Called and Set Apart

Christy and Cara with Davide and Tanya in Rome -- 
back in the day!

Scripture:

Rom. 1:1   Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 

Observation:

Verses 1-7 are one long sentence in Greek. It would be natural to look at that whole sentence, but Paul packed so much into it that just the first verse makes one stop and think. First of all, the early church fathers got hung up on the fact that he is “Paul.” There is something in the declaration that he is “Paul” that reinforces his claim that he has been “called” and also “set apart.” He is not the same man that he used to be. Paul is no longer Saul because of his encounter with Jesus Christ, and that is the pivotal and transformational moment in his life. 

Paul is a “servant” of Jesus Christ, and this word is troublesome in ways. This word can be translated “servant” or “slave.” Taken within our current context these terms may feel heavy or negative. That is not the intent, for to be a “servant” or “δοῦλος” — doulos — is to be one who is pledged, or bound to serve. In the Old Testament, Moses was a servant of God, as was Abraham. Paul now places himself within that line or tradition, pledging himself and his life in service to Jesus Christ. 

The two little words, “Jesus Christ” carry great significance. Some manuscripts have the words reversed, “Christ Jesus.” In the original writing this would have meant something as “Christ” means “Messiah” — that either Jesus is the Messiah, or the Messiah Jesus. For Jews, this meant that Jesus was the long-awaited one. Paul was serving the anointed Jesus — and would remain in service to him for the remainder of his days. 

As Paul was spelling out his credentials to the Romans, this next one was significant. Obviously, Paul is not numbered with the original twelve apostles. However, the word “apostle” means he has been sent out to be an envoy, ambassador, or messenger (for Jesus Christ). His Damascus road experience transformed him, not only as a follower of Christ, but as an apostle. From that moment he lived into his calling, being sent into the world to preach. He may not have been among the original twelve, but according to John Wesley, “While God calls, he makes what he calls” (Notes). Because he was “called to be an apostle” — he was then, therefore, an apostle. 

Finally, Paul notes that he has now been “set apart for the gospel of God.” He was separated from his original work and lifestyle to share the good news of God breaking into this world. The way the phrase is laid out “gospel of God” it can be translated in different ways, “the gospel which God brings” or “the gospel about God.” The result is an interplay between the two concepts. This is God’s gospel, and God brings it to the people. 

Paul is laying out his authority to bring this theological treatise to the Romans. He must have this authority of being “called” and “sent” or the readers will fail to come to grips with the ultimate purpose of the writing which will unfold before us. 

Application:

I think that God is looking for followers who are willing to adopt the model placed before us from Paul. It’s kind of a “cool” thing to have the Greek word “δοῦλος” as a tattoo these days. I’ve seen this on a few burgeoning theological students and/or young preachers. However, if we are going to wear that name and/or title — we have to understand what it really means. If I am truly a “servant” of Jesus Christ, then everything about my life is placed in service to him. This means every decision and choice comes under the Lord’s authority, including my work, my recreational time, my relationships and even the ways in which I spend my money. It means everything! Are we willing? If not, then we are servants of ourselves, and this will ultimately impact every decision of our lives as well. 

God is still in the business of calling people to be ambassadors in the world. If you are called to be an ambassador for your country, you live in a home where the flag of our country flies. It’s as if a small parcel of your country exists within another country. All the rights and privileges of the citizenship of your country exist in that location. Everything that an ambassador does represents the leadership of his/her home country. 

We are “called” just like Paul to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ in this world. Just imagine that your home is the embassy of the Kingdom of God in your community. Would people experience that kingdom if they stepped inside? Is there something different about your space than that of your neighbors?  At the same time, we must consider whether our behavior reflects the kingdom which we serve. Just imagine that every follower of Christ — their home — was an outpost of God’s kingdom on this earth. What an incredible impact we could have. 

Finally, we too, are “set apart” for God’s gospel. As a result of the gospel, we are “set apart” - and are distinctive from the world around us. I know, we have struggled with this idea for about 50 years. There was a period of time when we were seen as “weird” and very different from the world, but now the pendulum has swung the other direction and there’s very little that the world sees different in the lives of Christians. Maybe it’s time to find the balance — for the reality is that we are “set apart” and we are different when we follow Christ. Paul was radically different from the world, and yet, he found ways in which to communicate the truths of the gospel to those around him. We are set apart to live like people who have been transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ. We are also set apart to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to our world. 

Paul packs a huge punch in very few words. In his first epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 11, Paul told the people “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” His life and testimony are placed before us as examples to follow. 

Prayer:

Lord, my desire is to be your “servant” now, and for the remainder of my life. Amen.