Romans 1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

What does Romans 1:7 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:7 is a verse from the epistle of Paul to the Romans, which serves as a greeting to the recipients of his letter, the Christian believers residing in Rome. This greeting emphasizes several key aspects of the Christian identity and experience.

"To all that be in Rome" speaks to the entire Christian community in Rome, indicating that Paul's message is for all believers, not just a select few.

The phrase "beloved of God" underscores the Christian belief that believers are loved by God, affirming their status as a chosen and valued people in His eyes.

"Called to be saints" reflects the Christian vocation to holiness, suggesting that those who follow Christ are summoned to live lives set apart for God's purposes.

The twin blessings of "Grace to you and peace" are common in Paul's epistles and represent the essential gifts God offers to believers, grace as unmerited favor and peace as the resulting state of spiritual well-being.

These blessings are said to come "from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ," declaring the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and underscoring the divine source of these gifts.

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Historical Context

Paul's Epistle to the Romans is widely accepted as having been written around AD 57, during his third missionary journey.

Paul penned this letter while he was in Corinth, and it was intended for the Christian church in Rome, a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers.

Rome, as the center of the Roman Empire, was a hub of cultural and political power.

The Christian community there faced the challenge of integrating various cultural backgrounds and religious perspectives into a cohesive faith practice.

The readers of this letter were navigating the complexities of living out their Christian faith in a predominantly pagan society, and they were likely subject to misunderstandings, social tension, and at times, persecution.

Theological Insights

This verse encapsulates several important theological themes.

The concept of being "beloved of God" is central to Christian theology; it conveys the idea of divine love and election. The language of being "called to be saints" reflects the soteriological perspective of a calling or invitation into a relationship with God with an aim towards sanctification.

"Grace and peace" represent the core benefits bestowed upon Christians, grace showing God's initiative in salvation and peace indicating reconciled relationships between humans and God.

The source of these gifts, "God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ," conveys the foundational Christian teaching of the close relationship between Jesus and the Father, as well as the formation of the early Christian understanding of the Trinity.

Practical Applications

The phrase "called to be saints" can inspire believers to pursue lives of holiness and service, knowing that they are set apart for God's work.

The offer of "grace to you and peace" can be a source of comfort and strength, particularly in difficult times, reminding Christians that these gifts are always accessible to them.

Recognizing oneself as "beloved of God" reinforces an individual's value and purpose, fueling a sense of self-worth and encouraging the love of others.

The communal aspect of the greeting encourages church unity and solidarity among believers from diverse backgrounds.

Cross-References

Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
1 Corinthians 1:2: "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"
Ephesians 1:4: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:"
Philippians 1:2: "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 2:9: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"

Language Study

"Beloved" (Greek: "agapetois") signifies a deep, affectionate, and enduring love, a term often used in the New Testament to denote God's unconditional love for His people.
"Called" (Greek: "kletos") indicates an invitation or summons, often with a divine or authoritative connotation in the context of sainthood or holiness.
"Saints" (Greek: "hagiois") literally means "holy ones" and is used to describe individuals set apart for God and His purposes.
"Grace" (Greek: "charis") refers to unearned favor and kindness, a concept rooted in God's mercy and generous love.
"Peace" (Greek: "eirene") encompasses more than the absence of conflict; it denotes a state of wholeness, well-being, and harmony, particularly in the relationship between God and humans.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of being "called to be saints" can be compared to various religious traditions where a form of calling or designation of a holy life is present, such as the Hindu idea of "dharma" or the Buddhist concept of "bodhisattva." In broader cultural contexts, the notion of being beloved or chosen by a deity has parallels in various ancient myths where gods select or favor particular individuals for their purposes.

However, the New Testament's approach to sanctification and divine favor is distinctive in its universality and its emphasis on grace as opposed to merit.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concepts expressed in Romans 1:7 do not directly correlate with empirical observations but rather fall within the realm of religious belief and individual psychological experience.

Ideas such as divine love, calling, and peace are subjective and pertain to personal faith and the psychological benefits of religious practice, which can include a sense of well-being, community, and moral guidance.

Modern psychology recognizes that religious conviction can significantly influence an individual’s mental health, social behavior, and overall life satisfaction.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights on Romans 1:7.

Many emphasize the inclusivity of Paul's greeting, highlighting his address to the entire Roman church and not a specific leadership or social class.

Commentators often reflect on the significance of grace and peace as foundational Christian experiences, pivotal to understanding Paul's message of salvation.

The coupling of God the Father with Jesus Christ in the blessing is pointed out as an affirmation of Christ's divinity and the beginnings of Trinitarian theology.

Experts also note the blend of Greek and Jewish influences, as seen in the use of Greek terms for love, calling, and holiness, and Jewish blessings that commonly included grace and peace.

Romans 1

Romans 1

What does Romans 1:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 1:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?