Title: Romans 1:1 Servant and Apostle
Contents
2, servants and apostles
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, was called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (1:1).
The text tells the identity and mission of the Apostle Paul. “I, Paul, am such a man” is the introduction. People tend to skim prefaces with haste. Then you will be missing out on something valuable. It is not an exaggeration to say that if you understand the preface well, you understand half of it. The same is true of Romans.
① When Paul picks up his pen, the first thing he says is “Servant of Jesus Christ” and puts “Jesus Christ” in front.
㉠ For Paul, Jesus Christ was always at the center of him. You have become everything to everything. The name I will never forget was Jesus Christ. Let's hear his confession. “According to my earnest expectation and hope, I will not be ashamed of anything, but I am still fully confident as before, so that Christ may be exalted in my body, whether by life or death” (Philippians 1:20), this is what Paul said in a Roman cell 's confession.
㉡ I am speaking with a believing heart, but when he said, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,” Paul must have already felt his heart pounding and overflowing with emotion. Paul always did.
㉢ Why is it not saying “Paul, the servant of Jesus” but “a servant of Jesus Christ”? That's right. These two names should not be separated. “Jesus, whom you nailed to the cross, is the Christ God promised Abraham and David” will not be able to separate it.
② The book of Acts is the “Acts of the Holy Spirit” who came down on the Day of Pentecost to testify of the gospel (John 15:26).
㉠ Chapter 2 contains Peter's first sermon, and concludes by saying, "For all the house of Israel knows for sure, that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" (2:36). .
㉡ 5:42 also says, “Every day whether in the temple or in the house, they did not cease to teach and preach that Jesus is the Christ.” I say this with caution, but this is not because someone ordered it or taught it, but if you search the Bible with the Lord's love and grace, you will come to yearn to call yourself this way. Because the New Testament never separates the two names.
㉢ The New Testament begins with, “The world of Jesus Christ, the son of Abraham and David” (Matthew 1:1). And provide genealogy. This is to prove that “Jesus” who died on the cross and rose again is the “Christ” that God promised to Abraham and David.
㉣ The historical figure “Jesus” who was born on this earth 2,000 years ago is the Messiah, or Christ, whom God promised and prophesied through the Old Testament. This is not only to convey this to others, but to say “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ” was his confession of faith.
③ Paul introduces himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ.”
㉠ Originally, we were slaves of Satan sold for the price of our sins. As the Lord bought us with a price, we are now “servants of Jesus Christ.” The owner has changed.
㉡ Also, through the redemption of Christ, we have been given the power to become “children of God.” However, the glory and inheritance as children of God has not yet been revealed. Now, as our Lord personally exemplifies, we must live a life of service as a servant. Paul was proud to be his servant.
㉠ An apostle (使徒) is a special job. Apostles are not inherited as some people think. As it is said in Ephesians 2:20, “You were built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets”, the apostles are the ones who laid the foundation for Christianity. There can be no such thing as continuing to lay the ground. Just building it on top of it. Look at how sensitively the Bible says that an apostle is a special office.
㉡ Luke 6:13 says, “Jesus called his disciples and chose twelve of them and called them apostles.” All Christians can be His disciples. But he chose only twelve of them and called them apostles.
㉣ We can all be brothers in Christ. But not all are apostles. All Christians are servants of the Lord. However, only a few of them were called to be apostles. The apostle was a special mission, a special office established by the Lord Himself to build the foundation of the church for the first time and to complete the Bible as the only standard.
⑤ “I have been set apart for the gospel of God” (1b).
㉢ Christians must be faithful to their identity, calling, and sense of duty. Otherwise, you will become discouraged and frustrated when faced with difficulties. When a person with a strong sense of duty and mission encounters difficulties, he prays to Him because he is sure of who called him and entrusted him with his mission. I appeal to him. cling to him And trust that you will respond.
㉠ “Apostle” does not come first. First of all, it is a “slave”. Paper first. All Christians, no matter who they are, are servants of Christ. Among the many servants, some were called to be apostles, others to be pastors, or teachers.
㉡ From whom did you receive your calling? What is the mission given to the brother? I bless you in the name of the Lord that you will be full of the sense of mission and calling that God has called and chosen me to carry out this mission.
Let's meditate.
1. What is Paul's status?
2. What is Paul's calling?
3. What is Paul's mission?
4. Tell us about your brother's identity, calling, and mission.