Romans 1:8
Verse
Context
Unashamed of the Gospel
7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
Sermons
J. Edwin OrrJ. Edwin Orr
David Smithers
Willie Mullan
Zac Poonen
J.R. Miller
A.W. PinkSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
First, I thank my God - From this to the end of Rom 1:17 belongs to the preface, in which the apostle endeavors to conciliate the good opinion of the Christians at Rome, and to prepare their minds for his reproofs and exhortations. Your faith is spoken - καταγγελλεται, is celebrated, throughout the whole world - in every place where the Christian religion is professed, through all parts of the Roman dominions; for in this sense we should understand the words, the whole world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world--This was quite practicable through the frequent visits paid to the capital from all the provinces; and the apostle, having an eye to the influence they would exercise upon others, as well as their own blessedness, given thanks for such faith to "his God through Jesus Christ," as being the source, according to his theology of faith, as of all grace in men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
First, I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all,.... After the inscription and salutation, follows a thanksgiving, which begins the epistle: it is usual with the apostle in all his epistles to make requests for the churches, with thanksgivings for mercies; his view in it was, to glorify God, to testify his affection to the saints, and to show that all they had must be referred to the grace of God. The object of thanksgiving is God not merely as a creator and preserver, but as a Father, the Father of Christ, and our Father in Christ; as the one God, and our God, Father, Son, and Spirit. The apostle styles him, my God; which distinguishes him from all others, points out his particular interest in him, expresses his knowledge of him and faith in him, and demonstrates that what he did now, he did in faith. The person through whom thanks are given is Jesus Christ. There is no coming to God but through Christ, nor is any sacrifice either of prayer or praise acceptable without him, and since all we have come through him, it is but reasonable that thanks for them should be returned by and through him; the persons for whom this thanksgiving is made were all the Romans, all the saints at Rome, the members of the church there, of whatsoever rank and degree, and in whatsoever, state and condition; the thing for which the apostle was thankful for particularly was, not that their city was mistress of the whole world, and their fame for power, wealth, and grandeur, was spread abroad far and near; but, says he, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world; which shows that faith is a grace of great account: God has put an honour upon it, by making it the receiver of all his gifts, and that gives glory to God, and without it nothing is acceptable to him; it answers many excellent uses and purposes in experience; it is that by which saints live upon Christ in this world, and look to the glories of another. This also shows that the saints at Rome did not hide their faith in their breasts, but declared it to others; a public profession both of the grace and doctrine of faith is to be made, and constantly held; both are to be shown forth to others, by deeds as well as words; which greatly redounds to the honour of such churches, causes joy in other churches, and in all the ministers of the Gospel, and is the occasion of many thanksgivings to God.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We may here observe, I. His thanksgivings for them (Rom 1:8): First, I thank my God. It is good to begin every thing with blessing God, to make that the alpha and omega of every song, in every thing to give thanks. - My God. He speaks this with delight and triumph. In all our thanksgivings, it is good for us to eye God as our God; this makes every mercy sweet, when we can say of God, "He is mine in covenant." - Through Jesus Christ. All our duties and performances are pleasing to God only through Jesus Christ, praises as well as prayers. - For you all. We must express our love to our friends, not only by praying for them, but by praising God for them. God must have the glory of all the comfort we have in our friends; for every creature is that to us, and no more, which God makes it to be. Many of these Romans Paul had no personal acquaintance with, and yet he could heartily rejoice in their gifts and graces. When some of the Roman Christians met him (Act 28:15), he thanked God for them, and took courage; but here his true catholic love extends itself further, and he thanks God for them all; not only for those among them that were his helpers in Christ, and that bestowed much labour upon him (of whom he speaks Rom 16:3, Rom 16:6), but for them all. - That your faith is spoken of. Paul travelled up and down from place to place, and, wherever he came, he heard great commendations of the Christians at Rome, which he mentions, not to make them proud, but to quicken them to answer the general character people gave of them, and the general expectation people had from them. The greater reputation a man hath for religion, the more careful he should be to preserve it, because a little folly spoils him that is in reputation, Ecc 10:1. - Throughout the whole world, that is, the Roman empire, into which the Roman Christians, upon Claudius's edict to banish all the Jews from Rome, were scattered abroad, but had now returned, and, it seems, left a