BIBLICAL COMMENTARY
(Bible Study)

Romans 1:1-14

EXEGESIS:

ROMANS 1:1-14. OVERVIEW

Paul’s opening to this letter to the church in Rome follows standard letter-writing conventions of the day with certain modifications. It was common for letters to begin with the name of the person writing the letter and the name of the person for whom it was intended. It was also common to include a brief prayer. Paul could have satisfied these conventions by saying simply, “Paul to the church at Rome, Grace to you and peace.” However, he expands considerably on that short greeting to establish who he is (v. 1), where he gets his authority (vv. 1, 5), the nature of his mission (v. 5), and the fact that the Christians in Rome are called (v. 6) and are saints (v. 7). He also crams a good deal of theology into this greeting. We are tempted to pass quickly over this salutation quickly to get to the body of the letter, but this tightly packed greeting will yield a great deal of meaning if we take the time to study it phrase by phrase.

This salutation differs from the salutations of other Pauline epistles, in part because his relationship with the church at Rome differs from his relationship with churches that he established. He has not been to Rome and is not personally acquainted with the Christians there, so he takes more care than usual to establish who he is and what he is about. He hopes to visit Rome on his way to Spain, and hopes “to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while” (15:24). He clearly hopes for their support for his mission to Spain.

In other epistles to churches, Paul includes others with himself in his greetings. His omission of co-senders here makes him solely responsible for the content of this letter and makes this letter more personal than most.

ROMANS 1:1. A SERVANT APOSTLE

1 Paul, a servant (Greek: doulos) of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,

“Paul.” Until his conversion, Paul was known by his Hebrew name, Saul. The Latin name, Paul, means “small.” Paul may have adopted the Latin name as a mark of humility, but probably did so to facilitate his travels throughout the empire.

“a servant” (doulos). There are two Greek words for servant, doulos and diakanos (the latter being where we get our word “deacon”). Both imply humble service, but doulos is the more humble of the two. It can be translated “slave,” an appropriate translation here. Paul is establishing that he does not set his own agenda, but is acting under orders.

For Roman Christians, the phrase, “doulos of Jesus Christ” would bring to mind “doulos of Caesar.” Slaves of Caesar, serving in the imperial household, enjoy substantial prestige. Even though slaves, their association with the emperor confers on them a good deal of respect. Some of them wield a good deal of clout.

For Jewish Christians (and there were surely Jewish Christians in Rome), the phrase “doulos of Jesus Christ” would bring to mind the Old Testament identification of Abraham, Moses, and the prophets as God’s doulos (Genesis 26:24; Joshua 1:2; Isaiah 20:3; Amos 3:7) in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament.

“called to be an apostle.” Having established his humble status as a doulos, Paul now tells the other side of the story. God has called him, just as God called Abraham (Genesis 12:1), Moses (Exodus 3), Isaiah (Isaiah 6), and other prophets––thus allying Paul with the great icons of Jewish history. God called Paul to be an apostle––a message-bearer––one of a select group privileged to see Jesus and chosen by Jesus to carry on his work.

“set apart for the Good News of God.” Paul is a Pharisee, and Pharisees are known as separated people––separate and holy. However, for many Pharisees, separateness occasions spiritual pride. It is worthy of note that the Pharisees set themselves apart––separated themselves from common people––a separateness that became an occasion for spiritual pride. However, Paul, called to be an apostle, has been set apart, not because of his own choosing, but by the will of God. Elsewhere, Paul says that God set him apart before he was born (Galatians 1:15).

ROMANS 1:2. PROMISED BEFORE THROUGH HIS PROPHETS

2 which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

While many, perhaps most, Roman Christians are Gentiles, Paul includes this verse for the sake of Jewish Christians. He makes it clear that the Gospel that he preaches is not his invention, but was promised by Old Testament scriptures.

“promised.” The promise began with the call of Abram, where God promised to make a great nation of Abram and also promised, “All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you” (Genesis 12:1-3).

“his prophets.” By “prophets,” Paul most likely includes people such as Moses (see Acts 3:21-22), and David (see Acts 2:29-31) who are not authors of Old Testament books that we usually label as prophetic.

