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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/28-31.htm" title="Acts 28:31">◄</a> Romans 1:1 <a href="/romans/1-2.htm" title="Romans 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/1.htm">New International Version</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— <a href="/nlt/romans/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. <a href="/esv/romans/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— <a href="/blb/romans/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle having been set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/kjv/romans/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, <a href="/nkjv/romans/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God <a href="/nasb_/romans/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/nasb/romans/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/nasb77/romans/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/lsb/romans/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, having been set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/amp/romans/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative), set apart for [preaching] the gospel of God [the good news of salvation], <a href="/csb/romans/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — <a href="/hcsb/romans/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and singled out for God&#8217s good news— <a href="/asv/romans/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, <a href="/cev/romans/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus. God chose me to be an apostle, and he appointed me to preach the good news <a href="/erv/romans/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, <a href="/gwt/romans/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and appointed to spread the Good News of God. <a href="/gnt/romans/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle chosen and called by God to preach his Good News. <a href="/isv/romans/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> From: Paul, a servant of Jesus the Messiah, called to be an apostle and set apart for God's gospel, <a href="/msb/romans/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God? <a href="/net/romans/1.htm">NET Bible</a> From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. <a href="/nheb/romans/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, <a href="/wbt/romans/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, <a href="/wey/romans/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, set apart to proclaim God's Good News, <a href="/web/romans/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated to the good news of God, <a href="/blb/romans/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle having been set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/ylt/romans/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated to the good news of God -- <a href="/slt/romans/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Paul, servant of Jesus Christ, called sent, separated to the good news of God,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, <a href="/cpdv/romans/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called as an Apostle, separated for the Gospel of God, <a href="/nabre/romans/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/nrsvce/romans/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, and chosen to proclaim the gospel of God <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Paulus, a Servant of Yeshua The Messiah, a called one, and an Apostle, who was separated to The Gospel of God,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, <a href="/godbey/romans/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called an apostle, having been separated unto the gospel of God, <a href="/haweis/romans/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, <a href="/mace/romans/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, chosen to declare the gospel dispensation, <a href="/wey/romans/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, set apart to proclaim God's Good News, <a href="/worrell/romans/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, <a href="/worsley/romans/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>Paul</bld> a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, <a href="/parallel/romans/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/1.htm">Greeting the Saints in Rome</a> 1<a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulos (N-NMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">a servant</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus,</a> <a href="/greek/2822.htm" title="2822: klētos (Adj-NMS) -- From the same as klesis; invited, i.e. Appointed, or, a saint.">called to be</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolos (N-NMS) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">an apostle,</a> <a href="/greek/873.htm" title="873: aphōrismenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- To rail off, separate, place apart. From apo and horizo; to set off by boundary, i.e. limit, exclude, appoint, etc.">and set apart</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</a> <a href="/greek/2098.htm" title="2098: euangelion (N-ANS) -- From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.">the gospel</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God—</a> 2the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a> While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15</a> But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">1 Timothy 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Titus 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:1</a> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:1</a> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: <a href="/1_peter/1-1.htm">1 Peter 1:1</a> Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">2 Peter 1:1</a> Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: <a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Isaiah 49:1</a> Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,Paul.<a href="/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9</a> Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,<a href="/acts/21-40.htm">Acts 21:40</a> And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,<a href="/acts/22-7.htm">Acts 22:7,13</a> And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? … a servant.<a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Romans 1:9</a> For 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;<a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Romans 15:16</a> That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.<a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a> For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.called.