Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 1:1-7

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, who was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; [even] Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name`s sake; among whom are ye also called [to be] Jesus Christ`s: To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." — Romans 1:1-7 (ASV)

The doctrine about which the apostle Paul wrote presented the fulfillment of the promises made by the prophets. It spoke of the Son of God, namely Jesus the Savior, the promised Messiah, who came from David according to His human nature but was also declared to be the Son of God by the Divine power that raised Him from the dead. The Christian profession does not consist in mere intellectual knowledge or a bare agreement, much less in perverse arguments, but in obedience. And all those, and only those, who are effectually called by Jesus Christ are brought to the obedience of faith. This calling includes:

1. The privilege of Christians: they are beloved by God and are members of that body which is beloved.
2. The duty of Christians: to be holy. For this purpose they are called, called to be saints.

The apostle greeted these believers, wishing them grace to sanctify their souls and peace to comfort their hearts, as flowing from the free mercy of God, the reconciled Father of all believers, and coming to them through the Lord Jesus Christ.