1Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake, 6among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As he introduces himself to the Romans, Paul wants them to know three things:

1. His PURPOSE:  Set apart for the gospel.

"The gospel is God's PREDETERMINED PLAN to save mankind through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus."

2. His OFFICE: Called as an apostle.

"By God's GRACE I am an apostle, sent by Jesus to lead Gentiles to faith in Him."

14But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

3. His MASTER: Christ Jesus.

"The most important thing to know about me is MY LIFE is not my own. I BELONG to Christ."

10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Reflection Question: