4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,
5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake,
6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
7 to 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.
Vs. 4: -
who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,“ declared the Son of God” - That Jesus was from God (not just some itinerant preacher, as some erroneously claim) was made clear by His knowledge (Luk. 2:45-47), teaching (Matt. 13:5; Mark 4:1, 6:2) and miracles (Matt. 9:2-7; 11:21; Heb. 2:3-4; John 21:25).
“ with power by the resurrection from the dead ” - Jesus was powerfully shown to be the Son of God. Their (the Jewish leaders) hearts were as hard as Pharaoh’s. His teaching did not convince them He was from God. His miracles did not convince them. (See: Matt. 11:20, 21; Mk. 6:2) Jesus even warned them about their unbelief. “He replied to him, 'If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"(Luk. 16:31) Jesus’ power was shown by His miracles - healing people, (Matt. 8:5-13) raising others from the dead. (See: Lazarus - John 11:1-45; a ruler’s daughter - Matt. 9:18-25) Power to do those things comes from one source - God.
Jesus’ resurrection did not happen by the actions of another human being. God’s power is clearly shown - Jesus was dead (three days) and now He is alive! We are amazed at the power of professional football linemen, at weight lifters, at Caterpillar D9 bulldozers, locomotives pulling mile-long trains. We cannot completely comprehend the power encapsulated in the light and heat of our sun. These are mere pittances when compared to God’s power.
We fear death because it is the end of all we know. Jesus said, “Do not fear.” He warned that He would die, and where He was going we would go also. He goes to prepare a place for us in the Father’s house. (John 13:36; 14:2)
Ponder this: Jesus died and is now alive with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, Those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ may die, but then we will be alive with Him, where He is. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, also raises us up! Talk about Good News!
“ according to the Spirit of holiness” - “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.” (John 4:34) The power of the Spirit of God resurrected Jesus from death and placed Him at the right hand of God the Father. It was not ritual, it was not offerings of priests; it was not rams, or lambs. God’s power did this. For us, God’s power will raise us to be with Him, just as Jesus is with Him.
“ Jesus Christ our Lord” - This title “Lord” is given to God, the Messiah. Don’t you hear Handel’s “Messiah” in these words? From Isaiah 9:6 -
unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” |
Paul has focusing on Jesus as Lord, not as a teacher, nor healer and miracle worker. He is those, no doubt about it. Jesus is more, so much more.
Vs. 5: -
through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake,“ through whom we have received grace” - Back in the ‘70s, when I committed my life to Jesus, there was a mnemonic, “GRACE = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”. Paul knew he deserved death for the persecution of the church. It was Jesus’ grace that gave him new life and new purpose. Why else would Paul say, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ - and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Tim. 1:15-16)
“ to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles” - Go back and look atverse 1, above. This verse amplifies verse 1, “called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel” Paul’s calling is found in the last phrase of the Great Commission (See: Matt. 28:18-20; Mk 16:16, 16). Just before the Pentecost, Jesus sent His apostles to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Those who believe will be saved. It is faith that saves you, not works. Obedience to that faith - committing your life to the belief that Christ has saved you - not obedience to rules and rituals is what Paul was preaching.
Vs. 6: -
among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;“you also are the called of Jesus Christ” - Paul is telling them they are part of the number of people, Jews and Gentiles, who are saved. “Called of Jesus Christ” - you are Christ’s possession. You are His family. You are not just Gentiles. You are Christians, Gentile Christians - a tiny portion of the vast body of Gentiles.
Vs. 7: -
to 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.“ to all who are... called as saints” - Our culture, even our Christian culture, has changed the meaning of ‘saint’. We see a saint as someone who has done exceptional work, especially work in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is not the sense here. A believer has a status different than a non-believer - and that is ‘saint’.
“ Grace to you and peace” - a benediction in every letter written by Paul. This blessing is almost unknown in the Old Testament. The closest we see is : "
Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is the way you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The LORD bless you and protect you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."'” (Num. 6:23-26). ***
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