<a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Romans 1:5</a> By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:<a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Romans 11:13</a> For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:<a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:separated.<a href="/leviticus/20-24.htm">Leviticus 20:24-26</a> But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people… <a href="/numbers/16-9.htm">Numbers 16:9,10</a> Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? … <a href="/deuteronomy/10-8.htm">Deuteronomy 10:8</a> At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.the gospel.<a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Romans 1:9,16</a> For 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; … <a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Romans 15:16,29</a> That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost… <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25</a> Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/26-31.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/acts/26-18.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/john/8-35.htm">Bondservant</a> <a href="/luke/2-29.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/acts/28-28.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Good</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/acts/28-15.htm">News</a> <a href="/acts/28-30.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/21-8.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/acts/26-23.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/acts/21-1.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/acts/27-23.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Tidings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/2-12.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/romans/6-15.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/romans/9-12.htm">Bondservant</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/romans/1-7.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/1-2.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/romans/1-8.htm">News</a> <a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/romans/2-16.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/romans/1-15.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">Tidings</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 1</div>1. <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Paul commends his calling to the Romans;</a> 9. <a href="/romans/1-9.htm">and his desire to come to them.</a> 16. <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">What his gospel is.</a> 18. <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">God is angry with sin.</a> 21. <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">What were the sins of mankind.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus Paul identifies himself as a servant, or "doulos," which means bondservant or slave. This term reflects a position of humility and total devotion. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, a servant was someone who was completely under the authority of their master. Paul’s use of this term indicates his complete submission to Christ. This echoes the Old Testament concept of servanthood seen in figures like Moses and David, who were also called servants of God (<a href="/joshua/1.htm">Joshua 1:1</a>, <a href="/psalms/89-3.htm">Psalm 89:3</a>). It highlights the transformation in Paul’s life from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ (<a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9:1-22</a>).called to be an apostle Paul emphasizes his divine calling to the role of an apostle. The term "apostle" means "one who is sent" and refers to someone who is commissioned with a specific mission. This calling is not self-appointed but is a divine appointment by Christ Himself (<a href="/galatians/1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a>). The apostles were foundational to the early church, tasked with spreading the gospel and establishing churches (<a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a>). Paul's apostleship is significant because it underscores his authority and the authenticity of his message, as he was directly chosen by Christ (<a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a>).and set apart for the gospel of God— Being "set apart" indicates a specific purpose and mission. In the Jewish tradition, being set apart was a concept associated with holiness and dedication to God’s service, as seen in the consecration of priests (<a href="/exodus/28-41.htm">Exodus 28:41</a>). Paul’s mission was to preach the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This gospel is described as "of God," emphasizing its divine origin and authority. The gospel was promised beforehand through the prophets in the Holy Scriptures (<a href="/romans/1-2.htm">Romans 1:2</a>), fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament concerning the coming Messiah (Isaiah 53, <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a>). Paul’s role in spreading this message was crucial in the expansion of the early church and the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith (<a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Romans 11:13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians before his dramatic conversion to Christianity. He became one of the most influential apostles, spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire. 2. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> The central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. Paul identifies himself as a servant of Christ, indicating his total devotion and submission to Jesus. 3. <a href="/topical/a/apostle.htm">Apostle</a> A term meaning "one who is sent out." Paul was called to be an apostle, signifying his role as a messenger and proclaimer of the gospel. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gospel_of_god.htm">Gospel of God</a> The good news concerning God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul was set apart to preach this message.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/servanthood_in_christ.htm">Servanthood in Christ</a> Paul identifies himself as a servant, which in Greek is "doulos," meaning bondservant or slave. This reflects a life fully surrendered to Christ, which is a model for all believers. <a href="/topical/d/divine_calling.htm">Divine Calling</a> Just as Paul was called to be an apostle, every believer has a unique calling and purpose in God's kingdom. Understanding and pursuing this calling is essential for a fulfilling Christian life. <a href="/topical/s/set_apart_for_the_gospel.htm">Set Apart for the Gospel</a> Being set apart, or "aphorizo" in Greek, indicates a life dedicated to God's purposes. Christians are called to live distinctively, prioritizing the gospel in their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_centrality_of_the_gospel.htm">The Centrality of the Gospel</a> The gospel is the core message of Christianity. Believers are encouraged to know it, live it, and share it with others, following Paul's example.