Epic adventures often involve multiple story lines. While the main characters are consumed with the central conflict, along the way we see seemingly lesser characters face challenges and trials. Keeping track of multiple storylines can be difficult, but a master storyteller can keep a reader’s interest until the time is right, finally revealing how all these threads weave together into a dramatic conclusion.

As the Apostle Paul opens the book of Romans, he takes a moment to explain how God has woven the overarching story of salvation into a conclusion beyond comprehension.

The Apostle Paul begins by acknowledging the part he plays—as one “set apart for the gospel” (v. 1). But the message of the gospel did not originate with Paul. This gospel was promised long ago by God through the prophets (v. 2). The Scriptures were written “through his prophets” for later generations (including us) to read, pointing to Jesus, a descendant of David (vv. 2–3). Jesus was born a human but revealed to be the Son of God at the resurrection (v. 4). The story of salvation is an epic one that stretches from before God made the world to the moment we find ourselves in His presence forever. God has woven the thread of your life and countless others into something wonderful and powerful.

Paul explains how he was made an apostle for a specific purpose, to call Gentiles to obedience to the Lordship of Christ (v. 6). He is “eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome” (v. 15). There is a sense of community in this calling; our stories are intertwined. Paul desires “that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (v. 12). We are to declare the gospel, “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16).