Paul had all the full rights of a Roman cititzen.  It was then much like being a US citizen is today.  The words, "I'm a Roman citizen" got Paul out of torture and jail on more than one occasion.  But before calling himself an apostle, he announced himself to the Gentiles and Jews in Rome as a slave to Jesus Christ.  This humble position underlies the whole book of Romans.  Listen as Pastor Justin Cox introduces the series on the Book of Romans.