Romans 1:1-7

I am beginning to realize that this blog will be less like a blog and more like a bunch of papers on the Bible. So readers beware, this could be a little boring for you. But if you would like to continue reading, I would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts. You can comment below, on the Facebook post, or by email at jason.romans.5.5@gmail.com. If you are reading along, I would strongly encourage you to read the chapter being discussed in its entirety before reading this. Context is always a good idea when studying the bible. 

I finished my own study of Romans a couple of months ago. It had been in progress for almost six months. I spent most of the study reading the Pillar New Testament Commentary by Leon Morris. Because of this, many of my thoughts and understanding of the book have been influenced by Morris’ writings. I have some notes from which I can cite directly, but inevitably many of his thoughts have become intertwined with mine. Nevertheless, I would still very much like to compile all of what I have learned into some organized writings of my own, and hopefully learn some more along the way. One day I would love to add all sorts of supporting references and cite scholarly work to add to the information I have. But for now, this will do.

I decided to start with Romans because I felt the most comfortable with it. After starting it though, I've begun to realize how hard this might be. I never planned on typing this much on just the first seven verses, but it happened. I hope to get further into the book very soon, when things really start getting interesting. I thought about skipping to a section I knew more about and am more excited to write on, but soon I started learning a lot by just looking at the beginning of the book. As you can see, there are a lot of thoughts put together into just a few sentences. I've done my best to comment on all of the aspects of them. I've included the passage in its entirety at the beginning, and any segment taking directly from the passage remains in italics in my comments.

The book of Romans is a letter, written by the apostle Paul, to the believers of Rome. The letter is intended to be read all at once. Paul explains his view of the gospel and its implications on the Christian life by progressing through a series of questions and answers. Each part of the letter relies on the previous parts for its complete understanding, as well as influences the understanding of the latter parts. It is with this in mind that a study of Romans can occur. The purpose of breaking apart the passages is to separate the progression of Paul’s arguments and understand each one more.

Romans 1:1-7 - NIV

           1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God - 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name's sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

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

            Paul begins his letter by introducing himself and who he is writing to. It’s telling that in his introduction, Paul seems to almost get distracted by describing the gospel instead of introducing himself. As stated in the latter part of the introduction, Paul has not yet been to Rome or met many of the people he is addressing his letter to. Paul has become well known for his ministry, evidenced by his persecution across the near east. However, because Paul has not met with the Christians of Rome, he does not have the authority of a leader to them. Through this introduction, Paul seeks to put himself in a position of respect and authority so that the reader will listen to the words God is speaking through him. Morris(see introduction) comments that letters of this time period would typically begin with a statement of the position that the writer is in, with the intent of establishing the authority of the letter (I will cite Morris’ commentary whenever I unpack it from my car). Paul’s introduction is shaped this way so that it is received with authority to the citizens of Rome. For readers today, it is known that the authority of Paul’s writing is supreme because of it being fully inspired by God and inerrant because of its place in scripture.

Much can be learned about the ministry of Paul, the letter he has written, and the gospel of God from this introduction. While they may have never met him, the apostle’s authority is clear to his readers from his understanding and presentation of the gospel so eloquently stated in these first few sentences.

Paul first introduces the gospel as “promised beforehand through his prophets.” Paul is referring to all the anticipations of the Messiah given throughout the Old Testament. A full understanding and notation of these anticipations throughout scriptures is way beyond this writing, and most other writings as well. However, it would be best to briefly explain how the coming of the Messiah had been prophesied throughout the Old Testament.

The prophet Isaiah has many messianic prophecies throughout his book. The 12 verses of Isaiah 53 are well known prophecies about the Messiah. They proclaim that the Messiah will face intense suffering. The suffering of the Messiah is in place of the suffering meant for the people of God. It will be through that suffering that the people of God are healed. This chapter is rich with imagery and adds greatly to an understanding of the cross and the justification of God’s people, as well as being one of many prophecies about the Messiah in the book of Isaiah.

