Paul, A Bondservant

Romans 1:1a

1Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God

(Verse 1) - Paul - The original name of the author of this Epistle was “Saul.” (Acts 7:58; 7:1; 8:1, etc). This was changed to Paul (see the note at Acts 13:9), and by this name he is generally known in the New Testament. The reason why he assumed this name is not certainly known. It was, however, in accordance with the custom of the times; (see the note at Acts 13:9). The name Saul was Hebrew; the name Paul was Roman. In addressing a letter to the Romans, he would naturally make use of the name to which they were accustomed, and which would excite no prejudice among them. The ancient custom was to begin an epistle with the name of the writer. We record the name at the end. It may be remarked, however, that the placing the name of the writer at the beginning of an epistle was always done, and is still, when the letter was one of authority, or when it conferred any special privileges. Thus, in the proclamation of Cyrus (Ezra 1:2, “Thus saith Cyrus, king of Persia,” etc.; see also Ezra 4:11; 7:12. “Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest,” etc. Dan. 4:1). The commencement of a letter by an apostle to a Christian church in this manner was especially proper as indicating authority.

Many times, the change of the name used in the life of the one mentioned in the Scripture is to emphasize the change in the nature or makeup of the person mentioned.  thus Simon is renamed Peter to emphasize the change in his nature that was effected by his association with Christ.  Saul was changed to Paul.  The opponent of Christianity was changed into the foremost champion of Christianity among the early church.  That God can and does effect such changes is marvelous and truly inspiring to behold.  It gives us hope as well.  Hope that God can use us also!  The changes effected in Saul’s life were profound and dramatic; as are many of the changes needed in your life and mine that are needful to make us effective servants of God. That these changes were made in the life of Saul gives you and I hope that they can be made in our lives as well.  We may need dramatic change, but that change can be made as we submit ourselves to the Gospel and to the hand of God in life.  If God could do it in one like Saul, making him a Paul – then He can do it your life and in mine as well.

A servant - This name was what the Lord Jesus himself directed His disciples to use, as their general title indicating their general calling; (Matt. 10:25; 20:27; Mark 10:44). And it was the customary name which they assumed; (Gal. 1:10; Col. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:1; Jude 1:1; Acts 4:29; Titus 1:1; James 1:1).

The proper meaning of this word servant is slave, one who is not free. It expresses the condition of one who has a master, or who is at the control of another. It is often, however, applied to courtiers, or the officers that serve under a king: because in an eastern monarchy the relation of an absolute king to his courtiers corresponded nearly to that of a master and a slave. Thus, the word is expressive of dignity and honor; and the servants of a king denote officers of a high rank and station. It is applied to the prophets as those who were honored by God, or especially entrusted by him with office; (Deut. 34:5; Josh. 1:2; Jer. 25:4). The name is also given to the Messiah, (Isa. 42:1, Isa. 53:11) The apostle uses it here evidently to denote his acknowledging Jesus Christ as his master; as indicating his dignity, as especially appointed by him to his great work; and as showing that in this Epistle he intended to assume no authority of his own, but simply to declare the will of his master, and theirs.  

It is needful for those who would serve God to recognize and assume their proper place in the “scheme of things”.  We must first become servants before we can become ministers of the Gospel.  One needs to walk before one is able to run.  It is needful as well as appropriate.  God blesses with much those who have been faithful in little.  The servant is the one who rises and becomes the useful minister.

God uses men!  What a glorious thing!  How marvelous is it that God uses human instruments to accomplish His will?  God could have chosen to do His work in any of numerous other ways, ways that were independent of any human participation at all.  Yet, this is not the way He chose to work.  He chose to work by the use of human means, human instruments to achieve His plan.  That you and I have opportunity to be a part of the outworking of salvation, in our own lives, and in the lives of others is a truly marvelous, jaw-dropping thing!

The ones that God thus uses are those who are servants. God does use others, but He uses them unwittingly, not a desirable thing.  Those who desire to be of use to God must submit to His gospel and to His leading revealed in His Word.  This takes an act of the will and the purposing of the heart.  Surely, that is the result of God’s prevenient gracious movement in the life, but it is an exercise of the will none the less!   

We must set our eyes on being a bondservant of Christ – no less than this will serve the purpose of God and put us in position to be used of God in the achievement of His will.