"By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 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 1:5-7)
Ver. [Rom. 1: 5-7] By whom we have received grace, &c.] Paul here takes in the other apostles, when he says, “We have received grace." They had received from the Lord Jesus Christ, who is full of grace and truth, all that grace which had been communi-cated in their regeneration, conversion, and sanctification, in common with other Christians; they had likewise received the apostleship, or the work and office of being the apostles of Christ, with suitable abilities for the same. The end for which they received this office, and grace to fit them for it, was, “for the obedience of faith." For true faith is attended with evangelical obedience. The end of the ministry of the gospel is, to bring men to the knowledge of Christ; to faith in him, and obedience to him. This, as if the apostle had said, is the great work which God is now carrying on in many Gentile nations; " among whom ye," the brethren whom I am now addressing," are the called of Jesus Christ;" called into the fellowship of his gospel, and to a participation of all its blessings. I inscribe this epistle “to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints." I do not address it to the citizens of Rome in general; but to those who have been called, by divine grace, out of darkness into light; who may be denominated saints, or separated and sanctified persons, devoted to the service of God. Consequently, such appear to be objects of divine love, and interested in the blessings of salvation. To you, brethren, I write; and as I cannot but feel an affectionate regard for you, so I most fervently wish and pray, that " grace may be with you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ grace to sanctify your souls, and peace to comfort your hearts, and make you happy in your relation to one another. These blessings flow from the free mercy of God the Father, through the mediation of his Son Jesus Christ.
