Paul introduces himself as first, a δοῦλος a slave of Jesus, second an apostle and third as someone set apart for the Gospel of God (v1). The Gospel is an event that was promised in Holy Scripture, through the prophets (v2). It’s concerning God’s Son who is described in two ways. According to flesh he is a descendant of David (v3). According to the Holy Spirit, or Spirit of holiness, he is appointed Son of God with power at the resurrection. This is Jesus Christ. Note that early on in Romans, Paul is making the distinction between flesh and spirit that will become significant throughout. Note too that the declaration of sonship at the resurrection is not to cast doubt on his eternal sonship. Jesus has already been identified as God’s son prior to the distinction between flesh and spirit. This suggests Paul is focusing on what was revealed in the incarnation. Jesus is known from birth through his genealogy to be a descendant or son of David. It’s at the resurrection that the Spirit reveals his sonship with power and the “with power” is crucial. This is a royal appointment. Remember too that God the Father already declared Jesus his beloved son at his baptism. Schreiner suggests that this suggests that it is his earthly sonship as heir of David that is now recognised with power. It is the man, Christ Jesus, the rightful king who ascends and takes his place at the Father’s side having always been the eternal, divine son(v4).[1]
Paul says that he, or rather “we” [2]have received grace and “apostleship” Jesus, or better perhaps, the grace or gift of apostleship.[3] He is sent on behalf of Jesus, in his name to the nations. He is an apostle to the Gentiles where others might see their field of ministry as to the Jews (v5). In the same way as he has received his commission in Christ, the recipients of his letter have been called to their new status in Christ (v6). Paul is writing to Christians living in Rome (v7).
[1] Schreiner, Romans, 38-39.
[2] Paul at times uses the plural “we” to refer to himself. Moo, Romans, 51. Schreiner observes that whilst some have suggested Paul intends to include other apostles or members of his team in the description that is unlikely because in his greeting he omits to mention others from his team such as Timothy and Titus. Schreiner, Romans, 34.
[3] Moo, Romans, 51.
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