δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ: "slave/servant of Christ Jesus"

Says Paul's first self-description is δοῦλος (doulos). The genitive Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ names the owner. Abbott-Smith glosses the noun "a slave" and lists δοῦλος Χριστοῦ (Rom 1:1) under its metaphorical use.

Implies The word has two sides. In the Greco-Roman world it meant real ownership and total obligation, so Paul presents himself as belonging wholly to Christ, not as a free agent. In the LXX, "servant (δοῦλος) of the Lord" is also an honored title for Moses, David and the prophets (e.g. 2 Sam 7:5, Swete's 2 Kgdms 7:5; compare Josh 14:7). Paul's phrase puts Christ Jesus where the LXX has the Lord.

Uncertain Whether "slave" or "servant" is the better English. "Slave" keeps the sense of ownership. "Servant" keeps the OT title of honor and avoids suggesting abuse. The team keeps "servant" in running text (BSB) and states the ownership sense in the commentary.