I was working through this opening introduction with a friend, and we discovered these triads cleverly hidden/not-so-hidden in the first several verses of Paul’s magnum opus, the book of Romans. I’ve counted eight times when Paul references all three persons of the Trinity in quick succession.
It’s important to realize that some of these don’t necessarily mention the Person by name but rather by His function, role, or duty. Most often, the Spirit appears covertly in the form of his role (e.g., calling, bestowing faith and peace, sanctification, inspiration of Scriptures). This is quite fitting, considering the Spirit’s job is to remain behind the scenes bringing glory to God the Father through Jesus Christ his Son.
Consider then:
Romans 1:1-9
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, (Son)
called to be an apostle, (Spirit)
set apart for the gospel of God, (Father)
2 which he promised beforehand (Father)
through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, (Spirit)
3 concerning his Son, (Son)
who was descended from David according to the flesh
4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power (Father)
according to the Spirit of holiness (Spirit)
by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, (Son)
5 through whom we have received grace (Father)
and apostleship (Spirit)
to bring about the obedience of faith (Son)
for the sake of his name among all the nations,
6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, (Son)
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God (Father)
and called to be saints: (Spirit)
Grace to you and peace (Spirit)
from God our Father (Father)
and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Son)
8 First, I thank my God (Father)
through Jesus Christ for all of you, (Son)
because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. (Spirit)
9 For God is my witness, (Father)
whom I serve with my spirit (Spirit)
in the gospel of his Son, (Son)
that without ceasing I mention you…