Jeremiah’s ministry as a prophet also has many Messianic anticipations. The most notable of these prophecies occur in chapters 23:5-6 and 33:15-16. Here God, through Jeremiah, declares that he will raise up a “righteous branch” to be the leader of his people. The Messiah will be king and rule justly over the people of his kingdom. The prophecy also declares that the Messiah will bring safety to Jerusalem and Judah. Many of the Jewish people at the time of Christ believed that these prophecies meant that the Messiah would deliver them from the rule of Rome to establish his own kingdom. While Christ did establish his own kingdom, it was not the kingdom the Jews were looking for.

These are only two of the many Messianic prophecies that Paul has in mind at the beginning of his letter.  Paul is making the point that Jesus is the Messiah and has fulfilled all of these prophecies. While Jesus did not lead a rebellion to liberate Jerusalem and establish his own earthly kingdom, he did come and establish the kingdom of heaven; of which all who believe Jesus is the Messiah have access to. For Christians today, the prophecies of the Messiah and their fulfillment are some of the biggest ways unity between the Old and New Testaments can be seen. It is important to study these prophecies to fully understand the ministry and significance of many of Jesus’ actions.

Paul continues by saying that Jesus is a descendant of David. Here Paul is once again pointing his readers back to the Old Testament, and the promises given by God to his people. Not only has Christ fulfilled the prophecies given by the prophets, but he also fulfills the covenant made with David, in which God said he would always have a descendant on the throne (2 Sam 7:16).  Jesus is a descendent of David (Matt. 1:6-16). Because of his eternal nature, Jesus will reign eternally. Thus, the covenant with David is fulfilled.

In verse 4, Paul continues on to explain the authority and power of Christ, given through the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ resurrection is the evidence of his divine authority. It is because of his authority that Jesus is rightfully our Lord. Paul continues on to say that Jesus is the one who has sent Paul and the other apostles out to the gentiles. And it is with this statement that Paul finishes his introduction and establishes his authority to have written this letter. Paul has been sent by Jesus the Messiah, whom the scriptures anticipate greatly, and who has all authority over man. What greater introduction does one need than to be sent by the Messiah? While these first few verses have discussed various topics pertaining to Christ, because of Paul using it to establish authority, it also tells the reader that this letter is something to be read and adhered to.

In verse 5, Paul explains that the apostles have been sent to call the gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. This statement introduces much of what Paul will continue to discuss throughout this letter. It seems that it would be more likely for Paul to just say “call the gentiles to faith”, but he instead adds “obedience that comes from faith.” It’s very specific, and a little peculiar. Paul is placing emphasis on the behaviors that come as a result of faith. This distinction emphasizes that Paul’s ministry aims at changing the way people live, rather than just telling them truths. For Paul, it is not enough to bring someone to faith. He wants people to live a way that reflects their faith; this way of living is to be obedient to God because of the faith one has.

While more of what Paul means by “obedience” is explained later, there is much to be learned just from this sentence. There seems to be little emphasis on obedience and more emphasis on faith in modern Christianity. This is why a careful study of Romans is important. Paul lays out the way a Christian is to live, and why they live that way. The Christian life does not end when one comes to faith, but continues on through believers actions. Christians do have forgiveness because of the work of Christ, but we also have responsibility because of the work of Christ. He has given us the power to overcome our slavery to disobedience, and live a life of obedience to God’s commands. This brief mention of obedience in the introduction serves as a warm up to the things that are coming throughout the letter.

Verses 6 and 7 specify the audience of the letter. In these verses, Paul emphasizes that Christians are called to belong to Jesus Christ, loved by God, are holy people. In these two verses, Paul asserts several things about Christians. First, that they are called by God; that is, they come to know him because of Christ, not because of themselves.  Second, that Christians are to be set apart by God to be holy, or pure. And third, it is only through the love of God that one is called, and made able to be holy.

Much can be learned about the ministry of Paul, the letter he has written, and the gospel of God from the introduction in the letter to the Romans. Paul establishes his authority and gives a glimpse at the things which he has written. He proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah, who fulfills the promises of God given to his people, and has authority over his kingdom to send out apostles to bring those called to himself.