Romans 1:7
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.
Romans 1:7
Paul extends grace to a broad audience: “To all that be in Rome.” He greets believers as “beloved of God, called to be saints,” and then blesses them with “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The standard Pauline greeting combines doctrinal depth with relational warmth. “Beloved of God” affirms a divine, intimate relationship; “called to be saints” declares a moral and identity reality—set apart for holiness. Saints, in Paul’s usage, are ordinary people shaped by God’s grace, not elite figures. The phrase “Grace to you and peace” links God’s undeserved favor with inner wholeness and harmony in a world of tension. The greeting situates the Romans within the larger biblical story of God’s people—those whom God loves, called, and transformed. It also foreshadows the letter’s ethical exhortations grounded in grace.
The verse encapsulates core themes: divine love, sanctification, and peace. Believers are “beloved” precisely because of God’s initiative, not human merit, and their vocation is to be “saints”—set apart for God’s purposes. The blessing of grace and peace points to the ongoing, relational dynamic between God and his people, enabling a life marked by trust, reconciliation, and holy living. This greeting frames the rest of Romans as a letter written to a community who is both loved and needed to grow in faith, hope, and love.
Receive the identity: you are beloved by God and called to be holy. Let grace shape your self-view: you don’t earn love; you respond to it. In practical terms, pursue peace in relationships—reconciliation, patient conversations, and humble service. Let the concept of being a saint affect your daily choices: choose integrity at work, mercy toward others, and time for spiritual disciplines. When you feel distant from God or overwhelmed by life, remind yourself of God’s affection and the peace he offers through Jesus. Let this blessing guide how you bless others—offer grace, speak truth with gentleness, and cultivate a community where God’s love is tangibly felt.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23