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For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”¹

Paul knew his position before God. From Scripture we get a glimpse of his past as Saul—he was self-righteous and zealous;² he had passion and focus—he appointed himself to persecute or eliminate the church in Jerusalem,³ whom he thought was the enemy of God. It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.⁴ Yet, there was a noticeable 180-turn-around after Paul had an encounter with the Lord. And literally and figuratively scales from his eyes fell.⁵ He saw clearly now in light of the cross. From then on God redirected him, using the same strengths he had plus more; enlightened by both the fear of the LORD and the love of God.  Now he understood his identity in Christ, had a clear vision, and a specific purpose—entrusted with the gospel to the Gentiles.⁶

A healthy fear of the LORD is essential to keep us protected⁷; while the love of God draws us to endure⁸ the hardship and persecution every believer will have to go through as a means of purging into holiness.⁹ The fear of the LORD gave Paul clarity of purpose; everything to him that did not align with God’s will was rubbish, even his past credentials.¹⁰ Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! . . . I am still entrusted with a stewardship. . . . For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. . . . . I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, . . . .¹¹ The fear of the LORD and the love of God are inseparable; they are like two sides of a coin. One cannot profess one without the other.

And so he admonishes the believers in Rome and reminds them that they are loved by God and called to be saints¹²—derived from the Latin word sanctus, meaning holy. Defined as to set apart something or someone for God’s use and purpose, or to make something holy. Thus, we derive the word sanctified or sanctification—a process that transforms a person into someone who is more like Jesus. Paul blesses them, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.¹³ An apt reminder that we need to be aware of both grace and peace.

Paul then proceeds to teach them by example, First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, . . .¹⁴ And enumerates reasons for encouragement¹⁵ and warnings.¹⁶ Note the importance of meeting face-to-face to impart some spiritual gift, which is faith, and to encourage one another.¹⁷ Be of good courage! I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.¹⁸