Romans - 1:1-7 - The Salutation

Paul wrote this letter to the church at Rome, to let them know of his plans for coming to visit them on his way to Spain (15:23-29). We also learn in that passage that Paul had received the offering from both Macedonia and Achaia and he was heading to Jerusalem to deliver the gift, which would end his third missionary journey. This letter does not deal with issues found in the church, but instead it gives a solid foundation on the gospel of God, which is found in the Old Testament Scriptures. They reveal that Jesus was the Son of David and the Son of God. Since Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, and rose again in power, "Through Him and for His name's sake," Paul was called as an apostle to the Gentiles, so we all may live in obedience through faith (vs. 5-6). Through our faith we belong to Jesus Christ. Paul reminds the believers in Rome that they are loved and called to be saints, meaning we are called to holiness, and that comes only through the grace of God, and then we can experience the peace of God, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.