Romans 1:7

Berean Standard Bible

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

King James Bible

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.

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Romans 1:7, in the New International Version, reads: “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse concludes the opening salutation of Paul’s epistle, a letter widely regarded as his most systematic theological work, written to a diverse Christian community in Rome. Though part of a conventional greeting, Romans 1:7 is laden with theological depth, encapsulating key themes of Paul’s gospel: divine love, calling, holiness, grace, and the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ. To fully appreciate its significance, we must explore its context within the epistle’s introduction, its historical and cultural setting, its theological implications, and its role in shaping the letter’s purpose and message.

The epistle to the Romans, likely written around AD 55–57 from Corinth, addresses a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians in the imperial capital. Paul, who had not yet visited Rome, writes to prepare for his planned visit, unify the church amidst tensions, and articulate his gospel as a foundation for his mission to Spain (Romans 15:22–24). The opening verses (1:1–7) form a richly expanded salutation, introducing Paul’s apostolic calling and the recipients’ identity in Christ. Romans 1:7 serves as the address and blessing, transitioning from Paul’s self-description to his audience, whom he identifies with terms that reflect their shared faith and divine status. This verse, while formulaic in epistolary style, is deliberately crafted to lay the theological groundwork for the letter’s exploration of justification, sanctification, and God’s plan for all people.

The phrase “to all in Rome” reflects the inclusive scope of Paul’s address. Rome, as the political and cultural hub of the empire, hosted a diverse Christian community, likely comprising Jewish Christians expelled and returned after Claudius’ decree (Acts 18:2) and Gentile converts from various backgrounds. The word “all” underscores unity, a critical theme in Romans, given the potential for given potential divisions over Jewish-Gentile relations (e.g., Romans 14–15). Paul’s choice to address the entire community signals his desire to bridge divides, presenting a gospel that unites rather than separates. Historically, this inclusivity aligns with the church’s early growth in Rome, where house churches met in diverse settings, reflecting the social stratification of the city (Romans 16). Theologically, “all” foreshadows Paul’s argument that the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

The description “loved by God” (agapētois theou) is a profound theological affirmation. The Greek term agapē, used for divine love, evokes God’s covenantal, unconditional love, rooted in Old Testament concepts like hesed (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:7–8). For Jewish Christians, this phrase recalls God’s love for Israel; for Gentiles, it extends that love to those formerly outside the covenant (Romans 9:25). Paul’s use of the passive participle “loved” emphasizes that this love originates in God’s initiative, not human merit, a theme central to Romans (e.g., Romans 5:8). This divine love undergirds the believers’ identity, assuring them of their secure status before God, regardless of ethnic or social background. For Paul’s audience, facing societal pressures in Rome, this affirmation would offer encouragement, grounding their faith in God’s unshakeable love.

The phrase “called to be his holy people” (klētois hagiois) further defines the recipients’ identity. The term “called” (klētois) reflects Paul’s theology of divine election, where God sovereignly summons individuals to salvation and service (Romans 8:28–30). This calling is not merely an invitation but an effective act of God, transforming the status of those who respond in faith. The word “holy” (hagiois, lit. “saints”) denotes those set apart for God’s purposes, echoing Israel’s vocation as a holy nation (Exodus 19:6) and extending it to the church, comprising both Jews and Gentiles (1 Peter 2:9). Holiness here is both positional—believers are sanctified through Christ (Romans 6:22)—and practical, implying a life of obedience (Romans 12:1–2). For the Roman Christians, this designation would challenge them to live out their distinct identity in a pagan environment, while for Paul, it sets the stage for his ethical exhortations later in the letter (Romans 12–15).

The blessing “Grace and peace to you” adapts the standard Greco-Roman letter greeting (chairē) and Jewish shalom, infusing them with Christian meaning. “Grace” (charis) encapsulates God’s unmerited favor, the foundation of salvation in Paul’s theology (Romans 3:24). “Peace” (eirēnē) signifies not only the absence of conflict but the wholeness and reconciliation with God and others, achieved through Christ (Romans 5:1). Together, these terms summarize the gospel’s benefits, which Paul will unpack in the letter. The source of this grace and peace—“from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ”—reveals a high Christology. By placing Jesus alongside God the Father as the co-source of divine blessings, Paul affirms Jesus’ deity and equality with God, a striking claim in a monotheistic Jewish context. The title “Lord” (kyrios) further underscores Jesus’ sovereignty, echoing the Septuagint’s use of kyrios for Yahweh and challenging the imperial claim of Caesar as lord. For the Roman church, living under Nero’s rule, this affirmation would reinforce their allegiance to Christ over earthly powers.