very good report behind them, wherever they had been, in all the churches. There was this good effect of their sufferings: if they had not been persecuted, they had not been famous. This was indeed a good name, a name for good things with God and good people. As the elders of old, so these Romans, obtained a good report through faith, Heb 11:2. It is a desirable thing to be famous for faith. The faith of the Roman Christians came to be thus talked of, not only because it was excelling in itself, but because it was eminent and observable in its circumstances. Rome was a city upon a hill, every one took notice of what was done there. Thus those who have many eyes upon them have need to walk circumspectly, for what they do, good or bad, will be spoken of. The church of Rome was then a flourishing church; but since that time how is the gold become dim! How is the most fine gold changed! Rome is not what it was. She was then espoused a chaste virgin to Christ, and excelled in beauty; but she has since degenerated, dealt treacherously, and embraced the bosom of a stranger; so that (as that good old book, the Practice of Piety, makes appear in no less than twenty-six instances) even the epistle to the Romans is now an epistle against the Romans; little reason has she therefore to boast of her former credit. II. His prayer for them, Rom 1:9. Though a famous flourishing church, yet they had need to be prayed for; they had not yet attained. Paul mentions this as an instance of his love to them. One of the greatest kindnesses we can do our friends, and sometimes the only kindness that is in the power of our hands, is, by prayer to recommend them to the loving-kindness of God. From Paul's example here we may learn, 1. Constancy in prayer: Always without ceasing. He did himself observe the same rules he gave to others, Eph 6:18; Th1 5:17. Not that Paul did nothing else but pray, but he kept up stated times for the solemn performance of that duty, and those very frequent, and observed without fail. 2. Charity in prayer: I make mention of you. Though he had not particular acquaintance with them, nor interest in them, yet he prayed for them; not only for all saints in general, but he made express mention of them. It is not unfit sometimes to be express in our prayers for particular churches and places; not to inform God, but to affect ourselves. We are likely to have the most comfort in those friends that we pray most for. Concerning this he makes a solemn appeal to the searcher of hearts: For God is my witness. It was in a weighty matter, and in a thing known only to God and his own heart, that he used this asseveration. It is very comfortable to be able to call God to witness to our sincerity and constancy in the discharge of a duty. God is particularly a witness to our secret prayers, the matter of them, the manner of the performance; then our Father sees in secret, Mat 6:6. God, whom I serve with my spirit. Those that serve God with their spirits may, with a humble confidence, appeal to him; hypocrites who rest in bodily exercise cannot. His particular prayer, among many other petitions he put up for them, was that he might have an opportunity of paying them a visit (Rom 1:10): Making request, if by any means, etc. Whatever comfort we desire to find in any creature, we must have recourse to God for it by prayer; for our times are in his hand, and all our ways at his disposal. The expressions here used intimate that he was very desirous of such an opportunity: if by any means; that he had long and often been disappointed: now at length; and yet that he submitted it to the divine Providence: a prosperous journey by the will of God. As in our purposes, so in our desires, we must still remember to insert this, if the Lord will, Jam 4:15. Our journeys are prosperous or otherwise according to the will of God, comfortable or not as he pleases. III. His great desire to see them, with the reasons of it, Rom 1:11-15. He had heard so much of them that he had a great desire to be better acquainted with them. Fruitful Christians are as much the joy as barren professors are the grief of faithful ministers. Accordingly, he often purposed to come, but was let hitherto (Rom 1:13), for man purposeth, but God disposeth. He was hindered by other business that took him off, by his care of other churches, whose affairs were pressing; and Paul was for doing that first, not which was most pleasant (then he would have gone to Rome), but which was most needful - a good example to ministers, who must not consult their own inclinations so much as the necessity of their people's souls. Paul desired to visit these Romans, 1. That they might be edified (Rom 1:11): That I may impart unto you. He received, that he might communicate. Never were full breasts so desirous to be drawn out to the sucking infant as Paul's head and heart were to be imparting spiritual gifts, that is, preaching to them. A good sermon is a good gift, so much the better for being a spiritual gift. - To the end you may be established. Having commended their flourishing he here expresses his desire of their establishment, that as they grew upward in the branches they might grow downward in the root. The best saints, while they are in such a shaking world as this, have need to be more and more established; and spiritual gifts are of special use for our establishment. 