Objective 6
- At the end of this topic, you will be able to point out important information in Romans 1:1-7 about the writer, the subject of the epistle, and the persons to whom it is addressed.
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Lesson 1: Introduction and Preview to Romans
Topic 2: Paul's Introduction to the Epistle (Continued)
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The opening salutation in Romans is longer than that in any other Pauline epistle. The reason for this may be that Paul was not the founder of this church and, as far as we know, had never visited Rome. However, it is interesting to note that the Galatian epistle also has a very long salutation. The reason for this may be the nature of both these epistles. They both contain a strong polemic. In both letters, Paul uses a fairly long introduction to lay a foundation for the argument that is to follow.
In most of his epistles, Paul begins with mention of his apostolic office, but here he starts with a different description of himself. Compare Romans 1:1 with 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1.
Paul emphasizes here his commitment to Christ Jesus as Lord. The word servant in the Old Testament was used to describe Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets. They were "servants of the Lord." Paul's use of this expression stresses the lordship of Jesus Christ. He does not hesitate to put Jesus in the position of the "Lord" of the Old Testament.
The word Paul uses for servant in the Greek language means "bondservant," or literally, "one who is bound." A bondservant is a slave. Paul was not a hired servant with a temporary contract. He had voluntarily given up his personal liberty and had committed his life freely and fully to his Master. Paul says that he is a servant of Jesus Christ set apart for the gospel of God. Paul is not only set apart or committed to the message, but he is also a "sent one," an apostle commissioned to proclaim this good news to the Gentiles.
The sense of the call of God and commitment to the gospel are both vitally important for a minister of the gospel. Can you testify to a similar call and sense of mission as Paul does in Romans 1:1?
Your commitment to Jesus Christ and separation to the gospel will be of prime importance in your ministry. Perhaps you would like to think and pray about this right now. Commit yourself wholly to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the gospel of God, and to the mission that He has for you.
In Romans 1:1-4, we have a good definition of the gospel, the good news that Paul is writing about. Romans 1:1 gives us Paul's foundation for the gospel that he presents in this epistle. With the words gospel of God Paul announces two important truths. First, he tells us that the good news of the gospel is about God. Compare this with Romans 1:17. The gospel reveals the righteousness of God. Second, he says that the gospel has a divine origin; it is the gospel of God.
The good news is a person, not a formula. It is the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was committed to a person, not to an ideal or philosophy. He was commissioned to preach about a person, not a religion. He declared the good news. Religion is not good news. The good news is that God, in the person of Jesus Christ, has come to men on a redemptive mission (see Jn 1:1 and Jn 1:14). God has visited this earth; this is the heart of the gospel message. This is why Paul fills these first seven verses of his epistle with a presentation of Jesus Christ as Lord. He is the gospel.
In the title the Lord Jesus Christ found in Romans 1:7, each word has its significance. Jesus is the Hebrew word meaning Savior. Jesus speaks of the humanity of Christ, the life and death of the man who came to earth at a certain point in history in order to save us from our sins. Christ means "the anointed one" (the Messiah). It speaks of Jesus' official work. He was anointed and commissioned to do a certain work. Lord speaks of Christ's sovereignty and deity. He is our Master, our Ruler, our King. All authority in heaven and earth has been given unto Him (see Mt 28:18).
Certain phrases in Romans 1:1-7 have great significance. "By the resurrection from the dead" is a statement that clearly presents a proof of the deity of Jesus Christ. "Descendant of David" is a clear reference to the humanity of Jesus.
In this opening salutation to the epistle Paul asserts that the gospel is centered in the person of Jesus Christ; it did not originate with the coming of Christ. His coming and the redemption of mankind had been promised long before that.
One of those mysterious promises given to the prophets is found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. There God promises David an eternal kingdom. This promise was fulfilled in the Messiah, who was a descendant of David and is often referred to as the Son of David. In Romans 1:3, Paul points out that Jesus was born of the royal line of David. His eternal reign will be the fulfillment of the promise made to David.
The word appointed in Romans 1:4 is better translated "established." The resurrection of Jesus did not make Him the Son of God, it merely established that fact, or made it evident.
According to Romans 1:5, God made Paul an apostle to bring about the "obedience of faith" among the Gentiles. To what is Paul referring here? The best interpretation is that Paul was sent to the Gentiles to bring about a certain kind of faith that would result in obedience.
In other words, Paul's purpose was to bring the Gentiles to the same commitment to Jesus Christ that he had. He wanted them to become bondservants also, obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ and involved in His mission in the world. We find the principle of reproduction in this verse. Paul is committed to reproduce himself, to reproduce the same commitment to Jesus Christ in others. He is called to have "spiritual children."
This is a basic principle in God's plan to evangelize the nations. Let's examine two passages of Scripture on this subject.
Jesus' disciples were to reproduce themselves then and in every succeeding generation!
This principle of reproduction is the key to the growth of your church. If you are the pastor of a local church, put this principle to work in your ministry and see what happens in your church! Train a faithful Christian to use the abilities and gifts that God has given him and give him responsibility and opportunities to serve. Help him become an effective servant of the Lord. You can also put this principle into practice by training people to witness for Christ. Inspire them to win the lost, then watch your church grow!
If you are not a pastor, this principle still applies to you. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 is for every Christian. Multiply yourself! Find someone and tell him about Christ. Consider him your spiritual child. Oversee his spiritual development and see how God will make you a blessing in your church. This is a ministry that every Christian can have and should have. Does 2 Timothy 2:2 apply to you? Of course it does.
You have already noticed from Romans 1:5-7 that Paul is writing chiefly to Gentile Christians in Rome.
Saints are God's holy people, set apart for Himself.
In Romans 1:7, Paul's greeting to the Romans takes the form of a blessing or prayer for them: "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Grace is God's free love and unmerited favor to men which is given through Jesus Christ. The peace mentioned here refers to the well-being which such men enjoy through God's grace.
