When God calls people to repentance and faith, He also calls them to serve Him. In Paul's day, slaves were legally 'bound' to their masters; and he used that word to describe his service to God. It was not just Paul's wish or desire to serve, but his obligation. He knew he had been saved to serve.

Although the apostle had a special commission to preach the gospel to Gentiles, he never limited his ministry so that Jews were excluded (Acts 9:15). Although Paul's background was academic learning in a university, he knew that the gospel was for poor and illiterate people as well as for the educated. Rome had them all! Every sort of person from all cultures and religions lived there, or came to trade. It was an ideal place to preach the gospel that is for everybody.

True disciples of Jesus Christ know that they are under an obligation to serve their Saviour. 'Following Jesus' is not the codeword for joining a club of nice people, nor is salvation just a certificate to enter heaven. Although we all come from a unique background, the Lord will call us to serve Him in any way He pleases. Those who understand that the blood of Christ has 'bound' them in service to Jesus will be willing to do whatever He says and go wherever He sends. That does not only apply to missionaries - it is normal Christian discipleship. Even today, the Lord wants to use you; are you willing? As you do your usual work, try to see every task and encounter as an opportunity to serve your Saviour (Colossians 3:23-24), and let Him lead you wherever He chooses.