2. That he might be comforted, Rom 1:12. What he heard of their flourishing in grace was so much a joy to him that it must needs be much more so to behold it. Paul could take comfort in the fruit of the labours of other ministers. - By the mutual faith both of you and me, that is, our mutual faithfulness and fidelity. It is very comfortable when there is a mutual confidence between minister and people, they confiding in him as a faithful minister, and he in them as a faithful people. Or, the mutual work of faith, which is love; they rejoiced in the expressions of one another's love, or communicating their faith one to another. It is very refreshing to Christians to compare notes about their spiritual concerns; thus are they sharpened, as iron sharpens iron. - That I might have some fruit, Rom 1:13. Their edification would be his advantage, it would be fruit abounding to a good account. Paul minded his work, as one that believed the more good he did the greater would his reward be. 3. That he might discharge his trust as the apostle of the Gentiles (Rom 1:14): I am a debtor. (1.) His receivings made him a debtor; for they were talents he was entrusted with to trade for his Master's honour. We should think of this when we covet great things, that all our receivings put us in debt; we are but stewards of our Lord's goods. (2.) His office made him a debtor. He was a debtor as he was an apostle; he was called and sent to work, and had engaged to mind it. Paul had improved his talent, and laboured in his work, and done as much good as ever any man did, and yet, in reflection upon it, he still writes himself debtor; for, when we have done all, we are but unprofitable servants. - Debtor to the Greeks, and to the barbarians, that is, as the following words explain it, to the wise and to the unwise. The Greeks fancied themselves to have the monopoly of wisdom, and looked upon all the rest of the world as barbarians, comparatively so; not cultivated with learning and arts as they were. Now Paul was a debtor to both, looked upon himself as obliged to do all the good he could both to the one and to the other. Accordingly, we find him paying his debt, both in his preaching and in his writing, doing good both to Greeks and barbarians, and suiting his discourse to the capacity of each. You may observe a difference between his sermon at Lystra among the plain Lycaonians (Act 14:15, etc.) and his sermon at Athens among the polite philosophers, Act 17:22, etc. He delivered both as debtor to each, giving to each their portion. Though a plain preacher, yet, as debtor to the wise, he speaks wisdom among those that are perfect, Co1 2:6. For these reasons he was ready, if he had an opportunity, to preach the gospel at Rome, Rom 1:15. Though a public place, though a perilous place, where Christianity met with a great deal of opposition, yet Paul was ready to run the risk at Rome, if called to it: I am ready - prothumon. It denotes a great readiness of mind, and that he was very forward to it. What he did was not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. It is an excellent thing to be ready to meet every opportunity of doing or getting good.
Romans 1:8
Unashamed of the Gospel
7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(First Baptist Church) #6 - Complete Commitment
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K1:26:27CommitmentMAT 6:33ROM 1:8ROM 3:23ROM 6:1ROM 6:23ROM 7:7ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the subject of the first three chapters of the Bible, focusing on man's need and the guilt of sin. He mentions a black preacher who emphasized the need for justice, mercy, and forgiveness in relation to sin. The speaker also talks about the importance of repentance, conscience, conviction, and confession for believers. He emphasizes the need for believers to be set apart for God and presents the idea of presenting one's body as a living sacrifice to God.
Santification
By J. Edwin Orr3.0K1:25:53SantificationMAT 6:33JHN 8:34ROM 1:8ROM 3:23ROM 6:14ROM 7:151PE 2:19In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the problem of man's guilt and the need for justification. The first three chapters of the book of Romans address the issue of sin and guilt, emphasizing that every person is guilty before God. The solution to this problem is justification by faith, as stated in Romans 5:1. The preacher also highlights the ongoing struggle with the power of sin in the lives of believers, referencing Romans 6 and 7 as evidence of this struggle.
Thanksgiving of Paul for the Saints
By David Smithers1.8K38:26ThanksgivingMAT 6:33ROM 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being thankful and grateful in our lives. He starts by expressing gratitude for the faith of the listeners, highlighting the significance of this scripture. The speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their own attitudes and asks if they are convicted to change their perspective. He emphasizes the power of gratitude in drawing us closer to God and inspiring prayer. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance for taking people for granted and a reminder that we cannot be both thankful and complain at the same time.
(Romans) Salvation and Introduction
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:04:21SalvationROM 1:1ROM 1:8ROM 1:15In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the introduction and salutation of Paul's letter to the Romans. He highlights the commendable qualities of Paul, such as his humility and devotion to the gospel. The speaker emphasizes that the letter to the Romans expands on the gospel message, presenting it as God's good news for the world. He also emphasizes that the message of the gospel has a divine source, as it was promised by God through the prophets in the Holy Scripture.
