Romans 1:1-7 (WEB)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born of the offspring of David according to the flesh, who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake; among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
🔑 Key Points
1. A masterpiece in the making
Sproul calls Romans Paul's magnum opus — written c. AD 57-58 from Corinth, it's Paul's most systematic statement of the gospel, and the letter that has fueled reformations and revivals ever since.
2. Servant first, apostle second
Paul's very first word about himself is 'servant' (doulos) — a slave's self-description — before the high office of 'apostle.' His calling was never self-appointed; it was God's call.
3. The gospel is God's own possession
The Good News was 'promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.' This is not a new religion invented by Paul; it is the fulfillment of God's ancient promise, rooted in the Old Testament.
4. The Davidic Son declared by the resurrection
Jesus is 'born of the offspring of David' (his humanity) and 'declared Son of God with power… by the resurrection' (his divine authority). Both lines — flesh and spirit — run through the whole letter.
5. A calling shared by all believers
Paul and the Romans alike are 'called to be saints,' set apart for 'obedience of faith.' Apostleship and sainthood both flow from the same grace — the readers of Rome belong to the same family as the apostle who writes them.
💬 Discussion Questions
How should Paul's self-description as 'servant' before 'apostle' shape how we view our own roles in the church?
Why does Paul emphasize that the gospel was 'promised before through his prophets'?
Paul writes to a church he has never visited. What can we learn about how he prepares to build relationships?
May this opening letter set the tone for a rich journey through the gospel — read slowly, and let Paul's logic carry you.