ROMANS 1:3-4. DECLARED TO BE THE SON OF GOD WITH POWER

3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead (Greek: nekron––plural––dead ones), Jesus Christ our Lord (Greek: kurion––from kurios),

Jesus is “born of the seed of David” (v. 3)––is the Son of David. This statement “locates Jesus firmly within the people of Israel and, indeed, within the royal line itself” (Gaventa, 33). Paul could have mentioned the promise of the holy scriptures (v. 2) again here, because the scriptures promised that the Messiah would be descended from David (Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5-6).

Jesus is also “Son of God” (v. 4). He was David’s son “according to the flesh” (v. 3) and God’s Son “according to the Spirit of holiness” (v. 4).

“with power” (v. 4). Jesus demonstrated great power even prior to the resurrection––over demons, physical ailments, storms, and even death itself (John 11). However, his ultimate demonstration of power was the resurrection. That power is multiplied infinitely as his resurrection, the first fruits of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20), confers the promise of resurrection on his disciples.

“according to the Spirit of holiness” (v. 4). Does Paul intend the “Spirit of holiness” to mean Jesus’ spirit or the Holy Spirit? Probably the latter.

“by the resurrection from the dead (v. 4). This verse could be interpreted to mean that Jesus was declared to be the Son of God at his resurrection. Scholars agree, however, that this could not be Paul’s intent. Paul clearly believed that Christ possessed Godly qualities from the beginning (Philippians 2:5-11).

The word for “dead” (Greek: nekron) is plural. Paul sees Jesus’ resurrection as “the first fruits of those who are asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20)––and as “the start and foretaste of God’s long-promised new age, ‘the age to come'” (Wright, 419).

“Jesus Christ our Lord” (v. 4).

  • “Jesus” is his human name.
  • “Christ” is the Greek word for “anointed,” and is the equivalent of the Jewish word “Messiah,” which also means “anointed.”
  • “Lord” (kurios) refers to Jesus’ exalted status as Lord and Master of all. Jewish Christians would know that kurios was also used frequently in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament used by many Jews as their primary version of the scriptures) to translate YHWH (Yahweh)––God’s name. “Lord,” then, hints strongly at Christ’s Godly status.

ROMANS 1:5-6. THROUGH WHOM WE HAVE RECEIVED GRACE

5 through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake; 6 among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;

“through whom we received grace and apostleship” (v. 5). It is Jesus Christ (v. 4) through whom Paul has received grace and apostleship. We should probably read the “we” in this phrase as a “royal we”––referring solely to Paul. While Roman Christians have received grace, they have not received apostleship.

Grace is unearned favor––a gift from God. Paul was a recipient of grace, beginning with his experience on the road to Damascus. He had been guilty of persecuting Christians, which should have disqualified him for Christian service––but Christ showed him grace by choosing him to be an apostle––a “sent person”––a man chosen for a particular mission, in this case a mission to the Gentiles. Christ showed him grace, not only by choosing him, but also by empowering him for his mission. Without grace, no called person has any hope of fulfilling his/her calling.

“for obedience of faith” (v. 5). It seems odd to see this phrase in this epistle––particularly in these early verses where Paul is establishing the scope of the entire letter. We rightly think of this epistle as a treatise on faith and grace. Obedience would seem to be something altogether different––if not opposed to grace, then at least rendered unnecessary by it. Paul, however, reminds us that obedience is inextricably linked to faith––is a component of faith––an outgrowth of faith. That becomes clearer when we consider the significance of Paul’s language throughout this pericope.

  • Paul spoke about being “a slave (doulos) of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). A slave is obligated to obey his master.
  • He spoke of being “called to be an apostle” (v. 1). A call falls flat––has no meaning––unless the called person responds to the call––unless he/she obeys.
  • He spoke of Jesus Christ as Lord (v. 4), and a Lord expects obedience from subjects.
  • He says here that his call to the Gentiles is a call from Christ “to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles. To be obedient to his calling, Paul must also help the Gentiles to be obedient to theirs.

Morris concludes: “Faith is not an easy out for those who find a strict morality irksome” (Morris, 50).

“for his name’s sake” (v. 5). Many people today consider their name to be no more than a label. More perceptive people recognize, however, that their name equates to their reputation––and a good reputation is, indeed, more valuable as gold.

