among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;
Parallel Translations
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among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;
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of the which hethen are ye a part also which are Iesus christes by vocacion.
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Among whom ye be also the called of Iesus Christ:
Cross-references (15)
Passages linked to Romans 1:6 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
- Revelation 17:14 These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called chosen and faithful.”
- 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
- Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession: Jesus,
- 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
- Romans 8:28-30 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
- Ephesians 1:11 We were also assigned an inheritance in him, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will,
- 2 Timothy 1:9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
- 1 Peter 2:21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,
- Romans 9:24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?
- Galatians 1:6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”,
- 1 Thessalonians 2:12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:14 to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Colossians 1:21 You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil deeds,
- Colossians 1:6 which has come to you, even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth,
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (17 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain Which through God’s goodness, are Christ’s.
Which through God’s goodness, are Christ’s.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 6 Among whom are ye also the called of…
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Ver. 6. Ye are the called] With a high and heavenly calling, Heb 3:1. {See Trapp on "Heb 3:1"}
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Among whom are ye also; the Romans are in…
Among whom are ye also; the Romans are in this number, and a part of the nations to whom I have a commission, and for whom I have received the grace of apostleship. He adds this, to show his warrant for writing to them, he did it by virtue of his office; as also to humble them; for though they were Romans, and such as bore the greatest sway in the world, yet they were formerly pagans and idolaters.
The called of Jesus Christ: though such were some of you, to wit, heathen idolaters; yet now you are Christians, and the called of Jesus Christ: called outwardly by his word, and inwardly by his Spirit. By effectual calling you are become his disciples and followers.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Among whom are ye also,.... The Romans, though they…
Among whom are ye also,.... The Romans, though they were the chief, were among the nations of the world to whom the apostles were sent; and since Paul was called to be an apostle, and had, as others, grace and apostleship, and particularly the apostleship of the uncircumcision, or was ordained a teacher of the Gentiles, more especially he was an apostle to them, and as such was to be regarded by them. This seems to point out what they were originally; they were among all nations which lay in darkness; and were without Christ and hope, and God in the world; but now,
the called of Jesus Christ. The calling here spoken of is not to an office, or a mere external one by the ministry of the word, but an internal special call by the grace of God; and which is irresistible, efficacious, and unchangeable, and is an high, holy, and heavenly one; by it persons are called out of darkness into light, out of bondage into liberty, out of the world, from the company of the men of it, and the sinful pleasures thereof, to fellowship with Christ and his saints, and off a dependence on themselves, and their own righteousness, to the grace and righteousness of Christ, and to eternal glory. The persons so called are the elect of God, who are secured in Christ, and redeemed by him, and who has a concern with the Father and Spirit in the calling of them: hence they are styled, "the called of Jesus Christ"; they are called by him, and after his name; he has an interest in them; as they were before his chosen and redeemed ones, they are now his called ones; as Jacob and Israel of old were named of God, "my called", Isa 48:12; so these were named Christ's called ones; and who by calling came to be partakers of him and of his grace.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain Among whom - The nations brought to the obedience…
Among whom - The nations brought to the obedience of faith. Are ye also - But St. Paul gives them no preeminence above others.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 6. Ye are the called] Ye Romans are…
Verse 6. Ye are the called] Ye Romans are all invited to believe in Christ Jesus, for the salvation of your souls; and to you, with the rest, my apostolical mission extends. This appears to be the most obvious sense of the word called in this place-to be called by the Gospel is to be invited to believe in Christ Jesus, and become his disciples. The word sometimes means constituted, or made, as in Ro 1:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain Among whom - That is, among the Gentiles who…
Among whom - That is, among the Gentiles who had become obedient to the Christian faith in accordance with the design of the gospel, Rom 1:8. This proves that the church at Rome was made up partly at least, if not mainly, of Gentiles or pagans. This is fully proved in the xvith. chapter by the names of the persons whom Paul salutes.
