Romans: Saints Called to Apostleship
Romans: Week Two
Read Romans 1:1-15
To officially start our of the book of Romans, read Romans 1:1-15 (preferably aloud).
The first paragraph of Paul’s letter (v. 1-7) is essentially an outline of the book of Romans as Paul summarizes the Good News about Jesus Christ who (1) came as a human by natural descent, (2) was part of the Jewish royal line through David, (3) died and was raised from the dead, and (4) opened the door for God’s grace to be poured out on us.
But first, Paul starts his letter with a greeting, identifying himself and to whom this letter is written:
“In the old days temple, altars, sacrifices, sacrificial vessels, persons such as priests, periods like Sabbaths and feasts, were called ‘holy.’ The common idea running through all these uses of the word is belonging to God, and that is the root notion of the New Testament ‘saint’ a man who is God’s. God has claimed us for Himself when He gave us Jesus Christ. We respond to the claim when we accept Christ. Henceforth we are not our own, but ‘consecrated’ — that is, ‘saints.’”
What is an apostle? What does it mean to receive apostleship (verse 5)?
What is the purpose of apostleship (verse 5)?
Who is this letter written to?
What does “called to be saints” mean (verse 7)? Hint: the Greek word for saints is hagios - read the full definition here. Note the connection between verse 5 and verse 1 about being set apart.
After his initial greeting, Paul expresses his longing to go to Rome.
What was stopping Paul from visiting Rome (verse 10)?
Why did Paul want to go to Rome (verses 11-15)?
Describe an instance in your own life when you wanted to do something for God or go somewhere but God didn’t make a way for that.
God’s ways of answering prayers are often far from what we expect. For example, Paul did eventually make it to Rome, three years later, as a prisoner, after he appealed to stand trial before Caesar. Read Acts 28:11-31.
How did Paul eventually make it to Rome?
What did he do while he was there?
Who did he talk to?
Why do you think God prevented Paul from going to Rome until his imprisonment? Hint: read Acts 27:23-25
Reflect & respond
What does this passage teach me about God?
How does this change the way I live?
Scripture to memorize
As a reminder, if you’d like to discuss the above study questions or ask other questions about what we’re reading, post it here and we’ll figure it out together!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yelena is the founder and editor in chief Tirzah. Yelena works as an attorney in tax and in her spare time, she is working on her first book for unmarried twenty-something women in extended waiting seasons and running Tirzah. She has a passion for pointing young women to Christ, and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.