Articles
Romans 1:1-7
Romans 1:1-7
Romans deals with the major problem of the first century which was the unifying of the gentile believers into the same body as the Jewish believers. Upon what conditions could the gentiles be included? What was the relationship of all believers to the covenant of Moses and the promises to Abraham? Paul works his way through many points. Here I have 'reproduced' the first 7 verses in outline form with a few added comments.
Paul
A servant of Christ Jesus
An apostle by calling [not by personal proclamation, but by God's choice]
Set apart for the gospel of God
The gospel of God -
1.promised before (the coming of Jesus) -
2.through his prophets IN the holy scriptures - [this promise in fact CAN be found in the first covenant.]
This gospel was concerning -
1.God’s son - Jesus.
a.descended from David - according to the flesh.
b.Declared to be the son of God
i.BY His resurrection from the dead
1.such was done in power
2.according to the Spirit of holiness
Jesus (His name means 'God saves')
the Christ (the promised anointed one, the Messiah of the OT)
our Lord (ruler, all authority)
We (Paul and the other apostles)
1.received grace - [both unto salvation AND unto service as apostles]
2.apostleship -
a.[one sent with authority. They laid the foundation of the church / faith]
[Apostleship was] to bring about (produce)
1.obedience of faith [these are NOT to be disconnected. Paul never contrasts faith and obedience.].
a.For (to the glory of)
b.the sake of HIS name
2.among ALL nations (Jews and all others)
3.including YOU
a.who are called (by the gospel - 2 Thess. 2:14)..
b.to belong to Jesus Christ
TO ALL those in Rome
1.who are loved by God
2.called to be saints
[while qualified by these statements - they are 1) differentiated from the unbelievers in Rome, and 2) they are UNITED as one body of believers - ]
Grace to you
and
Peace
from God
our Father
and (from) the Lord Jesus Christ.
