"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen youï¾—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine" (vv. 11ï¾–12).
In keeping with the normal conventions of letter writing in the ancient Greco-Roman world, Paul immediately follows his salutation to the Roman church with an expression of thanksgiving. As is evident in Romans 1:8ï¾–12, the Apostle has much to be thankful for, and he clearly has an affection for the believers in the empire's capital city even though he has never met most of them before.
The main reason for Paul's gratitude to God is that the Roman believers' "faith is proclaimed in all the world" (v. 8). Given that Rome was the largest and most influential city in the known world at the time, we are not surprised that the presence of Christians there was known to the entire church. Jesus was being proclaimed as Lord in the place where Caesar's lordship was most evident, and that people were hearing of the true King of kings in the seat of imperial power was indeed something in which Christians could rejoice. Note that Paul says he gives his thanks to God "through Jesus Christ." Our Lord is the only way to the Father, and whenever we come before Him, we must come through Jesus (Col. 3:17; Heb. 13:15). Furthermore, giving thanks to God through Jesus Christ for the faith of others is particularly fitting given the Apostle's doctrine of grace. Since even faith itself is a gift that the Spirit of God sovereignly bestows (Eph. 5:18ï¾–20), the Lord deserves thanks whenever someone comes to faith. After all, He is the one who grants it.
We also read in today's passage of Paul's longing to come to see the Christians in Rome. His affection for them is deep, as He prays continually for them, but this intercession is according to God's will (Rom. 1:9ï¾–10). Paul does not demand that the Lord open up a way to come to Rome, and he even acknowledges in Romans 1:13 that providence has thus far hindered his journey. This is an excellent example of God-honoring prayer that is content with the will of our Creator but nevertheless keeps on asking, seeking, and knocking when one does not know what God's will is. Paul wants to see the Romans, and he keeps praying to that end, all the while knowing that the Father may not grant that request.
Verses 11ï¾–12 indicate that Paul wants to come to Rome in order to strengthen the church there and to be encouraged by the believers' words and witness. The spiritual gift Paul mentions likely refers to some special insight that the Apostle wants to share with the Romans. He has a message for the church there, and he wants them to benefit from it.
Coram Deo
One commentator notes how Paul does not view God's sovereignty as something that he should take as permission not to pray or act. He knew that the Lord had thus far prevented him from coming to Rome, but he did not know if that was to be a permanent situation, so he kept on asking God to give him a path forward to the capital city. Praying according to God's will does not mean that we stop praying if we do not get what we ask for right away.
In examining the content you've provided, it's evident this piece delves into biblical studies, specifically focusing on the book of Romans, particularly verses 8 to 12. It touches on the apostle Paul's desire to visit the Roman church, expressing gratitude for their faith and his longing to impart some spiritual gift to them for mutual encouragement.
Paul's expressed thankfulness stems from the Roman believers' widespread reputation for their faith. This faith was proclaimed throughout the known world, a significant feat considering Rome's prominence during that period. The passage emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in prayer and gratitude, highlighting that even faith itself is considered a gift from God.
It's noteworthy that despite Paul's desire to visit Rome, he acknowledges that divine providence has hindered his journey thus far. This showcases a profound understanding of God's sovereignty and how prayer aligns with His will, even when desires aren't immediately fulfilled.
The text prompts readers to explore related passages and themes, urging a deeper study into prayer (Matthew 7:7–11, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:13–18) and the nature of Christian humility and perseverance in prayer (Proudly Humble, Philippians 3:17). Further suggested readings expand on the book of Romans, its significance, and discussions on grace.
In essence, the text primarily revolves around Paul's desire to visit the Roman church, emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, God's sovereignty, and the reciprocal encouragement among believers.
Drawing on my expertise in biblical studies, particularly the book of Romans and Pauline theology, I can expand on various theological aspects, historical contexts, and the broader implications of Paul's writings in the New Testament. Understanding Paul's approach to prayer, his emphasis on faith as a gift, and the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency provides a rich tapestry for theological exploration and practical application in Christian life.
Instead of stand trial in Jerusalem, Paul chose to have his trial in Rome, in front of the Roman Emperor Nero, which was his right to do because he was a Roman citizen. God had told Paul to go to Rome, to preach the Gospel, and Paul followed through.
Paul urges the Romans to live not “according to the flesh” but rather by the Spirit ( 8:4 ). Through the Spirit, all believers become spiritual children of God, called by God to glory. This potential is a source of strength for the Christian: “If God is for us, who is against us?” ( 8:31 ).
Also, the Lord had told Paul that he would “bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11). Sending Paul to Rome as a prisoner of the empire was the safest way to get him there even though the journey was difficult. Paul faced many challenges while on the Lord's errand, but he was also able to testify all the way to Rome.
At his conversion, Paul became aware that freedom and absolute truth were unattached to a particular nation and its law. Paul's theology is focused on union with Christ and God by faith. The agent of both Paul's freedom and his union with Christ is the Spirit.
He kept finding new territories in his part of the world where the gospel had not yet been preached. He had to fulfill his mission to introduce each region to Christ. This hindered or prevented him from traveling to Rome, since a group of believers had already been established there by the work of others.
That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
Concerning corruption, Paul argues that Jews are not better off than the Romans. The Romans have had their human laws, and Jews have had divine laws, but in neither case have the laws changed the desires of humans or transformed their natures from that which is evil into that which is good.
Paul used the most modern and efficient transportation networks of his day: the Roman road system and the Roman maritime trade routes. Using ORBIS we learn that St. Paul's journey from Caesarea Maritima to Rome in the fall of A.D. 60 (Acts 27-28) should have taken 23.6 days and covered 2,913 kilometers, or 1,810 miles.
Paul's trip to Rome (Acts 27-28) Paul's prison ship left from Caesarea and sailed to Sidon, Myra, and Fair Havens on Crete, where he stayed until after the Day of Atonement. He then sailed west until a fierce storm left him shipwrecked on Malta. He wintered there for 3 months.
He continued with missionary travels (including Spain), and upon a return to Rome, was incarcerated there a second time. Due to the emperor Nero's hatred of the Jews and of Christianity, he had Paul executed, following an extended period of imprisonment.
For Paul, human sin comes in two primary forms: the sin of idolatry (Gentiles) and the sin of disobedience (Jews). Jesus provides an example of human obedience to God in contrast to the disobedience and sinfulness of Adam and his descendants.
Paul's beliefs were rooted in the earliest Jewish Christianity, but they deviated from this Jewish Christianity in their emphasis on inclusion of the Gentiles into God's New Covenant and in his rejection of circumcision as an unnecessary token of upholding the Mosaic Law.
They really seem not to have had a strong case against him. But Paul knew that he could not get justice in Jerusalem among his enemies and he began to feel also that the new procurator Festus would not give him justice. Hence his only recourse was to appeal to the imperial court at Rome.
Paul left Caesarea on his journey to Rome to stand before Caesar (Nero) to plead his innocence in approximately midsummer 59 A.D. Here we were — in approximately the same season — 1,963 years later in the same city Paul would reach in early 60 A.D. Paul's trip to Rome was nothing short of one catastrophe after another.
Why does Paul long to visit the Roman church? So that he can help the romans grow in their faith and so that he and the Romans might encourage each other.
Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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