Grace, Faith, and the Gospel
Through Yahushua we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name. – Paul – Romans1: 5
Grace, Faith, and the Gospel: Understanding Romans 1:5
We have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name.
In this verse, the Apostle Paul is referring to the role of Yahushua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) in the lives of believers, specifically in terms of the grace and apostleship that Paul has received. Let’s break it down:
Grace and Apostleship: The Foundation of Faith and the Gospel
Paul begins by emphasizing that it is through Yahushua HaMashiach that he has received two key things: grace and apostleship.
Grace: This refers to the unmerited favor of God. Paul acknowledges that his calling and his ability to fulfill his mission are not due to any personal merit, but solely because of God’s grace. This grace is what enables him to preach the gospel and spread the message of salvation. It is through this grace that we come to understand the true nature of salvation and the Gospel.
Apostleship: This refers to the specific calling and authority given to Paul to be an apostle, meaning “one who is sent.” Paul was chosen by Yahushua HaMashiach to be a messenger of the Gospel to the Gentiles and to establish churches. His apostleship is not of his own choosing, but a direct result of God’s calling through Yahushua.
Obedience to the Faith and the Gospel among All Nations
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship and the grace he received is to bring about obedience to the faith among all nations. The “faith” here refers to belief in Yahushua HaMashiach, the Gospel, and the salvation that comes through Him.
Obedience to the faith: This suggests that faith is not just about belief but is linked to a life of obedience to God’s will. True faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God’s commands. The goal of Paul’s ministry is to encourage people from all nations to not only believe in Yahushua HaMashiach but to live in obedience to the faith they profess.
Among all nations: This highlights the universal nature of the Gospel message. The Gospel is not just for a specific group of people (like the Judeans), but for all nations and peoples. Paul is emphasizing that the message of salvation through Yahushua HaMashiach is meant to be shared worldwide.
For His Name: Grace, Faith, and the Gospel for the Glory of Yahushua
Finally, Paul notes that the ultimate purpose of everything he does—receiving grace, fulfilling his apostleship, and calling people to obedience to the faith—is for the glory of Yahushua HaMashiach’s name.
For His name: This phrase signifies that all of Paul’s efforts are not for personal gain or recognition, but for the honor and glory of Yahushua HaMashiach. The spread of the Gospel and the obedience of the believers are ultimately meant to bring glory to the name of Yahushua. It is through grace, faith, and the Gospel that all believers are called to live and fulfill the Great Commission.
Summary:
Romans 1:5 shows that Paul’s apostleship and the grace he received from Yahushua HaMashiach are for the purpose of calling all nations to obedience to the faith, all for the glory of Yahushua’s name. It emphasizes the mission of spreading the Gospel to the entire world and living out the obedience that true faith entails, with everything being done for the exaltation of Yahushua HaMashiach.
This verse sets the tone for the rest of the letter, highlighting the centrality of the Gospel, the global mission of the believer, and the ultimate purpose of all things being the glory of Yahushua. The message of grace, faith, and the Gospel is what drives believers to spread His name and live in obedience, knowing that all glory belongs to Yahushua.