Introduction

Introduction

Rom 1:1 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

In ancient time the writer would put their name first versus how we do it by signing last it was their custom. (a slave of Christ Jesus) The word slave in Greek times was “bond servant”. A bond servant is a man or a woman who has agreed to work for another person. They cannot quit, but usually there is an established time and some form of compensation at the end.

Rom 1:2 God promised this Good News long ago through His prophets in the holy Scriptures. Rom 1:3 The Good News is about His Son. In His earthly life He was born into King David's family line, Rom 1:4 and He was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom 1:5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name. Rom 1:6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Life Application New Testament Commentary: In Paul’s case, God’s direction became very clear. He was to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them (Act_9:15). Paul did carry the Good News across the known world, speaking in synagogues, convincing the Gentiles, and even standing before kings. Paul understood his calling, for in Rom_11:13 he states, “God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles.” Paul makes it clear that the gospel is the working out of God’s plan first revealed to the Jews. He also makes it clear that the gospel offered hope to the Gentiles.

Rom 1:7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be His own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Rom 1:8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in Him is being talked about all over the world. Rom 1:9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about His Son.

Paul frequently prayed for the different cities. Paul prayed for the Romans the same way that he prayed for the Ephesians (Eph_1:15-16), the Philippians (Php_1:3-4), the Colossians (Col_1:3-4), and the Thessalonians (1Th_1:2-3)

Rom 1:10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. Rom 1:11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. Rom 1:12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Rom 1:13 I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. Rom 1:14 For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. Rom 1:15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.

As we have come to know Paul would run afoul with the local authorities and spent a great deal of his time in prison. When he was in Rome that was true. First house arrest then in a prison.

Agape