Romans 1:5: Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.
“Grace and apostleship” are significant terms. “Grace” is God’s method of salvation. None of us could ever have been saved if God had not been gracious. Although “apostleship” referred specifically to Paul and the others who were technically apostles, every believer is a “sent one.” The word in the Greek is apostole, meaning “a sending forth.” Every believer should be a witness, one sent forth with a message. 1
Paul’s view of himself made all the difference in the world. In fact, it has been making a difference in the world for 2,000 years. What would we be like if we saw ourselves as God-owned, our task as preaching the resurrected Christ, and everything in life as a matter of grace? 2
Application
- In order to live by grace, you must receive His grace. How often do you receive His grace?
- Does your Christian testimony reflect a life of obedience under His Lordship?
Prayer
Lord, make me a gracious witness among my family and friends and all nations.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.