Sermon Notes
Introduction
Paul did not plant the Roman church, but he sought to partner with them to spread the gospel in Spain. 1 The “visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,” during Pentecost may have brought the gospel back to Rome. 2 The apostle wrote to the Roman church probably from Corinth in 57 AD. 3 Paul explains the gospel with clarity to establish or to communicate what he believes. He would then address the tension between Jews and Gentiles. The Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2), but his successor, Emperor Nero, took the opposite approach. The Roman church community was primarily planted and led by Jewish believers, but after their expulsion, Gentile believers became the majority. As the Jews went back, a certain tension occurred between them. 4 Paul addresses this tension, but he first points all the readers to the gospel. Since Paul did not plant the church in Rome, he introduced himself as a slave and apostle of Christ.
1. Slave and Apostle
Paul introduces himself as Christ’s slave, doulos (δοῦλος). Paul is stating who his Master is, Christ Jesus. Another claim that Paul made was apostle. He introduced himself as an apostle set apart for the gospel; he believes even before his birth (Gal. 1:15). Paul is a slave of Christ, yet carries the authority of Christ for the gospel.
Romans 1:1: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
2. The Gospel
The apostle explains key elements of the gospel that he is an emissary of. The gospel is not a new invention; it was promised by the prophets in accordance with the Scriptures. The gospel is about the Son, and this Son descended from David, which is prophetic as well. The Holy Spirit declared that Christ is the Son of God through the resurrection.
Romans 1:2-4: which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
3. Greeting: Salvation and Holiness
The apostle explains that he received salvation (grace) and his assignment (apostleship) from the Lord Jesus Christ. His mission is to bring about the “obedience of faith” or “an obedience that is faith” among all nations. 7 Nations is derived from the Greek ethnos (ἔθνος), which means tribes or races. He describes the Roman believers as being called to belong to Christ, and Paul greets them with grace and peace.
Romans 1:5-7: through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Application
- Let us live as slaves of Christ, submitted to His authority, but also carry the confidence that we are called to proclaim the gospel under His word’s authority. Let us also be careful of all who claim to be apostles today. Not even the church fathers considered themselves on the same level as the apostles.
- The gospel is about Christ and His work, accomplished in the resurrection. Before we call for a response in faith and repentance, we must make the 7 Schreiner et al., Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 40. details clear. The gospel is not a new invention; it is the grand plan of God, sown in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
- His grace comes with a mission; salvation comes with a call to proclaim. His love for us leads to holiness, or being a saint, which means being set apart for His purpose. Whenever we speak of His love, we must speak of holiness and obedience.
Study Guide
- How did Paul introduce himself? Cite the key elements and explain the connection with each element. (Rom 1:1)
- What key elements of the gospel did Paul mention? Explain each. (Rom 1:2- 4)
- Explain the connections of grace and apostleship. Explain as well “loved by God” and “called to be saints.” (Rom 1:5-7).