Verse 6. Among whom. That is, among the Gentiles who had become obedient to the Christian faith, in accordance with the design of the gospel, Ro 1:8. This proves that the church at Rome was made up -- partly at least, if not mainly -- of Gentiles or pagans. This is fully proved in the sixteenth chapter by the names of the persons whom Paul salutes.

The called of Jesus Christ. Those whom Jesus Christ has called to be his followers. The word called (see ver.1) denotes not merely an external invitation to a privilege, but it also denotes the internal or effectual call which secures conformity to the will of him who calls, and is thus synonymous with the name Christians, or believers. That true Christians are contemplated by this address is clear from the whole scope of the epistle. See particularly Roman chapter 8. Comp. Php 3:14; Heb 3:1.