Romans 1:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

To all {G3956} that be {G5607} in {G1722} Rome {G4516}, beloved {G27} of God {G2316}, called {G2822} to be saints {G40}: Grace {G5485} to you {G5213} and {G2532} peace {G1515} from {G575} God {G2316} our {G2257} Father {G3962}, and {G2532} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To: All those in Rome whom God loves, who have been called, who have been set apart for him:

Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 1:7 serves as a foundational apostolic greeting within Paul's letter, establishing the identity of the Roman believers as those "beloved of God" and "called to be saints." It then extends a profound dual blessing of "grace and peace," unequivocally sourced from "God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ," thereby setting the theological tone for the entire epistle by emphasizing divine initiative, unmerited favor, and holistic well-being as the bedrock of Christian existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:7 concludes the opening salutation of Paul's magnum opus, following his self-identification as a "servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle" in [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul's Apostolic Calling") and his declaration of the gospel's power in [Romans 1:2-6](/romans/1-2-6 "Romans 1:2-6 - The Gospel's Power and Purpose"). This verse transitions from Paul's personal introduction and apostolic commission to directly addressing the recipients, establishing a relational foundation rooted in divine love and calling before delving into the profound theological arguments that comprise the rest of the letter. It is a standard, yet deeply theological, epistolary opening that immediately defines the audience's identity in Christ and the source of all spiritual blessings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter is addressed "to all that be in Rome," a diverse congregation likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, whose origins may have been in the Jewish community before expanding to include Gentiles. Rome, as the capital of the Roman Empire, was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and philosophical ideas. Paul, though not having founded this church, seeks to establish a relationship and provide robust theological instruction. The greeting "Grace to you and peace" is a brilliant synthesis of Greek and Hebrew salutations: "Grace" (Greek: _charis_) was a common secular greeting, here imbued with divine meaning as God's unmerited favor; "Peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) was a traditional Jewish greeting, encompassing not merely the absence of conflict but holistic well-being, prosperity, and harmony. This blend reflects the dual cultural heritage of the early church and the universal scope of the gospel.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 1:7 introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the entire book. Firstly, it highlights the **identity of believers** as "beloved of God" and "called to be saints," emphasizing that their standing is not based on human merit but on divine election and affection, a theme further explored in [Romans 8:28-39](/romans/8-28-39 "Romans 8:28-39 - God's Unfailing Love"). Secondly, it underscores the **divine initiative** in salvation, as believers are "called" by God, a concept central to Paul's theology of grace and predestination, as seen in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice"). Thirdly, the verse establishes the **source of all spiritual blessings** as the triune God – "God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" – affirming the co-equality and shared divine nature of the Father and the Son, a theological truth foundational to Paul's Christology and the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, as elaborated in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** From the verb meaning "to love," this term signifies being "dearly loved" or "well-beloved." In Romans 1:7, it describes the profound, active affection of God for the believers in Rome. This is not a passive state but an active declaration of God's deep, unmerited love, which is the very foundation of their identity and calling. It emphasizes God's initiative in establishing a relationship with humanity.
* **called (Greek, _klētós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to invite," this word denotes being "invited" or "appointed." In a theological context, as used here, it signifies a divine summons or election. Believers are not merely self-proclaimed saints but are those whom God has specifically called into a relationship with Himself and set apart for His purposes. This calling is foundational to their status as "saints" and underscores the divine origin of their faith and spiritual standing.
* **saints (Greek, _hágios'_):** Meaning "sacred," "holy," or "consecrated," this term refers to those who are "set apart" by God for His exclusive use and purposes. It does not primarily denote moral perfection (though it implies a call to it) but rather a positional holiness—a status granted by God through Christ. The Roman believers are "saints" because God has sanctified them and designated them as His own, making them holy ones in His sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To all that be in Rome":** This phrase identifies the immediate recipients of Paul's letter—the Christian community residing in the imperial capital. It underscores the universal scope of the gospel, reaching even the heart of the Roman Empire, and acknowledges the collective identity of believers within that specific geographical and cultural context.
* **"beloved of God":** This powerful declaration defines the fundamental identity of the Roman believers. It asserts that their existence and standing before God are rooted in His active, unconditional love (agape). This love is not earned but freely given, forming the bedrock of their spiritual security and worth.
* **"called [to be] saints":** This further clarifies their identity, emphasizing that their status as "holy ones" (saints) is not self-achieved but divinely initiated. They are "called" by God, indicating a sovereign act of election and separation for His purposes. This calling establishes their positional holiness and their unique relationship with God.
* **"Grace to you and peace":** This is Paul's profound apostolic blessing. "Grace" (charis) signifies God's unmerited favor and benevolent disposition towards humanity, the source of all spiritual blessings. "Peace" (eirēnē, corresponding to Hebrew shalom) encompasses holistic well-being, harmony, and reconciliation—with God, with others, and within oneself. These two blessings are inextricably linked, with grace being the means by which true peace is attained.
* **"from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ":** This final clause explicitly states the divine origin of both grace and peace. It highlights the Trinitarian nature of these blessings, flowing directly from God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This underscores the co-equality and shared divine authority of the Father and the Son as the ultimate source of salvation and spiritual flourishing for believers.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 1:7 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Apostolic Greeting Formula**, a common epistolary convention in the ancient world, which Paul transforms into a theological statement. By combining the Greek _charis_ ("grace") with the Hebrew _shalom_ ("peace"), he creates a powerful **Syntactic Blend** that bridges cultural divides and imbues common greetings with profound spiritual meaning, signifying God's unmerited favor leading to holistic well-being. The phrase "beloved of God, called to be saints" utilizes **Apposition** to define the recipients' identity through two complementary, divinely-bestowed attributes. This **Double Designation** emphasizes both God's affection and His sovereign purpose in their lives. Furthermore, the explicit naming of "God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" as the source of grace and peace serves as a powerful **Doxological Affirmation**, attributing divine authority and shared agency to both persons of the Godhead in the work of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:7 is a microcosm of Pauline theology, concisely articulating the core tenets of Christian identity and the source of divine blessing. It reveals that our standing before God is not based on human effort or merit, but entirely on His sovereign initiative and boundless love. To be "beloved of God" is to be the object of His active, electing affection, a love that precedes and enables our response. To be "called to be saints" signifies a divine summons that sets us apart for a holy purpose, transforming our identity from mere individuals into members of God's consecrated people. The twin blessings of "grace and peace" are not abstract concepts but tangible realities flowing from the very being of God the Father and the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the unmerited favor that opens the door to salvation and empowers Christian living, while peace is the holistic well-being and reconciliation that results from being in right relationship with God through Christ. This verse thus lays the groundwork for the entire epistle's exposition on justification by faith, sanctification, and the glorious implications of God's saving plan.

