Romans 1:7

to all that be in Rome, beloved of God Better perhaps without comma: to all God's beloved ones who are in Rome. The Gr. admits either construction.

called to be saints Lit. called saints; i.e., practically, "converted, so as to be saints." The idea is not of a "call" which may or may not result in sanctification. They were "saints" as being "called." The same phrase occurs 1 Corinthians 1:2. See on Romans 1:6 above.

grace to you and peace So in the first words of 1 Cor., 2 Cor., Gal., Eph., Phil., Col., 1 Thess., 2 Thess., Philem. In the Pastoral Epp. the remarkable addition "mercy" appears. In these salutations, "Grace" is all the free and loving favour of God in its efficacy on the saints; "Peace" is specially, perhaps, the complacency of reconciliation with which He regards them, but so as to imply also the results of this their repose in His favour, and consequent serenity of heart, life, and intercourse. See for various illustrations of the word, Romans 2:10; Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15.

from God our Father, and, &c. To St Paul the Father and the Saviour are equally the Givers of eternal blessing, as they are equally the Possessors of the soul. See on Romans 1:1.