By Mike Durrill
In this introductory paragraph, Paul uses the word "called" three times in verse 1-7. In verse
1 Paul describes himself as one divinely appointed by God as an apostle - set apart for
the gospel of God. In verses 3 and 7 he uses it in regards to the recipients of the epistle
those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ and again to those who have been
called to be saints.
This word, "called" has a couple of meanings depending upon the context of the passage.
The calling by God in verse 1 is a unique calling directed toward Paul to fulfill a divinely
selected and appointed office - that of the apostle.
The calling in verses 6 and 7 is an invitation - not an invitation to a select few, but an
invitation to all who would choose to believe. This is confirmed later in the passage - [16]
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone
who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Rom 1:16 ESV
As we begin 2013, I am thankful that I have been called to believe, that I believed, and that
God's grace enabled me to do so. The theological intricacies of these truths I leave in the
mind of God without pretending to have them all figured out.
God give me the grace to now live this year as one who belongs to Jesus.
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