Romans 1:1

Letters to the Faithful - Romans 1:1

Berean Standard Bible
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—

King James Bible
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Greek Text:
Παῦλος, δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, κλητὸς ἀπόστολος, ἀφωρισμένος εἰς εὐαγγέλιον Θεοῦ,

Transliteration:
Paulos, doulos Christou Iēsou, klētos apostolos, aphōrismenos eis euaggelion Theou,

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Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus
Paul identifies himself as a servant, or "doulos," which means bondservant or slave. This term reflects a position of humility and total devotion. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, a servant was someone who was completely under the authority of their master. Paul’s use of this term indicates his complete submission to Christ. This echoes the Old Testament concept of servanthood seen in figures like Moses and David, who were also called servants of God (Joshua 1:1, Psalm 89:3). It highlights the transformation in Paul’s life from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ (Acts 9:1-22).

called to be an apostle
Paul emphasizes his divine calling to the role of an apostle. The term "apostle" means "one who is sent" and refers to someone who is commissioned with a specific mission. This calling is not self-appointed but is a divine appointment by Christ Himself (Galatians 1:1). The apostles were foundational to the early church, tasked with spreading the gospel and establishing churches (Ephesians 2:20). Paul's apostleship is significant because it underscores his authority and the authenticity of his message, as he was directly chosen by Christ (Acts 9:15).

and set apart for the gospel of God—
Being "set apart" indicates a specific purpose and mission. In the Jewish tradition, being set apart was a concept associated with holiness and dedication to God’s service, as seen in the consecration of priests (Exodus 28:41). Paul’s mission was to preach the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This gospel is described as "of God," emphasizing its divine origin and authority. The gospel was promised beforehand through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2), fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament concerning the coming Messiah (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22). Paul’s role in spreading this message was crucial in the expansion of the early church and the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith (Romans 11:13).

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I, a servant of the gospel, though unworthy apart from His grace, greet you in the name of Him who is our hope and our salvation. To the saints scattered abroad, united by faith in the risen Lord, I write to you concerning the words of our brother Paul, set forth in the opening of his epistle to the Romans.

Beloved, consider the words of Romans 1:1, where Paul declares himself "a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." Herein lies a foundation for our faith, a truth that echoes through the ages to every heart that seeks the Lord. Paul, once a persecutor of the church, was transformed by the mercy of Christ and set apart for a holy purpose. So too, you who have heard the call of grace are no longer your own, but belong to Him who purchased you with His precious blood.

First, let us marvel at this title, "servant of Jesus Christ." In a world that prizes power and self-rule, Paul embraces the yoke of servitude to the King of kings. You, dear brothers and sisters, who cherish the priesthood of all believers, know well that this servitude is no burden, but a liberty. For in Christ, we are not slaves to sin, but bondservants to righteousness, willingly bound to the One who sets us free. Reflect, then, on your own calling—are you living as servants of the Savior, surrendered to His will, as Paul was?

Second, he is "called to be an Apostle." This calling is not of human origin, but from God Himself, who chooses the weak to confound the mighty. Though you may not bear the office of apostle, you are no less called. To you, who hold fast to the Scriptures as your guide, I remind you of Peter’s words: you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, appointed to declare the praises of Him who called you (1 Peter 2:9). Paul’s apostolic mission was to proclaim the gospel, and so is yours—to your neighbors, your kin, and even to the ends of the earth.

Third, he is "separated unto the gospel of God." Here is the heart of our unity, O church! The gospel is not a mere teaching, but the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). It is the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, foretold by the prophets, fulfilled in the Son. You who rejoice in sola fide—faith alone—know that this separation is not a retreat from the world, but a consecration for its sake. Like Paul, we are set apart not to condemn, but to carry the message of reconciliation to a lost and dying world.

Therefore, I urge you, beloved, to stand firm in this gospel. Let no division of doctrine or tradition tear asunder what Christ has joined together. For though we may differ in practice, we are one in the faith that saves—faith in the crucified and risen Lord. Examine your hearts: are you separated unto this gospel, or entangled still with lesser things? The days are short, and the harvest is plentiful; let us labor as Paul did, with eyes fixed on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Now may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, strengthen you, establish you, and keep you blameless until the day of His coming. I commend you to His care, praying that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation may abound in you all. Farewell, until we meet in the presence of our Lord.