The called of Jesus Christ - Those whom Jesus Christ has called to be his followers. The word “called” (see Rom 1:1) denotes not merely an external invitation to privilege, but it also denotes the “internal” or “effectual” call which secures conformity to the will of him who calls, and is thus synonymous with the name Christians, or believers. That true Christians are contemplated by this address, is clear from the whole scope of the Epistle; see particularly Rom. 8; compare Phi 3:14; Heb 3:1.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain Among whom are you also the called of Jesus.…
Among whom are you also the called of Jesus. That is, you also are a part of those, who by his mercy, are called to this faith and belief in him. All beginning from those words in the third verse, who was made to him, &c. till the end of the sixth verse, are to be taken as within a parenthesis, which is not unusual in the style of St. Paul. Then he goes on after this long parenthesis. (Witham)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain Among whom are ye also--that is, along with others;…
Among whom are ye also--that is, along with others; for the apostle ascribes nothing special to the Church of Rome (compare Co1 14:36) [BENGEL].
the called--(See on Rom 8:30).
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of Christ Jesus--that is, either called "by Him" (Joh 5:25), or the called "belonging to Him"; "Christ's called ones." Perhaps this latter sense is best supported, but one hardly knows which to prefer.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 6. The called. (See note on Rom_1:1.)
6. The called. (See note on Rom_1:1.)
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 6. the called of Jesus Christ] Jesus Christ’s called…
6. the called of Jesus Christ] Jesus Christ’s called ones; called, and as such belonging to Him. The “call” here referred to, as almost always in the Epistles, is the effectual call of Divine grace; more than the external message. In the Gospels “call” and “choice” are almost contrasted; e.g. Mat_22:14. In the Epp. they are (not indeed identical but) united. See Rom_8:28, Rom_11:29; 1Co_1:24; Judges 1; Rev_17:14.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (6) Among whom are ye also.—It is, perhaps, best…
(6) Among whom are ye also.—It is, perhaps, best not to put a comma at “also.” Among these Gentile churches, to which I am specially commissioned, you Romans too are called to the same obedience of faith, and therefore I have the more right to address you.
Called of Jesus Christ—i.e., not “called by Jesus Christ,” but “called and so belonging to Jesus Christ,” “your Master’s own elect ones.” (Comp. LXX., 1Ki_1:41, where the words “guests of Adonijah” are in the Greek “called of Adonijah.”)
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain Among whom are ye also, called ones of Jesus…
Among whom are ye also, called ones of Jesus Christ; and therefore included in my apostolic mission. Here the parenthetic passage ends, ver. 7 being the sequence of ver. 1.
Vers. 6, 7. The Roman Christians.
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In the great capital of the empire and of the world there was thus early constituted a congregation of Christian worshippers and disciples. Amidst the grandeur, the opulence, the vice, that prevailed in this, as in every metropolis; amidst proud patricians, turbulent plebeians, and wretched slaves, there existed already an obscure but, to us, notable society, composed of Jews, Romans, and foreigners resident in the city, to whom Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, wrote this letter. The members of this society were not characterized by any outward marks of distinction which would render them interesting to the inhabitants of Rome generally. Yet, whilst the great and learned and wealthy, who either never heard of the Christian Church in their midst, or who, if they heard of it, despised it, whilst they, for the most part, are forgotten, that Church is still remembered with deepest interest. Notice the marks by which it was distinguished to the view of the inspired apostle. He wrote "to all that be in Rome," who were differenced from those around them in certain respects.
I THEY WERE CALLED OF CHRIST. They had, for the most part, never seen the Lord Jesus; but their souls had heard his holy, gracious call.
1. They had been addressed by the audible voice of his uttered Word. The call of the gospel had reached their understanding.
2. They had experienced the inner call of his Spirit. To each one of them might the apostle say, "The Word is nigh thee, even in thy heart.
3. They had responded to the call by their faith and obedience; they had not received the grace of God in vain.
II THEY WERE BELOVED OF GOD.
1. In common with all mankind, they were the objects of Divine pity. "God so loved the world," etc.
2. But there was a special sense in which they were partakers of the love of God. He had revealed his love to them, and they loved God, because he first loved them. He loved his own image reflected in their character and life.
