Romans 1:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1223} whom {G3739} we have received {G2983} grace {G5485} and {G2532} apostleship {G651}, for {G1519} obedience {G5218} to the faith {G4102} among {G1722} all {G3956} nations {G1484}, for {G5228} his {G846} name {G3686}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Through him we received grace and were given the work of being an emissary on his behalf promoting trust-grounded obedience among all the Gentiles,

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.

American Standard Version

through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:5 serves as a pivotal statement in Paul's opening address, articulating the divine source and global scope of his apostolic ministry. Through Jesus Christ, Paul and his fellow apostles received both unmerited favor (grace) and their specific commission (apostleship), all for the singular purpose of fostering a faith-filled obedience among all Gentile nations, thereby bringing glory and recognition to Christ's name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's self-identification as a "servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God" ([Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul's Apostolic Calling")). Having established his divine commission and the gospel's focus on Jesus Christ ([Romans 1:2-4](/romans/1-2-4 "Romans 1:2-4 - The Gospel Concerning God's Son")), Paul now explains the *means* by which he received this authority ("by whom") and the *purpose* of his ministry ("for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name"). It transitions from the gospel's content to its global mission and the apostolic role in it, setting the stage for the letter's overarching themes of justification by faith and the inclusion of Gentiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, a diverse community comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers, in a city that was the heart of the Roman Empire. The concept of "apostleship" in the early church was distinct, referring to those directly commissioned by the resurrected Christ to be foundational witnesses and authoritative messengers of the gospel, particularly to new territories. Paul, as the "apostle to the Gentiles" ([Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles")), was keenly aware of the ethnic divisions and theological debates regarding the inclusion of non-Jews into God's covenant people. His emphasis on "all nations" directly addresses this historical reality and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, challenging the ethnocentric views prevalent in some Jewish Christian circles.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 1:5 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Romans. It underscores the **divine origin and authority of the gospel ministry**, emphasizing that both the call and the enablement (grace) come from Christ, not human merit or appointment. It highlights the **universal scope of the gospel**, making clear that God's saving purposes extend beyond Israel to "all nations" (Gentiles), a theme Paul elaborates on extensively in chapters 9-11. Furthermore, the phrase "obedience to the faith" introduces the crucial theme of **faith as the proper response to God's revelation**, a faith that is not merely intellectual assent but leads to active submission and transformation, which is central to Paul's argument for justification by faith in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Finally, the ultimate aim "for his name" establishes the **glory of Christ** as the supreme motivation and goal of all apostolic labor and indeed, all Christian life, echoing the broader biblical narrative that all things exist for God's praise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From G5485, meaning "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)." Here, "grace" refers to God's unmerited favor, specifically the divine enablement and spiritual gift that empowers Paul for his apostolic calling and ministry, rather than a general sense of salvation. It is the divine benevolence that makes his commission possible and effective.
* **apostleship (Greek, _apostolḗ'_):** From G651, meaning "commission, i.e. (specially) apostolate." This term denotes the specific office and authority given to Paul as an apostle, a divinely appointed messenger with a unique commission to proclaim the gospel, particularly to the Gentiles. It signifies his authoritative role in establishing churches and teaching doctrine, directly received from Christ.
* **nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** From G1484, meaning "a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):--Gentile, heathen, nation, people." In this context, "nations" explicitly refers to the non-Jewish peoples, the Gentiles. This highlights the universal, cross-cultural reach of the gospel and Paul's specific calling to bring the message of salvation to those outside of the covenant people of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By whom we have received grace and apostleship":** This clause identifies Jesus Christ (referred to in the preceding verses) as the ultimate source of Paul's spiritual endowment ("grace") and his specific calling ("apostleship"). It emphasizes that Paul's authority and ability to minister are not self-derived or humanly conferred, but are a direct, unmerited gift from the risen Lord. The pairing of "grace" and "apostleship" suggests that the calling itself is an act of grace, and grace is the empowering force for fulfilling that calling.
* **"for obedience to the faith":** This phrase, _hypakoe pisteos_ in Greek, is rich with meaning. It can be understood as "obedience that comes from faith" (subjective genitive, where faith is the source of obedience) or "obedience to the faith" (objective genitive, where "the faith" refers to the body of Christian truth or the gospel message that is to be obeyed). Both interpretations are likely intended: the proper response to the gospel is a trusting submission to God's truth, and this very act of believing is itself an act of obedience to God's command to believe. It signifies a transformative yielding to God's will, initiated by genuine faith.
* **"among all nations":** This specifies the global scope and target audience of the apostolic mission. "All nations" (Greek _panta ta ethnē_) unequivocally refers to the Gentiles, non-Jewish peoples from every ethnic and cultural background. This underscores the universal nature of the gospel and God's expansive redemptive plan, which transcends ethnic boundaries and is not limited to Israel. It sets the stage for Paul's later arguments in Romans regarding the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family.
* **"for his name":** This final phrase declares the ultimate purpose and highest aim of the entire apostolic endeavor. All the grace, apostleship, and the resulting obedience to the faith among the nations are ultimately "for his name"—that is, for the glory, honor, reputation, and recognition of Jesus Christ. It means that Christ's character, authority, and saving power are to be magnified and made known throughout the world, establishing His rightful supremacy.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with precision and power. The use of **Purpose Clauses** is prominent, with "for obedience to the faith" and "for his name" clearly articulating the dual objectives of his ministry. This structure highlights the teleological nature of God's work, emphasizing that divine actions have specific, intended outcomes. There is also a strong sense of **Emphasis** through juxtaposition, as "grace" and "apostleship" are presented together as gifts received "by whom" (Christ), underscoring the divine origin of both the enabling power and the specific calling. Furthermore, the phrase "for his name" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire person, reputation, and authority of Jesus Christ, signifying that the ultimate goal is the exaltation and recognition of Christ Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:5 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian ministry, revealing it as a divine initiative rooted in grace and aimed at global transformation for Christ's glory. It teaches that true spiritual authority and effectiveness do not come from human credentials or effort, but are sovereignly bestowed by God through Jesus Christ. This verse connects the unmerited favor of God (grace) directly to the specific calling (apostleship), illustrating that God's gifts are always for a purpose—to bring people into a saving relationship with Him that manifests as "obedience to the faith." This obedience is not legalistic adherence but a joyful submission stemming from trust in the gospel, a response God desires from "all nations." The ultimate goal, "for his name," elevates Christ's honor above all human endeavors, reminding us that all ministry and indeed all of life should be directed toward magnifying His worth.

