Priest, Prophet, Kingdom Builder

This section of Romans forms a large conclusion on the doctrine of justification by faith alone which has broad application beyond national and ethnic boundaries. Paul describes his own ministry to the Gentiles in terms of the ministry of Christ in His Messianic office as Prophet, Priest and King. The ancient church in Rome reflects the Character of Christ by receiving Paul’s words of ministry. Paul is not a sacerdotal or effectual priest like Christ, but Paul labors to bring the Gentiles before God as a kind of offering as they become living sacrifices pleasing in all things to the Lord. Paul’s ministry is also prophetic as he testifies to the truth of God’s word. Paul rests his claim of the truth of God’s word upon the effectualness of his apostleship and preaching. Paul is also a kingdom builder leading new people, who have never heard, to the citizenship of Christ’s ream and rule.