Romans 1:5 – “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues explaining his role in God’s plan. He begins with “Through him”, referring to Jesus Christ. Paul makes it clear that everything he has—his calling, his mission, and his authority—comes directly from Jesus.

Paul says that he and others have “received grace and apostleship.” Grace refers to the unearned favor of God, which is the foundation of salvation. Apostleship refers to Paul’s specific calling to be an apostle—one who is sent out to proclaim the gospel. Paul did not choose this role for himself; God appointed him for this purpose.

His mission was “to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” This means that Paul was sent to preach to non-Jewish people (Gentiles) and invite them to believe in Jesus. But this faith was not just about believing in God—it was about obeying Him. True faith leads to a changed life, where people live in obedience to Christ.

Paul also says this is all “for his name’s sake.” Everything he does is for the glory and honor of Jesus, not for personal gain or recognition. His goal is to make Jesus known and exalted among all nations.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to Christians in Rome, a city with both Jewish and Gentile believers. At that time, many Jews struggled with the idea that Gentiles could be included in God’s plan without following the Jewish law. Paul’s message was radical—God’s salvation was for all people, not just the Jews.

Paul himself had once been a strict Jew who persecuted Christians (Acts 9:1-2). But after encountering Jesus, he became the leading voice in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. His apostleship was unique because he was directly commissioned by Jesus (Acts 9:15).

The phrase “obedience that comes from faith” was important in Paul’s time. Many religious groups taught that righteousness came from following rules and traditions. But Paul emphasized that true obedience flows from a heart that trusts in Christ, not from trying to earn salvation through works.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. Salvation is by grace – Paul’s calling and ministry were not based on his own efforts but on God’s grace. The same is true for every believer.
2. Faith leads to obedience – Genuine faith in Jesus always produces a life of obedience. Christianity is not just about believing in God—it’s about following Him.
3. The gospel is for all people – Paul’s mission to the Gentiles shows that salvation is available to everyone, not just one specific group.
4. Everything is for Christ’s glory – The ultimate purpose of salvation and obedience is to bring honor to Jesus.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows a logical structure:

• “Through him” – The source of Paul’s calling is Jesus.
• “We received grace and apostleship” – The gift and responsibility given to Paul.
• “To call all the Gentiles” – The mission of spreading the gospel.
• “To the obedience that comes from faith” – The expected response of those who believe.
• “For his name’s sake” – The ultimate purpose of it all.

Paul’s wording is intentional. He connects grace with responsibility, showing that receiving God’s favor leads to a calling to serve Him. He also connects faith with obedience, emphasizing that real faith always results in action.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 9:15 – Jesus tells Ananias that Paul is His chosen instrument to preach to the Gentiles.
• Ephesians 2:8-10 – Salvation is by grace through faith, and we are created for good works.
• Galatians 1:15-16 – Paul states that God set him apart before birth to preach to the Gentiles.
• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations.
• James 2:17 – Faith without works is dead; true faith leads to obedience.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that faith is not just about belief—it’s about obedience. Many people claim to believe in God, but true faith leads to a transformed life.

It also challenges us to share the gospel. Just as Paul was called to bring the message to the Gentiles, every Christian is called to share the good news with others. This could mean reaching out to those who have never heard the gospel or encouraging fellow believers to grow in their faith.

Finally, this verse reminds us that everything we do should be for Christ’s name’s sake. Our lives should not be focused on bringing honor to ourselves but on glorifying Jesus in all that we do.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He extends salvation to all people. He does not limit His grace to a specific nation, race, or group. Instead, He invites everyone to come to Him through faith in Jesus.

God’s love is also seen in how He gives us both grace and purpose. He not only saves us from sin but also gives us a mission—to live in obedience and share His truth with others. This shows that God’s love is both personal (saving individuals) and global (offering salvation to all).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse centers around Jesus. Paul’s apostleship, the gospel message, and the call to obedience all come through Him and exist for His name’s sake.

Jesus Himself spoke about these same truths:

• John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.” Faith and obedience go together.
• John 3:16 – Salvation is available to all who believe, not just one group.
• Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus sends His disciples to call people from all nations to follow Him.

Paul’s mission to the Gentiles reflects Jesus’ own mission to bring salvation to all people. Everything points back to Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to receive both grace and a calling from God?
2. How does faith lead to obedience in your own life?
3. Why is it important that the gospel is for all people, not just a select few?
4. In what ways can you live for Jesus’ name’s sake in your daily life?
5. How can you share the gospel with those around you, just as Paul did with the Gentiles?