Romans Lesson 1

Romans 1:1–7 ESV

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 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, 5 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, 7 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.

Setting of the book

The ESV Study Bible Date

Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth, on his third missionary journey, in A.D. 57 (Acts 20:2–3). Having completed his work in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, he hoped to travel to Rome and then on to Spain

It was written to the Christian church in Rome

Theme

The ESV Study Bible Theme

The theme of Romans is the revelation of God’s judging and saving righteousness in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the cross of Christ, God judges sin and yet at the same time manifests his saving mercy.

The ESV Study Bible Purpose, Occasion, and Background

It is more likely that Paul wrote the letter to address particular issues of concern to the Roman church. Specifically, he addressed matters of interest for a church that included both Jewish and Gentile Christians: (1) Can one be right with God through obeying the law (Rom. 1:1–3:20

Pauls greeting

What is the first word Paul uses to describe himself?

Servant

The greek behind this word is “doulos” meaning servant, slave, or bondservant.

As he uses this as the first description of who he is, who does this draw attention to? Christ. As we look at this masterfully written book, Paul does not open by explaining his accolades, degrees, or accomplishments. He opens by describing his self as an individual with no personal value aside from being a possession of his master.

What are some words that you would use to describe the type of attitude Paul has to describe himself in this way? Meek, humble, unselfish, ….what else?

Now he does not leave the description of himself there. What is the next description he uses?

Called to be an apostle. Apostle emphasizes that Paul’s authority is equal to that of the 12 apostles chosen by Christ. The apostles were specifically called by Christ (Matt. 10:1–7; Acts 1:24–26; Gal. 1:1) and had seen the risen Lord Jesus (Acts 1:22; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:7–9). They established and governed the whole church, under Jesus Christ, and they had authority to speak and write the words of God, equal in authority to the OT Scriptures.

Moving along what is the next description he uses?

Set apart for the gospel.

Gospel (Gk. euangelion) means “good news.” This included not just a call to initial saving faith but Paul’s entire message about Jesus Christ and how Christ’s saving activity transforms all of life and all of history.

Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2157.

Who was he set apart by? God

Paul than uses the next few verses to describe how the gospel was brought to us. By a promise, through his prophets, about his son, who came from David, who was the son of God in power. This power was proved according to his holiness, by him resurrecting from the dead. And now the apostles have received grace to bring the faith to all the nations.

1. Are we a servant of Christ in the same way that Paul uses the word? Are we willing to humble ourselves to the type of servant Paul uses.