Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome

Commentary

In the opening verses of this letter Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome. When he wrote this letter he had never been to Rome, so naturally he gave a brief description of himself and his special status in the church. Some of them he must have known personally (Chapter 16) but probably many of them he had never met. No doubt there were many men by the name of Paul, so he had to further identify himself and convince the readers that he had a right to send the letter. He presents his credentials as follows:

 

1. He was a servant of Jesus Christ (v. 1a). The word Paul used for “servant” is the word “slave”. There were an estimated six million slaves in the Roman Empire at that time, so people could easily identify. Paul had enslaved himself to Christ. 

2. He was an apostle (v. 1b). The word means “one who is sent by authority with a commission.” One of the requirements for an apostle was to have seen the risen Christ. Paul saw Christ when he was on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).

3. He was a preacher of the Gospel (vv. 1c-4). Gospel means “the good news.” This is the message that Christ died, was buried, rose again, and is able to save all.

4. He was a missionary to the Gentiles (vv. 5-7). Paul’s special commission was to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, and this is why he was planning to go to Rome (v. 5). 

 

Having stated his commission, he next discusses their call. “Ye are called of Jesus Christ” (v. 6). Later in the epistle Paul discusses in detail what is involved in his call (8:28-30).

Application

Ask – To whom has God called me to be a witness? What can I do this week to fulfill this call? I need to remember that my calling is first to be a servant and then a witness.