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Romans 1:1

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¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Paul {G3972}, a servant {G1401} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, called {G2822} to be an apostle {G652}, separated {G873} unto {G1519} the gospel {G2098} of God {G2316},

From: Sha’ul, a slave of the Messiah Yeshua, an emissary because I was called and set apart for the Good News of God.

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

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, calledto bean apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Commentary

Romans 1:1 serves as the powerful opening statement of Paul's letter to the believers in Rome, immediately establishing his identity and the purpose of his ministry. It is the foundational verse for understanding the authority and message contained within this pivotal New Testament book.

Context

Paul, writing likely from Corinth around 57 AD, introduces himself to a church he did not found and had not yet visited. This introductory verse is crucial as it lays out his credentials and the central theme: the gospel of God. By stating he is "called to be an apostle," Paul asserts his direct commission from Christ, similar to the original twelve, which was necessary for establishing his authority with a church not established through his direct missionary work. The letter to the Romans is arguably his most systematic theological work, explaining the depth and implications of the gospel for both Jews and Gentiles.

Key Themes

  • Identity in Christ: Paul first identifies himself as a "servant of Jesus Christ." The Greek word here is doulos, meaning a bondservant or slave, highlighting complete devotion and ownership. His primary identity is not his background or achievements, but his relationship of service to Christ.
  • Divine Calling: He then emphasizes his calling as an "apostle." This wasn't a self-proclaimed title but a specific commissioning by God for a particular task – to preach the gospel.
  • Separation for a Purpose: Being "separated unto the gospel of God" signifies a setting apart for a specific, holy purpose. Paul's life and ministry were dedicated entirely to the message of salvation through Christ. This reflects a theme seen elsewhere in scripture regarding being set apart by God for service.
  • The Gospel of God: The ultimate focus is the gospel – not Paul's message, but "the gospel of God," originating from and belonging to God Himself. This gospel is the central subject of the entire letter.

Linguistic Insights

The term doulos (servant) carries more weight than just 'employee'; it implies a life wholly dedicated to a master. Paul frequently uses this term to describe his relationship with Christ, signifying complete surrender and obedience, much like his description of Christ's own humble service in Philippians 2:7. The word apostolos (apostle) means 'one sent forth,' an authorized messenger. Aphōrismenon (separated) comes from the root of 'horizon,' suggesting a clear boundary or setting apart, highlighting the distinct purpose God had for Paul.

Reflection

Paul's opening verse challenges us to consider our own identity. Are we primarily defined by our roles, jobs, or achievements, or by our relationship as servants of Jesus Christ? It also reminds us that every believer has a calling, though not all are apostles; we are all separated for God's purposes, particularly to live out and share His gospel. Our lives, like Paul's, should be fundamentally oriented towards the good news of what God has done through Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 9:15 (28 votes)

    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 15:16 (20 votes)

    That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:1 (19 votes)

    ¶ Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother,

  • Jeremiah 1:5 (16 votes)

    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

  • Colossians 1:1 (15 votes)

    ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother,

  • Titus 1:1 (12 votes)

    ¶ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

  • 2 Corinthians 1:1 (10 votes)

    ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: