Footnotes

1. Romans 1:1 Paul: in accord with ancient custom, Paul puts his name at the beginning of the Letter; for information about Paul, see Acts 9:1ff; Phil 3:4-14; and the Introduction to his Letters. Servant: literally, (1) a “slave,” who belongs wholly to his master and is not free to leave, or (2) a “servant,” who chooses to serve his master (see Ex 14:31; Ps 18; Isa 41:8-9; 42:1). Apostle: one especially commissioned by Christ (see note on Mk 6:30). Gospel: see note on Mk 1:1-8. The word Gospel occurs with special frequency in the collection of Paul’s Letters (40 times).
2. Romans 1:2 Prophets: not just the writers of the Prophetic Books of the Bible but the whole Old Testament, which prophesied about Jesus (see Lk 24:27, 44). Holy Scriptures: the Old Testament.
3. Romans 1:3 An early Christian profession of faith that proclaims Jesus’ sonship as the Messianic descendant of David (see Mt 22:42; 2 Tim 2:8; Rev 22:16) and as the Son of God, as indicated by the Resurrection. Since Jesus is a “life-giving spirit” (1 Cor 15:45), he is able to give the Spirit to those who believe in him.