Romans 1:6
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Original Language Analysis
οἷς
whom
G3739
οἷς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 8
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 17:14These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:2 Peter 1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;1 Corinthians 1:9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:1 Peter 2:21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Historical Context
The Roman church was likely majority Gentile by the time Paul wrote, though with a significant Jewish minority. Tensions between these groups over law observance, dietary practices, and holy days are addressed later in Romans 14-15. Paul's identification of them as 'called' on equal footing with Jewish believers was a powerful statement of unity in Christ, transcending ethnic and cultural divisions that plagued the ancient world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your identity as one of the 'called' (κλητοί) of Jesus Christ reorder your priorities, relationships, and daily decisions?
- What aspects of your former identity (ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic) compete with your identity as 'belonging to Jesus Christ'?
- How should the doctrine of effectual calling shape your evangelistic efforts and prayers for the lost?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Paul now applies the global mission of verse 5 specifically to Roman believers: en hois este kai humeis klētoi Iēsou Christou (ἐν οἷς ἐστε καὶ ὑμεῖς κλητοὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, 'among whom you also are called of Jesus Christ'). The adjective klētoi (κλητοί, 'called ones') echoes verse 1 where Paul identified himself as klētos (called). The calling is divine initiative, effectual, and gracious—God calls, and those called respond in faith.
The genitive Iēsou Christou indicates both source (called by Jesus Christ) and possession (belonging to Jesus Christ). This calling is not merely to salvation but to belonging—they are Christ's people, His treasured possession. The inclusion of Gentile believers in Rome 'among the nations' was itself a demonstration of the gospel's power to unite Jew and Gentile into one body (Ephesians 2:11-22). Paul's addressing them as 'called' reminds them of their identity: chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), effectually summoned from darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9).