Humble Meekness, Unconquerable Confidence

Romans 1:1a "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle..."


The recognizable pattern in Paul's epistolary introduction sets forth a two-fold identity. Paul calls himself both servant of Christ Jesus and apostle. What are the differences between the two? How do they cooperate?

First, servant of Christ Jesus, also could be translated "slave." Paul primarily points to his fortified identity in Christ. It indicates a sense of personal devotion and exclusive commitment

Second, an apostle. This indicates an outward, expansive identity--a missional focus. Paul identifies his authority as equal to the 12 apostles chosen by Christ who established and governed the church, and preached the word of God to the Jews and Gentiles.

Therefore, this two-fold identity establishes two distinct tracks which merge into a missional, gospel centered helix. The vertical indicatives of the gospel call Paul into servanthood to Christ. The horizontal imperatives of the gospel drive Paul out into servanthood for the Church and the world. The vertical indicatives inspire humble meekness--that a gospel suppressing sinner would still be welcomed into the family of God by the blood of Jesus. As that truth is massaged into our bones, the horizontal imperatives joyfully send us out to the world with an unconquerable confidence in Christ.

Paul is a perfect example of this! Look at 1:14-16...

14: "I am under obligation"
15: "So I am eager to preach the gospel to you"
16: "For I am not ashamed"


Obliged, joyful, not ashamed. That is one potent trifecta.