Romans 1:1-7

Romans 1:1-7 – Text will be King James for this online study. Class versions will be ESV/HCSB.

Rom 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 

Rom 1:2  (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 

Rom 1:3  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 

Rom 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 

Rom 1:5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 

Rom 1:6  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 

Rom 1:7  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Main Point: Paul builds an authoritative opening. He also builds a triangulated structure with the Godhead at the top, the apostles as the sent (set apart) and the Romans as the beneficiaries.

1.       Notice that the author section is six verses long. Answer the following questions concerning this extended author section:

a.    When was the gospel promised? 2) Beforehand- 4279 Middle voice from G4253 and G1861; to promise of old:

b.      Who was the gospel promised through? God’s prophets. David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Hosea, Ezra, Micah, Zecheriah, Haggai, Joel and more!

c.       What is the gospel concerning? 3) His Son. A physical descendant of David. Also elevated spiritually.

d.      How was Jesus declared to be the son of God? 4) With power. According to the SPIRIT OF HOLINESS, b y (his) resurrection from the dead!

e.      What have we received through Jesus? Grace (favor). This apostleship was unique to 13 individuals and nobody else. The purpose of apostleship does extend to those who are called for this service. The intent of apostleship does extend to allChristians.

f.        Why have we received these things through Jesus? To bring about  THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH for the sake of His Name among all the nations. This was the charge to the original thirteen men. Over time the word has spread worldwide in the generic sense, but there are still locations where people have never heard the word. There are places in our communities that are void of God’s influence. The charge to the apostles is the charge to every Christian in that sense.

Additional: Note the powerful word usage here: References to God/Jesus some sixteen times when you include personal pronouns. Paul goes directly to the POWER of God: The ancient prophesies AND the fulfillment of those prophesies BOTH in the physical AND spiritual realm. Jesus conquered Death! (this could only be accomplished by God…..and he indicates in verse one, this is the One who SET ME APART.

Promise: This word translated as “promise” simply means to announce or assert. God does not need to promise in the English sense which includes the idea of a vow. His word is that reliable.

4) Declared:  3724: From G3725; to mark out or bound (“horizon”), that is, (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify – Paul again invokes the authority of God…He is the one making this declaration. The latter part of verse 4 supports that idea, explaining the resurrection (literally standing up again from the dead) as a FORCE (power) that embodies (the spirit) a sacred action….only doable by God.

5) Paul again iterates his unique position with God/Jesus. This verse also opens the dialog for later dissertation concerning Gentiles. Either way he manages to circle all things back to God, regardless who receives he message. (obedience-attentive listening – as a subordinate)

Grace: in both instances here: 5485 From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying) – 5463 means “to be full of cheer or happy” ….consider how this saves us…