Rom 1 | MHM | STEP | The Apostle's Commission In this opening section of the letter to the Romans, Paul introduces himself, explains his calling, and highlights the nature of the gospel. He sets the tone for the letter by describing both his mission and the message he proclaims. Paul also addresses the believers in Rome with words of blessing and encouragement, reminding them of their identity in Christ and the grace available to them. v. 1 : Paul begins by describing himself as a servant of Jesus Christ . He chooses this humble title instead of the proud titles used by some Jewish teachers. Paul says he was called to be an apostle , meaning that Jesus chose him for this special task (Acts 9:15 ). He was not self-appointed, but chosen by God. Paul also says he was separated to the gospel of God . Just as the Pharisees separated themselves to study the law, Paul was now set apart for the good news about God. This separation was part of God’s plan for him even before he was born (Galatians 1:15; Acts 13:2-3 ).

‏ Romans 1

The Apostle's Commission

In this opening section of the letter to the Romans, Paul introduces himself, explains his calling, and highlights the nature of the gospel. He sets the tone for the letter by describing both his mission and the message he proclaims. Paul also addresses the believers in Rome with words of blessing and encouragement, reminding them of their identity in Christ and the grace available to them.

v. 1: Paul begins by describing himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. He chooses this humble title instead of the proud titles used by some Jewish teachers. Paul says he was called to be an apostle, meaning that Jesus chose him for this special task (Acts 9:15 ^a). He was not self-appointed, but chosen by God. Paul also says he was separated to the gospel of God. Just as the Pharisees separated themselves to study the law, Paul was now set apart for the good news about God. This separation was part of God’s plan for him even before he was born (Galatians 1:15; Acts 13:2-3 ^b).

v. 2: Paul says that the gospel is not something new. It was promised long ago by God through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Old Testament points forward to the coming of Jesus and the good news he brings (Romans 1:2 ^c).

v. 3–4: The gospel is all about God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul explains that Jesus is both human and divine. He was made of the seed of David—born from the family line of King David (Luke 1:27; Luke 2:4 ^d). This fulfills God’s promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 132:11 ^e). But Jesus is also declared to be the Son of God with power. This means he is God’s Son by nature, shown clearly by his resurrection from the dead. The Holy Spirit’s power proved who Jesus really is. His resurrection is the strongest proof that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18 ^f).

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v. 5–6: Paul says that through Jesus, he and the other apostles have received grace and the calling to be apostles. This is a special gift from God, even though their work is hard and often dangerous (Ephesians 3:8 ^g). Their job is to help people from all nations obey the faith—meaning to trust and follow Jesus. True faith leads to obedience. Paul reminds the Roman Christians that they are also among those who are called by Jesus Christ, and that salvation is offered to everyone, no matter their background (Romans 1:5-6; Jude 3 ^h).

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v. 7: Paul writes this letter to all the believers in Rome, whether they were Jews or Gentiles, rich or poor. He calls them beloved of God, called to be saints. Being loved by God is a great privilege, and being called to be holy is a great responsibility. Paul encourages them to live up to their name as saints—people set apart for God (Romans 1:7 ⁱ).

Paul gives a blessing: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He wishes them God’s favor and inner peace. All true blessings come from God as our loving Father and from Jesus as our Savior. Grace comes before peace, because only God’s grace can bring true peace to our hearts and lives.

Paul's Love to the Roman Christians

In these verses, Paul expresses his deep affection and spiritual care for the Christians in Rome. He begins by thanking God for them, shares how he prays constantly for them, and tells them of his strong desire to visit. Paul’s words show his heart for God’s people and his calling as an apostle to all nations, both wise and unwise.

v. 8: Paul starts by thanking God for all the believers in Rome. He says, First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world (Romans 1:8 ^j). Paul reminds us that it is good to begin everything with thankfulness to God, and that all our blessings come from him through Jesus Christ. Although Paul had not met most of these Christians, he is happy to hear about their strong faith, which is well known everywhere. When God's people are known for their faith, it brings honor to God and encourages others. Paul also warns that those with a good reputation should be careful to live up to it (Ecclesiastes 10:1 ^k).

v. 9–10: Paul assures them that he prays for them constantly. He writes, God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers (Romans 1:9 ^l). Paul’s prayers are sincere and regular. He also prays specifically that God will allow him to visit Rome, saying, making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to you (Romans 1:10 ^m). Paul teaches us to depend on God’s will and timing for all our plans (James 4:15 ⁿ).

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v. 11–12: Paul explains why he wants to see them. He says, For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established (Romans 1:11 ^o). Paul wants to help them grow stronger in their faith. He also says that he hopes to be encouraged himself by being with them: That I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me (Romans 1:12 ^p). When Christians share their faith and encourage each other, it brings joy and comfort.

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v. 13: Paul tells them he has often planned to visit, but until now, something has always stopped him. He wants to have some "fruit" among them, meaning he wants to see their faith grow and to help more people come to know Jesus. Paul is not only interested in their faith, but also in helping them become even more fruitful for God (Romans 1:13 ^q).

v. 14–15: Paul explains that he feels a sense of duty to share the gospel with everyone—Greeks and non-Greeks, wise and unwise. He says, I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise (Romans 1:14 ^r). Paul feels this responsibility because God has given him the message of salvation. That is why he is so eager and ready to preach the gospel in Rome too (Romans 1:15 ^s). Paul’s passion is to help everyone, no matter their background, to know Jesus.

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Paul's Discourse on Justification

In these verses, Paul begins his important teaching about justification by faith. He explains why he is not ashamed of the gospel, even in a place like Rome where the message of Christ was not respected by many. Paul boldly presents the gospel’s power, its purpose for all people, and the way it reveals God’s righteousness. He also begins to show why everyone—Jews and Gentiles—needs this salvation.

v. 16: Paul says, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16 ^t). Even though some people look down on the message of Jesus, Paul is proud of it. The gospel may seem simple or even foolish to some, but it is truly powerful. It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. The gospel shows us the way to be saved. But this salvation is only for those who believe. First, the message came to the Jews, but it is now given to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike (Acts 3:26; Colossians 3:11 ^u).

v. 17: Paul explains why the gospel is so powerful: For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith (Romans 1:17 ^v). This means that the gospel shows us how to be made right with God, not by our own good works, but by trusting in Jesus. This righteousness is a gift from God, not something we can earn. Paul quotes the Old Testament: The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4 ^w). So, from the beginning to the end, the Christian life is about believing in God, not just following rules.

v. 18: Paul now begins to show why everyone needs this salvation. He says, The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (Romans 1:18 ^x). Both the law of nature and God’s commandments show us that God is against sin. People are guilty of two main things: ungodliness (not honoring God) and unrighteousness (not treating others right). The root of this problem is that people know the truth, but they hold it back by living in sin. They may know about God, but they do not let this truth change their lives. This is why everyone needs the righteousness that only the gospel brings.

God's Revelation in Creation

In this section, Paul explains how God has revealed Himself to all people through creation and conscience. This idea is important to understand why people are responsible for knowing God, even if they have not heard the gospel directly.

v. 19: Paul says, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them” (Romans 1:19 ^y). This means that everyone has some knowledge of God, because God has made it clear within their hearts. The natural world and human conscience both reveal God's existence and attributes. People cannot claim ignorance, because God has shown Himself to them through the things He has made and the sense of right and wrong in their hearts. This inner awareness is not enough for salvation, but it is enough to make people responsible for responding to God.