Meaning of Romans 1:6

This verse, Romans 1:6, directly addresses the Gentile believers in Rome, affirming their inclusion in God's redemptive plan through their calling to belong to Jesus Christ. Paul, the author, is establishing his apostolic authority and the universality of the Gospel, which extends beyond the Jewish people to all nations. The "calling" here is not merely an invitation but a divine summons, an effectual call that draws individuals to faith in Christ and incorporates them into His body. This highlights a central theme of Romans: God's power to save both Jew and Gentile through faith in Jesus. The verse underscores that this inclusion is not based on ethnic background or prior merit but on God's sovereign initiative and the work of Christ, making all believers, regardless of origin, part of the same spiritual family.

Context and Background

The Epistle to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, likely from Corinth around 57 CE, to the church in Rome. This church comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul's letter aims to lay out the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly concerning righteousness and salvation. He begins by establishing his apostleship and his eagerness to preach the Gospel in Rome (Romans 1:1-15). Romans 1:6 is part of Paul's introduction to the Roman believers, where he identifies them as recipients of the Gospel and members of Christ's community. The term "Gentiles" (Greek: ethnos, often translated as "nations" or "Gentiles") refers to non-Jewish people, emphasizing the expansion of God's salvific work beyond the covenant people of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Calling: The verse emphasizes that believers are "called" (klētos) to belong to Jesus Christ. This signifies a sovereign act of God, an effectual summons that draws individuals out of darkness into His marvelous light. It's not a passive reception but an active, life-transforming call.
• Inclusion of Gentiles: This verse explicitly includes Gentiles in this divine calling. It breaks down ethnic and religious barriers, demonstrating that salvation through Christ is for all who believe, irrespective of their origin.
• Belonging to Christ: The phrase "to belong to Jesus Christ" (klētois Iēsou Christou) signifies a profound union and ownership. Believers are not merely followers but are claimed by Christ, becoming His possession and intimately connected to Him.
• Universality of the Gospel: This verse is a cornerstone in Paul's argument for the universal applicability of the Gospel message. The same salvation offered to Jews is now extended to Gentiles through the same Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Romans 1:6 is a powerful reminder of their identity in Christ. It affirms that their faith is not a matter of chance but a result of God's deliberate calling. This calling instills a sense of security and belonging, assuring them that they are chosen and loved by God. It also calls for a spirit of unity within the church, recognizing that both Jewish and Gentile believers share the same foundational calling and belong to the same Lord. This verse encourages humility, as salvation is a gift of grace, not an achievement, and fosters a commitment to sharing the Gospel with all people, acknowledging that God's call extends to every nation.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a pivotal point in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, particularly as described in the Old Testament. The Old Testament prophets foretold a time when God's blessings would extend beyond Israel to the nations (e.g., Isaiah 49:6; Zechariah 8:20-23). The coming of Jesus Christ and the subsequent spread of the Gospel, as described in the New Testament, are the fulfillment of these prophecies. Romans 1:6 explicitly states that this prophetic vision is being realized in the Roman church, where Gentiles are indeed called to belong to Christ. It signifies the transition from a primarily ethnic covenant to a new covenant based on faith in Christ, open to all humanity.

Analogies

One analogy for the divine calling is that of a king issuing a royal decree summoning his subjects to a feast. Those who hear and respond to the summons are brought into the king's presence and partake in his bounty. Similarly, God, the King of kings, issues a call through the Gospel, and those who respond are brought into intimate fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ. Another analogy is that of a shepherd calling his scattered sheep. The shepherd actively seeks out his sheep, and when they hear his voice, they are gathered and brought into safety and community under his care. Believers are those sheep who hear Christ's call and are gathered into His flock.

Relation to Other Verses

• Ephesians 2:11-13: This passage directly echoes the theme of Gentile inclusion, stating that Gentiles were "formerly alienated" but are now "brought near by the blood of Christ."
• Galatians 3:28: This verse declares, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," reinforcing the breaking down of barriers through Christ.
• 1 Peter 2:9: Peter describes believers as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God," which aligns with the concept of belonging to Christ and being called by God.
• John 15:5: Jesus states, "I am the vine; you are the branches," illustrating the intimate union and dependence of believers on Christ, a direct consequence of belonging to Him.
• Acts 13:47: Quoting Isaiah, Paul declares, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth," underscoring the purpose of God's calling of Gentiles.