«Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God» (Romans 1: 1).
Paul begins his letter to the Romans by presenting his documents, servant, apostle and settler.
Paul as a servant. The word «servant» in the original Greek is much stronger than the one we use today. It literally means «slave.» It is estimated that there were about three million slaves in the Roman Empire.
The slave was considered an object and not a person. It could be bought and sold. The slave lacked all rights and was absolutely subject to the control of his owner. In Paul’s case, he was not a determined master, nor was Caesar. It was Christ, the true Lord of the Universe, whom he served in voluntary choice and loving dependence. Paul uses this expression several times in his letters, even applying it to all believers who belong to Christ because they have been bought by his blood.
Paul as an apostle. In contrast to his previous credential, he also uses that of «apostle.» This means that he is sent as a messenger and with authority to fulfill a special mission. Emperors and kings had their emissaries and their representatives. Only those who had seen the Christ could be an apostle. Paul saw Christ on the road to Damascus and it was there that Christ called him to be «the apostle to the Gentiles.»
Pablo as set apart. This means «separate from others.» When he was a Jewish rabbi, he was set apart as a Pharisee for Jewish laws and traditions. But when he surrendered to Christ, he was set apart for the gospel and his ministry. «Gospel» means «good news.» Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again; and now he can save all who trust him. For a Roman citizen, presenting himself as a servant or slave was inadmissible, but Paul preferred to present himself that way. This credential, for him, more than a duty was an honor. Since that noon in Damascus when he had asked the Lord on his knees what he wanted him to do, he continued asking that same question every day, going or not where the Lord indicated, doing and ceasing to do according to the will of God, whether in the road, on a boat, in a church or in a jail.
With joy and faith, Paul was a servant to obey, an apostle to mission, and a set apart to live in and for the gospel.
Can you get down on your knees now? Can you lift your mind to God in prayer? Do you dare to ask: «Lord, what do you want me to do?» Do it now. God will answer you.