Romans 1:7
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἁγίοις
to be saints
G40
ἁγίοις
to be saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
9 of 21
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
χάρις
Grace
G5485
χάρις
Grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
10 of 21
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 #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
13 of 21
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πατρὸς
Father
G3962
πατρὸς
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
16 of 21
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Colossians 1:2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Ephesians 1:2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.1 Thessalonians 1:1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.2 Thessalonians 3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.2 Thessalonians 3:18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.Philemon 1:3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.2 John 1:3Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.Revelation 22:21The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.Philemon 1:25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Historical Context
Writing to believers in the capital of an empire that claimed divine status for Caesar, Paul's greeting was subversive. True grace and peace flow not from Rome's Pax Romana (enforced by military might) but from God the Father and the Lord (κύριος) Jesus Christ—a direct challenge to Caesar's lordship. Christians were called 'holy ones,' set apart from the pagan immorality and emperor worship saturating Roman culture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being 'beloved of God' (ἀγαπητοί) affect your sense of worth, especially when you fail or face rejection?
- What does it mean practically to be 'called saints' (κλητοὶ ἅγιοι)—set apart—in your workplace, neighborhood, and relationships?
- Where do you seek grace and peace from sources other than 'God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's greeting identifies the recipients: pasin tois ousin en Rhōmē agapētois theou (πᾶσιν τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Ῥώμῃ ἀγαπητοῖς θεοῦ, 'to all who are in Rome, beloved of God'). Agapētois theou (beloved of God) is staggering—those who were once enemies (Romans 5:10) are now the objects of divine love, the same love God has for His Son (John 17:23). This is not sentimental affection but covenantal commitment—agapē (ἀγάπη), self-sacrificing love demonstrated at the cross.
Klētois hagiois (κλητοῖς ἁγίοις, 'called saints') is better translated 'called to be holy ones.' Hagiois (holy ones/saints) applies to all believers, not a special class. Holiness is both positional (set apart to God) and progressive (growing in sanctification). The benediction charis humin kai eirēnē (χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, 'grace to you and peace') combines Greek (charis) and Hebrew (shalom, peace) greetings. Eirēnē is not merely absence of conflict but wholeness, reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1), and harmonious relationships. The dual source apo theou patros hēmōn kai kuriou Iēsou Christou (from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ) places Father and Son on equal footing, a profound Trinitarian affirmation.