“Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, an apostle called, separated to the gospel of God…”
Romans 1:1
Paul – the simple name of a small man. “Paul” means “small.”
Notice that all words pertaining to Paul in Romans 1:1 are passive. Paul is simply – and in everything – acted upon by Christ. He is the pawn and recipient of the action of Another. In this little half-sentence, we hear of Paul enslaved, apostolically “sent-out,” called, and set apart…by Christ and for Christ.
It is pure gospel truth to be identified only by what Christ has done to you, and not by what you have done to merit God’s favor. For we have done nothing, and Christ has done everything. We are just a small name – a “Paul.” The color and tenor of your life is only as great as your admission of smallness. The calling, drawing, loving power of Christ upon the sinner is what makes life a mysterious wonder.
What do we have that we have not received? What stature do we have but the “smallness” Christ has risen above and loved? Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Oh, do you remember that day when you were cut down to nothing, and He began to rise high in your heart (John 3:14)? Do you remember those months when He began to increase, and you began to decrease (John 3:30)? What a blessing – “God humbled me!”
Oh, be small, sister!
Be meek and little, brother!
Do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not (Jeremiah 45:5).
Be more like Paul – reduced, humbled, joyfully enslaved, sent out, called, separated…by Christ and for His glorious gospel.
“Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, an apostle called, separated to the gospel of God…”