3. This love was especially manifested in their adoption. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God!
III THEY WERE SEPARATED UNTO HOLINESS. The word "saint" is now appropriated to personages of peculiar and distinguished piety. But it serves to remind us that Christians were intended to be pure amidst a sinful world and a sinful generation a condition of the Divine favour, as well as a result of the privileges enjoyed by the people of God. The term may be thus unfolded. Saints are
(1) distinguished from sinful society by which they are surrounded;
(2) distinguished from their former selves;
(3) filled with the Spirit of holiness;
(4) and in character, as well as by profession, witnesses unto a holy God and Saviour.
Such "notes" of true, experimental Christianity were, indeed, not peculiar to the Roman Christians; but their conspicuous presence in the society addressed by the apostle was an earnest of the fruits of true religion which should abound wherever the gospel was proclaimed and received.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus…
Rom_1:6
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.
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The called of Jesus Christ
This expression denotes--
1. That the change is wholly of the Lord, that it is the effect of His own good pleasure, and accomplished by His Almighty power. Others may attempt it, but none can do it effectually but Himself. The Word may be the instrument, but its success is of Him alone.
2. The ease with which this great work is accomplished, for what more easy than to do it with a word. In the morning of creation God said, Let there be light, and there was light. In the morning of conversion His mandate is equally sovereign and efficacious.
3. The great difference that is made between the former and present state of the person called. It clearly implies that a separation existed between the parties, and that in virtue of this call the sinner is brought nigh to God.
I. The nature of this holy calling. There are various calls mentioned in the Scriptures.
1. To particular services of a civil nature. God called Cyrus to the conquest of nations, and to be the protector of Israel. A persons secular employment is said to be his calling; it is the work to which Providence invites him (Isa_45:4; 1Co_7:20).
2. To office, as when Paul was called to the apostleship (Rom_1:1). Thus every faithful minister of the gospel, in an inferior degree, is called of God (1Co_12:7-11).
3. To mankind, wherever the gospel comes, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. But though all without exception are thus invited, few are chosen (Pro_8:4; Isa_55:7; Mat_22:1-10; Act_17:30). But the call mentioned in our text is peculiar to true believers.
It implies--
1. A conviction of the evil of sin, of the utter insufficiency of the creature, and of the want of a Saviour.
2. A sweet and powerful inclination of the whole soul towards God. The compliance is voluntary, while the energy is efficient and almighty. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.
3. A solemn surrender of ourselves to be the Lords.
4. Certain effects. Sinners are hereby called out of darkness into marvellous light; from the bondage of sin, Satan, and the law, to the glorious liberty of the sons of God. It is said to he a holy and a heavenly calling, whereby we are called to the attainment of glory and virtue. It is that by which we are meetened for heaven. A partial but real conformity to God in this world will be followed by a perfect conformity to Him in the next; for whom He called, them He also glorified (Rom_8:30; 2Pe_1:3).
II. The means employed. These are diverse, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Some are called into the vineyard at the third hour, some at the sixth, some at the ninth, and some even at the eleventh hour of the day. Sometimes remarkable providences have become the messengers of unexpected mercy; sometimes fearful dreams, or the edifying discourse of pious friends, but more frequently the public ministry of the Word. The Lord calls some in thunder, others in the still small voice.
III. Its distinguishing properties. It is--
1. Personal and particular. The general call of the gospel is addressed to all who come within its sound, but this singles out the object and speaks to him as it were by name. Zaccheus, come down. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? The former is drawing the bow at a venture, the latter directs the arrow to the mark. The one is the act of man, the other the sole work of God: the one is directed to the ear, the other to the heart.
2. Secret and internal. It is visible only in its effects (Joh_3:8). Sauls companions heard a sound of words, but knew not what was spoken.
