The Power of the Gospel and the need of the World. The Guilt of the Heathen

In his salutation the apostle emphasises his commission, and the greatness of the Person whose servant he is and who is the centre of his message (Romans 1:1). After expressing his desire to visit the Romans (Romans 1:8), he states the subject of his Epistle, viz. acceptance with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16), and proceeds to develop it by showing that none have been able to merit acceptance with God. He begins by proving this of the Gentiles (Romans 1:18).

1-7. The Salutation.

Paraphrase. '(1) I, Paul, who write am a bondservant of Christ, set apart by God as an apostle to proclaim that message of good news (2) which was promised by His prophets. (3) The subject of the message is His Son, of David's lineage by human descent, (4) but, as regards His spiritual being, shown to be Son of God by the divine power exercised in His Resurrection. (5) Since, through Christ, I was brought into God's favour, and commissioned to be apostle to the Gentiles, (6) and that you at Rome, whom Christ has chosen, are Gentiles; (7) therefore I write to you, praying that God may grant you His blessings.'

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