This section consists of two parts. The first, from v. 1 to 7 inclusive is a salutatory address ; the second, from v. 8 to 17, is the introduction to the epistle. Paul commences by announcing himself as a divinely com- missioned teacher, set apart to the preaching of the gospel, v. 1. Of this gospel, he says, 1. That it was promised, and of course partially exhi- bited in the Old Testament, v. 2. 2. That its great subject was Jesus Christ, V. 3. Of Christ he says, that he was, as to his human nature, the Son of David; but as to his divine nature, the Son of God, vs. 3, 4. From this divine person he had received his office as an apostle. The object of this office was to bring men to believe the gospel ; and it contem- plated all nations as the field of its labour, v. 5. Of course the Romans w^ere included, v. 6. To the Romar Christians, therefore, he wishes grace and peace, v. 7. Thus far the salutation.
Having shown in what character, and by what right he addressed them, the apostle introduces the subject of his letter by expressing to them his respect and affection. He thanks God not only that they believed, but that their faith was universally known and talked of, v. 9 As an evidence of his concern for them, he mentions, 1. That he prayed for them constantly, v. 9. 2. That he longed to see them, vs. 10, 11. 3. That this wish to see them arose from a desire to do them good, and to reap some fruit of his ministry among them, as well as among other Gentiles, vs. 12, 13. Because he was under obligation to preach to all men, wise and unwise, he was therefore ready to preach even at Rome, vs. 14, 15. This readiness to preach arose from the high estimate he entertained of the gospel. And his reverence for the gospel was founded not on its excellent system of morals merely, but on its effi- cacy in saving all who believe, whether Jews or Gentiles, v. 16. This efficacy of the gospel arises from its teaching the true method of justifica- tion, that is, the method of justification by faith, v. 17. It will be per- ceived how naturally and skilfully the apostle introduces the two great subjects of the epistle — the method of salvation, and the persons to whom it may properly be offered.