* [Ephesians 3:7-8](/ephesians/3-7-8 "Ephesians 3:7-8 - Paul's Ministry by Grace")
* [Galatians 2:7-9](/galatians/2-7-9 "Galatians 2:7-9 - Paul's Apostolic Commission")
* [Acts 26:16-18](/acts/26-16-18 "Acts 26:16-18 - Paul's Call to the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:5 offers profound insights for every believer, not just those in formal ministry. It reminds us that any spiritual gift, calling, or opportunity we possess is fundamentally a "grace" received from Christ, not earned. This understanding cultivates humility and gratitude, shifting our focus from self-reliance to dependence on God's unmerited favor. The purpose of this grace and any calling is to foster "obedience to the faith"—a life where our belief in Christ translates into active submission to His teachings and will. This obedience is not a burden but a joyful response to His saving work, leading to genuine transformation. Furthermore, the global scope of "all nations" challenges us to consider our role in God's worldwide mission. Are we living out our faith in a way that impacts those around us, both locally and globally? Is our ultimate aim to bring glory to Christ's name in all that we do? This verse calls us to embrace our God-given purpose with a Christ-centered focus, participating in His grand plan to draw people from every tribe and tongue to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "grace" as the source of your abilities or calling change your perspective on your service to God?**
* **What does "obedience to the faith" look like in your daily life? How does your faith lead to practical obedience?**
* **In what ways are you participating in God's mission to reach "all nations," whether through prayer, giving, or direct involvement?**
* **How can you more intentionally live "for his name," ensuring that Christ receives the glory in all your endeavors?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "obedience to the faith"?**

Answer: The phrase "obedience to the faith" (Greek: _hypakoē pisteōs_) is a rich theological concept. It can be understood in two primary ways, both of which are likely intended. First, it can mean "obedience that comes from faith," implying that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active trust in God that naturally leads to a life of submission and obedience to His will. Second, it can mean "obedience to the faith" as in obeying the gospel message itself. The gospel is not just information; it is a divine command to repent and believe ([Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Commands Repentance")). Therefore, responding to the gospel with belief is an act of obedience. Ultimately, it signifies a transformative response to God's saving truth, where one's entire life is brought into alignment with God's purposes through the power of faith.

**Why is "all nations" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "all nations" (Greek: _panta ta ethnē_) is highly significant because it explicitly refers to the Gentiles, or non-Jewish peoples. In the context of first-century Judaism, salvation and covenant blessings were often perceived as exclusive to Israel. Paul, however, consistently emphasizes that God's redemptive plan, revealed through Jesus Christ, is universal in scope. This emphasis on "all nations" highlights that the gospel message and the call to salvation are not limited by ethnic or national boundaries but are intended for humanity worldwide. It foreshadows Paul's extensive theological argument in Romans about the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family through faith, establishing the foundational principle of the church's global mission, a mission rooted in Christ's own [Great Commission](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ, who is not merely the subject of the gospel but the divine source and ultimate goal of all ministry. It is "by whom" – Jesus Christ, the Son of God, raised from the dead ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - The Gospel Concerning God's Son")) – that Paul received both grace and apostleship. Christ's finished work on the cross and His resurrection are the very foundation upon which God's unmerited favor (grace) flows to humanity, enabling individuals like Paul to be called and empowered for service. The "obedience to the faith" is a response to Christ's saving work, a submission to His Lordship, and a trust in His atoning sacrifice. This faith-obedience is to be proclaimed "among all nations," fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would be a light to the Gentiles ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")) and Christ's own commission to His disciples to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Ultimately, all of this global mission and the transformative power of the gospel are "for his name," meaning for the exaltation and renown of Jesus Christ. He is the one whose glory is to fill the earth, the one whose name is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Jesus' Exaltation")), and the one through whom all things are reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Christ's Supremacy")). Thus, Romans 1:5 powerfully declares Christ as the beginning, the means, and the end of God's redemptive purpose in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Acts 6:7

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Malachi 1:11

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Romans 12:3

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;