Romans 1:1

King James Version (KJV)

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Translations

Romans 1:1 - Amplified Bible

FROM PAUL, a bond servant of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) called to be an apostle, (a special messenger) set apart to [preach] the Gospel (good news) of {and} from God,

Romans 1:1 - American Standard Version

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Romans 1:1 - Bible in Basic English

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, an Apostle by the selection of God, given authority as a preacher of the good news,

Romans 1:1 - Darby Bible

Paul, bondman of Jesus Christ, [a] called apostle, separated to God`s glad tidings,

Romans 1:1 - English Standard Version

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

Romans 1:1 - King James Version

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Romans 1:1 - La Biblia de las Americas

Pablo, siervo de Cristo Jesùs, llamado a ser apòstol, apartado para el evangelio de Dios,

Romans 1:1 - The Message

I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God’s words and acts. I write this letter to all the believers in Rome, God’s friends.

Romans 1:1 - New American Standard Bible

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called {as} an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

Romans 1:1 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Pablo, siervo de Cristo Jesùs (el Mesìas Redentor), llamado a ser apòstol, apartado para el evangelio (las buenas nuevas) de Dios,

Romans 1:1 - World English Bible

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

Romans 1:1 - Young's Living Translation

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated to the good news of God --

Romans 1:1 - Additional Comments

We have fourteen of Paul's epistles (letters) in the canon of scripture; many more, it is probable, he wrote in the course of his ministry, which might be profitable enough for doctrine, for reproof, etc., but, not being given by inspiration of God.
It is Paul's epistle to the Romans that most consider his greatest epistle, because of the excellency of the topics, its length and breadth, and the noble church to which it was written.
It appears it was written in 56 AD, from Corinth, while Paul made a short stay there in his way to Troas (Acts 20:5-6).
It is important that Paul establish a foundation in his letter (vs 1-7), so those reading it know who Paul is and who Jesus is. And (vs 7), who is the intended audience for the letter - the Christians in Rome. And, Paul established his authority to write this kind of letter, since he was an apostle and "separated to the gospel of God".
Paul acknowledges (Gal 1:15) that God "had set me apart before I was born." What an interesting path God allowed Paul to go down. On the road to Damascus, Paul's life began to change. He could look back on where he'd been, knowing going forward it would never be the same again (Acts 9:15-16).
Paul makes it clear in this verse that his position was handed to him by God - it was not his accomplishment. Although, Paul does place himself squarely in the position of bondservant, which indicates his attitude towards his calling. What a humble contrast to those who claim titles of praise (e.g. the person who went through med school so people would call him "doctor"). Paul takes a title of the servant, one who is there for others, not to be glorified. And even when he takes on the title of apostle, for so he was, he also humbles himself in that position, as the least of the apostles and not worthy of the position (1 Cor 15:9).
What a title, a "bondservant of Jesus". What titles would you put next to your name to describe who you are? (What title would your spouse or friends give you?) This title of "bondservant of Jesus" is not a title that should be unique to Paul - we all should have that title. Does that title even remotely describe you, a "bondservant of Jesus Christ"? Is that on the list that your spouse or friends would come up with?
Regardless of whether we are filling that position properly or not, we all still have been given that title. What does it mean? A bondservant is ready, even required, to drop everything to do the Master's will when He calls. May we live up to that title.
Note that Jesus did call Paul to be an apostle, much more directly than He calls us (Acts 9:15-16). And (see same verses), Paul was also called to be the suffering servant, for God told Ananias Paul would suffer many things for Him. How would you feel if at the beginning of your calling God made it so clear it was going to a really rough ride? Life might be a lot scarier if we knew ahead of time what God had in store for us. (But we can always trust Him it is best.)

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