Treasures New and Old

Treasures New and Old

Romans: To Preach the Gospel

Continuing our series of Romans articles, I want to look at Paul’s desire to travel to Rome to encourage the church there and to help them share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will be looking at Romans 1:8-15.

Romans 1:8-15:

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, of by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

Background on Romans

  • Believed to be written by Paul in Corinth on Paul’s third missionary journey as he has not yet visited there.
  • Believed to be written in the winter of 57-58 AD or as late as 60 AD.
  • He wrote it just before he left for Jerusalem and believed he might not survive and, therefore, wished to ensure he had shared many thoughts with the Christians at Rome.
  • Paul is believed to have sent this letter to the Roman Christians by a woman named Phoebe.
  • The Christians in Rome were established for a few years at this time having most likely had Jewish believers who traveled to Jerusalem for various feast days and carried the gospel back with them. This is some twenty-eight years from the first Pentecost and would have been plenty of time for a strong church to be established.
  • Paul considered them as a well-established congregation in that he did not call them recent converts.
  • They seemed to have been an organized and well-grounded congregation.
  • They are well known throughout the Roman empire: verse 1:8 . . . (Much of this information is taken from “1. Introduction to the Book of Romans”)
    • It had a large Jewish component
    • Also filled with Gentile converts from paganism
    • Had both free as well as slaves as members
    • One view is that Roman Christians from Pentecost in Jerusalem made their way there and helped establish the church
    • Another view is that Roman Christians from Pentecost in Jerusalem returned home preaching the gospel
    • Another view is that many Christian families or groups from other Pauline churches in the East moved to Rome
    • Another is those that fled Jewish persecution in Israel started the church
    • When Nero’s persecutions began, Tacitus says that the Christians there were “an immense multitude.”
    • Whatever the reason (or all of the above), the Roman church may have easily been around some twenty-seven years by the time Paul is writing his letter

The Theme of the Book of Romans

Revisiting the theme of the Book of Romans from last month’s article, we are reminded that paired with the theme of “the just shall live by faith” is the overarching drive Paul had to “preach the gospel.” Therefore, the theme of the book centers on the gospel (Romans 1:16-17). Paul is deeply concerned that his readers understand how sinners who believe (and walk by faith) will be justified and declared righteous by a just and righteous God, and, therefore, should live their lives to the glory of God whilst looking for the glory to come. This theme rings throughout Paul’s writing and originally comes from Habakkuk.

Romans 1: 16-17: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Habakkuk 2:1-4: “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”

Verse by Verse Discovery:

Verse 8 notes: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”

  • Paul starts by thanking God for them – the Greek word eucharisteo (Strong’s G2168), that expresses gratitude towards them. Also, the kind of word one would use to say grace before or after meals.
  • This greeting lets them know that this is not a correction letter where Paul is trying to right a lot of wrongs in the church at Rome, but to share important doctrinal insights.
  • Paul uses the term “my God” here not to attempt to create a distinction that he worships a different god, but to let them know that he is in a very personal relationship with God. Here the word “god” is theos (Strong’s G2316), a term that is more a title than a name (as in Jehovah).
  • “For you all” – very inclusive. He expresses to them that no matter their rank or position in life, new or older believer, he is thankful for every one of them.
  • “Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world“:
  • Two elements here: Their faith has had such an impact that the entire world has heard of it. Because Paul does not attempt in any way to shame them or correct them at this point we can assume that, for the most part, their behavior has been generally positive.
  • The second element has to do with the phrase “whole world”. The holos kosmos (Strong’s G3650, G2889) which, of course, refers to the entire Roman Empire and possibly beyond. The phrase “all roads lead to Rome” may actually be a reason so many heard of their faith because Rome is the capital of the empire at this time.
  • “Their faith“: pistis (Strong’s G4102) implies their moral convictions, their reliance on Christ, the constancy in their profession, uncompromising fidelity. Their beliefs. Their reputation is drawn from their faith, and it is a good one. So it also needs to be for Elkmont Baptist Church as well.

Verse 9 notes: “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;”

  • “For God is my witness“. Here Paul is using a phrase almost as an oath stating he is not trying to tickle their ears or pull something over them. He is assuring them that he is sharing the truth regarding their reputation and his love and concern from them as well as his yearning to come to them, but has been hindered from doing so.
  • Paul uses the phrase “whom I serve with my spirit” to let them know that he is sharing a “spiritual gospel” and not a flesh-appealing gospel or a soulish gospel – one that is centered around music, programs, oratory, or other gimmicks that appeal to the soul of man but doesn’t speak truth to the spirit of man. The word used is pneumatikos (Gilbrant, 4011) and not psychikos. Consider:
    • 1 Corinthians 2:13-14: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
    • Romans 7:6: “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”
  • Also note that he ties his spiritual gospel to the Son of God, to Jesus Christ – because, indeed, there is no other name under Heaven by which man may be saved.
  • Paul then says, “without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers“. What an important statement of commitment to someone or a group of people. Without ceasing – that is I never forget to pray for you – I never omit you from my prayers.
  • Our habits tend to be thus: We pray for a person or persons for a while and then things, events, bad days, etc. push their remembrance out of our minds. Most of us need a prayer log and then a commitment to follow up.
  • I assume that this “mention” is not reading of a list of names. But a time of concerned prayer for their welfare with details if he knows them.

