Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus… - Romans 1:1

In our current culture, the power and influence of celebrities is undeniable. On their various social media platforms, their opinions on issues varying from the war in Ukraine to the best way to apply one’s makeup help form the thoughts and actions of millions. This is the case even if they have no particular knowledge or training in the area under consideration. Unfortunately, the church has not been immune to this.  We can speak of “celebrity pastors”, many of whom have been involved in the scandals which have rocked the church in recent years. Katelyn Beaty, in her book Celebrities for Jesus, defines celebrity as “social power without proximity” and details the ways fame and celebrity have reshaped the American church.

The Apostle Paul could have easily fallen into the celebrity trap. He was perhaps one of the most well-known figures in the early church. How could he not be, given his role in the planting of churches and explication and application of the gospel. Even today, he is a hero to many. While not without opposition (cf. parts of the book of Acts and the letter to the Galatians), his influence is undeniable.

And so, it is interesting to note how he begins his famous epistle to the church in Rome. How easily he could have traded in on his notoriety. Here was a church that he had not planted, consisting of people he did not know for the most part. The situation was ripe for the use of power without social proximity. And yet, while not denying his status as an apostle, Paul opens on a different note.

He introduces himself as a servant of Christ Jesus. What did it mean to be a servant in those times? It is not the image many of us have from watching British dramas, such as Downton Abbey. But neither did it necessarily entail all the abuses we associate with slavery (though those certainly existed in those days). At its heart, it refers to someone bound to another and obligated to serve that person.

For all he accomplished, Paul knew that he was no free agent. All of who he was and what he did centered on his relationship with Christ Jesus. His life was defined by that connection. He understood that to be a servant entailed the reality of a master to whom one owed obedience. He fully embraced Jesus’ teaching that when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty (Luke 17:10).

This is instructive for us in two ways. First, it can help us have discerning hearts and minds in the midst of the celebrity culture in the church. Does that pastor or church leader whose podcast you listen to religiously promote himself or Jesus more? Do they exhibit a degree of humility? Are they building Jesus’ kingdom or their own? It is hard for me in this regard not to think of Harry Reeder and Tim Keller (two “celebrities” in the PCA) and how in their words and life they made it clear that their ministry wasn’t about them but about Jesus.

But second, it reminds us that all who follow Jesus are servants. That doesn’t sit well with many of us steeped in the independent mindset of America. But it is part of our identity in Christ. Yes, we are beloved children. Yes, Jesus has called us friends. But that doesn’t negate the reality that at the heart of our confession is the statement that Jesus is Lord. And that means we are not.  

So, let us love and sing and wonder at the grace of God that has called us into covenant communion with our Triune God. But, by that same grace and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells us, let us embrace our calling as servants of Christ Jesus and live lives of holy obedience to our Lord.