Do You Accuse or Do You Intercede?
By Zac Poonen0Overcoming AccusationIntercessionMAT 5:44JHN 3:17JHN 20:21ROM 1:81CO 1:42CO 7:8EPH 1:15COL 3:15HEB 7:25REV 12:10Zac Poonen emphasizes the contrast between the ministry of accusation, which is led by Satan, and the ministry of intercession, which is exemplified by Jesus Christ. He urges believers to reject the spirit of accusation that leads to condemnation and instead embrace a life of intercession and gratitude for others. Poonen highlights that true intercession begins with thankfulness and that it is impossible to accuse those we pray for. He encourages believers to follow the example of Paul, who consistently expressed gratitude for others despite their faults. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a radical shift from accusation to intercession to overcome the enemy's influence in our lives.
The Power of the Gospel Romans 1:8-17
By J.R. Miller0Mutual EncouragementThe Power of the GospelROM 1:8J.R. Miller emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel as articulated by Paul in Romans 1:8-17, highlighting the importance of faith and the unashamed proclamation of Christ. He reflects on Paul's deep affection for the Roman Christians, his gratitude for their faith, and the mutual encouragement that comes from sharing spiritual gifts. Miller underscores the idea that Christians are debtors to all, called to share the love of Christ with everyone, regardless of their background. He encourages believers to boldly confess their faith, especially in challenging environments, as the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life lived in service to others, reflecting the love and grace received from God.
1 John 2:2
By A.W. Pink0AtonementAssurance of SalvationISA 53:11ISA 64:10JHN 11:51ROM 1:8ROM 3:25GAL 2:9COL 1:5HEB 2:171JN 2:2REV 12:9A.W. Pink examines 1 John 2:2, arguing against the interpretation that Christ's propitiation is universal for all humanity. He emphasizes that the verse is specifically addressing believers, particularly Jewish believers, and that the term 'whole world' refers to Gentile believers as well. Pink asserts that the atonement is effective and not a failure, as it is designed to accomplish God's purpose without ambiguity. He warns against the implications of a universal atonement that could undermine the assurance of salvation for believers. Ultimately, Pink calls for a return to the biblical understanding of Christ's propitiation as limited to those who have faith.
Of Thankfulness to God.
By John Gill0Gratitude to GodThankfulnessPSA 68:19PSA 100:3MAT 11:25LUK 17:15ROM 1:82CO 9:15EPH 5:20PHP 4:61TH 5:181PE 1:3John Gill emphasizes the vital role of thankfulness in the life of a believer, asserting that true thankfulness stems from a heart of contentment and godliness. He explains that thankfulness should be directed towards God for both temporal and spiritual mercies, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's grace in all circumstances, whether in prosperity or adversity. Gill encourages believers to express gratitude for the gift of life, health, and the blessings of grace, including redemption and adoption, as well as the means of grace such as the gospel and the ministry. He concludes that thankfulness is not only a command from God but also a reflection of our relationship with Him, urging believers to cultivate a habit of gratitude in every aspect of their lives.
Homily 2 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 22:3ROM 1:8ROM 1:16HEB 11:31John Chrysostom preaches about the power of faith and the righteousness of God revealed through the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not being ashamed of the message of the Cross. He highlights the universal nature of salvation, available to both Jews and Gentiles, through faith in Jesus Christ. Chrysostom encourages believers to trust in God's providence and not to question His ways, illustrating this with examples from the Old Testament. He urges the Romans to embrace faith, knowing that through it, they can receive the gift of salvation and righteousness from God.
Homily 29 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 10:11ROM 1:8ROM 11:13ROM 12:16ROM 14:4ROM 15:141CO 11:2GAL 5:10HEB 6:9John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of being full of goodness, knowledge, and the ability to admonish one another, highlighting the need to avoid conceit and judgment towards others. He emphasizes the kindness and persuasion in his words, showing a balance of boldness and gentleness in his approach. Chrysostom humbly acknowledges the grace given to him by God to minister to the Gentiles, focusing on preaching the Gospel and making the souls of those taught acceptable in the Holy Spirit. He expresses his desire to preach the Gospel where Christ was not named, demonstrating his selfless dedication to fulfilling his priestly duty and loving the salvation of others.
