Romans Part 03

Through Jesus Christ, Paul says, 

"we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name." 

Grace is God's favor given through Jesus Christ. Paul's apostleship was received through Christ. It was not something he earned or achieved through his own efforts. Just as Paul had previously emphasized that he was called to be an apostle, he now reminds the brethren that both grace and his commission originated with God.

The purpose of Paul's apostleship was not merely to gain converts or increase numbers. Rather, it was to bring about obedience to the faith among all nations for Christ's name. This phrase, "obedience to the faith," is significant because it demonstrates that faith and obedience are not opposites. True faith produces obedience. Believing God includes responding to God, submitting to God, and walking according to His way. Genuine faith results in a life that seeks to obey Him.

Paul then includes the Roman brethren among those who are called by Jesus Christ. Addressing them directly, he writes, 

"To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints." 

More accurately, the expression can be understood as "called saints." A saint is one who is holy, set apart, and called out of the world. The word saint comes from the same basic idea as holiness. Saints are called by God, set apart from the world, made holy through God's Spirit, and expected to live holy lives. Saint is not merely a title, but a calling that affects the way one lives.

Paul follows with his familiar greeting: 

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." 

Throughout his letters, Paul consistently identifies God the Father and Jesus Christ as the source of grace and peace. Even in this greeting, Paul is introducing themes that will be developed throughout the epistle, including calling, holiness, grace, faith, obedience, and God's work through Jesus Christ.

Paul then turns his attention to the Roman brethren themselves, expressing gratitude for their faith. He thanks God through Jesus Christ for them because their faith was spoken of throughout the whole world. The expression "whole world" refers to the entire civilized world of the Roman Empire. Rome was a difficult place in which to remain faithful. There was hostility toward Jews and, by extension, toward Jewish Christians and the early Church. In such an environment, the steadfast faith of the Roman brethren had become well known and served as an encouragement to believers elsewhere.

Paul continues, 

"For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son." 

Paul explains that he served God with his spirit in the gospel. This can be understood in connection with the spirit in man, referring to a person's mind, will, reason, and inner life. Paul dedicated his mind and will to the service of God. His thoughts, motives, and desires were brought into submission to God's Spirit. Paul's spirit was not a separate entity from himself but represented his inner person, his reasoning, and his will. For Christians today, our spirit is coupled with God's Spirit so that we can do His will. The Christian life is therefore not merely a matter of outward behavior. God desires the whole person, including the mind, will, spirit, conduct, and service, to be brought into submission to Him.

Paul assures the brethren that he continually remembered them in his prayers. He made mention of them always, asking that somehow, by God's will, he might finally be granted an opportunity to come to them. Paul's prayer life reveals the depth of his concern for the churches. He was constantly praying for God's people. While he likely did not pray for every individual every day, he faithfully and regularly remembered the congregations under his care. His desire to visit Rome demonstrates both his pastoral concern and his commitment to strengthening the brethren wherever God opened a door for service.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.