Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-7 KJV
The introduction of a book gives much insight and prepares the reader for the tone of what lies ahead. The name of Paul itself gives a description of who he is. Paul means “little or small” in Greek. Paul identified himself in lesser and lesser terms in later books.
Paul calls himself a “servant of Jesus Christ” (or bondservant) which indicates his view of his association with Jesus – a self-identified, self-dedicated slave of Jesus Christ.
Paul also indicates that he was called (invited or appointed) to be an apostle (an ambassador) of Jesus. This calling came on him on the road to Damascus where he came to know Jesus.
He continues by stating that he was separated or set aside for the gospel of God – the good news – which was promised through the prophets by God. This good news was about Jesus who Paul identifies as God’s son and by right our Lord. Paul then identifies Jesus’ human lineage by identifying him as a descendent of David. Then Paul gives Jesus’ spiritual lineage through the declaration of the Holy Spirit and the resurrection from the dead.
Finally, Paul identifies to whom the letter is written: to believers in Jesus Christ (with the attributes thereof) in Rome.
As an introduction, Paul identifies himself, his relationship to Jesus and his readers relationship to Jesus. In doing so, he links himself to them as family and greets them as such.
