not just as a messenger, but as a bondservant of Christ, fully devoted to his Lord and Master. This title, more than just a title of service, denotes Paul’s total surrender to Jesus Christ’s authority, and by extension, it asserts the lordship of Christ over his life.

He then identifies himself as “an apostle”—a sent one with a divine commission. The title apostle refers to an official, authoritative representative, someone commissioned by Christ Himself. In this context, Paul is asserting his apostolic authority to speak on behalf of God. His apostleship is not self-appointed or derived from human authority but is a calling from God to spread the gospel. He is not simply a teacher or preacher; he is an official envoy of the gospel, sent with the message of salvation to all nations.

Paul makes clear that he is “set apart for the gospel of God” (v. 1), a significant theological concept. To be “set apart” (Greek: aphorismenos) is to be consecrated or sanctified for a specific divine purpose. Paul is affirming that his entire life, including his ministry, is dedicated solely to the proclamation of the gospel, the “good news” of salvation that comes from God. The phrase “gospel of God” emphasizes that the gospel is not a human invention or a product of philosophical thought, but a divine revelation. It originates from God, belongs to God, and reveals God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

In verse 2, Paul reminds the Romans that this gospel is not new or novel; it is rooted in the Old Testament scriptures. The gospel was promised beforehand by God through the prophets. This reference to the Old Testament is critical because it shows that the message Paul preaches is consistent with and fulfills God’s covenantal promises to Israel. The prophets (including figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others) anticipated the coming of a Messiah who would bring salvation to God’s people, and this message finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of the gospel, therefore, is not a new invention but the continuation of God’s redemptive plan that has been unfolding since the beginning of time.

Paul then goes on to explain that this gospel centers on Jesus Christ, specifically His identity as the Son of God. Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine—a critical point for Paul’s message. He states that Jesus was “descended from David according to the flesh” (v. 3), affirming His humanity and fulfillment of the Jewish hope for a Messiah who would come from the royal line of David. This connection to David is deeply significant because it positions Jesus as the long-awaited King who would fulfill the promises made to David, such as the everlasting kingdom promised in 2 Samuel 7.

However, the revelation of Jesus does not stop with His human lineage. Jesus is also declared to be the Son of God in power (v. 4), referring to His divine nature. Paul makes a clear distinction between Jesus’ earthly ancestry and His divine appointment and authority. The phrase “in power” refers to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, the pivotal event that confirms His divine Sonship and messianic authority. Through His resurrection, Jesus was vindicated as the Son of God and proved to be the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. The resurrection serves as the public declaration of Jesus’ divine power, triumph over death, and His eternal kingship.

Paul further clarifies that this resurrection was accomplished “according to the Spirit of holiness” (v. 4), signifying that it was through the work of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was raised from the dead. The Holy Spirit’s role in the resurrection of Jesus not only emphasizes the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but also points to the Spirit’s active role in the work of salvation. The resurrection was not just a historical event; it was the power of God at work in Jesus, confirming that He is the Messiah, the Savior, and the Lord.

In verse 5, Paul explains that this revelation of Jesus Christ and His gospel results in two important things for Paul’s ministry: grace and apostleship. Through the grace of God, Paul has been called to the apostleship—to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. The gospel is not just a message for the Jews but is for all nations, and Paul’s mission is to bring obedience of faith to all people. The term “obedience of faith” indicates that faith in the gospel is not just intellectual assent but involves a response of obedience. Genuine faith results in a life that is aligned with God’s will and commands. The phrase stresses that faith and obedience are inseparable—one cannot truly have faith without yielding to the authority of Christ.

In verse 6, Paul refers specifically to the Romans as part of this calling, declaring them to be “called of Jesus Christ”. This term “called” is significant because it indicates that God, in His grace, has drawn these believers into a relationship with Himself. Paul emphasizes that this calling is not just an individualistic experience but part of God’s overarching plan for the nations. The Roman Christians, like all believers, have been called to belong to Jesus Christ, signifying their ownership and identity in Him.

Finally, in verse 7, Paul extends a greeting to the believers in Rome, invoking grace and peace from both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This greeting encapsulates the heart of the Christian faith—grace, God’s unmerited favor, and peace, the restoration of harmony with God and others, both of which flow from the gospel of Jesus Christ. This dual greeting is a summary of the gospel itself: through grace, believers experience peace with God.

Theological Implications

• Paul’s Apostolic Authority: Paul’s identity as a servant and apostle sets the tone for the letter, affirming his divine calling and the authority behind the gospel message.
• Christ’s Dual Nature: The emphasis on Jesus as both human (descendant of David) and divine (Son of God in power) lays the foundation for understanding the incarnation and resurrection as central to the Christian faith.
• The Universal Scope of the Gospel: The gospel is not limited to the Jews but is meant for all people, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
• Obedience of Faith: True faith is not passive; it results in a life of obedience to Christ, which is essential for living out the gospel message.

Discovery Questions

Here are some thoughtful Discovery Questions you can ask about Romans 1:1–7 to help guide personal reflection, group Bible study, or discipleship conversations. These questions aim to draw out observation, interpretation, and application of the text.

Observation Questions

(“What does the passage say?”)

1. How does Paul describe himself in verse 1? What titles or roles does he claim?
2. What does Paul say the gospel is about, and where does he say it originated?
3. What do verses 3–4 say about Jesus’ human and divine nature?
4. What did Paul receive through Jesus Christ (v. 5), and for what purpose?
5. Who is Paul addressing in verse 6, and how are they described?
6. What kind of blessing does Paul extend to the Roman believers in verse 7?

Interpretation Questions

(“What does it mean?”)

1. Why do you think Paul starts this letter with such a strong emphasis on his calling and authority?
2. What does it mean that the gospel was “promised beforehand through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures”?
3. Why is it important that Jesus is both “descended from David” and “declared to be the Son of God in power”?
4. What does the phrase “obedience of faith” mean? How does it shape our understanding of true belief?
5. What does Paul’s mission to “all nations” tell us about the nature of the gospel?
6. Why might Paul include a prayer of grace and peace at the beginning of the letter?

Reflection & Application Questions

(“How should it affect me?”)

1. In what ways do you relate to Paul’s identity as a “servant of Christ”? Do you see yourself that way? Why or why not?
2. Do you live with a sense of being “set apart” for God’s purposes? What might that look like in your life right now?
3. How does knowing the gospel is part of a long, promised plan through Scripture deepen your trust in God?
4. What is your response to Jesus being both fully human and fully divine? How does that shape your relationship with Him?
5. Have you experienced the “obedience of faith” in your own life? In what areas is God calling you to deeper obedience?
6. How can you be part of God’s mission to bring the gospel to “all nations”? What’s one step you can take this week?

In Summary

This passage in Romans 1:1–7 serves as an introduction not just to the letter itself, but to the heart of the Christian faith. It lays the groundwork for the rest of the epistle, unpacking the profound mystery of the gospel and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. Paul’s words resonate with the truth that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, and that through Him, God is fulfilling His eternal promises for the redemption of humanity.