The World
By Thomas Bradbury0LUK 18:9JHN 1:10JHN 3:16JHN 15:17JHN 17:8ACT 5:20ACT 11:14ROM 1:81CO 7:311JN 2:1Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound love of God as demonstrated in John 3:16, emphasizing the necessity of being born again to understand divine truth and experience salvation through Jesus Christ. He delves into the significance of the term 'the world,' refuting the misconception that it refers to all mankind, and instead reveals its various contextual meanings in Scripture. Bradbury highlights the exclusivity of God's love for His chosen ones, contrasting it with the world's enmity towards God, and underscores the divine purpose of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down all barriers through Christ.
It's Supper Time. Where's Martha? - Serving Gifts
By Denis Lyle0JHN 14:12ACT 2:22ACT 5:16ROM 1:81CO 12:12CO 5:72CO 12:72TI 4:20HEB 13:8REV 22:18Denis Lyle delves into the topic of whether God performs miracles today, exploring the concept of sign gifts and the historical context of miracles in the Bible. He emphasizes that while God is capable of miracles, the purpose of miracles in the Bible was to authenticate messengers of God and confirm His Word, particularly during specific periods like the days of Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, and Christ and the apostles. Lyle addresses the misconception that miracles should be a normal experience for believers today, highlighting the unique nature of the apostolic age and the specific purpose miracles served in confirming God's messengers and His Word.
Ministry of Intercession
By Zac Poonen0MAT 5:44JHN 3:17JHN 20:21ROM 1:81CO 1:42CO 7:8EPH 1:15PHP 1:3COL 1:3COL 3:151TH 1:22TH 1:32TI 1:3HEB 7:25Zac Poonen preaches on the ministry of intercession and salvation, emphasizing that God sent His Son not to condemn but to save the world. Believers are called to have a full-time ministry of intercession, following the example of Jesus. By replacing the spirit of accusation with the spirit of intercession, believers can be effective instruments in God's hands and overcome Satan in the church. Paul's practice of thanking God for fellow believers before correcting them serves as a model for appreciating and interceding for one another.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
First, I thank my God - From this to the end of Rom 1:17 belongs to the preface, in which the apostle endeavors to conciliate the good opinion of the Christians at Rome, and to prepare their minds for his reproofs and exhortations. Your faith is spoken - καταγγελλεται, is celebrated, throughout the whole world - in every place where the Christian religion is professed, through all parts of the Roman dominions; for in this sense we should understand the words, the whole world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world--This was quite practicable through the frequent visits paid to the capital from all the provinces; and the apostle, having an eye to the influence they would exercise upon others, as well as their own blessedness, given thanks for such faith to "his God through Jesus Christ," as being the source, according to his theology of faith, as of all grace in men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
First, I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all,.... After the inscription and salutation, follows a thanksgiving, which begins the epistle: it is usual with the apostle in all his epistles to make requests for the churches, with thanksgivings for mercies; his view in it was, to glorify God, to testify his affection to the saints, and to show that all they had must be referred to the grace of God. The object of thanksgiving is God not merely as a creator and preserver, but as a Father, the Father of Christ, and our Father in Christ; as the one God, and our God, Father, Son, and Spirit. The apostle styles him, my God; which distinguishes him from all others, points out his particular interest in him, expresses his knowledge of him and faith in him, and demonstrates that what he did now, he did in faith. The person through whom thanks are given is Jesus Christ. There is no coming to God but through Christ, nor is any sacrifice either of prayer or praise acceptable without him, and since all we have come through him, it is but reasonable that thanks for them should be returned by and through him; the persons for whom this thanksgiving is made were all the Romans, all the saints at Rome, the members of the church there, of whatsoever rank and degree, and in whatsoever, state and condition; the thing for which the apostle was thankful for particularly was, not that their city was mistress of the whole world, and their fame for power, wealth, and grandeur, was spread abroad far and near; but, says he, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world; which shows that faith is a grace of great account: God has put an honour upon it, by making it the receiver of all his gifts, and that gives glory to God, and without it nothing is acceptable to him; it answers many excellent uses and purposes in experience; it is that by which saints live upon Christ in this world, and look to the glories of another. This also shows that the saints at Rome did not hide their faith in their breasts, but declared it to others; a public profession both of the grace and doctrine of faith is to be made, and constantly held; both are to be shown forth to others, by deeds as well as words; which greatly redounds to the honour of such churches, causes joy in other churches, and in all the ministers of the Gospel, and is the occasion of many thanksgivings to God.