Romans 1.8-15

Romans 1:8-15 ESV (8) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. (9) For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you (10) always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. “I’m praying for you.” How many of us have been comforted by friends who have said this to us in our time of need. It is obvious to the reader that Paul loves them and pours his heart out for them by asking God if he may come see them in Rome. (11) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-Some spiritual gift - Some have understood this as referring to “miraculous gifts,” which it was supposed the apostles had the power of conferring on others. But this interpretation is forced and unnatural. There is no instance where this expression denotes the power of working miracles. Besides, the apostle in the next verse explains his meaning, “That I may be comforted together by the mutual faith,” etc. From this it appears that he desired to be among them to exercise the office of the ministry, to establish them in the gospel and to confirm their hopes. He expected that the preaching of the gospel would be the means of confirming them in the faith; and he desired to be the means of doing it. Barnes G4741 - established Στηριζω stē rizō Thayer Definition: 1) to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix 2) to strengthen, make firm 3) to render constant, confirm, one’s mind

Paul wants to minister to them to establish them – that is – to make them stable and steadfast. Is that our desire when we minister? Paul wasn’t coming or writing to the Romans to get them stirred up into an ecstatic frenzy or that they should have some spiritual “high” but rather that they be constant and strong. Day in and day out the same. (12) that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Paul wasn’t above being comforted himself. Notice the humility with which he operated. He wasn’t writing to them to “boss” them around, he wasn’t using his apostolic mantle to dictate their actions – rather he wanted to fellowship with them. I think Paul would be just as comfortable in a group of 12 having a potluck as standing before 100 giving a sermon. That I may be comforted ... - It was not merely to confirm them that Paul wished to come. He sought the communion of saints; he expected to be himself edified and

strengthened; and to be comforted by seeing their strength of faith, and their rapid growth in grace. We may remark here, (1) That one effect of religion is to produce the desire of the communion of saints. It is the nature of Christianity to seek the society of those who are the friends of Christ. (2) Nothing is better suited to produce growth in grace than such communion. Every Christian should have one or more Christian friends to whom he may unbosom himself. No small part of the difficulties which young Christians experience would vanish, if they should communicate their feelings and views to others. Feelings which they suppose no Christians ever had, which greatly distress them, they will find are common among those who are experienced in the Christian life. Barnes (13) I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. (14) I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. (15) So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

All of us are debtors to Christ. All of us should be unashamed of the gospel of Christ. But not all are ready to preach that gospel. Paul was not only able and willing, but he was ready to preach as well. He was a clean vessel, not just a chosen vessel. He was ready to be used of God. Paul was like the old country preacher who, when asked how he prepared his Sunday sermon, said, “I read myself full, think myself clear, pray myself hot, and let myself go.” Many believers are not ready to be let go because they are not read full, clear-minded about Christian doctrine, or prayed up. Paul was ready to be “let go” and sent to Rome by any means. KJV Bible commentary Are you eager and willing to preach the Gospel?