Romans Chapter 1

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, etc..] 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, (<441307>Acts 13:7,9); 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 Gill on “<441309>Acts 13:9”). “A servant of Jesus Christ”; not a servant of sin, nor of Satan, nor of man, nor of…”

“INTRODUCTION. (Rom. 1:1-17) Paul--(See on Act 13:9). 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 (Co1 7:21-23), as in the Old Testament to all the people of God (Isa 66:14). But as, in addition to this, the prophets and kings of Israel were officially "the servants of the Lord" (Jos 1:1; Psa 18:1, title), the apostles call themselves, in the same official sense, "the servants of Christ" (as here, and Phi 1:1; Jam 1:1; Pe2 1:1; Jde 1:1), expressing…”

“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 which they were accustomed, and which would excite no prejudice among them. The ancient custom was to begin an epistle…”

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ - To this introduction the conclusion answers, Rom 15:15, &c. Called to be an apostle - And made an apostle by that calling. While God calls, he makes what he calls. As the Judaizing teachers disputed his claim to the apostolical office, it is with great propriety that he asserts it in the very entrance of an epistle wherein their principles are entirely overthrown. And various other proper and important thoughts are suggested in this short introduction; particularly the prophecies concerning the gospel, the descent of Jesus from David, the great doctrines of his Godhead and…”

“1:1-17 These verses contain the normal features of New Testament letter introductions: an identification of the writer (1:1-6) and readers (1:7), a thanksgiving (1:8-15), and the theme of the letter (1:16-17). 1:1 slave of Christ Jesus: The word slave is used of important Old Testament leaders of God’s people, such as Moses (2 Kgs 18:12), Joshua (Josh 24:29), Elijah (2 Kgs 10:10), and David (2 Sam 7:8). The title underscores Paul’s complete subservience to Christ as Lord. • sent out (literally set apart): Paul may be alluding to being set apart by God for his mission before he was born, as the prophet Jeremiah…”

“Paul: Act 13:9, Act 21:40, Act 22:7, Act 22:13, Act 26:1, Act 26:14 a servant: Rom 1:9, Rom 15:16, Rom 16:18; Joh 12:26, Joh 13:14-16, Joh 15:15, Joh 15:20; Act 27:23; Co2 4:5; Gal 1:10; Phi 1:1, Phi 2:11, Phi 3:6, Phi 3:7; Tit 1:1; Jam 1:1; Pe2 1:1; Jde 1:1; Rev 1:1, Rev 22:6, Rev 22:9 called: Rom 1:5, Rom 11:13; Act 9:15, Act 22:14, Act 22:15, Act 22:21, Act 26:16-18; Co1 1:1, Co1 9:1, Co1 9:16-18, Co1 15:8-10; Co2 1:1, Co2 11:5, Co2 12:11; Gal 1:1, Gal 1:11-17; Eph 1:1, Eph 3:5-7, Eph 4:11; Col 1:1, Col 1:25; Ti1 1:1, Ti1 1:11, Ti1 1:12, Ti1 2:7; Ti2 1:11; Tit 1:1; Heb 5:4 separated: Lev 20:24-26; Num 16:9,…”