Romans 1:1-7 - An Introduction Part 1

Today will begin a new study on the book of Romans, but from a Messianic perspective.

Romans 1:1-7 (KJV)
¹ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
² (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
³ Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
⁴ And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
⁵ By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
⁶ Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
⁷ To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Chapter 1 begins an introduction to the book of Romans. In the first verse Paul stated that he was the author. This is a well accepted fact. He referred to himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ," who had been called to be an apostle and separated "unto the gospel of God."

What did Paul mean by his description? Upon salvation, the believer becomes a servant of Messiah Yeshua. The goal of the believer's life is to live for Him and to do those things that are pleasing to Him. In Paul's case, it was to be an apostle, or a "sent out one." Another word for this might be emissary. His area of work was to spread the gospel of God.

In verse 2 Paul declared that the gospel of God had been promised before this time in the writings of the prophets. This gospel was not something new, that Paul, or even Yeshua, had come up with, but was found in the Old Testament prophets.

The gospel of God concerns Yeshua, the Messiah, who was the physical descendant of King David (verse 3).

At the same time, Paul asserted that He was also the Son of God (verse 4). This was demonstrated by power, not as much by His birth, but more so by His holiness and His resurrection from the dead.

In verse 5 the focus changes from Yeshua to His followers, who have received grace and apostleship from Him. They are to be obedient to the faith and for His name, among all nations. Paul's ministry and that of the believing Romans was to spread the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

Just as Paul was called by Yeshua, so are the Roman believers (verse 6).

Verse 7 is Paul's greeting to those believers in Rome. They are beloved of God and are called to be saints (forgiven sinners). He extended grace and peace from God our Father, and Messiah Yeshua to his readers.

Paul's introduction will continue with the next post!

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