CHAPTER 1.

Verse 1. Paul. The original name of the author of this epistle was Saul, Ac 7:58; 8:1; 9:1, etc. This was changed to Paul, See Barnes "Ac 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 Barnes "Ac 13:9".

The name Saul was Hebrew; the name Paul was Roman. In addressing an epistle 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 with the name of the writer, as Cicero to Varro, etc. We record the name at the end. It may be remarked, however, that the placing the name of the writer at the beginning of an epistle was always done, and is still, when the letter was one of authority, or when it conferred any peculiar privileges. Thus in the proclamation of Cyrus, Ezr 1:2, "Thus saith Cyrus, king of Persia," etc. See also Ezr 4:11; Ezr 7:12, "Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest," etc.; Da 4:1. The commencement of a letter by an apostle to a Christian church in this manner was peculiarly proper as indicating authority.

A servant. This name was that which the Lord Jesus himself directed his disciples to use, as their general appellation, Mt 10:25; Mt 20:27; Mr 10:44.

And it was the customary name which they assumed, Ga 1:10; Col 4:12; 2 Pe 1:11; Jude 1:1; Ac 4:29; Tit 1:1; Jas 1:1. The proper meaning of this word servant -- doulov is slave, one who is not free. It expresses the condition of one who has a master, or who is at the control of another. It is often, however, applied to courtiers, or the officers that serve under a king; because in an eastern monarchy the relation of an absolute king to his courtiers corresponded nearly to that of a master and a slave. Thus the word is expressive of dignity and honour; and the servants of a king denote officers of a high rank and station. It is applied to the prophets as those who were honoured by God, or peculiarly entrusted by him with office, De 34:5; Jos 1:2; Jer 25:4.

The name is also given to the Messiah, Isa 42:1, "Behold my servant in whom my soul delighteth," etc.; Isa 53:11, "Shall righteous servant justify many."

The apostle uses it here evidently to denote his acknowledging Jesus Christ as his Master; as indicating his dignity, as peculiarly appointed by him to his great work; and as showing that in this epistle he intended to assume no authority of his own, but simply to declare the will of his Master, and thefts.

Called to be an apostle. This word called means, here, not merely to be invited, but has the sense of appointed. It indicates that he had not assumed the office himself, but that he was set apart to it by the authority of Christ himself. It was important for Paul to state this,

(1.) because the other apostles had been called or chosen to this work, Joh 15:16,19; Mt 10:1; Lu 6:13

and,

(2.) because Paul was not one of those originally appointed. It was of consequence for him, therefore, to affirm that he had not taken this high office to himself, but that he had been called to it by the authority of Jesus Christ. His appointment to this office he not unfrequently takes occasion to vindicate, 1 Co 9:1, etc.; Ga 1:12-24; 2 Co 12:12; 1 Ti 2:7; 2 Ti 1:11; Ro 11:13.

An apostle. One sent to execute a commission. It is applied because the apostles were sent out by Jesus Christ to preach his gospel, and to establish his church. See Barnes "Mt 10:2"; See Barnes "Lu 6:13".

Separated. The word translated separated unto -- aforizw -- means, to designate, to mark out by fixed limits, to bound as a field, etc. It denotes those who are separated, or called out from the common mass, Ac 19:9; 2 Co 6:17. The meaning here does not materially differ from the expression, called to be an apostle, except that perhaps this includes the notion of the purpose or designation of God to this work. Thus Paul uses the same word respecting himself, Ga 1:15, "God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace;" i.e., God designated me; marked me out; or designed that I should be an apostle from my infancy. In the same way Jeremiah was designated to be a prophet, Jer 1:5.

Unto the Gospel of God. Designated or designed by God that I should make it my business to preach the gospel. Set apart to this, as the peculiar, great work of my life; as having no other object for which I should live. For the meaning of the word gospel, See Barnes "Mt 1:1".

It is called the gospel of God because it is his appointment; it has been originated by him, and has his authority. The office of an apostle was to preach the gospel. Paul regarded himself as separated to this work. It was not to live in splendour, wealth, and ease, but to devote himself to this great business of proclaiming good news, that God was reconciled to men in his Son. This is the sole business of all ministers of religion.

{a} "a servant of" Ac 27:23 {b} "called" Ac 9:15; 1 Co 1:1 {c} "separated" Ac 13:2; Ga 1:15