Romans 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Original Language Analysis
δι'
By
G1223
δι'
By
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
οὗ
whom
G3739
οὗ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐλάβομεν
we have received
G2983
ἐλάβομεν
we have received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
3 of 17
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
χάριν
grace
G5485
χάριν
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 17
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὑπακοὴν
obedience
G5218
ὑπακοὴν
obedience
Strong's:
G5218
Word #:
8 of 17
attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission
πίστεως
to the faith
G4102
πίστεως
to the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
9 of 17
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
nations
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
13 of 17
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
14 of 17
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Acts 6:7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.Romans 16:26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.Acts 1:25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.Romans 3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:1 Corinthians 9:2If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
Historical Context
Paul's Gentile mission was controversial in early Christianity. Acts 15 records the Jerusalem Council's debate over whether Gentiles must become Jews (through circumcision) to be Christians. Paul's theology of grace, articulated in Romans and Galatians, insisted that faith alone justifies, collapsing ethnic and cultural barriers. His apostleship to the Gentiles was God's instrument for fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that 'all nations' would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding faith as 'obedience' (ὑπακοή) rather than mere agreement challenge your own discipleship?
- What does it mean that gospel missions exist 'for His name's sake' rather than human flourishing as the ultimate goal?
- How might ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic pride hinder 'all nations' from hearing the gospel today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Di' hou elabomen charin kai apostolēn (δι' οὗ ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολήν, 'through whom we received grace and apostleship') shows that Paul's apostolic authority and salvation are both unmerited gifts from the risen Christ. Charis (χάρις, grace) is undeserved favor, God's enabling power for salvation and service. The coupling of grace and apostleship indicates that ministry flows from grace, not human ambition or qualification.
The purpose clause eis hupakoēn pisteōs en pasin tois ethnesin (εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, 'for obedience of faith among all the nations') is crucial. The genitive pisteōs is debated: Is it obedience that consists in faith, obedience that flows from faith, or obedience to the faith (the gospel message)? Likely all three nuances apply—saving faith is inherently obedient trust, not mere intellectual assent (James 2:19). Pasin tois ethnesin (all nations/Gentiles) reflects the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and God's universal salvific intent. Huper tou onomatos autou (ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ, 'for His name's sake') shows that missions exist ultimately for God's glory, not human benefit.