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We may here observe, I. His thanksgivings for them (Rom 1:8): First, I thank my God. It is good to begin every thing with blessing God, to make that the alpha and omega of every song, in every thing to give thanks. - My God. He speaks this with delight and triumph. In all our thanksgivings, it is good for us to eye God as our God; this makes every mercy sweet, when we can say of God, "He is mine in covenant." - Through Jesus Christ. All our duties and performances are pleasing to God only through Jesus Christ, praises as well as prayers. - For you all. We must express our love to our friends, not only by praying for them, but by praising God for them. God must have the glory of all the comfort we have in our friends; for every creature is that to us, and no more, which God makes it to be. Many of these Romans Paul had no personal acquaintance with, and yet he could heartily rejoice in their gifts and graces. When some of the Roman Christians met him (Act 28:15), he thanked God for them, and took courage; but here his true catholic love extends itself further, and he thanks God for them all; not only for those among them that were his helpers in Christ, and that bestowed much labour upon him (of whom he speaks Rom 16:3, Rom 16:6), but for them all. - That your faith is spoken of. Paul travelled up and down from place to place, and, wherever he came, he heard great commendations of the Christians at Rome, which he mentions, not to make them proud, but to quicken them to answer the general character people gave of them, and the general expectation people had from them. The greater reputation a man hath for religion, the more careful he should be to preserve it, because a little folly spoils him that is in reputation, Ecc 10:1. - Throughout the whole world, that is, the Roman empire, into which the Roman Christians, upon Claudius's edict to banish all the Jews from Rome, were scattered abroad, but had now returned, and, it seems, left a very good report behind them, wherever they had been, in all the churches. There was this good effect of their sufferings: if they had not been persecuted, they had not been famous. This was indeed a good name, a name for good things with God and good people. As the elders of old, so these Romans, obtained a good report through faith, Heb 11:2. It is a desirable thing to be famous for faith. The faith of the Roman Christians came to be thus talked of, not only because it was excelling in itself, but because it was eminent and observable in its circumstances. Rome was a city upon a hill, every one took notice of what was done there. Thus those who have many eyes upon them have need to walk circumspectly, for what they do, good or bad, will be spoken of. The church of Rome was then a flourishing church; but since that time how is the gold become dim! How is the most fine gold changed! Rome is not what it was. She was then espoused a chaste virgin to Christ, and excelled in beauty; but she has since degenerated, dealt treacherously, and embraced the bosom of a stranger; so that (as that good old book, the Practice of Piety, makes appear in no less than twenty-six instances) even the epistle to the Romans is now an epistle against the Romans; little reason has she therefore to boast of her former credit. II. His prayer for them, Rom 1:9. Though a famous flourishing church, yet they had need to be prayed for; they had not yet attained. Paul mentions this as an instance of his love to them. One of the greatest kindnesses we can do our friends, and sometimes the only kindness that is in the power of our hands, is, by prayer to recommend them to the loving-kindness of God. From Paul's example here we may learn, 1. Constancy in prayer: Always without ceasing. He did himself observe the same rules he gave to others, Eph 6:18; Th1 5:17. Not that Paul did nothing else but pray, but he kept up stated times for the solemn performance of that duty, and those very frequent, and observed without fail. 2. Charity in prayer: I make mention of you. Though he had not particular acquaintance with them, nor interest in them, yet he prayed for them; not only for all saints in general, but he made express mention of them. It is not unfit sometimes to be express in our prayers for particular churches and places; not to inform God, but to affect ourselves. We are likely to have the most comfort in those friends that we pray most for. Concerning this he makes a solemn appeal to the searcher of hearts: For God is my witness. It was in a weighty matter, and in a thing known only to God and his own heart, that he used this asseveration. It is very comfortable to be able to call God to witness to our sincerity and constancy in the discharge of a duty. God is particularly a witness to our secret prayers, the matter of them, the manner of the performance; then our Father sees in secret, Mat 6:6. God, whom I serve with my spirit. Those that serve God with their spirits may, with a humble confidence, appeal to him; hypocrites who rest in bodily exercise cannot. His particular prayer, among many other petitions he put up for them, was