Romans 1:7

 

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
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 1:7 King James Bible (KJV)
 
To all those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Romans 1:7 New English Translation (NET)
 
To all in Rome
The phrase "to all in Rome" indicates the recipients of Paul's letter, the Christian community residing in the capital of the Roman Empire. Rome was a significant city, a hub of political power and cultural influence. The early church in Rome was diverse, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers. This greeting underscores the universal nature of the Gospel, reaching out to all people regardless of their background or status.
 
who are loved by God
This phrase emphasizes the foundational Christian belief that God's love is the initiating force in the relationship between God and humanity. The Greek word for love here is "agapētos," which denotes a deep, unconditional love. This love is not based on human merit but is a divine choice, highlighting the grace and mercy of God. It is a reminder to the believers in Rome that their identity is rooted in being beloved by God.
 
and called to be saints
The term "called" (Greek: "klētos") signifies a divine invitation or summons. The believers are not only loved by God but also called to a holy purpose. The word "saints" (Greek: "hagios") means "holy ones" or "set apart." This calling is not just for a select few but for all believers, indicating that every Christian is set apart for God's purposes. It reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which sanctifies and sets believers apart for a life of holiness.
 
Grace and peace to you
"Grace" (Greek: "charis") and "peace" (Greek: "eirēnē") are common Pauline greetings, yet they carry profound theological significance. "Grace" refers to the unmerited favor of God, a central theme in Paul's writings, emphasizing salvation as a gift. "Peace" is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being and reconciliation with God, made possible through Jesus Christ. Together, they encapsulate the essence of the Christian message: the grace of God leading to peace with God.
 
from God our Father
This phrase highlights the intimate relationship believers have with God, who is not a distant deity but a loving Father. The use of "our" signifies a communal relationship, uniting all believers as children of God. This familial language reflects the new identity and belonging that Christians have in Christ, transcending cultural and ethnic divisions.
 
and the Lord Jesus Christ
The title "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") affirms the divinity and authority of Jesus Christ. It is a declaration of His sovereignty and His role as the Messiah. "Jesus" (Greek: "Iēsous") is the human name of the Savior, and "Christ" (Greek: "Christos") means "Anointed One," signifying His messianic mission. This phrase encapsulates the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man, central to Christian doctrine. It is through Jesus Christ that grace and peace are made available to believers, affirming His central role in the salvation narrative.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Addressees: The letter of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Rome. He addresses it "to all in Rome," indicating that it's for the entire church there, not just a select group.
 
"Loved by God": This phrase emphasizes that the love of God is inclusive to all believers in Rome. It underscores the Christian belief in God's unconditional love for His followers.
 
"Called to be his holy people": This part speaks to the identity and purpose of Christians. They are not only recipients of God's love but are also called to live a life set apart for God ("holy"). This implies a life of dedication, moral purity, and service to God.
 
"Grace and peace":
 
Grace here refers to the unmerited favor of God, which is a central theme in Paul's writings. It's the divine blessing that Christians receive through Jesus Christ, which they cannot earn but is given freely.
 
Peace is both a personal peace (inner tranquility from knowing God) and peace with God, meaning reconciliation through Christ, ending the enmity caused by sin.
 
"From God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ": This dual source of grace and peace highlights the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, where God the Father and Jesus Christ are acknowledged as co-source of blessings. It also emphasizes the unique roles of God as Father (creator, nurturer) and Jesus as Lord (savior, mediator).
 
This greeting at the beginning of Romans sets a tone of warmth, unity, and the theological foundation for the teachings that follow in the epistle. It's an expression of Paul's pastoral heart towards the Roman Christians, wishing them well in their faith journey while affirming their identity and mission in Christ.
 
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To all that be in Rome,.... These words contain both the inscription of the epistle, and the apostle's usual salutation, as in all his epistles, The inscription of it is not to the Roman emperor; nor to the Roman senate, nor to all the inhabitants in Rome; but to all the saints there, whether rich or poor, bond or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile, without any distinction, being all one in Christ Jesus: and these are described as
 
beloved of God; not for any loveliness there was in them, nor because of any love in them to God, nor on account of their obedience and righteousness; but through the free favour and sovereign will and pleasure of God, who loved them before he called them, even from eternity, and will love them to eternity; which love of his is the source and spring of all the blessings of grace, and, among the rest, of the effectual calling: hence this character is set before the following one,
 
called to be saints; not born so, nor become so through their own power, but were so by calling grace, as a fruit of everlasting love; men are first beloved of the Lord, and then called to be his saints. The salutation follows; the things wished for in it are,
 
grace to you, and peace: by "grace" is not meant ministerial gifts, which are not common to all the saints; nor the Gospel, which was at Rome already; nor the love and favour of God, which these persons were sharers in, as appears from their above characters; nor the principle of grace, which was now formed there in their effectual calling; but an increase of grace, as to its degrees, acts, and exercise; every grace is imperfect in this respect, and those who have the most stand in need of more; there is such a thing as growing in grace, which is very desirable, and may be expected from God, who is able to make all grace to abound, and has promised to give more: by "peace" is meant, peace with God through Christ; peace in their own consciences, and with one another; all manner of prosperity inward and outward here, and eternal happiness hereafter. The persons from whom these are desired are,
 
God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; God the Father of Christ is spoken of as our Father, which is by adoption; partly to engage fear and reverence of him at his throne; and partly to encourage freedom and boldness there, and an expectation of receiving every blessing of grace from him: "the Lord Jesus Christ" is mentioned, as being the person through whom, and for whose sake, all the blessings of grace and peace are communicated to us; and being put upon a level with the Father in these petitions, shows him to be equal with him, and so truly and properly God. "Grace" may be thought to be particularly wished for from the Father, though not exclusive of Christ, since he is the God of all grace, who has treasured up a fulness of it in his Son. And "peace" may be considered as desired to be had from Christ, though not exclusive of the Father; since the covenant of peace was made with him, the chastisement of peace was laid on him, and he has made peace by the blood of his cross, and is the giver of it to his people.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
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Cross Reference:
 
Numbers 6:25-26
may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’