Romans 1:1-2
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just state he's an apostle; he emphasizes he was called and set apart for this specific task. This highlights that his authority and mission aren't self-appointed but divinely ordained, underscoring the seriousness and divine origin of the gospel message he's about to deliver.
Paul begins by establishing his authority, identifying himself not just as Paul, but as a "servant of Christ Jesus," chosen and set apart specifically for the crucial task of proclaiming God's good news. This sets the stage for the profound theological arguments that follow, framing his message as divinely commissioned and deeply rooted in God's purpose.
Paul doesn't just call himself a servant; he uses a word that carries a much deeper, more profound meaning. What does this word reveal about his relationship with Jesus?
Paul begins by calling himself a "servant" (Greek: doulos). This isn't just any kind of servant; it signifies a slave – someone who belongs entirely to another. This term, used frequently in the New Testament, emphasizes complete ownership and devotion.
Paul was 'called' and 'set apart.' What's the difference, and what does this reveal about the divine orchestration of his ministry?
The verse unpacks Paul’s unique commission with two key terms: 'called' and 'set apart.'
Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
A person in voluntary, permanent bondage to a master. In a spiritual context, it describes one who has surrendered their autonomy to Christ and lives entirely for His purposes.
apostolos · Greek Noun
One sent forth with a specific commission or mandate. In the New Testament, it refers specifically to those appointed directly by Christ to represent Him, preach the gospel, and lay the foundation of the church.
euangelion · Greek Noun
Literally 'good news.' In the New Testament, it refers to the proclamation of the life, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ as the means of salvation for all who believe.
graphē · Greek Noun
Paul begins by asserting his authority as an apostle, a crucial step when writing to a church he had not yet visited, establishing his credentials to speak God's message.
c. 45-49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal meeting where church leaders decided that Gentile converts did not need to follow all Mosaic laws, affirming Paul's mission to the Gentiles.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent a significant time in Corinth, establishing a strong church and likely writing his first letter to the Thessalonians from this location.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul's longest stay in one city, where he established a major center for his missionary work and wrote 1 Corinthians and possibly 2 Corinthians.
c. 57 AD— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
Paul, likely preparing for a mission to Spain and a visit to Rome, dictated this letter to Phoebe, a deaconess from Cenchreae, while staying in Corinth.
This passage echoes the idea of being 'set apart' by God, but emphasizes a divine predestination from birth for a specific purpose.
Acts 13:2This verse describes the formal commissioning of Paul and Barnabas by the church, illustrating the 'setting apart' for ministry that aligns with God's call.
1 Corinthians 1:1Similar to Romans, Paul identifies himself as 'called to be an apostle,' highlighting that his authority comes directly from God's will and not from human selection.
Jeremiah 1:5This Old Testament passage parallels the concept of being set apart before birth for a prophetic calling, demonstrating that God's selection for ministry is an ancient and consistent theme.
ellicottRomans 1:1: "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"
(1-7) In writing to the Romans, a Church to which he was personally unknown, and which might be supposed, so far as it was Jewish, to be prejudiced against him, the Apostle delivers with somewhat more than usual solemnity his credentials and commission. A divinely appointed minister of a system of things predicted by the prophets, and culminating in the revelation, divinely ordained and att…
barnesRomans 1:1: "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"
Paul - The original name of the author of this Epistle was "Saul." Acts 7:58 ; Acts 7:1 ; Acts 8:1 , etc. This was changed to Paul (see the note at Acts 13:9 ), and by this name he is generally known in the New Testament. The reason why he assumed this name is not certainly known. It was, however, in accordance with the custom of the times; see the note at Acts 13:9 . The name Saul was Hebr…
Paul doesn't just state he's an apostle; he emphasizes he was called and set apart for this specific task. This highlights that his authority and mission aren't self-appointed but divinely ordained, underscoring the seriousness and divine origin of the gospel message he's about to deliver.
Paul begins by establishing his authority, identifying himself not just as Paul, but as a "servant of Christ Jesus," chosen and set apart specifically for the crucial task of proclaiming God's good news. This sets the stage for the profound theological arguments that follow, framing his message as divinely commissioned and deeply rooted in God's purpose.
Paul begins by establishing his authority, identifying himself not just as Paul, but as a "servant of Christ Jesus," chosen and set apart specifically for the crucial task of proclaiming God's good news. This sets the stage for the profound theological arguments that follow, framing his message as divinely commissioned and deeply rooted in God's purpose.
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Divinely inspired writings characterized by their source in God and their purpose to reveal His nature and will to humanity. They are set apart from all other human literature as the authoritative rule of faith.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul was imprisoned in Rome, during which time he wrote letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
c. 64-67 AD
Paul's Later Ministry and Martyrdom
Following his release from Roman imprisonment, Paul likely engaged in further ministry before his eventual martyrdom, possibly in Rome during Nero's reign.
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures," — Paul doesn't just state he's an apostle; he emphasizes he was called and set apart for this specific task. This highlights that his authority and mission aren't self-appointed but divinely ordain…
