Hamilton Smith · Division 1.

(V. 1). The first seven verses of the Epistle present the credentials of the Apostle, the great theme of the Epistle, and the Apostolic greetings to the Saints at Rome. Not only was Paul the bondman of Jesus Christ in common with many others, but, by special calling, he was constituted an Apostle. Therefore his service had an apostolic character as one specially sent forth to announce glad tidings.