King James Version

What Does Romans 1:5 Mean?

Romans 1:5 in the King James Version says “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: for obedienc... — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: for obedience: or, to the obedience of faith

Romans 1:5 · KJV


Context

3

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: declared: Gr. determined

5

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: for obedience: or, to the obedience of faith

6

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Di' hou elabomen charin kai apostolēn (δι' οὗ ἐλάβομεν χάριν καὶ ἀποστολήν, 'through whom we received grace and apostleship') shows that Paul's apostolic authority and salvation are both unmerited gifts from the risen Christ. Charis (χάρις, grace) is undeserved favor, God's enabling power for salvation and service. The coupling of grace and apostleship indicates that ministry flows from grace, not human ambition or qualification.

The purpose clause eis hupakoēn pisteōs en pasin tois ethnesin (εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, 'for obedience of faith among all the nations') is crucial. The genitive pisteōs is debated: Is it obedience that consists in faith, obedience that flows from faith, or obedience to the faith (the gospel message)? Likely all three nuances apply—saving faith is inherently obedient trust, not mere intellectual assent (James 2:19). Pasin tois ethnesin (all nations/Gentiles) reflects the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and God's universal salvific intent. Huper tou onomatos autou (ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ, 'for His name's sake') shows that missions exist ultimately for God's glory, not human benefit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's Gentile mission was controversial in early Christianity. Acts 15 records the Jerusalem Council's debate over whether Gentiles must become Jews (through circumcision) to be Christians. Paul's theology of grace, articulated in Romans and Galatians, insisted that faith alone justifies, collapsing ethnic and cultural barriers. His apostleship to the Gentiles was God's instrument for fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that 'all nations' would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding faith as 'obedience' (ὑπακοή) rather than mere agreement challenge your own discipleship?
  2. What does it mean that gospel missions exist 'for His name's sake' rather than human flourishing as the ultimate goal?
  3. How might ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic pride hinder 'all nations' from hearing the gospel today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
δι'1 of 17

By

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

οὗ2 of 17

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐλάβομεν3 of 17

we have received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

χάριν4 of 17

grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

καὶ5 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀποστολὴν6 of 17

apostleship

G651

commission, i.e., (specially) apostolate

εἰς7 of 17

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὑπακοὴν8 of 17

obedience

G5218

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

πίστεως9 of 17

to the faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐν10 of 17

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν11 of 17

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς12 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνεσιν13 of 17

nations

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ὑπὲρ14 of 17

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τοῦ15 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀνόματος16 of 17

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ17 of 17

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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