* [1 Corinthians 1:2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1:2 - Called to be Saints") - Paul addresses the Corinthian church with a similar designation, "to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints."
* [Ephesians 1:2](/ephesians/1-2 "Ephesians 1:2 - Grace and Peace from God") - A parallel Pauline greeting: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
* [2 Peter 1:2](/2_peter/1-2 "2 Peter 1:2 - Grace and Peace Multiplied") - "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:7 offers profound truths for personal reflection and daily application. First, it anchors our identity in God's unconditional love: we are "beloved of God." This truth liberates us from the need to earn God's favor or prove our worth, reminding us that our value is inherent in His affection, not our performance. Second, our identity as "called to be saints" means we are set apart by God for a sacred purpose. This calls us to live lives consistent with our new status, pursuing holiness not out of obligation, but as a response to His gracious calling. Finally, the twin blessings of "grace and peace" are not merely theological concepts but practical resources for navigating life. God's grace empowers us to overcome sin and live righteously, while His peace provides inner tranquility and reconciliation in a chaotic world. To truly grasp that these blessings flow directly from "God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" is to find an inexhaustible wellspring of strength, comfort, and purpose, fostering a deep sense of security and belonging in the divine family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding yourself as "beloved of God" impact your self-perception and your relationship with Him?**
* **What does it mean practically to live as someone "called to be a saint" in your daily life and interactions?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God's "grace" and "peace" today, and how can you actively receive them?**
* **How does acknowledging God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as the singular source of these blessings deepen your worship and trust?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "beloved of God"?**

Answer: To be "beloved of God" means to be the object of God's deep, active, and unconditional love. It signifies that God has chosen you, delights in you, and has set His affection upon you, not because of anything you have done or can do, but solely because of His own nature and gracious will. This love is the foundation of your identity and security in Christ, as seen in passages like [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners"), where Paul emphasizes God's demonstration of love while we were still sinners.

**Why are believers "called to be saints," and what does "saint" mean in this context?**

Answer: Believers are "called to be saints" because their status as holy ones is a result of God's divine initiative and calling, not their own achievement. The Greek word for "saints" (_hagioi_) literally means "holy ones" or "set apart ones." In the New Testament, it primarily refers to all believers who have been set apart by God through Christ for His purposes and consecrated to Him. It's a positional holiness granted by God, which then leads to a practical call to live a life of increasing moral holiness, as encouraged in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy").

**Why does Paul often use the greeting "Grace and peace"?**

Answer: Paul's greeting "Grace and peace" is a theological synthesis of common Greek and Hebrew salutations. "Grace" (_charis_) refers to God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition, and the divine enablement that is the source of all spiritual blessings. "Peace" (_eirēnē_, corresponding to the Hebrew _shalom_) signifies holistic well-being, harmony, and reconciliation, especially with God. By combining these, Paul conveys that true, comprehensive well-being (peace) is a direct result of God's unmerited favor (grace) bestowed through Christ. This powerful pairing underscores the core of the gospel message: that peace with God and all its benefits are freely given by His grace, as further explained in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith, We Have Peace with God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we are truly "beloved of God," for He is the perfect embodiment of God's love, the one in whom the Father's affection rests (e.g., [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Delight in Jesus")). Our "calling to be saints" is actualized in Christ, as we are sanctified and set apart by His atoning work and indwelling Spirit (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Sanctification")). The "grace" extended to us is the very grace that came "through Jesus Christ" ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")), His life, death, and resurrection being the supreme demonstration of God's unmerited favor. And the "peace" we receive is not merely an absence of conflict but the profound reconciliation with God achieved by Christ's sacrifice on the cross, making Him "our peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, every element of this foundational greeting points to Jesus as the mediator, the means, and the very substance of God's love, calling, grace, and peace for humanity.

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

Colossians 1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:1

¶ Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called:

Jude 1:2

Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Ephesians 1:2

Grace [be] to you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:1

¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

2 John 1:3

Grace be with you, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.