As we read Paul’s letter to the Romans, we encounter crucial theological definitions of the gospel, Jesus’ identity, their relation to the Scriptures, Paul’s ministry, and more. Additionally, we see works attempting to understand Jesus’ divinity or relation to the Godhead that purposefully avoid engaging with fourth-century creedal formulations. There are studies on Jesus’ divinity (or lack thereof) and pro- or contra-adoptionism on these verses. Still, none, to my knowledge, explains the importance of orthodox trinitarian Christology for Paul’s definition of the gospel: “There is real theological substance amid the introductory remarks [Rom 1:1–7], sufficient to determine the primary theological context within which the subsequent discussion must be set” (Watson 2001). This paper aims to demonstrate that Paul defines Jesus’ identity in Rom 1:3–4 through trinitarian relations that conceptually agree with classic trinitarian Christology.
Consequently, these Christological statements are essential to Paul’s gospel. First, this study defines orthodox trinitarian Christology as established by early creeds and councils. Then, we will note the threats to the doctrine of the Trinity and Christology in particular (Harnack 1957; Moltmann 1993; Dunn 2003). Lastly, it will expound Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ identity, the Son of God, in Romans 1:3–4. If Paul’s notion of God’s Son aligns with later Christological formulations and trinitarian relations (cf. Sarisky 2021; Yeago 2002), then divine trinitarian Christology is central to Paul’s definition of the gospel.