Romans 1:1

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle set apart unto the gospel of God

Paul introduces himself humbly to his audience. The idea behind the term “bondservant” is different from “slave” since a bondservant voluntarily submits himself to his master, as opposed to being forced into service. Paul’s use of the term probably goes back to the Old Testament (OT), where it is sometimes used by people identifying themselves as “the servant of God” or “the servant of the Lord” (e.g., Joshua 24:29; Judges 2:8; 2 Kings 18:12; Daniel 6:20). Just as these faithful saints of old didn’t feel themselves forcibly subjugated by God, neither does Paul feel pressured into ministry. His service to Christ is willing and loving obedience. What a contrast to his character prior to the Damascus road! Further, notice that Paul doesn’t assert authority over the Roman church, even though he is an Apostle, church-planter, and discipler of many. Instead he recognizes himself as primarily under the lordship of Christ.

Next, Paul states his twofold mission: 1) called to be an apostle, and 2) set apart unto the gospel of God. He doesn’t state who called him, but I think this is obvious: Christ. Again, think back to the Damascus road. It was there Paul received his commission (Acts 9:3-7) from the Risen Lord. So Paul has said he is under the Lordship of Christ, and knows that his apostleship is not something he earned, or he even asked for, but it is a divine commission. And his duty under Christ is to the gospel of God–that’s what he has been called to. That’s what he is to proclaim, and it is this gospel that will continue to be the theme of this letter.

We’ll stop there for the moment, and take the next blog article to unpack the nature of the gospel (1:2-6). For now, consider Paul’s humble approach to the Romans. If he wrote this letter around 57 AD, he probably already had a bit of a reputation (perhaps even some celebrity status). Clearly, he was known to and respected by the Roman church since he had never been there, but felt he could write this lengthy letter to them. Yet he presents himself as one under Christ as they are, and as one who holds whatever authority he has as his ministry to the Lord for the sake of the gospel. Are we as willing to check our pride at the door, especially among those who look up to us? Including family–younger siblings, etc.?