Romans 1:5

Letters to the Faithful - Romans 1:5

Berean Standard Bible

Through 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.

King James Bible

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Greek Text (from the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece):

δι’ οὗ ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολὴν εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ,

Transliteration:

di’ hou elabomen charin kai apostolēn eis hupakoēn pisteōs en pasin tois ethnesin huper tou onomatos autou,

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Through Him and on behalf of His name

This phrase emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in the mission and message of the apostles. "Through Him" indicates that it is only by the power and authority of Christ that the apostles can carry out their mission. The phrase "on behalf of His name" underscores the purpose of their mission: to glorify and represent Jesus. In biblical times, a name was more than just a label; it represented the character and authority of a person. Thus, the apostles' work is done under the authority and for the glory of Jesus Christ, aligning with passages like Acts 4:12, which speaks of salvation being found in no other name.

we received grace and apostleship

The "grace" mentioned here refers to the unmerited favor and empowerment given by God to the apostles. This grace is not only for personal salvation but also for the specific calling and equipping for ministry. "Apostleship" denotes the office and mission given to the apostles, particularly Paul, who was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:8). This dual gift of grace and apostleship highlights the divine initiative and empowerment in the spread of the Gospel, as seen in Ephesians 3:7-8, where Paul speaks of becoming a servant of the Gospel by the gift of God's grace.

to call all those among the Gentiles

The mission to the Gentiles is a significant theme in Paul's ministry. This phrase indicates the universal scope of the Gospel, breaking the boundaries of Jewish exclusivity and extending God's salvation to all nations. This aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Historically, the inclusion of Gentiles was a radical shift, challenging Jewish cultural and religious norms. Paul's role as the apostle to the Gentiles is further emphasized in Acts 9:15, where God declares that Paul is His chosen instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles.

to the obedience that comes from faith

This phrase highlights the relationship between faith and obedience in the Christian life. True faith in Christ results in a transformed life characterized by obedience to God's commands. This is not a legalistic obedience but one that flows naturally from a genuine faith. James 2:17 reinforces this by stating that faith without works is dead. The obedience of faith is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, as seen in Romans 16:26, where he speaks of the mystery of the Gospel being revealed to lead to the obedience of faith among all nations. This obedience is a response to the grace received and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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Grace and peace be multiplied to you, beloved, from the One who reigns eternal, the Lord of all creation, whose mercy endures forever. I write to you, scattered across the nations, bound together by the call of faith, to stir your hearts with the truth that has transformed the ages. Through the One who is the cornerstone of our hope, we have received a gift unmerited and a charge unshakable—a grace that pardons and a mission that compels. This grace is not for us to hoard, nor is this mission for a select few; it is a flame kindled in our souls to burn brightly among all peoples, that the name of the Holy One might be exalted in every tongue and tribe.

Consider the weight of this calling, dear friends. We, who were once strangers to the covenant, have been drawn near by the boundless love of the One who gave Himself for us. This grace, freely bestowed, is not a mere sentiment but a power that reshapes the heart, turning rebels into ambassadors and wanderers into bearers of truth. It is through this grace that we stand, not as those who boast in their own strength, but as those who know their weakness and yet are made strong by the Spirit who dwells within. And with this grace comes the apostleship, a sacred trust to proclaim the good news, to call all to the obedience that flows from faith—a faith that is not mere agreement but a living surrender to the will of the Most High.

This obedience is no burden, but a joyful response to the One who has redeemed us. It is a life aligned with His purposes, a walk that reflects His holiness, a love that mirrors His own. And this call is not for one nation alone, but for all the peoples of the earth. From the bustling cities to the quiet villages, from the learned to the simple, the message we carry is for every soul who breathes. We are sent to the ends of the earth, not with swords or decrees, but with the word of life, to invite all to bow before the name that is above every name. This is our apostleship: to live as witnesses, to speak as heralds, to love as those who have been loved beyond measure.

