March 13, 2025
Paul’s letter to the Romans is neither a work of systematic theology nor a study in pastoral care. And yet, it is generally considered Paul’s greatest work. Romans was probably written circa 55 – 57 AD, about 20 years after Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus (see Acts 9:1-19) and 10 years before Mark, the first gospel, was written.
Though the Roman Empire was largely at peace, and though Judaism was a recognized faith, antisemitism was rife in Rome itself. There would certainly have been tension between the Gentile converts to Christianity and the Jewish converts to Christianity. Into this hotbed of discontent, Paul writes an eloquent letter combining both theology and pastoral care, not only introducing himself as a thoughtful and concerned apostle but also offering practical advice on living together in peace.
Paul begins his letter adroitly, first by introducing himself. He is Paul, “a slave of Christ Jesus.” (The NIV ‘servant’ is incorrect.) This is an important point, telling us a lot about Paul’s self-image and his relationship with Jesus. Servants can quit, find a new job, and demand better pay. Slaves do not have a choice about where they go or what they do. They serve at their master’s whim.
Paul is recognizing Jesus’ lordship over every area of his life. He is also letting the Romans know that he is doing what he is told to do. He wants to come and see them because he cares about them, yes. But also, Jesus is telling him to write this letter and to go and minister to the saints in Rome. Visiting the church in Rome is something Paul wants to do, but more importantly it is what his master is ordering him to do.
Next, Paul shares something on which they can all agree: Jesus. Jesus, “who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.” Scholars generally accept that this is part of a pre-Pauline creed that the Romans would have easily embraced. (Note that there is no mention of Jesus’ virgin birth. Did Paul not know about the virgin birth? Did he leave it out because the Christians in Rome would have disagreed with him? We don’t know.)
The point is, Paul begins his letter to these people he has never met by first letting them know he is not acting on his own authority and second by sharing something on which they can all agree. How brilliant is that? In just a few short sentences (one long sentence in Greek), Paul has moved from ‘outsider’ to an integral part of the community.
Paul’s example is a good one for the rest of us to follow. Whenever we find ourselves trying to move from outsider to insider, we would do well to begin by letting everyone know we are not there to criticize anyone, nor should they pay attention to us because we are so intelligent or so very gifted at what we do. We are simple slaves of Jesus, humbly offering our thoughts as we believe the Holy Spirit is moving us. Also, we should share something we all believe. God loves us. God forgives our sins. God want us all to do ministry together.
Too often I have seen thoughtful, well-meaning people try to offer advice to a committee or a church. But instead of beginning softly, as Paul does, they barge in with all the grace of a bull in a China shop: touting their education, experience, or some other credential that means nothing to those they are trying to reach.
When we find ourselves in that kind of situation, let’s take a cue from Paul. We are here because we love Jesus and want to do good ministry, something we can all agree on.
God’s blessings on your ministries,
Pastor Ken.