Paul starts out his letter by giving his credentials and explaining his purpose in ministry.
The Apostle Paul writes this letter to the believers in Rome at the height of the power of the Roman Empire. There was no higher authority in the world than Rome. “All roads lead to Rome” was literal as well as figurative. The highest authorities on earth representing Jesus were the Apostles. Paul establishes his authority as an Apostle but also makes clear that his authority called him to be a bond-servant of Christ Jesus. A bondservant was a servant who chose to stay bound to his master for life. Jesus called Paul and set him apart to proclaim the gospel about Jesus and what Jesus provides for humankind, and Paul chose to accept the invitation, and made a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus regardless of the cost.
Biblical Text
1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
Check out our other commentaries:
-
Deuteronomy 27:9–10 meaning
Moses (joined now by the Levitical Priests) reaffirms God’s covenantal relationship with Israel....... -
Matthew 21:18-19 meaning
In the morning after Jesus’s triumphal entry, Jesus travels back to Jerusalem from where He spent the night in Bethany. He becomes hungry and sees...... -
Matthew 10:16 meaning
Jesus gives two powerful metaphors to help His disciples understand their mission. The first is a warning. The second is an admonition....... -
Ecclesiastes 10:16-20 meaning
There is a time and place for pleasure, but when pleasure replaces industry, evil follows. ...... -
Amos 1:3–5 meaning
The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Damascus because they slaughtered the people of Gilead.......