Romans 1:1-7 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,… I. PAUL, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST. 1. On his first appearance in history who would ever have thought of finding his name associated with such a designation? The Jewish priests and rulers, the sworn enemies of Christ, were then his masters; and Satan was theirs. But the slave of the devil became the servant of Christ. And he transferred from the one service to the other all his native ardour, and all his indefatigable activity. That service was more than destitute of dignity in the eyes of both Jews and Gentiles. But now to be "a servant of Jesus Christ" was esteemed by Paul his most distinguished honour, and was enjoyed by him as the chief zest and happiness of his life. 2. Let the disciples of Christ remember that they are all His servants; and what department soever of that service they are called to fill, whether public or private, let them cherish the same spirit with Paul. The more highly we think of the Master the more honourable will we deem His service; and the deeper our sense of obligation, the more ardent will be our delight in the doing of His will, and in the advancement of His glory. II. BUT PAUL SERVED CHRIST IN A SPECIAL CAPACITY. 1. The office of an apostle was the highest among the offices of the Christian Church. In every enumeration of them this stands first (Ephesians 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 12:28). In the apostles we find all gifts combined. They were, in the very highest sense, "ambassadors for Christ," and "stewards of the mysteries of God." Their testimony was the standard of truth; and their authority, as the plenipotentiaries of their exalted Lord, was without appeal (John 17:18). 2. And that authority continues still. The writings of the apostles have all the authority of the apostles themselves. What a powerful inducement to their careful study, and how solemn the admonition, that if we "wrest" them, it must be to "our own destruction"! This is coin that bears "the image and superscription" of the King of Heaven; to destroy, to debase, or to lighten it is an act of treason. III. THIS OFFICIAL HONOUR REQUIRED A COMMISSION FROM THE LORD HIMSELF. Such commission Saul of Tarsus received when the Lord appeared to him on his way to Damascus (Acts 26:15-18). There was he "called to be an apostle." The word "called" has by different commentators been explained as of the same meaning with "chosen." It may be questioned, however, whether the calling is not, more properly, the result, or practical following out, of the choice. "A called apostle" means one who had not assumed the office of his own will, but in virtue of an express call, at once authoritative and effectual, from the Lord; for while the call included the sanction of authority, it included also that Divine operation upon the mind by which he was at once inclined and fitted for the office. IV. THE OBJECT TO WHICH HE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY SET APART, AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CALLED, WAS "THE GOSPEL OF GOD." "The gospel of God," is a message from Him to His sinful and guilty creatures; and its very name implies that it is a message of good. As such, it recommends itself to all to whom it comes by the appeal which it makes to their desire of happiness, and as "the gospel of God" it comes with all the united recommendations of authority, kindness, and truth. Thus it should be contemplated with solemnity and awe on the one hand, and welcomed with delight on the other. V. THE SUBJECT OF THAT GOSPEL is — 1. Jesus, "Jehovah that saveth" — i.e., a Divine Saviour. He was to "save His people from their sins." 2. Christ — i.e., anointed — the Hebrew Messiah (Isaiah 61:1, 2). Jesus was thus anointed when, after His baptism, "the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and lighted upon Him," being given to Him "without measure," and consecrating Him to His official work. 3. Our Lord (Matthew 28:18; Romans 16:9; Philippians 2:9-11). (R. Wardlaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,WEB: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, |
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