ROMANS: THE GOSPEL BLUEPRINT
Romans 1:1-7
This is the first sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”
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.
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, ESV: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
What is an apostle? The dictionary meaning is that an apostle is an emissary or official representative. However, the apostles of Christ are divinely chosen by Christ Himself to represent Him directly. Thus, a messenger differs from one called to the apostolic office. An apostle of Christ, then, is Christ’s direct representative who bears His authority. The apostolic age covered the day of Pentecost until John’s death.[5] Note that none of the Church fathers claimed to be an apostle, unlike today, when many claim to be apostles. Of course, they are fake.
One sign of the NT apostles is that they were with Christ, except Paul, who received his revelation from the resurrected Christ. Peter and the others confirmed Paul’s apostleship to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:9). Another sign of an apostle is signs, wonders, and mighty deeds (2 Cor. 12:12). And lastly, they are emissaries of the pure gospel of Christ, which is reflected in their inspired writings (2 Pet. 3:15-16).
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.[6]
Romans 1:2-4: which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 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,
Paul introduced himself, but more than that, he explained the key summary elements of the gospel. He would expound on the gospel throughout the first part of the epistle. It included the prophecies, the lineage, the Son, and the resurrection.
Paul did not plant the church in Rome, so showing that they believed in the same thing was essential. The gospel binds them together, and the gospel should also bind together the Roman church, especially between Jew and Gentile.
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, 6 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.
Paul’s greeting includes calling the Roman believers (Gentile majority) “loved by God and called to be saints.” Somehow, he implies that God’s love in us also brings about holiness or being set apart for Him as saints. The greeting embodies many of the things he will elaborate on in the letter. He greets, saying grace and peace from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Application
1. 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.
2. 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 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.
3. 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.
Notes
[1] F. F. Bruce, Romans (IVP, 2015), Intro.
[2] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter to the Romans, 2nd ed. (Eerdmans, 2018), 4.
[3] F. F. Bruce, Romans (IVP, 2015), Intro.
[4] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), Intro.
[5] Merrill F. Unger Merrill F. Unger and R. K. Harrison R. K. Harrison, The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, 1st ed. (Moody Publishers, 2009), 87.
[6] Bruce, Romans, Salutation.
[7] Schreiner et al., Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 40.
Bibliography
Bruce, F. F. Romans. IVP, 2015.
Merrill F. Unger, Merrill F. Unger, and R. K. Harrison R. K. Harrison. The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. Moody Publishers, 2009.
Moo, Douglas J. The Letter to the Romans. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2018.
Schreiner, Thomas R, Yarbrough, Robert W, Jipp, and Joshua. Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2018.
Thielman, Frank S. Romans. Edited by Clinton E. Arnold. Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Zondervan Academic, 2018.
POEM
BELOVED AND HOLY by Ed Pilapil Jr A slave of Christ, his name was Paul Called to be the Lord’s apostle To proclaim the gospel to all All nations, races, and people The gospel is about the Son A son of David, He’s the One Promised through the prophets, the Son Rose from the dead, the only One From ancient times, the LORD promised The LORD promised through the prophets Rising again can’t be dismissed The Messiah that was promised Beloved, called to be holy Salvation leads to His calling Let us all listen intently His love calls us to be holy
Study Guide
1. How did Paul introduce himself? Cite the key elements and explain the connection with each element. (Rom 1:1)
2. What key elements of the gospel did Paul mention? Explain each. (Rom 1:2-4)
3. Explain the connections of grace and apostleship. Explain as well “loved by God” and “called to be saints.” (Rom 1:5-7).