Our lives bring honor or shame to those close to us. A parent whose reputation in the community is good brings honor to his/her family, while a drunken parent brings them embarrassment and shame. A young person who is a good student brings honor to his/her parents, while a young person who hangs out with the wrong crowd brings them shame. In like manner, we who wear Christ’s name bring him honor by our obedience or shame by our disobedience.

“among whom you” (v. 6). Christ called Paul “for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake”––literally, “to bring about the obedience of faith among all the nations, on behalf of His name” (v. 5). Now Paul reminds the Romans that they are among the Gentiles that he has been called to serve. While he was not the founder of the church at Rome, he nevertheless speaks with authority because he is obeying his Christ-given call.

“are also called to belong to Jesus Christ” (v. 6). In verse 1, Paul mentioned being called by Christ to be an apostle. Now he tells these Roman Christians that they, too, have been called––”called to belong to Jesus Christ” (v. 6). Such a call involves both privilege and responsibility––very much like being born to a royal family. While the Roman Christians are free to obey or disobey, we can imagine all the hosts of heaven sitting on the edge of their seats to see how they will do––cheering those who obey their call and weeping over those who fail to respond.

ROMANS 1:7. CALLED TO BE SAINTS

7 to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints (Greek: pasin tois ousin en Rhome agapetois theou kletois hagois––literally “To all the ones being in Rome, loved ones of God, called ones, saints):Grace (Greek: charis) to you and peace (Greek: eirene) from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“to all who are in Rome, beloved of God” This surely includes Jewish Christians as well as Gentiles.

“called to be saints.” Note that “saints” is plural. The New Testament uses this word quite differently than we use it today. We typically use it in its singular form to speak of St. Peter or St. Paul or a person “who is a saint”––by which we mean a person who has done a generous deed or has exhibited some other “saintly” quality.

In the New Testament, the word is plural in 56 of its 57 occurrences, and the one exception implies more than one saint (Philippians 4:21––”Greet every saint in Christ Jesus”). “Saints” always brings to mind a community of saints––a community of believers. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that hagios also means “holy ones”––”separated”––”set apart”––”dedicated to God.” “Saints” therefore speaks to the quality of life to which believers are called as well as to the community to which they belong.

“Grace (charis) to you.” The typical Greek greeting is chaire––”joy”––although by Paul’s time it has devolved into a word of greeting that has lost specific meaning. Paul does not use chaire here, but charis, a word with a similar sound but one invested with substantial meaning. Grace (charis) is central to this epistle. Grace is the gift of God that justifies us (3:24). Grace is that on which the promise rests (4:16). Sin is abundant, but grace abounds even more (5:20). We are not under law but under grace (6:14). We are no longer dependent on good works, but on grace (11:5).

“and peace” (eirene). The typical Jewish greeting is shalom, which the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) usually translates eirene. “For the Hebrews and the people of the New Testament peace was not so much the absence of war or strife as the presence of positive blessing” (Wright, 53).

Thus Paul incorporates both a variation of the usual Greek greeting and the usual Jewish greeting into the blessing that he offers these Roman Christians.

ROMANS 1:8-14. WHY PAUL HASN’T VISITED ROME

ROMANS 1:8.  I THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YOU

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

Paul begins by telling the Roman Christians that he thanks God for them for the witness of their faith, which is known worldwide––although he might be thinking only of the worldwide Christian community rather than a more inclusive witness.

ROMANS 1:9.  GOD IS MY WITNESS

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Paul cites God as his witness that he unceasingly mentions the Roman church in his prayers. He would never cite God as his witness unless he were absolutely certain that he had prayed for faithfully for the Roman Christians.

ROMANS 1:10.  IF BY ANY MEANS I MAY COME TO YOU

10 requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.

This verse tells the Roman Christians something of the content of his prayers. He has prayed that God would make it possible, by any means, to come to them. That prayer will be answered near the end of his life. After being imprisoned two years in Judea, he will finally be moved to house arrest in Rome, pending the resolution of his appeal to the emperor. He spent those two years “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:23-31).

ROMANS 1:11.  I LONG TO SEE YOU

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established;

Paul tells the Roman Christians something of the purpose of his desired visit. He wants to share with them “some spiritual gift” (Greek: pneumatikos charisma) to strengthen them. We don’t know if he has particular spiritual gifts in mind. Quite likely, he wishes to know the Roman Christians personally so he can assess their needs. Then he would tailor the spiritual gifts at his disposal to best meet their needs.

