A Slave of Christ Jesus

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and singled out for God's good news- which he promised long ago through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures-concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh and who has been declared to be the powerful Son of God by the resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of Holiness. We have received grace and apostleship through Him to bring about the obedience of faith among all the nations, on behalf of His name, including yourselves who also belong to Jesus Christ by calling: to all you who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-7

This book shows Paul's undying passion for Christ and the truth he brings into the believers life. Paul wrote this while he was in Corinth, probably after meeting Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth. The tone of Paul's letter to the Romans reflects all he learned about them from this couple. It is obvious that they had given a good report.

Paul has a passion for Rome, he is driven to go to Rome, longs to go there. He definitely was a slave of Christ, ready and obedient to do The Lord's will in going, even though he would experience hardship getting there, he knew it would be worth it. 

In the last passage of Acts we see Paul in Rome and living there in his own rented premises freely evangelising all who came to him, he was a happy man.

As I read this epistle, probably my favourite, I rejoice in the love Paul had for Christ and for the gospel and for those He was sent to evangelise. Loving God, loving His word and loving people is what the Christian life is about, and in so loving going and telling the good news. Amen!

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