Preparing Context
Gathering the passage
Loading the book, timeline, map, and study notes.
Book
World Stage
Structure
Historical Setting
Preparing Context
Gathering the passage
Loading the book, timeline, map, and study notes.
Book
World Stage
Structure
Historical Setting
Faith / Answer across Scripture
Romans 1:5 uses the phrase obedience of faith, connecting true faith with allegiance and obedience to Jesus as Lord.
Study theme
Faith
The obedience of faith is the obedience that belongs with real faith in Jesus. Romans 1:5 uses the phrase as Paul describes his apostolic mission among the nations. The wording can be understood as obedience that springs from faith, or the obedience which is faith itself. Either way, Romans does not treat faith as mere intellectual assent; faith is allegiance to Jesus as Lord that bears fruit in obedience.
Romans opens with Paul's self-description as a servant and apostle set apart for the gospel. In that opening, faith, obedience, mission among the nations, and Jesus' lordship are introduced together.
Romans 1:1-7 is the central passage for this answer. The phrase appears as Paul describes his mission to bring about the obedience of faith among the nations for Jesus' name.
Key passages
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
2which he promised before through his prophets in the holy scriptures,
3concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
4who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
5through whom we received grace and apostleship, to obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name`s sake.
6Among whom you are also called to be Jesus Christ`s.
7To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
A common misunderstanding is to make obedience the earning basis of salvation. Another is to separate faith from allegiance to Jesus. Romans holds grace, faith, lordship, and obedient response together.