Supernatural Grace and Peace

Romans 1:7

Today we will finish Paul’s introduction of his letter to the Romans. Paul finishes his introduction in verse seven which says, “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We can see clearly that Paul is writing this letter to believers in Rome. A “saint” is often thought of as one who is extra spiritual, like an apostle for example, or even Paul himself. However, a saint is simply a believer. The day that you and I got saved we became “saints.”

The Greek word for saints here is ἅγιος (hagios) which means “Holy, sacred, set-apart.” I am not sure any believer would call himself holy. We still battle our sin. We still fail on a regular basis. However, we are in fact set apart. We are no longer slaves to sin but have become slaves of righteousness (Romans 1:16-17). Our old man has been crucified (Romans 6:6). We are now made to be holy, which is why we are commanded to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:7). Just as we are called to be saints, we are called to be holy (Ephesians 1:4).

Paul wishes for grace and peace for the Romans. This was also his prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:2). As I pointed out in the first article on Ephesians, Paul was not praying that these believers would have an easy life. This type of grace and peace that he was praying for was different.

The peace that the unbeliever has is not generally a sinful peace. It is a good thing to want to have peace between you and your neighbors. It is good to want peace in the middle east. However, I believe the peace Paul is praying for goes beyond that. It goes deeper. Jesus told his disciples that the world would hate them because it hated Him (John 15:18). Jesus said that family members would hate one another because of Him (Matthew 10:21). He did not desire unrest or division, but the gospel is offensive and some will reject it. Though we should aim to keep the peace (Romans 12:18), it is not always possible.

The grace and peace that Paul is referring to is a supernatural grace and peace, and I think they go hand in hand. When others hate us and reject us, in whatever way that may be, we ought to pray for a supernatural grace and peace. We ought to strive to be gracious toward those who hate us remembering how gracious God has been to us. This is impossible for us to do on our own, and Paul knows that. That is why I believe Paul is praying for the Romans to have this supernatural grace and peace, so that they may show Jesus. So that the unbelievers will see God in us. What is fascinating about it too is that through this supernatural grace that we give, we will also be given a supernatural peace.

This peace is not dependent on circumstances, but on obedience. If we let go and obey God we will no longer hold onto our pain and hurt. We will no longer hold onto our desire for revenge. God can give us peace in even the most difficult and trying circumstances, just as He can give us grace in the most difficult and trying circumstances.

We do not deal with the same level of persecution that the Romans did at this time. They were around when Nero was in power, and though I do not know for sure, it is very possible that some of the recipients of this letter were martyred by Nero. However, we read in history how these men and women remained faithful to the end. Not even that, but they remained at peace and full of grace even when they were unjustly murdered. This grace and peace that they have shown is an example of the supernatural grace and peace that Paul prayed for. It is only possible through Him, and He can use it to glorify His Name and call the unbeliever to Him.

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