Romans 1:1-17 (Further Introductory Matters)
In an introductory sentence (much longer than usual, due to the greater need for introduction) Paul describes himself, his message and its content very succinctly.
Paul is a bond servant of Christ. His life is not his own, nor does he do what he wishes, but follows the orders of his Master. He is also called an Apostle. This could mean that he is simply a messenger, but Paul’s case we know that it carries special significance placing him in the order of the 12 who served and followed Jesus during His time on earth. Finally, his life is set apart for the Good News.
The Good News was promised by God through the Scriptures and is about His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was born a man of the line of David and revealed to be God’s Son by overcoming death. The Good News says that through Jesus we have received grace and we too are apostles—messengers to share the faith with all peoples.
The Roman church is known throughout the world, according to Paul, because they are living out their apostleship as God desires. They are a missionary church, sharing their faith throughout the empire.
Paul would very much like to come to Rome so that his message and understanding of the Good News might strengthen them, and that they in turn would help him spread the message further west. What he would like to share in person will be the content of this letter: exactly what is the Good News and how is it effective and powerful in changing people?
Paul is a bond servant of Christ. His life is not his own, nor does he do what he wishes, but follows the orders of his Master. He is also called an Apostle. This could mean that he is simply a messenger, but Paul’s case we know that it carries special significance placing him in the order of the 12 who served and followed Jesus during His time on earth. Finally, his life is set apart for the Good News.
The Good News was promised by God through the Scriptures and is about His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was born a man of the line of David and revealed to be God’s Son by overcoming death. The Good News says that through Jesus we have received grace and we too are apostles—messengers to share the faith with all peoples.
The Roman church is known throughout the world, according to Paul, because they are living out their apostleship as God desires. They are a missionary church, sharing their faith throughout the empire.
Paul would very much like to come to Rome so that his message and understanding of the Good News might strengthen them, and that they in turn would help him spread the message further west. What he would like to share in person will be the content of this letter: exactly what is the Good News and how is it effective and powerful in changing people?
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