ROMANS 1:12.  MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT

12 that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Paul corrects any impression that he wishes to visit them only for their sake. He also wants to visit them for his own sake––that he might find encouragement for his own faith by his association with them. He notes the mutuality involved in such association––that he and they alike might be encouraged “by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

ROMANS 1:13.  I OFTEN PLANNED TO COME TO YOU

13 Now I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Paul notes that he has not only thanked God for their witness (v. 8)––and included them in his prayers (v. 9)––and longed to visit to impart to them a spiritual gift (v. 11). He has also frequently made plans to visit Rome––but some sort of hindrance has always presented itself to make it impossible for him to follow through with his plans.

ROMANS 1:14.  I AM OBLIGATED

14 I am debtor (Greek: opheiletes) both to Greeks and to foreigners (Greek: barbarous), both to the wise and to the foolish.

Paul acknowledges that he is a debtor (Greek: opheiletes) to Greeks and foreigners (Greek: barbarous––barbarians) alike––as well as to wise and foolish alike.

Debtor is an unfortunate translation of the Greek word opheiletes in this verse. That word makes it sound as if Paul has received something from Greeks and foreigners, so he must repay them. That is not the case.

The word opheiletes has several meanings. The ones most appropriate for this verse are “obligated” or “morally bound”. When Paul says that he is opheiletes to Greeks, barbarians, wise, and foolish, he is saying that he is obligated to them––morally bound to perform some sort of service in their behalf.

That leaves us with two questions:

(1) WHO placed this obligation on Paul?
(2) WHAT is that obligation?

We can answer both questions with one sentence. CHRIST has laid the obligation on Paul TO PREACH THE GOSPEL to Greeks and non-Greeks (barbarous) alike––to wise and foolish alike––to all people and every sort of person alike.

So the WHO is Christ. The WHAT is the obligation to preach the Gospel.

We see that sense of obligation elsewhere as well.

  • In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul says, “necessity (Greek: Ananke––necessity, requirement) is laid upon me…. Woe is to me, if I don’t preach the Good News.”
  • In Ephesians 3:8, he says, “To me, the very least of all the saints, was this grace given to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

When paired with Greeks as it is here, the word barbarous (foreigners or barbarians) means those who are not Greeks. Because Greece was an advanced culture, they tended to regard others as lesser lights––ignorant, and uncultured––barbarians.

Greeks and non-Greeks means everyone. That phrase parallels wise and foolish, which also includes everyone. The point of this verse, then, is that Christ has obligated Paul to preach the Gospel to everyone.

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc.), which the WEB has updated.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Achtemeier, Paul J., Interpretation: Romans, (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1985)

Barth, Karl, The Epistle to the Romans (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1933)

Briscoe, D. Stuart, The Preacher’s Commentary: Romans, Vol. 29 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982)

Craddock, Fred B.; Hayes, John H.; Holladay, Carl R.; and Tucker, Gene M., Preaching Through the Christian Year, A (Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1992)

Dunn, James D. G., Word Biblical Commentary: Romans 1-8, Vol. 38A (Dallas: Word Books, 1988)

Gaventa, Beverly R. in Brueggemann, Walter; Cousar, Charles B.; Gaventa, Beverly R.; and Newsome, James D., Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSV––Year A (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995)

Jewett, Robert, in Van Harn, Roger E. (ed.), The Lectionary Commentary: The Second Readings: Acts and the Epistles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001)

Knox, John and Cragg, Gerald R., The Interpreter’s Bible: Acts and Romans, Vol. IX (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1954)

Luther, Martin, Commentary on Romans, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications, 1976)

Moo, Douglas, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Romans (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996)

Morris, Leon, The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Epistle to the Romans (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Co, 1988)

Mounce, Robert H., The New American Commentary: Romans, (Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995)

Sanday, William and Headlam, Arthur C., The International Critical Commentary: The Epistle to the Romans (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1977)

Witherington, Ben III with Darlene Hyatt, Paul’s Letter to the Romans: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2004)

Wright, N. Thomas, The New Interpreter’s Bible: Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Vol. X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002)

Copyright 2019, Richard Niell Donovan