Literarily, Romans 1:7 functions as a theological bridge, connecting Paul’s apostolic authority (1:1–6) to the letter’s main body. Its terms—love, calling, holiness, grace, and peace—introduce themes that Paul will develop, such as justification by faith (Romans 3–5), sanctification (Romans 6–8), and unity in diversity (Romans 14–15). The verse’s placement in the salutation ensures that these truths frame the entire epistle, grounding the doctrinal and practical sections in the believers’ identity in Christ. The inclusive address to “all” prepares readers for Paul’s argument that the gospel transcends ethnic boundaries, a central concern in Romans.

Historically, Romans 1:7 reflects the challenges facing the Roman church. As a minority faith in a cosmopolitan city, Christians navigated social tensions, including Jewish-Gentile relations and pressures to conform to Roman values. Paul’s emphasis on their divine calling and holiness would encourage them to maintain their distinct identity while fostering unity. The reference to God’s love and Christ’s lordship would also counter the imperial ideology pervasive in Rome, where emperors were deified. For Jewish Christians, the language of calling and holiness would resonate with their heritage, while Gentiles would find assurance in their inclusion as God’s beloved.

Theologically, Romans 1:7 encapsulates the gospel’s transformative power. The believers’ identity as loved, called, and holy is rooted in God’s initiative, not human achievement, aligning with Paul’s doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 3:28). The verse also reflects the Trinitarian framework implicit in Paul’s thought: the Father’s love calls, the Son’s lordship saves, and the Spirit (implied in the letter’s later references, e.g., Romans 8) empowers holy living. The blessing of grace and peace foreshadows the reconciliation achieved through Christ, both vertically with God and horizontally among believers. This dual reconciliation is crucial for Paul’s purpose of unifying the Roman church.

For Paul’s original audience, Romans 1:7 would serve as both encouragement and exhortation. Jewish Christians would find continuity with their covenantal heritage, while Gentiles would be affirmed as equal members of God’s people. The entire community would be reminded of their shared identity in Christ, fostering unity amidst diversity. The blessing of grace and peace would offer hope in a challenging environment, pointing to the gospel’s power to sustain them. For modern readers, the verse remains a powerful reminder of the believer’s identity as loved by God, called to holiness, and recipients of grace and peace through Christ. It challenges Christians to live out their calling in a world often hostile to faith, while trusting in God’s sovereign love and Christ’s lordship.

In conclusion, Romans 1:7 is far more than a formal greeting; it is a theological cornerstone that introduces Paul’s gospel and the identity of the Roman believers. By addressing “all” as loved, called, and holy, Paul lays the foundation for the letter’s themes of justification, sanctification, and unity. Rooted in the historical context of the Roman church and the theological framework of God’s redemptive plan, the verse affirms the transformative power of the gospel. Its blessing of grace and peace, flowing from God and Christ, encapsulates the hope and reconciliation that define the Christian life. For both ancient and modern readers, Romans 1:7 is a call to embrace one’s identity in Christ and live as God’s holy people in a world in need of grace.

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To all who dwell in the light of God’s grace, scattered across cities and villages, bound together by the eternal call of love and peace, greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father. I write to you, beloved, not as strangers but as fellow pilgrims, united in the sacred purpose of knowing Him who formed the heavens and breathed life into the dust of the earth. From the depths of my heart, I extend to you the blessing of grace, that unmerited favor which flows from the throne of the Almighty, and peace, that unshakable calm which anchors the soul amidst the storms of this world. You are called to be saints, not by your own strength but by the power of Him who has named you His own, who has set you apart for a purpose far greater than the fleeting pursuits of this age. 

Know that you are not forgotten, wherever you may stand—whether in the bustling streets of great cities or the quiet fields of distant lands. The God who sees all things holds you in His gaze, and His love for you is as vast as the stars He has numbered. You are His beloved, chosen before the foundations of the world, invited to walk in the light of His truth. This is no small thing, for the call of God is a summons to life eternal, a beckoning to rise above the shadows of doubt and fear, to embrace the hope that does not disappoint. In Christ, you are made new, your sins washed away, your heart restored to sing the song of redemption. 