Verse 10 notes: “Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.”

  • Paul lets them know that he has had a desire to come see them in person (Romans 15:23-24) and that this has been on his heart for some time – as long as he has been praying for them.
  • “By any means” – however God works out the details (and, of course, he did go to Rome some three years later as a prisoner).
  • “At length“: Paul is expecting this to take place in the future since he is headed for Jerusalem. He is letting them know it is foremost in his plans.
  • “Prosperous journey“: Paul is expressing his hope that when he does come, it will be of great benefit to all of them as well as himself.
  • “By the will of God“: Clearly, Paul has placed his desire to go to the Roman church in God’s hands, in God’s timing, and by God’s will and desire.

Verse 11 notes: “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;”

  • As an apostle to the Gentiles, he desires to meet with them and help more firmly ground them in the truth as well as impart any spiritual gift that may be lacking. This does not mean that he has determined they are lacking, but that his goal is to strengthen their faith and grounding. Consider these verses:
    • 1 Corinthians 1:5-9: “That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
    • Ephesians 4:7-16:

But unto every one of us to given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also the ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostle; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Verse 12 Notes: “That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”

  • “Mutual faith“: Here Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preaches is the same gospel that they believe and share with others.
  • “I may be comforted”: Paul is letting them know that he expects to enjoy benefits from them as he fellowships with them in person. He hopes to minister to them as he hopes to also be ministered to. In fact, we may have here three goals:
    • To strengthen those in the Church at Rome (verse 11)
    • To impart some spiritual gifts and, therefore, a spiritual harvest among them (verse 13)
    • That he may be strengthened by them (verse 12)

Verse 13 Notes: “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”

  • Once again, Paul is assuring them that contrary to any rumors they may have heard or believed, he really has tried to get to Rome and spend time with them.
  • No doubt they have heard of what Paul has accomplished at other locations in the empire (like Ephesus, Corinth, etc), and he is letting them know he desires to have such spiritual fellowship and fruit with them as well. I read that as souls that have been saved and then built up in the faith.
  • “But was let hitherto” refers to the fact that up until now, Paul has not been able to get to Rome, and, indeed, at one point the Spirit directed him otherwise. For example, see Acts 16:6-10.

Verse 14 Notes: “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.”

  • Read this: Greeks – cultured, and Barbarians – uncultured. Wise – educated, and unwise – uneducated.
  • This phrase could be read “I owe a great debt to the wise, unwise, Greek and Barbarians, cultured and unrefined, the educated and the uneducated, because of all that they have done and taught me.”
  • Or it may mean: “Because God has called me to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, I am always obligated to pay that debt of sharing the gospel with the Gentiles, and I will never be released from that obligation/debt.” I think that it is more likely the latter.
  • Notice that no Jewish group is named. Surely Paul is indebted to the Jews as well for all his training and understanding of the Scriptures? Yet no mention of them – thus, I am persuaded that he is referring to his call to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and that he never expects to be released from that calling (nor does he want to be). It would seem Paul really lives what he writes:
    • Romans 13:8: “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
  • Final note on this verse – even though “slave and free” or “male or female” are not mentioned (but are in other places), Paul is being inclusive and is referring to all Gentiles to whom he owes this debt to preach the gospel.

Verse 15 Notes: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

  • Simply put, he really desires to share the gospel with them in Rome – now said several ways!!
  • Also note that Paul is talking to a Christian church. Both Jew and Gentile believers in Christ. His mention of the gospel to be preached to them is not simply what we tend to think of: the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. But other portions of it that we may not think of as “gospel.” Promises about eternal security, total forgiveness, justification, sanctification, and glorification, being conformed into the image of Christ, communing with the Father, and so many other truths that we might call doctrines of the church which are also good news. Amen!

Some Takeaways

    1. We need to remember each other in prayer “without ceasing” for we never know the struggles we may face.
    2. Create and keep a prayer journal – we are all so busy that without one, we tend to forget to pray without ceasing.
    3. Our time together should be centered around the spiritual, not the flesh or the soul in that it is the spiritual truth that lasts and strengthens us – the others fade and demand constant renewal.
    4. That our focus when we are together should be for mutual benefit, every joint supplying and strengthening ourselves in love.
    5. That we have a desire to see our fellow Christians that we know, and that the fellowship with them be firmly established in the faith and the truth of the Word of God.
    6. Do not forsake yourselves from the gathering of the saints, but long to fellowship with one another.
    7. We also have a debt to our Savior to share the gospel . . . 1 Peter 3:15: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

Maranatha!

Bro. Joe

References

Gilbrant, T., Gilbrant, T. The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary. 4011. World Library Press. (2020). Wordsearch Bible. [computer software]. Nashville, TN: LifeWay Christian Resources. (Original work published 1986)

Strong, J. Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. Meyers, R. (2005). e-Sword. [computer software] . Franklin, TN: Equipping Ministries Foundation. (Original work published 1539)

Ross, A. “1. Introduction to the Book of Romans.” The Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Bible.org. Retrieved February 14, 2023. Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-book-romans#P6_942

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