An Observational Study of Romans: Chapter 1, Verse 1

1. "Paul, ..." First of all, see that he calls himself Paul instead of Saul. This is a marked change from what he once was. Once a murderer, a Pharisee, a persecutor of God's true church, he is now writing a document that has changed the world! Sixteen chapters jam-packed with theological significance comes from the pen of a wicked, rebellious sinner who was so totally changed by the grace of God that he couldn't help writing!

2. "...a bond-servant..." Right off the bat, Paul introduces himself as a slave to Christ. This willingness to humble himself is a remarkable differenece from what he once was. What can also certainly be said about Paul is that he realized he was not his own. What seems to be obvious in this verse is that he was a bond-servant to someone. What isn't so obvious, at this point, is to whom Paul belonged! What can be seen from this verse is that Paul is not the only character in this verse. Paul is not even the main character!

3. "...bond-servant of Christ Jesus..." In the secular mind, this is absolutely insane! In the mind of a great number of people, Jesus is dead! Dead men don't own anyone! Obviously, something happened to Paul to make him to believe not only that Jesus is alive, but that He is the master of Paul. Whatever could convince a man of great learning such as Paul should capture the attention.

4. "...called..." Once again we see that someone else , namely Jesus, is lurking behind these verses. This time, however, Paul is talking about his calling. The main questions one should be asking about this phrase are:

• When was Paul called?
• To what was Paul called?
• In what way was he called?

5. "...called as an apostle..." In this phrase, Paul explains to what he was called, which answers the second question. However, what is the job of an apostle? What are the qualifications an apostle must have? And, once again, why Paul? Why would God choose such a man as Paul?

6. "...set apart..." This seems to, in part, be an explanation of the previous statement, "called as an apostle." Paul seems to have been set apart by God to do something, probably for his apostleship. Once again, one has to ask when and how Paul was set apart, as well as what he was set apart from.

7. "...set apart for the gospel..." What is this gospel for which Paul is set apart? In what way does this gospel relate to his apostleship? It would seem to be that Paul's life has been set apart as an apostle to live for this gospel. Gospel means "good news." What is this good news, that it is so important that it takes over this man's whole life? Such a gospel must be infinitely precious to this man.

8. "...gospel of God..." This means good news of God, literally. What an amazing phrase! Most people say this means that the gospel is from God or about God. While these things are most certainly true, this phrase also seems to say that the good news is God! How powerful! God is the gospel! But who is this God? Why is He good news in Himself? What does He have for people that to speak of it is called "gospel?" God is the most important word in this whole verse. What is said about Him either makes this gospel foolishness or the most marvelous news that could ever be relayed.