Romans 1:1-7
1 From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle chosen and called by God to preach his Good News. 2 The Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. 3 It is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: as to his humanity, he was born a descendant of David; 4 as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised from death. 5 Through him God gave me the privilege of being an apostle for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. 6 This also includes you who are in Rome, whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 And so I write to all of you in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his own people: May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
The words above from the beginning of the book of Romans are like a preamble or resume of Paul’s identity and his purpose in writing to the Christians in Rome. His own identity and mission are worthy for us today.
One should strive to be a servant in the spirit of Christ and be joyous to share the Good News to others. The Good News originated with God and was sustained by the prophets. This Good News came to us by a descendant of David who demonstrated his divine power by being raised from the dead.
Because of him we can all strive to be apostles and include others in spreading this Good News by prayer, meditation, good works and by example.
May the peace of Christ be with us all.
Henry Holland