Romans 1 (WK) - Bible Truth Library

• The Epistle to the Romans is well placed at the head of all the others, as laying the foundations, in a systematic way, of the relations of man with God; reconciling at the same time this universal truth of man’s position, first in responsibility, and secondly in grace, with the special promises made to the Jews. (“ROMANS” by J.N. Darby)

• It is important to see that it always views the Christian as in this world. He is justified and has life in Christ, but is here, and not viewed as risen with Him. (“ROMANS” by J.N. Darby)

• If God had ordained that Paul should accomplish his mission in direct connection with heaven and outside the secular influence of the capital, and if Rome was to be a persecutor of the gospel, that city was not the less Gentile on this account. It belonged to Paul with reference to the gospel. (“Romans 1:1-17” by J.N. Darby)

• The gospel or glad tidings “of God”: the Holy Spirit presents it in its source. It is not that which man ought to be for God, nor yet the means merely by which man can approach Him on His throne. It is the thoughts of God, and His acts, we may add, towards man-His thoughts in goodness, the revelation of Him in Christ His Son. (“Romans 1:1-17” by J.N. Darby)

• The epistle itself develops with divine perfection and fullness how a soul can stand before God in this world, and the grace and righteousness of God, maintaining withal His counsels as to Israel. (“Romans 15:8-16:27” by J.N. Darby)

• The gospel that Paul preached involves far more than that negative side of things. It focuses on what we have been saved for—emphasizing our many blessings in Christ. Understanding the full gospel that Paul preached is essential to having a solid foundation on which to grow spiritually. (“A Prefatory Note” by B. Anstey)

• Paul had reason to believe that the saints in Rome may not have been apprised of the full gospel that he preached—which he calls, “my gospel” (chaps. 2:16; 16:25). Therefore, in this epistle he takes them systematically through the details of the gospel that he announced. His burden was to ground these believers in the foundational truth of the gospel (chap. 1:11). (“The Main Divisions in the Epistle: Romans” by B. Anstey)

• Chapters 1-8—Doctrinal. Chapters 9-11—Dispensational. Chapters 12-15—Devotional. Chapter 16 is a letter of commendation. (“The Main Divisions in the Epistle: Romans” by B. Anstey)

• The Lord does not command anyone to be His bondman-servant; all who have made themselves such have done so of their own volition. This comes as a result of realizing that we have been "bought with a price" (1 Cor. 7:22-23). (“Opening Salutations: Romans 1:1-17” by B. Anstey)

• "Called an apostle" or "an apostle by calling." This means that he received his apostleship the moment he obeyed the call of the gospel and was saved. (“Opening Salutations: Romans 1:1-17” by B. Anstey)

• By saying that the gospel is "of God," Paul was indicating that God is the source of this good news. It all emanates from His heart of love. (“Opening Salutations: Romans 1:1-17” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

Paul, bondman of Jesus Christ, a calledf apostle, separated to God’s glad tidings,

JND Translation Notes

"A called apostle," i.e. an apostle by (divine) calling. Cf. ver. 7 "called saints," and see note there.

W. Kelly Translation

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, a calleda apostle, set apart unto God’s gospel,

WK Translation Notes

There is no need of supplying any words to "called apostle"; the supply of "to be" rather weakens and falsifies, instead of justly defining the sense. It was for the saints in their call (vs. 7), as for the apostle in his. In neither case was it a birthright, nor was it a human acquirement; but they became, what they were, apostles or saints by calling. It was the call of grace, according to divine purpose, but an actual relationship, which "to be" at least obscures.