Paul Introduces Himself as a Bondservant
Thinking about Romans 1:1.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God (Romans 1:1)
Paul introduces himself in three ways at the beginning of the book of Romans. Today we will focus on the first description: “a bondservant of Jesus Christ.”
A Bondservant of Jesus Christ.
In the Roman world, slavery was something everything was familiar with.
It is estimated that 85 to 90 percent of Rome, as well as the rest of Italy, were slaves or from slave origins. - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 29
The growth of Roman slavery was so rapid that it was one of the very few social transformations actually noticed by ancient writers. - Woolf, Rome: An Empire’s Story, 92
When Paul identified himself as “a bondservant of Jesus Christ,” he used language everyone in Rome understood - since many Christians were probably slaves or descended from slaves.
For the Jewish Christians in Rome, Paul used language that also would have made an impression on them. The phrase “bondservant” can also refer to a ceremony described in the law of Moses (Exodus 21:2-6).
Under the law of Moses, a person could become the slave of someone else. But, every seventh year, all the slaves were set free to be their own masters once again. However, some may have been treated well by a kind master. If they so chose, they could decide to remain forever as a slave in the kind master’s house.
He would then be taken to the tabernacle where the priest would lead him to the doorpost and bore a hole in the lobe of his ear with an awl. From that time on he was the slave of his master. He was known as a bondslave. He could have been free, but he chose to remain as the slave of a kind master. Wherever he walked, his ear proclaimed the character of his master.” - Barnhouse, Romans Vol. 1, 9
Paul describes himself as someone who has willingly decided to live his life as a servant. And he doesn’t serve just anything or anyone - he is the bondservant of Jesus Christ.
Paul did not consider it shameful to be the servant of Jesus Christ - that’s his leading statement! He had nothing to be ashamed of because of his Master’s character.
Paul had once been a man who hunted, imprisoned, and even killed Christians (Acts 9:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:13). But Jesus had shown Him grace and mercy (1 Timothy 1:14-16).
As the bondservant of Jesus Christ, he realized that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). He had learned from his Master the wonderful truth - “the gospel is for all” (Romans 1:16). In fact, Paul was sent specifically to the Gentiles (Acts 26:17-18).
Application for us.
Let there be that first lesson for all of us. If we would be used of God, we must have a view of the gospel that is as broad as the universe. We must see that God is making the offer of grace to the entire human race and that now the door is open, not for men to pick and choose to come to God as they want to, but for all men to come to God in His way if they will. - Barnhouse, Romans Vol. 1, 14
As servants of Jesus Christ, Christians must be imitators of the Master (1 Corinthians 11:1).
We must realize that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or even political stance.
As willing servants of our Master, we proclaim the character and the goodness of our Master. We should live a life that shows others that He is a Master worth serving. In a book that revolves around the gospel of Christ, the Holy Spirit begins by emphasizing the importance of humble, willing service to the Master.
Let us live as bondservants who show the gracious character of our Master - Jesus Christ.