Let your lives, therefore, be a living testament to this grace. Let your words be seasoned with kindness, your actions clothed in compassion, and your thoughts anchored in the truth of His Word. The world around you groans under the weight of brokenness, but you, dear saints, are bearers of a light that cannot be extinguished. Shine forth in your homes, your workplaces, your communities, not with pride or judgment, but with the humble radiance of those who know they are loved beyond measure. Be not conformed to the patterns of this world, which chase after fleeting pleasures and hollow victories, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may discern what is good, acceptable, and perfect in the sight of God.

This grace and peace are not mere words but living realities, gifts poured out through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself that you might live. He is the cornerstone of our hope, the one who bridges the chasm between a holy God and a fallen humanity. In Him, you are reconciled, no longer strangers to the promises of God but heirs of His kingdom. Cling to this truth in every season, whether in joy or sorrow, in abundance or want. For the One who calls you is faithful, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. His Spirit dwells within you, guiding, comforting, and empowering you to walk the path He has set before you.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to stand firm in this calling. Let not the trials of this world dim your hope, nor let its temptations draw you from the way of righteousness. Pray without ceasing, for in prayer you commune with the Father who delights in your voice. Love one another fervently, for love covers a multitude of sins and binds us together as one body in Christ. Forgive as you have been forgiven, and extend mercy as it has been extended to you. Above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and now reigns in glory.

May your hearts be steadfast, your faith unwavering, and your lives a reflection of the glory of God. May you walk in the assurance that you are loved with an everlasting love, and that nothing in all creation can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, now and forevermore. Amen.

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O Eternal God, Father of all creation, whose love knows no bounds and whose mercy endures forever, we come before Your throne with hearts uplifted, seeking the grace and peace promised through Your Son, Jesus Christ. To all Your beloved, scattered across the earth, from the crowded cities to the quiet valleys, we lift our voices in unison, as those called to be saints, bound together by Your redeeming love. Pour out, we pray, Your abundant grace upon every soul who hears this prayer, that they may know the depth of Your unmerited favor, which transforms the broken and restores the weary. 

Grant, O Lord, Your peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that anchors the heart amidst the tempests of this world. Let it flow like a river into the lives of Your people, calming fears, healing wounds, and knitting together those divided by strife. You have called us Your own, not because of our righteousness, but because of Your boundless compassion. May every person, from every tribe and nation, feel the warmth of Your presence, knowing they are seen, known, and cherished by the Creator of all things. 

We beseech You, Almighty Father, to strengthen Your people with the power of Your Holy Spirit. Fill them with courage to walk in holiness, wisdom to discern Your will, and love that reflects Your heart. Let their lives be a beacon of Your truth, shining brightly in a world shrouded in darkness. Where there is despair, let them bring hope; where there is hatred, let them sow love; where there is doubt, let them proclaim the certainty of Your promises. May their hands be instruments of Your mercy, their words a testament to Your grace, and their hearts a dwelling place for Your Spirit.

O God, who sent Your Son to reconcile us to Yourself, we pray for those who feel far from You, those burdened by guilt, weighed down by sorrow, or lost in the shadows of this age. Draw them near, we pray, with the cords of Your love. Open their eyes to see the beauty of Your salvation, their ears to hear the whisper of Your call, and their hearts to receive the life You offer through Christ Jesus. Let them know that no sin is too great for Your forgiveness, no wound too deep for Your healing, and no distance too far for Your embrace.

We lift up those who suffer, O Lord—those afflicted by sickness, oppressed by injustice, or grieving the loss of what once was. Surround them with Your comfort, uphold them with Your strength, and provide for them through the kindness of Your people. Raise up Your church, we pray, to be Your hands and feet, to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim liberty to the captives. May we, as Your called-out ones, live in unity, bearing one another’s burdens, forgiving as we have been forgiven, and loving as You have loved us.

Guide us, Heavenly Father, in the path of righteousness. Keep our feet from stumbling and our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us not be swayed by the fleeting pleasures of this world or discouraged by its trials, but let us press on toward the prize of Your upward call. Fill us with Your Word, that it may dwell richly in us, shaping our thoughts, guiding our decisions, and fueling our worship. May we pray without ceasing, trusting that You hear every cry, see every tear, and delight in every step we take toward You.

O God of all grace, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, who bore our sins on the cross and rose victorious that we might live. We thank You for Your Spirit, who empowers us to walk in Your truth. And we thank You for Your unending love, which binds us together as one body, one people, one family under Your care. May Your grace and peace rest upon us all, from this moment and into eternity, as we await the day when we shall see You face to face. In the holy and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.