Romans 1:6

 

And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:6 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Romans 1:6 King James Bible (KJV)
 
You also are among them, called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:6 New English Translation (NET)
 
And you also
This phrase emphasizes inclusion and personal connection. The Greek word for "you" here is "ὑμεῖς" (hymeis), which is plural, indicating that Paul is addressing a group of believers. The word "also" (καί, kai) suggests that the recipients of this letter, the Roman Christians, share in the same calling as others. This inclusion is significant, as it underscores the universality of the Gospel message, extending beyond the Jewish community to Gentiles, which was a revolutionary concept in the early church.
 
are among those
The phrase "are among those" indicates a collective identity. The Greek word "ἐστε" (este) is a form of "to be," signifying a state of being or existence. This implies that the Roman believers are part of a larger community of faith. Historically, this reflects the early church's understanding of itself as a new people of God, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. It speaks to the unity and fellowship that believers share, rooted in their common faith in Christ.
 
who are called
The term "called" comes from the Greek word "κλητοί" (klētoi), which means invited or summoned. In a biblical context, this calling is not merely an invitation but a divine summons to salvation and service. This reflects the doctrine of election, where God, in His sovereignty, calls individuals to Himself. The concept of being "called" is central to understanding one's identity and purpose as a Christian, emphasizing that it is God who initiates the relationship.
 
to belong to
The phrase "to belong to" translates the Greek "Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ" (Iēsou Christou), indicating possession or ownership. This denotes a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, where believers are not just followers but are intimately connected to Him. Historically, this would have been a powerful statement for the Roman Christians, who lived in a society where allegiance to the emperor was paramount. To belong to Christ was to declare a higher allegiance, one that transcended earthly powers.
 
Jesus Christ
The name "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is the Greek form of the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos) means "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." Together, these titles affirm Jesus' role as the Savior and the promised deliverer of God's people. In the context of Romans, Paul is affirming the centrality of Jesus in the life of the believer. Historically, this declaration would have been counter-cultural, as it proclaimed Jesus as Lord in a world dominated by Roman imperial power. This phrase encapsulates the essence of Christian faith, which is centered on a personal and communal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Called to Belong to Jesus Christ:
Called: This term suggests that the Christian faith is not merely a personal choice but involves a divine invitation or calling. In Christian theology, this reflects the idea that God initiates a relationship with individuals.
 
Belong to Jesus Christ: This phrase underscores the identity and allegiance of the believers. They are not just followers but are considered to be in a special relationship with Christ, akin to belonging to a family or community.
 
Inclusivity: Paul addresses the Roman Christians as part of this divine call, emphasizing that the message of Christ is for everyone, not just for a select group. This fits into the broader theme of Romans, which discusses the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God alongside the Jews.
 
Theological Implications:
 
It highlights the doctrine of election or predestination, where God chooses individuals for salvation. However, this is balanced in Paul's theology with human response to this call.
 
It also ties into Paul’s overarching message in Romans about the unity of believers in Christ, where distinctions of ethnicity, status, or background are transcended by their common identity in Christ.
 
Practical Application: For believers, this verse could serve as a reminder of their identity and purpose within the Christian community, encouraging a life lived in accordance with this belonging to Christ.
 
Thus, Romans 1:6 sets the stage for Paul's detailed exposition on faith, grace, and the life of the believer in the chapters that follow, establishing a foundation of unity, divine calling, and identity in Christ.
 
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Among whom are ye also,.... The Romans, though they were the chief, were among the nations of the world to whom the apostles were sent; and since Paul was called to be an apostle, and had, as others, grace and apostleship, and particularly the apostleship of the uncircumcision, or was ordained a teacher of the Gentiles, more especially he was an apostle to them, and as such was to be regarded by them. This seems to point out what they were originally; they were among all nations which lay in darkness; and were without Christ and hope, and God in the world; but now,
 
the called of Jesus Christ. The calling here spoken of is not to an office, or a mere external one by the ministry of the word, but an internal special call by the grace of God; and which is irresistible, efficacious, and unchangeable, and is an high, holy, and heavenly one; by it persons are called out of darkness into light, out of bondage into liberty, out of the world, from the company of the men of it, and the sinful pleasures thereof, to fellowship with Christ and his saints, and off a dependence on themselves, and their own righteousness, to the grace and righteousness of Christ, and to eternal glory. The persons so called are the elect of God, who are secured in Christ, and redeemed by him, and who has a concern with the Father and Spirit in the calling of them: hence they are styled, "the called of Jesus Christ"; they are called by him, and after his name; he has an interest in them; as they were before his chosen and redeemed ones, they are now his called ones; as Jacob and Israel of old were named of God, מקראי, "my called", Isa_48:12; so these were named Christ's called ones; and who by calling came to be partakers of him and of his grace.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
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Paul was commissioned by Jesus to take the Good News to the Gentiles, and guess what? That includes all of us! Jesus called us to himself, and He is calling everyone who has ears to hear his voice. Think about that for a moment. We are part of the story which Paul is laying out, and which the gospel writers laid out before him. This story did NOT end when the life of the last apostle ended. The story continues to this day. Paul’s story is our story. If we can take that into our understanding, we can begin to see the whole thing in a different light.
 
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Cross References:
 
1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
 
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
 
1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.