Romans 1:5

by whom Lit. through whom. Ultimately from the Father, but through the Son.

we have received Better, perhaps, we received; (but see below on Romans 1:19.) "We" includes, possibly, all the Apostles, as certainly in 1 Corinthians 15:1; 1 Corinthians 15:11, &c. (where note the change from plural to singular in Romans 1:1-3). Certainly it does not refer to any nominal associate in the writing of the Epistle, for none such appears. But most probably the author here uses the plural for the singular, as frequently in the course of the Epistle (see e.g. cch. 3 and 4).

grace and apostleship (1) all merciful qualifications for his office; (2) the definite commission.

for obedience to the faith Better, to the obedience of faith; to produce the obedience connected with believing. Justifying faith is itself an act of obedience (see Romans 10:3, "have not submittedthemselves," and 1 Peter 1:2), and it results in a life of obedience. The Gr. in Romans 16:26, rendered "for the obedience of faith," is identical.

among all nations Literally so in its intention; and even in St Paul's own experience, a great number of "nations" had now contributed converts. Cp. the strong expressions Colossians 1:6; Colossians 1:23; and see Romans 15:19.

for his name Practically = for His sake. The "Name," in general Scripture usage, is the Person, as revealed and known. See Exodus 34:5-7; Matthew 28:19.