Devine Scripture

Romans 1:6

What does Romans 1:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 1:6 means

The Roman believers are among the nations whom God is calling to belong to Jesus Christ. Their faith is not a human achievement but a response to God’s call. To be “called” is to be summoned effectively into relationship with Christ and under his lordship. This affirmation roots their identity not in ethnic background or city status but in divine initiative. Paul honors them as genuine participants in the same saving plan he serves; they are not peripheral. Their inclusion shows the gospel’s reach—Rome itself, the empire’s heart, is part of the field where Christ gathers people to himself.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

among whom are ye also, called to be Jesus Christ’s:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

among whom are ye also, called to be Jesus Christ’s:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Among whom you in the same way have been marked out to be disciples of Jesus Christ:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

among whom are also ye, the called of Jesus Christ;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

among whom are ye also [the] called of Jesus Christ:

Context

Paul has just stated his aim to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations (verse 5). In verse 6, he includes the Roman Christians within that global scope. This prepares for the formal address and blessing in verse 7. The movement is from mission (v.5) to membership (v.6) to greeting (v.7), establishing rapport and shared calling before Paul turns to thanksgiving (v.8) and to his longing to visit (vv.9–15).

v.5through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake;

v.6This passage

v.7to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.

  • Hebrews 3:1

    Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • Galatians 1:6

    I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel;

  • Revelation 17:14

    These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

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