Romans 1:1-7, Biblical Greetings!

Romans 1:1-7 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

With an endearing salutation, Paul greets the believers in Rome. He addressed them as “beloved of God”. A most encouraging and comforting term to remind them that they are precious in God’s sight. A good reminder to you as you begin this new day. May your morning prayer be as the psalmist’s, “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psalm 17:8)

Believers are called “saints” or “holy ones”, made holy by God through Jesus Christ and kept holy by His resurrection power.

The duo blessing 0f grace and peace is the distinctive greeting among God’s people. The grace of God is His unmerited inexhaustible favour to bless our lives. The peace of God is the state of completeness or fullness by being in a restored relationship with God. This is the peace of sins forgiven, reconciliation with God when we come in humble repentance confessing our sins. Being himself reconciled to God, the Christian is the channel through which the good news of salvation is brought to the lost, separated from God as a result of sin!

These first seven verses is one complete complex sentence beginning with the author Paul introducing himself (v1), the content of his letter (v2-6) and the recipient (v7a) and greeting (v7b). We are now ready to launch into the letter proper!