Romans 1:1 - “called” (Greek: klhtoV - kletos)

•        In  Paul’s letters this word often carries the idea of being selected, appointed, or chosen by God for some purpose

 

•        In Romans 1:1, Paul says that he is “called to be an apostle”. In other words, Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle.

 

•        Paul, using different words, tells his readers the same thing in the first verse of his letter to the Galatians. There he says: “Paul, an apostle-- sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God” (Galatians 1:1)

 

•        The word “called” also appears in Romans 1:6 and 1:7 as well as later in 8:28. In these verses Paul is referring to the fact that his readers were chosen by God to be saved. In other words, they are Christians.

 

•        Christians are described as “called” or “chosen” in a number of places in the New Testament. For example, Colossians 3:12 - “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”