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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:1-7

Paul's description of himself; or, the story of a noble life. An autobiography, the story of our own life, is a dangerous thing for a man to write. We are partisan judges of our own character. We conceal our own faults and exaggerate our own virtues. An autobiography, too, is often very dull and very dry. But the autobiography of St. Paul is at once interesting and truthful. As Paley, in his 'Horae Paulinae,' has so clearly shown, Paul's account of his own personal history, as given in his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:1-7

Paul's first contact with the metropolis of the world. But its empire and splendour and wealth are forgotten in the absorbing interest of his mission. For he is the messenger of a Diviner empire, and his message is one which makes the splendour and wealth of the world seem worthless things. They may be few and poor, and he but a travelling tent-maker; but they are Christ's people, and he is Christ's servant; there will, therefore, be words spoken to which angels might hearken. But first he... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 1:1

Paul - The original name of the author of this Epistle was “Saul.” Acts 7:58; Acts 7:1; Acts 8:1, etc. This was changed to Paul (see the note at Acts 13:9), and by this name he is generally known in the New Testament. The reason why he assumed this name is not certainly known. It was, however, in accordance with the custom of the times; see the note at Acts 13:9. The name Saul was Hebrew; the name Paul was Roman. In addressing a letter to the Romans, he would naturally make use of the name to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 1:1-2

Romans 1:1-2. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ Though once a bitter persecutor; called to be an apostle And made an apostle by that calling. The Greek, κλητος αποστολος , is literally, a called apostle, or an apostle called, namely, expressly, as the other apostles were. When God calls he makes what he calls. The name apostle was sometimes given to different orders of men, Romans 16:7, but in its highest sense it was appropriated to the twelve, whom Christ appointed to be with him,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 1:1-17

1:1-17 PAUL INTRODUCES HIMSELF AND HIS SUBJECTIn keeping with the practice of the time, Paul introduces himself at the beginning of his letter. He is a servant and apostle of God, called to preach the gospel. This gospel, or good news, was promised in the Old Testament writings and became a reality through Jesus Christ. As to his humanity, Jesus was a descendant of David, but as to his deity, he is the Son of God, a fact shown clearly and powerfully by his resurrection (1:1-4). This Jesus is... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 1:1

Paul. Paul's name heads all his Epistles, except Hebrews. servant . Greek. doulos. App-190 . Compare 2 Corinthians 4:5 .Galatians 1:1 , Galatians 1:10 . Philippians 1:1 , 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1 . Jesus Christ . App-98 . XL called, &c . Literally a called apostle; called at his conversion (Acts 26:17 , Acts 26:18 ). apostle . App-189 . separated = set apart. Greek. aphorizo. Compare Acts 13:2 ; Act 19:9 . 2 Corinthians 6:17 . Galatians 1:1 , Galatians 1:15 ; Galatians 2:12 .... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 1:1

COMMENTARY ON ROMANSAn Appropriate Title for Paul's EpistleTHE ETERNAL RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED IN THE GOSPELThis chapter contains the salutation and introduction, a concise statement of the general theme of the epistle in Romans 1:16-17, and the first part of an extensive argument concerning the universal sinfulness of man and his consequent need of salvation.Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. (Romans 1:1)All letters and other... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Romans 1:1

Romans 1:1. Paul, a servant, &c.— From this to the fifteenth verse we have the introduction to this epistle, in which St. Paul asserts his commission as the apostle to the Gentiles; throws in such reflections concerning the Gospel and our Lord, as were proper to arrest the attention of the Jews; and testifies his sincere affection to the Christians at Rome, and his earnest desire to preach the Gospel among them. The first seven verses of this chapter are but one complete period, every... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Romans 1:1

1. Paul—(See on :-). a servant of Jesus Christ—The word here rendered "servant" means "bond-servant," or one subject to the will and wholly at the disposal of another. In this sense it is applied to the disciples of Christ at large ( :-), as in the Old Testament to all the people of God ( :-). But as, in addition to this, the prophets and kings of Israel were officially "the servants of the Lord" (Joshua 1:1; Psalms 18:1, title), the apostles call themselves, in the same official sense, "the... read more

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