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 1:7KJV
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Romans 1:7 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:7 mean?

Romans 1:7 is Paul’s greeting to all the believers in Rome, calling them loved by God and chosen to be saints, and wishing them grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ. Paul addresses his letter to the Christian community in Rome, recognizing their special relationship with God and offering them a blessing.

Paul, the author, is writing to followers of Jesus living in Rome, many of whom he has not met. By calling them "beloved of God" and "called to be saints," Paul affirms their identity as people set apart for God. His greeting of "grace" (God’s favor) and "peace" (wholeness and well-being) reflects common blessings in early Christian letters, showing the warmth and spiritual connection he feels toward them.

The Greek behind Romans 1:7

  • ἁγίοις (hagios, “saints”): This word means “holy ones” or “set apart.” Paul is not just addressing a special group but all believers in Rome as people set apart for God, not just a spiritual elite.
  • χάρις (charis, “grace”): This word refers to God’s generous favor or kindness. Paul’s wish for grace highlights that the Christian life is rooted in God’s gift, not human effort.
  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, “peace”): This word means more than the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of well-being and wholeness. Paul’s blessing of peace points to a restored relationship with God and others.

Why Romans 1:7 matters

  • Romans 1:7 clarifies that all believers, not just leaders or a select few, are called “saints” and are loved by God, which can correct the idea that sainthood is reserved for a spiritual elite.
  • The verse shows that Paul’s message is not just theological but deeply personal and relational, as he wishes grace and peace to his readers.
  • This greeting sets the tone for the whole letter, reminding readers that everything Paul will say is grounded in God’s love, calling, and blessing for the community.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G2822 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Romans 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

“Rome” Greek G4516 · used in 14 verses

  • Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
  • Acts 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
  • Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.

“beloved” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
  • Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.