In union with Christ Jesus is literally “in Christ Jesus” (see 6.3, 9-11).

As in so many contexts, the phrase in union with Christ Jesus may be understood as a causative: “because I am joined with Christ Jesus, I can be proud of my service for God.”

I can be proud of my service for God translates an unusual expression in Greek, but it is generally understood in this sense. Proud of my service for God is often rendered in languages as a causative: “proud because I serve God.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .