Paul, servant belonging to Jesus Christ, called, apostle, having been separated unto [the] gospel from God which He promised before through His prophets in Holy Writings concerning His Son; the One having come to be out from [the] seed of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:1–3).
Servant, called, and apostle are all used as descriptions of Paul. Called is an adjective describing someone who has been summoned or invited. In 2 Peter 1:10, the Apostle writes, “Therefore, brethren, you be diligent to do your sure call even election. For the one doing these things will never stumble.” Our call relates to salvation. It is a set-apart (holy) calling because it is unique among all other gospels. This is a call according to God’s purpose and grace in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:9). Along with Paul, we of the Church are called saints according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:28).
Prior to the dispensation of grace, men were instructed to seek God (Hebrews 11:6). In this dispensation, God seeks those He will save (Romans 3:11). The Apostle Peter reveals that we are called when we are chosen by God to receive salvation; by linking calling and election together in a manner that indicates they directly relate to each other: our sure calling even election.
Paul was separated out as an apostle to the gospel of God, which relates to the promise He gave through the prophets concerning His Son. Throughout the centuries in God’s dealings with humans, He has given a message of good news: to Adam and Eve, “The seed of the woman would crush Satan” (Genesis 3:15). To Noah, build an ark and the promise to never flood the earth again (Genesis 7:1; 9:13–16). To Abraham, three covenants: land on this earth (Genesis 15: 18–21), land in eternity (Genesis 17:7), and a Son who will possess the gates of his enemies (Genesis 22:17). To Israel: a Messiah who would take away their sins and rule in righteousness (Isaiah 9:6–7; Matthew 1:23; Romans 11:26–27). To the Church: the good news of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ three days later (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This is the gospel message Paul is separated unto.