Paul. Earlier called Saul. For the meaning of the names see Additional Note on Acts 7. Paul was following ancient custom when he inserted his name as the author in his introductory greetings. For examples see Josephus Antiquities xvi. 6. 3, 4; Acts 23:26; 1 Macc. 11:30, 32.
Servant. Gr. doulos, literally, “one bound,” hence, “a bond servant” or “a slave.” Paul frequently uses this term to express his relationship as a believer to Christ (Gal. 1:10; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:1). The word involves the idea of belonging to a master and rendering bondman service to him. Paul recognized that Christians belong to Christ by purchase (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18, 19), and often applied the term doulos to believers (Rom. 6:22; 1 Cor. 7:22; Eph. 6:6; cf. 1 Peter 2:16; Rev. 19:2, 5).
This is not a title of which we should be ashamed. We should gladly acknowledge that we are Christ’s purchased possession and surrender ourselves to His will. Such absolute service is true freedom (1 Cor. 7:22; Gal. 4:7), for the more we are bound by the authority of Christ, the more we are free from bondage to men (1 Cor. 7:23).
Jesus Christ. For the significance of these titles see on Matt. 1:1.
Apostle. Gr. apostolos, literally, “one sent out,” hence, “a messenger,” “an envoy,” “one sent on a special mission.” In the NT the title is usually restricted to the men who were personally selected and instructed by Christ, namely, the Twelve (Luke 6:13), and to Paul, who also was directly called by the Lord (Acts 9:15; 22:14, 15; 26:16, 17; Gal. 1:1) and instructed by Him (Gal. 1:11, 12).
Separated. Gr. aphorizo, “to mark off from others by a boundary.” Aphorizo is used to describe the separation of God’s people from the world (Lev. 20:26, LXX), the final separation of the righteous from the wicked (Matt. 13:49; 25:32), and the separation of apostles to special duties (Acts 13:2). It is a further explanation of Paul’s apostolic calling and implies that he was selected from the world and from among his fellows and consecrated to the gospel ministry.
Gospel. Gr. euaggelion, a word made up of two parts, “good” and “message” or “news” (see on Mark 1:1). The word “evangelize” comes from the same two roots. An evangelist is one who tells good news. In the letter to the Romans Paul fulfills his commission to make known God’s good news. Tyndale, in 1525, understood the phrase “unto the gospel” to mean “to preach the gospel.” He has been followed in this interpretation by a number of modern translators. Others prefer to leave the phrase ambiguous. The context would seem to indicate that Paul is here stating the purpose of his calling and separation. He has been called to be an apostle and set apart to proclaim God’s good news concerning His Son (see on Rom. 1:3).
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