Paul's Purpose and Partnership: A Commentary on Romans 1:1–7

The book of Romans holds a unique place in the hearts of many Protestants, particularly in the United States. Its profound influence on the modern Protestant movement is undeniable, with figures like Martin Luther citing it as a catalyst for the Protestant Reformation. At the heart of Romans lies the personal journey of Paul, from an accomplice to murder and persecutor to a transformed apostle of Christ. The book grapples with the question of salvation, a theme that resonated deeply with Paul, who considered himself "the worst of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:16).

In the year A.D. 57, Paul, nearing the end of his third missionary journey, writes a letter to the church in Rome. Unlike the churches he established in Asia Minor, Galatia, and Macedonia, Paul did not plant the church in Rome and had never visited. This letter serves as an introduction, laying the foundation for a partnership between Paul and the Roman believers to spread the gospel to the far reaches of the known world, particularly Spain.

The church in Rome, a diverse congregation of Jews and Gentiles, faced historical tensions, with Jews having been expelled from Rome on multiple occasions. Whether Peter or other Jewish converts started the church remains uncertain, but tradition suggests a connection to the events of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2).

Paul's primary purpose in writing is to introduce himself and establish a foundation for a partnership with the Roman church in spreading the gospel. Despite his impending journey to Jerusalem to support persecuted believers, he expresses his desire to visit Rome and seek their assistance in his mission to Spain. The letter, a theological education for the Romans, sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the gospel and Paul's role as an apostle to the Gentiles.

In Romans 1:1–7, Paul identifies himself as a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God. This divine calling is a central theme, emphasizing the importance of a life filled with purpose. Paul emphasizes that life without purpose is debilitating, while a life aligned with divine purpose is energizing.

Three key characteristics define Paul's identity:

1. Servant:
   Paul willingly subjects himself to the plans and purposes of the Lord, using the term "doulos" or "slave." This concept would have been shocking to Gentiles in Rome but resonated with Jewish believers familiar with the Old Testament's use of the term "servant of the Lord."

2. Apostle:
   Paul, like the twelve disciples, was called by Jesus to follow him. While not all believers can claim the title of apostle, the call to follow Jesus is universal.

3. Set Apart for the Gospel:
   Paul underscores the significance of being set apart by God for the divine purpose of spreading the gospel. This calling shapes his entire identity and mission.

As believers, we share in the same calling—servants called to radical obedience through faith. Our purpose is to share the love of Christ, spread the gospel, and contribute to the expansion of God's kingdom. To discover our role, we must recognize our unique gifts and understand our part in the body of believers.

The challenge is to shift from an individualistic mindset to embrace the communal identity of the church. Paul's transformation from a persecutor to a builder of the church highlights the transformative power of encountering God's grace. The question posed is whether we are champions of the Spirit, heralds of good news, and builders of the church or contributors to negativity and division.

In conclusion, Paul's introduction in Romans sets the stage for a partnership between the apostle and the Roman believers, emphasizing the transformative power of purpose and the universal call to share in the mission of spreading the gospel.