that he might have an opportunity of paying them a visit (Rom 1:10): Making request, if by any means, etc. Whatever comfort we desire to find in any creature, we must have recourse to God for it by prayer; for our times are in his hand, and all our ways at his disposal. The expressions here used intimate that he was very desirous of such an opportunity: if by any means; that he had long and often been disappointed: now at length; and yet that he submitted it to the divine Providence: a prosperous journey by the will of God. As in our purposes, so in our desires, we must still remember to insert this, if the Lord will, Jam 4:15. Our journeys are prosperous or otherwise according to the will of God, comfortable or not as he pleases. III. His great desire to see them, with the reasons of it, Rom 1:11-15. He had heard so much of them that he had a great desire to be better acquainted with them. Fruitful Christians are as much the joy as barren professors are the grief of faithful ministers. Accordingly, he often purposed to come, but was let hitherto (Rom 1:13), for man purposeth, but God disposeth. He was hindered by other business that took him off, by his care of other churches, whose affairs were pressing; and Paul was for doing that first, not which was most pleasant (then he would have gone to Rome), but which was most needful - a good example to ministers, who must not consult their own inclinations so much as the necessity of their people's souls. Paul desired to visit these Romans, 1. That they might be edified (Rom 1:11): That I may impart unto you. He received, that he might communicate. Never were full breasts so desirous to be drawn out to the sucking infant as Paul's head and heart were to be imparting spiritual gifts, that is, preaching to them. A good sermon is a good gift, so much the better for being a spiritual gift. - To the end you may be established. Having commended their flourishing he here expresses his desire of their establishment, that as they grew upward in the branches they might grow downward in the root. The best saints, while they are in such a shaking world as this, have need to be more and more established; and spiritual gifts are of special use for our establishment. 2. That he might be comforted, Rom 1:12. What he heard of their flourishing in grace was so much a joy to him that it must needs be much more so to behold it. Paul could take comfort in the fruit of the labours of other ministers. - By the mutual faith both of you and me, that is, our mutual faithfulness and fidelity. It is very comfortable when there is a mutual confidence between minister and people, they confiding in him as a faithful minister, and he in them as a faithful people. Or, the mutual work of faith, which is love; they rejoiced in the expressions of one another's love, or communicating their faith one to another. It is very refreshing to Christians to compare notes about their spiritual concerns; thus are they sharpened, as iron sharpens iron. - That I might have some fruit, Rom 1:13. Their edification would be his advantage, it would be fruit abounding to a good account. Paul minded his work, as one that believed the more good he did the greater would his reward be. 3. That he might discharge his trust as the apostle of the Gentiles (Rom 1:14): I am a debtor. (1.) His receivings made him a debtor; for they were talents he was entrusted with to trade for his Master's honour. We should think of this when we covet great things, that all our receivings put us in debt; we are but stewards of our Lord's goods. (2.) His office made him a debtor. He was a debtor as he was an apostle; he was called and sent to work, and had engaged to mind it. Paul had improved his talent, and laboured in his work, and done as much good as ever any man did, and yet, in reflection upon it, he still writes himself debtor; for, when we have done all, we are but unprofitable servants. - Debtor to the Greeks, and to the barbarians, that is, as the following words explain it, to the wise and to the unwise. The Greeks fancied themselves to have the monopoly of wisdom, and looked upon all the rest of the world as barbarians, comparatively so; not cultivated with learning and arts as they were. Now Paul was a debtor to both, looked upon himself as obliged to do all the good he could both to the one and to the other. Accordingly, we find him paying his debt, both in his preaching and in his writing, doing good both to Greeks and barbarians, and suiting his discourse to the capacity of each. You may observe a difference between his sermon at Lystra among the plain Lycaonians (Act 14:15, etc.) and his sermon at Athens among the polite philosophers, Act 17:22, etc. He delivered both as debtor to each, giving to each their portion. Though a plain preacher, yet, as debtor to the wise, he speaks wisdom among those that are perfect, Co1 2:6. For these reasons he was ready, if he had an opportunity, to preach the gospel at Rome, Rom 1:15. Though a public place, though a perilous place, where Christianity met with a great deal of opposition, yet Paul was ready to run the risk at Rome, if called to it: I am ready - prothumon. It denotes a great readiness of mind, and that he was very forward to it. What he did was not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. It is an excellent thing to be ready to meet every opportunity of doing or getting good.