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
I spent this morning reviewing my reading of the beginning of Romans. I was struck by Paul’s use of the work ‘called’. He first references himself and then uses the word to identify the readers of the letter as being called.
The underlying Greek word is the same in all three cases: kletos. It means invited or appointed. Paul indicates his calling was to be an apostle or ambassador. He then indicates that the reader – the Romans and ourselves – are called of Jesus. We are called to Jesus through the receiving of His “grace ands apostleship” through obedience or rather submission to His will.
He has appointed us to be saints. The word used for ’saints’ also means ‘holy one’ or sacred. We are invited to be set apart for His will.
I find in these verses a distinctive calling to be His. Set aside. His ambassador. We are invited to this task – chosen for His purpose. What an amazing opportunity to be used by Him.