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O Sovereign Lord, King of all creation, whose glory fills the heavens and whose mercy upholds the earth, we, Your humble servants, gather in spirit before Your throne of grace, lifting our voices in fervent prayer, stirred by the sacred words of Romans 1:1, where Your apostle declares, “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” In this single verse, O God, we behold the majesty of Your calling, the power of Your gospel, and the transformative grace that takes a sinner and makes him a herald of Your truth. With hearts united across every tribe and nation, we offer You our adoration, confession, and supplication, pleading that Your Spirit may mold us into faithful witnesses of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

We magnify Your holy name, O God, for You are the Author of the gospel, the good news that is the power of salvation to all who believe. From eternity past, You purposed to redeem a people for Yourself, and through Your servant Paul, You proclaimed this message to the ends of the earth. We praise You for calling Paul, once a persecutor of Your church, and transforming him into a bondservant of Christ Jesus, a vessel of Your grace. Your mercy, O Lord, knows no bounds; Your power to save transcends human rebellion. As Paul was set apart for the gospel, so You have set apart Your church to carry this same message of hope, that Christ died for our sins, rose again, and reigns forever as the King of glory. Blessed be Your name, for You are faithful to Your promises, steadfast in Your love, and mighty to save.

Forgive us, merciful Father, for we confess that we have often strayed from the calling You have placed upon us. Like Paul before his encounter with Your Son, we have pursued our own ways, clinging to pride, fear, or the fleeting pleasures of this world. We have not always embraced our identity as servants of Christ, nor have we boldly proclaimed Your gospel in a world shrouded in darkness. Our lips have faltered, our hearts have wavered, and our hands have grown weary. Yet, O Lord, You are rich in mercy. We plead the blood of Jesus, the cornerstone of the gospel, who bore our iniquities and reconciled us to You. Cleanse us, renew us, and fill us with Your Spirit, that we may walk worthy of the high calling to be ambassadors of Your kingdom.

We entreat You, O God, for Your church, the bride of Christ, called to be a light to the nations. As You set apart Paul to proclaim Your gospel, so set apart Your people today for the work of Your kingdom. Grant us the humility of a servant, that we may esteem others above ourselves and seek Your glory above all. Ignite within us the zeal of an apostle, that we may boldly declare Your truth, undaunted by opposition or scorn. And fill us with the passion of one set apart, that our lives may be wholly devoted to the spread of Your gospel. Strengthen those who labor in distant lands, comfort those who suffer for Your name, and equip every believer to shine as a beacon of Your love. May Your church rise as one, united in purpose, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of Your name.

We lift up before You, O Lord, a world in desperate need of Your gospel. To those who dwell in the shadow of despair, grant hope through the message of Your Son. To those bound by the chains of sin, grant freedom through the power of Your cross. To those blinded by falsehood, grant sight through the truth of Your Word. Raise up messengers, O God, to carry Your good news to every corner of the earth, from bustling cities to forgotten villages. Let the name of Jesus be exalted among the nations, and may every knee bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. For those who govern, grant wisdom to uphold justice; for those who wander, grant guidance to find Your path; and for those who oppose Your truth, grant conviction that leads to repentance.

O God, who called Paul and set him apart for Your gospel, call us anew each day to be Your servants, Your apostles, Your witnesses. May the truth of Romans 1:1 burn within our hearts, reminding us that we are Yours, purchased by the blood of Christ, and commissioned to proclaim the good news of salvation. Empower us by Your Spirit to live lives that reflect Your glory, to speak words that echo Your truth, and to love with the sacrificial love of Your Son. Let our every thought, word, and deed be a testimony to the gospel of God, which is able to save to the uttermost. All this we ask in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of Your promises, the Savior of the world, who with You, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, reigns in eternal splendor, one God, now and forever. Amen.