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 1</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'bondservant_of_christ'_mean.htm">What does "bondservant of Christ" mean?</a> <a href="/q/who_wrote_hebrews.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Hebrews?</a> <a href="/q/who_wrote_the_book_of_romans.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Romans?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_prioritize_faith_over_teachings.htm">Why does Paul focus on faith over Jesus' actual teachings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1-7) In writing to the Romans, a Church to which he was personally unknown, and which might be supposed, so far as it was Jewish, to be prejudiced against him, the Apostle delivers with somewhat more than usual solemnity his credentials and commission. A divinely appointed minister of a system of things predicted by the prophets, and culminating in the revelation, divinely ordained and attested, of Jesus Christ, he greets the Roman Christians, themselves also divinely called. Note the repetition of terms signifying "calling," "selection," "determination in the counsels and providence of God;" as if to say: "I and you alike are all members of one grand scheme, which is not of human invention, but determined and ordained of God--the divine clue, as it were, running through the history of the world." A solemn note is thus struck at the very commencement, and in what might have been regarded as the more formal part of the Epistle, by which the readers are prepared for the weighty issues that are to be set before them.(1) Servant.--More strictly, here as elsewhere in the New Testament, slave; and yet not wrongly translated "servant," because the compulsory and degrading side of service is not put forward. The idea of "slavery" in the present day has altogether different associations.Separated.--Compare especially <a href="/acts/13-2.htm" title="As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.">Acts 13:2</a> ("Separate me Barnabas and Saul"), where human instruments--the leaders of the Church at Antioch--are employed to carry out the divine will. The reference here is to the historical fact of the selection of St. Paul to be an Apostle; in <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm" title="But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,">Galatians 1:15</a> ("it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb"), it is rather to the more distant act of divine predestination.Unto the gospel of God.--Singled out and set apart to convey the message of salvation from God to man. The ambiguous genitive, the gospel of God, seems to mean, "the gospel which proceeds from God," "of which God is the author;" not "of which God is the object."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle. In his salutations to the Philippians and to Titus also St. Paul calls himself δοῦλος (i.e. "bondservant") of Jesus Christ; but usually only ἀπόστολος, or, as here, κλητὸς ἀπόστολος, which is rightly translated in the Authorized Version, "called to be an apostle," Divine vocation to the office being the prominent idea. St. Paul often elsewhere insists on the reality of his vocation from Christ himself to be an apostle to the Gentiles; and this with regard to disparagement of his claim to be a true apostle at all on the part of some (cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">2 Corinthians 12:12</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1, 12</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-8.htm">Galatians 2:8</a>). It does not follow from his thus asserting his claim here and afterwards in this Epistle that he was aware of any disparagement of it at that time among the Roman Christians; still less that he wrote his Epistle with a polemical purpose against the Judaizers, as some have supposed. Still, he may have suspected that some might possibly have been busy there, as they were in other places; and, however that might be, writing as he was to a Church not founded by, and as yet unvisited by, himself, he might think distinct assertions of his claim to be heard desirable. Separated (or, set apart) unto the gospel of God; i.e. to the preaching of the gospel, not the reception of it only, as is evident from the context. The word ἀφωρίσμενος here, as well as the previous κλητὸς, is best taken, in pursuance of the line of thought, as referring to the Divine counsels, not to the agency of the Church. It is true that the word is elsewhere used with the latter reference, as in <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a>, Ἀφορίσατε δὴ μοι τόν τε Βαρνάβαν καὶ τὸν, Σαῦλον εἰς τὸ ἔργον ο} ππροσκέκλημαι αὐτούς, where the ἀφορισμὸς spoken of was subsequent to the Divine κλῆσις, and effected by human laying on of hands. But we have also St. Paul's own words (<a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15</a>), Ὁ Θεὸς ὁ ἀφόρρισας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου καὶ καλίσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, where the ἀφορισμὸς is that of God's eternal purpose, and previous to the κλῆσις (cf. <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> and <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Acts 26:16, 17</a>). <a href="/commentaries/romans/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Paul, Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. a servant δοῦλος (doulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. of Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. Christ, Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. called [to be] κλητὸς (klētos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> From the same as klesis; invited, i.e. Appointed, or, a saint. [an] apostle, ἀπόστολος (apostolos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. [and] set apart ἀφωρισμένος (aphōrismenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_873.htm">Strong's 873: </a> To rail off, separate, place apart. From apo and horizo; to set off by boundary, i.e. limit, exclude, appoint, etc. for εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. [the] gospel εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2098.htm">Strong's 2098: </a> From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">NT Letters: Romans 1:1 Paul a servant of Jesus Christ called (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/28-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 28:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 28:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>