The called of Jesus Christ, &c.— Called of Jesus Christ,—called to be saints,—are but different expressions for professors of Christianity. Any nation or people is called or invited of Jesus Christ, called to be saints, who have in fact received the Gospel, by what means soever it has been conveyed to them. In order to understand the Apostle aright in this first part of his introduction, all from the word Lord, in the middle of Romans 1:3 to the beginning of Romans 1:7 should be read as in a parenthesis. The attentive reader will observe with great pleasure what a variety of proper and important thoughts are suggested in these verses; particularly the views which the Jewish prophets had given of the Gospel,—the descent of Christ from David,—the great doctrine of the resurrection and divinity of Christ,—the sending of the Gospel to the Gentiles,—the privileges of Christians, as the called and beloved of God, and the faith, obedience, and sanctity to which they are obliged by their profession. See Locke, Taylor, Doddridge, and Turretin.
Grace—and peace— Grace, the peculiar favour of God; and peace, or all manner of blessings, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, from God the Father. This is the usual way wherein the apostles speak:—God the Father,—God our Father: nor do they often, in speaking of him, use the word Lord, as it implies the Jehovah, the proper name of God. In the Old Testament, indeed, holy men generally said the Lord our God; for they were then as it were servants, whereas now they are sons; and sons so well known to the Father, that they need not frequently mention his proper name. It is one and the same peace, and one and the same grace, which is from God and from Jesus Christ. Our trust and prayer fixed on God, as he is the Father of Christ; and on Christ, as he presents us to the Father. Bengelius.