Project Romans (1:1)

Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God”

In 21st century America, we end our letters with the name of the individual who wrote it. In 1st century Rome, they would begin their letters with the name of the author of the letter. This letter to the Roman Christians was written by the Apostle Paul.

Apostle means a person sent by another, a messenger, or envoy. Paul was an apostle of Christ Jesus. To be an apostle was to be sent by someone. Paul was not sent by men; rather Paul was an apostle of Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, and Galatians 1:1) It was Jesus who called Paul and sent him out to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. (see Acts 22:21, Galatians 2:7, 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11)

To be an apostle of Jesus Christ you had to have witnessed his life, death and resurrection. (Acts 1:21-22) There were signs that accompanied an apostle to prove that they were from God. (2 Corinthians 12:12) Apostles were a gift given to the church by Christ. (Ephesians 4:11)

Paul's letters are Scripture. (2 Peter 3:15-16) These writings of Paul are directed by the will of the Holy Spirit not the will of Paul. (2 Peter 1:20-21) Therefore, if you have the Holy Spirit you will be in agreement with the teachings of Paul. (1 Corinthians 14:37-38) He taught the same thing everywhere in every church. His doctrine did not change from place to place. (1 Corinthians 4:17) And we are commanded to imitate him as he imitated Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 11:1-2). And we are commanded to follow the doctrine Paul taught (2 Thessalonians 2:15) and hold to the pattern of teaching he proclaimed. (Philippians 3:17, 2 Timothy 1:13)

As we study Romans together, we should remember that what Paul writes is from God. And we should also remember its good news. Gospel means good news. And Paul was sent to preach the gospel. If you would like to know what the good news that God sent Paul to preach was, then click here.