3. Effectual. Many other calls are not so, even where God Himself is the speaker; for he speaketh once--yea, twice--to our senses, to our reason, in the works of creation and providence, and in the ministry of the Word, but man perceiveth it not, or does not regard it. But when God speaks to the conscience and the heart the sinner is made to hear and to obey, His language is, Call Thou and I will answer--speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.
4. Irrevocable. Not only the gifts, but the calling of God is without repentance (Rom_11:29), God is said to repent that He gave man a being, but never that He gave him grace,
Improvement:
1. How necessary and important is it that we give all diligence to make our calling and election sure (2Pe_1:10).
2. Let us learn our obligations to Divine grace. Whatever we are enabled to do for Christ is the fruit of what He has done for us.
3. Let our gratitude for Gods distinguishing grace be exemplified by a course of universal obedience. (B. Beddome.)
The inspiring energy of a Divine call
Great heroes of history have often been represented as urged on, stimulated, or inspired by some influence beyond themselves. Whether it has been called a genius or a spirit, a demon or an angel, fate or providence, the principle is the same. They have either themselves believed, or the superstition of their followers has given birth to the idea that some overruling and irresistible power was leading them through the intricacies of their earthly course and directing their every step towards a predetermined end. Thus Joan of Arc, a simple rustic country maid, was led on by imaginary voices which she heard to seek the deliverance of her country from the hand of her enemies. She believed herself inspired to take the lead of armies and to place the crown of France upon the head of the rightful monarch. Nor did she cease or fail in her endeavours till she had roused her countrymen to vigorous action, led them on to victory, and restored the kingdom to him whom she regarded as its true and lawful king. (Harvey Phillips.)
The Christian calling ascertained
To every Christian man there is a heavenly calling, a Divine mission, a sacred consecration, and it behoves him to see, to contemplate, to study what that calling is and how he can best perform its sacred obligations. (Harvey Phillips.)
Life not to fall below the heavenly calling
A being already invested with a deathless life, already adopted into the immediate family of God, already enrolled in the brotherhood of angels, yea, of the Lord of angels; a being who, amid the revolutions of earth and skies, feels and knows himself indestructible, capacitated to outlast the universe, a sharer in the immortality of God--what is there that can be said of such an one which falls not below the awful glory of his position! Oh, misery, that with such a calling, man should be the grovelling thing that he is that, summoned but to pause for awhile in the vestibule of the eternal temple ere he be introduced into its sanctuaries, he should forget, in the dreams of his lethargy, the eternity that awaits him! Oh, wretchedness beyond words, that, surrounded by love, and invited to glory, we should have no heart for happiness, but should still cower in the dark, while light ineffable solicits him to behold and enjoy it! (Prof. W. A. Butler.)
The Christian calling should lead to service
Like as if the Queen, to show her puissance against a foreign power, should call forth some of her subjects who are most beholden to her to combat in her presence for her honour, they would, no doubt, strain all their strength in this service, yea, and their lives too: even so, much more ought we that are Christians to perform this duty to our God and Prince, who hath called us out by name to fight for His honour, to be a chosen and peculiar people unto Himself, to stand on His posts, to show forth His virtues and to be zealous of good works; yea, and, that we might the better perform this service, He had furnished us with His own armour and weapons, yea, and His own holy hand is with us too, though all men see it not; therefore we must endeavour to do valiantly, and to do our best, to answer the expectation of our heavenly King and Prince. (Cawdray.)
The gospel is
I. The call of God.
1. He provides it.
2. Speaks in it.
3. Sends it.
II. Addressed to all.
1. Of every nation.
2. To you in particular. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 6. Among whom are ye also the called. From…
6. Among whom are ye also the called. From among “all nations” (verse 5). The members of the church at Rome, though partly Jews, were mostly Gentiles. They had heard the gospel call, had obeyed it, and were now “the called of Jesus Christ.” In the next verse, they are said to be “called to be saints.”
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain 6. “In whom ye are also the elect of…
6. “In whom ye are also the elect of Jesus Christ:
William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain among whom are ye also, called to be Jesus…
among whom are ye also, called to be Jesus Christ's :
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.