Romans 1:1-7
Called to Belong to Jesus Christ
Read the passage
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—
2the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,
4and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
5Through Him and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all those among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Before Paul explains what he hopes to do in Rome, he tells the believers whose message he carries. He is a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for God's gospel. He did not invent it. God promised it beforehand through the prophets in Scripture.
The gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. As a man, He descends from David's family. By His resurrection He is declared with power to be the Son of God. Paul is not saying Jesus first became God's Son when He rose; he has already called Him God's Son before describing His human descent. The resurrection reveals Him in victorious power.
Through this Lord, Paul has received grace and his apostolic calling. His work reaches among the Gentiles, calling people to the obedience that comes from faith. Trusting Jesus means answering to Him. Obedience grows from faith rather than buying the grace Paul has received.
The believers in Rome belong within that same call. They are loved by God, called to be His holy people and called to belong to Jesus Christ. Their city and circumstances do not define their deepest allegiance. They are His.
Paul closes his greeting with grace and peace from the Father and the Lord Jesus. These are gifts he wants them to know as they hear the letter: mercy they have not earned, and peace in the relationship God establishes through His Son.
Questions
1 How does Paul describe himself?
AnswerHe describes himself as a servant and apostle set apart for God's gospel. His authority is presented as a calling received for service rather than a platform created for personal status.
2 What does Paul say about the gospel?
AnswerIt was promised in Scripture and concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ. His resurrection declares His Sonship with power. Paul announces God's fulfilled promise rather than an idea of his own.
3 What has Paul received through Jesus?
AnswerHe has received grace and apostleship to call the Gentiles to faith's obedience. Grace sends him outward; it is not merely a private comfort.
4 How are the Roman believers addressed?
AnswerThey are loved by God and called to be saints. Their identity begins with God's love and call before any achievement or reputation.
What This Means for Us
When you think about being a Christian, begin where Paul begins: with Jesus Christ and what God has done through Him. Belonging to Him is more than identifying with a family tradition or a set of good habits. We receive His grace and answer His call in faith.
Thank Him for a particular way His mercy has reached you. Then consider a decision in which allegiance to Him should be visible. His love gives us reason to obey gladly, without treating obedience as the price of being loved.
Prayer
God our Father, thank You for the gospel of Your Son, descended from David and raised in power. Give us faith that receives His grace and obeys Him gladly. Let our words and choices honor the Lord to whom we belong. Amen.