As a slave he was to be totally subservient,
his will completely deferred to his masters.
His life was to be dedicated to the purposes of his master.
As an Apostle he spoke with the authority of his master,
the exact message of his master.
He was to speak to the ones decided by his master.
Acts 13:2 16:9, 21:4, (And Peter is guided Acts 10:22)
He is separated “unto the gospel”, but also “from” all his past and all future plans he had.
This gospel is the outcome of what was prophesied in the OT.
Grace is mentioned 24 times
One remarkable feature of this section is that many of the themes mentioned here also conclude the letter in the final doxology
(Rm 16:25–27):
(1) Paul’s apostolic authority;
(2) the fulfillment of the OT Scriptures in the gospel;
(3) the gospel that centers on Jesus Christ;
(4) the obedience of faith;
(5) the mission to the Gentiles; and
(6) the glory of Jesus Christ and God the Father.
The ESV Study Bible
Same Themes in Salutation and Doxology of Romans
|
Salutation |
Key Themes |
Doxology |
|
Rm 1:1 |
Gospel |
Rm 16:25 |
|
Rm 1:3 |
Son |
Rm 16:25 |
|
Rm 1:2 |
Scriptures |
Rm 16:26 |
|
Rm 1:1, 5 |
Paul/my gospel |
Rm 16:25 |
|
Rm 1:5 |
Obedience of faith among the Gentiles |
Rm 16:26 |
|
Rm 1:5 |
For his name/glory forever |
Rm 16:27 |
Encouragement & thanks giving
(cf. 1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; Col. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:3; Philem. 4).
ESV Study Bible