Introducing Paul to Rome 

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-7.

Memory Verse: "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1).

Introduction: "In his Roman letter Paul speaks of the good news in many ways, each way emphasizing a uniquely beautiful facet of one spiritual gem. He calls it the blessed good news, the good news of salvation, the good news of Jesus Christ, the good news of God's Son, and the good news of the grace of God. The letter begins (1:1) and ends (16:25,26) with the good news.
  "The entire thrust of the sixteen chapters of Romans is distilled into the first seven verses. The apostle apparently was so overjoyed by his message of good news that he could not wait to introduce his readers to the gist of what he had to say. He burst into it immediately.
  "In Romans 1:1-7 Paul unfolds seven aspects of the good news of Jesus Christ. He first indentifies himself as the preacher of the good news (v.1), which will be discussed in this present chapter. He then tells of the promise (v.2), the Person (vv. 3,4), the provision (v. 5a), the proclamation (v. 5b), the purpose (v. 5c), and the privileges of the good news (vv. 6,7).
  "God called a unique man to be the major spokesman for His glorious good news. Paul was God's keynote speaker, as it were, for heralding the gospel. A singularly gifted man, he was given divine 'insight in the mystery of Christ' (Eph. 3:4), 'the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints' (Col. 1:26). That remarkable Jew with Greek education and Roman citizenship, with incredible leadership ability, high motivation, and articulate expression, was specially and directly called, converted, and gifted by God.
  "Paul crisscrossed much of the Roman Empire as God's ambassador of the good news of Christ. He performed many healing miracles, yet was not relieved of his own thorn in the flesh. He raised Eutychus from the dead but, w was at least once left for dead himself. He preached freedom in Christ, but was imprisoned by men during many years of his ministry." *
  The way in which God was able to use Paul is shown clearly in Paul's first words. He was first a "bondslave" (the actual meaning in verse one of "servant"), one who is utterly given to the Lord, and then he was one who was sent. The power of God can only come through the surrendered life.

* Donald Grey Barnhouse, Man's Ruin, (Romans 1:1-32), p. 7.

Lesson Questions:

1. What three aspects of Paul's redeemed life established his credentials as a minister of the gospel? Romans 1:1.
Note: "Paul introduces himself to the Roman church with three parallel designations that, respectively, identify his master, his office, and his purpose."--John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Romans 1-8, (see end note 2), pp. 3,4.

2. The word "servant" in verse one is "doulos" in the greek. It would be more accurately translated "bondslave," one who becomes a life-long slave by free choice. Consider the importance of being bondslaves of Jesus Christ. Exodus 21:5,6; Mark 10:42-45; Deuteronomy 10:12; John 12:26.

3. By what authority was Paul made an apostle? 1 Corinthians 15:9,10; Acts 9:6,10-16; 22:6-10; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; John 15:16.

4. Discuss the significance of being "set apart" for the gospel of God. Leviticus 20:26; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 1:17; 9:16; Galatians 1:15,16.

5. Was the gospel message a recent innovation at the time Romans was written? Romans 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Luke 24:25-27; 1 Peter 1:10-12; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Galatians 4:4,5.
Note: "The most convincing and persuasive proof (of the truth) of the Gospel is the fact that it was witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. The Gospel (today) proclaims to us only that which it was to proclaim according to the divine promise. This proves that God's counsel of salvation was foreordained in detail before it was carried into effect."--Douglas Moo, The Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary, Romans 1-8, p. 34.

6. Paul declares the person of the gospel to be Jesus Christ. What is mentioned about Christ's dual nature? Romans 1:3,4; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3; 1 John 4:2,15.

7. What provision was made to us through the gospel? Romans 1:5a; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Galatians 2:20,21; Ephesians 2:4-9; 3:7; 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:13,14.
Note: "Grace is unmerited favor. It is the 'kindness and love of God our Savior toward man' (Titus 3:4). Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace."--Martin Luther, Commentary on Romans, p. 34.

8. What new message is a believer to give, and what is the highest purpose for that message? Romans 1:5b,6; Matthew 28:20; Psalm 23:3; 2 Corinthians 4:15; Philippians 2:10,11.

9. What three privileges of the good news are given in Paul's introduction? Romans 1:7.