Yet, let us not be deceived, for this mission is not without cost. The world, in its rebellion, may scorn the truth we bear. Some will mock, others will turn away, and still others may seek to silence the voice of grace. But take heart, for the One who sends us is greater than the opposition we face. His name is not diminished by rejection, nor is His purpose thwarted by the schemes of men. We are called to persevere, to speak boldly, to love fiercely, trusting that the seed we sow will bear fruit in His time. And as we go, we do not go alone. The Spirit strengthens us, the fellowship of believers upholds us, and the promise of His presence sustains us.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us rise to this holy calling. Let us live as those who have received grace, not squandering it on selfish pursuits, but pouring it out for the sake of others. Let us embrace the apostleship entrusted to us, not as a title of honor, but as a mantle of service. Let us go to all nations, not with arrogance, but with humility, knowing that we are but vessels of clay carrying a treasure divine. And let us do all this for the sake of His name, that it may be glorified, not only in our words but in our lives, in our communities, and in the world He so loves.

I urge you, beloved, to examine your hearts. Are you living in the fullness of the grace you have received? Are you walking in the obedience of faith, not out of duty, but out of love for the One who calls you? Are you carrying the message of life to those around you, to the stranger, the outcast, the one who seems farthest from the kingdom? The time is now, for the harvest is plentiful, and the laborers are needed. Let us be found faithful, not for our own glory, but for the glory of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

May the God of all grace strengthen you, guide you, and fill you with His peace as you walk in this sacred mission. May His name be lifted high through your lives, and may the nations come to know the love that has transformed us. I commend you to His care, praying that you may abound in hope and courage, now and forevermore. Amen.

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O Eternal and Most Holy God, Sovereign of all creation, whose name is exalted above the heavens and whose mercy knows no end, we come before You with hearts bowed in reverence and gratitude. Through Your beloved Son, the One who is the way, the truth, and the life, You have poured out upon us a grace we could never earn and entrusted us with a mission we could never fulfill apart from Your strength. We lift our voices in unison, from every corner of the earth, to seek Your face and to intercede for all peoples, that Your glory may be known and Your love embraced in every nation.

We thank You, O Father, for the unmerited favor that has redeemed us, that has called us out of darkness and made us Your own. This grace, so freely given, has transformed our hearts and set our feet upon the path of righteousness. We pray that we may never take lightly this gift, but live each day as those who are clothed in Your mercy, reflecting Your kindness in all we do. Fill us, we beseech You, with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk worthy of the calling You have placed upon us, bearing the message of Your love to a world in need.

Lord, You have appointed us as ambassadors of Your kingdom, sending us forth to proclaim the good news to all nations. We pray for courage to speak boldly, wisdom to speak rightly, and humility to speak lovingly. May our lives be a testament to the obedience that flows from faith, not as a burden, but as a joyful response to Your boundless love. We lift up those who have yet to hear Your name, those who dwell in the shadows of despair or the chains of falsehood. Break through, O God, with the light of Your truth, and draw them to the One who gave Himself for their salvation.

We pray for Your church, scattered across the globe, that she may rise in unity and purpose to fulfill the mission You have given. Strengthen those who face persecution, comfort those who are weary, and embolden those who hesitate. Knit us together, Lord, as one body, that our love for one another may be a beacon to the world, testifying to the power of Your name. Grant us grace to serve the least, to welcome the stranger, and to extend Your compassion to those who seem farthest from Your kingdom.

O God, we confess that we often falter in our calling. Forgive us for the times we have hoarded Your grace or shied away from the work You have set before us. Renew our hearts, we pray, and set our eyes upon the One who is our strength and our salvation. Let us not grow weary in doing good, but press on with perseverance, trusting that Your purposes will prevail. May we live not for our own glory, but for the sake of Your name, that it may be hallowed in every tongue and tribe.

We lift up the nations, O Lord, from the mightiest cities to the humblest villages. Bring down the walls of division, soften hearts hardened by pride, and open ears to hear Your voice. Raise up laborers for Your harvest, and let Your word run swiftly across the earth. May kings and rulers bow before Your throne, and may the poor and oppressed find hope in Your justice. Let Your kingdom come, O God, as Your people live and labor for the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess the name above all names.

Now, O Father, we entrust ourselves to Your keeping. Guard us from the snares of the enemy, guide us by Your truth, and sustain us with Your peace. May our lives be a living prayer, offered up for Your glory, and may our every word and deed proclaim the beauty of Your grace. We pray all this in the name of Your Son, our Savior and King, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.