Romans 1:1-2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1:1-7

In this paragraph we have, I. The person who writes the epistle described (Rom. 1:1): Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ; this is his title of honour, which he glories in, not as the Jewish teachers, Rabbi, Rabbi; but a servant, a more immediate attendant, a steward in the house. Called to be an apostle. Some think he alludes to his old name Saul, which signifies one called for, or enquired after: Christ sought him to make an apostle of him, Acts 9:15. He here builds his authority upon his call;... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 1:1-7

1:1-7 This is a letter from Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart to serve the good news of God. This good news God promised long ago, through his prophets, in the sacred writings. It is good news about his Son, who in his manhood was born of David's lineage, who, as a result of his Resurrection from the dead, has been proved by the Holy Spirit to be the mighty Son of God. It is of Jesus Christ, our Lord, of whom I am speaking, through whom we have received grace,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ ,.... The name of the author of this epistle is Paul, who formerly was called Saul. Some think his name was changed upon his own conversion; others, upon the conversion of the Roman deputy Sergius Paulus, Acts 13:7 ; others, that he was so called from the littleness of his stature; but rather it should seem that he had two names, which was usual with the Jews; one by which they went among the Gentiles, and another by they were called in their own land; See... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:2

Which he had promised afore ,.... The Gospel is here further commended from the antiquity it: it was no novel doctrine, an upstart notion, but what God had conceived in his own breast from eternity. This mystery was hid in him from the beginning of the world, and was ordained before the world was; in time God was pleased to make it known to the sons of men; he "promised" it, he spoke of it, and declared it by his prophets , Isaiah and others, "afore" the Apostle Paul was called forth to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ - The word δουλος , which we translate servant, properly means a slave, one who is the entire property of his master; and is used here by the apostle with great propriety. He felt he was not his own, and that his life and powers belonged to his heavenly owner, and that he had no right to dispose of or employ them but in the strictest subserviency to the will of his Lord. In this sense, and in this spirit, he is the willing slave of Jesus Christ; and this is,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:2

Which he had promised afore - Both in the law and in the prophets God showed his purpose to introduce into the world a more perfect and glorious state of things; which state was to take place by and under the influence of the Messiah, who should bring life and immortality to light by his Gospel. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:1

Verse 1 1.Paul, etc. (11) — With regard to the word Paul, as it is a subject of no such moment as ought to detain us, and as nothing can be said which has not been mentioned by other expounders, I should say nothing, were it not proper to satisfy some at small expense without being tedious to others; for the subject shall be despatched in a very few words. They who think that the Apostle attained this name as a trophy for having brought Sergius, the proconsul, to the faith of Christ, are... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:2

Verse 2 2.Which he had before promised, etc. — As the suspicion of being new subtracts much from the authority of a doctrine, he confirms the faith of the gospel by antiquity; as though he said, “Christ came not on the earth unexpectedly, nor did he introduce a doctrine of a new kind and not heard of before, inasmuch as he, and his gospel too, had been promised and expected from the beginning of the world.” But as antiquity is often fabulous, he brings witnesses, and those approved, even the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle . In his salutations to the Philippians and to Titus also St. Paul calls himself δοῦλος ( i.e. "bondservant") of Jesus Christ; but usually only ἀπόστολος , or, as here, κλητὸς ἀπόστολος , which is rightly translated in the Authorized Version, "called to be an apostle," Divine vocation to the office being the prominent idea. St. Paul often elsewhere insists on the reality of his vocation from Christ himself to be an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:1

Apostolic credentials. Greetings are often merely formal, or merely friendly. Not so this salutation, with which the apostle of the Gentiles opens his Epistle to the Christians of renowned, imperial Rome. It is sincere and hearty, and it is also dignified and authoritative. St. Paul writes as one who feels the responsibility of his position and vocation, as one who is justified in claiming from his readers respectful attention and submissive obedience. At the same time, the consciousness... read more

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