New Testament
Romans 1:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Through him we received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations, for his name's sake.
Compare translations
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
What Romans 1:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul emphasizes that it is through Jesus Christ that he and other apostles have received grace and a special calling to spread the message of faith. This grace is not just for personal benefit but is meant to lead to obedience among all nations. The phrase 'obedience of faith' suggests that true faith naturally results in a life that aligns with God's will. Paul highlights that this mission is for the glory of Jesus' name, indicating that the ultimate goal of their work is to honor Him. The call to all nations reflects the universal scope of the Gospel, showing that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their background. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the letter, where Paul will elaborate on the importance of faith and obedience in the life of believers.
How to apply Romans 1:5 to your life
As believers, we are called to share the message of faith with others, reflecting the grace we have received. This involves living in a way that demonstrates our obedience to God, encouraging others to seek Him and understand His love. Our actions should always aim to honor Christ's name.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 1:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 1:5
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 1:5 mean?
Romans 1:5 means that through Jesus Christ, Paul and the apostles received grace and a calling to spread the message of faith to all nations. This emphasizes that faith should lead to obedience to God's will.
What is the meaning of 'obedience of faith' in Romans 1:5?
The phrase 'obedience of faith' in Romans 1:5 suggests that genuine faith naturally results in actions that align with God's commands. It highlights that true belief is demonstrated through obedience.
How does Romans 1:5 relate to the concept of grace?
Romans 1:5 relates to grace by showing that it is a gift from Jesus that empowers believers to fulfill their calling. This grace is meant to lead to a life of obedience and faith among all people.
Why is the mission in Romans 1:5 for all nations?
The mission in Romans 1:5 is for all nations to highlight the universal availability of God's grace. It indicates that the message of faith is meant for everyone, regardless of their background.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.