11, 12. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift—not any supernatural gift, as the next clause shows, and compare :-. to the end that ye may be established. read more
12. That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me—"Not wishing to "lord it over their faith," but rather to be a "helper of their joy," the apostle corrects his former expressions: my desire is to instruct you and do you good, that is, for us to instruct and do one another good: in giving I shall also receive" [JOWETT]. "Nor is he insincere in so speaking, for there is none so poor in the Church of Christ who may not impart to us something of value:... read more
13. oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, but was let—hindered. hitherto—chiefly by his desire to go first to places where Christ was not known ( :-). that I might have some fruit—of my ministry among you also, even as among other Gentiles—The GENTILE origin of the Church at Rome is here so explicitly stated, that those who conclude, merely from the Jewish strain of the argument, that they must have been mostly Israelites, decide in opposition to the apostle himself. (But see on :- to this... read more
I. INTRODUCTION 1:1-17This great epistle begins with a broad perspective. It looks at the promise of a Savior in the Old Testament, reviews Paul’s ministry to date, and surveys the religious history of the Gentile world."The main body of Romans is a treatise on Paul’s gospel, bracketed by an epistolary opening (Romans 1:1-17) and conclusion (Romans 15:14 to Romans 16:27). These opening and concluding statements have many similarities, not the least of which is the emphasis on the gospel. (Eight... read more
Paul felt concern for the welfare of this church. The faith of the Roman church had become well known in the few years since it had come into existence (cf. Ephesians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:3). Typically Paul began by offering commendation to his readers for some praiseworthy trait whenever he could. Here he thanked God for the Romans through Jesus Christ, who had created access to God. He praised the Roman Christians for their obedience to God by trusting in Jesus Christ... read more
B. Purpose 1:8-15Having begun with a formal and unusually long greeting compared to his other epistles, Paul next proceeded to address his readers more personally. He had not met the Christians to whom he wrote, so he spent some time getting acquainted and sharing his heart with them."One of the first lessons of effective leadership is the importance of setting priorities. Not only must things be done right (management) but the right things must be done (leadership)." [Note: Mounce, p. 65. Cf.... read more
As Paul had prayed often for the Romans, so he had also planned often to visit them. The phrase "I do not want you to be unaware" always identifies something important that Paul proceeded to say (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:1; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). His reason was for fellowship, namely, mutual sharing of things profitable. One obstacle that may have prevented Paul from reaching Rome previously was the imperial edict of A.D. 49 expelling Jews from Rome (cf. Acts 18:2). [Note: See... read more
1:10 prospered (c-15) This does not refer to a prosperous journey, but to the hope that God may favour or prosper him so that he may come; he had long wished it, and hoped that at last it might be granted him. read more
The Power of the Gospel and the need of the World. The Guilt of the HeathenIn his salutation the apostle emphasises his commission, and the greatness of the Person whose servant he is and who is the centre of his message (Romans 1:1-7). After expressing his desire to visit the Romans (Romans 1:8-15), he states the subject of his Epistle, viz. acceptance with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16-17), and proceeds to develop it by showing that none have been able to merit acceptance... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Romans 1:10
10. Making request, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God, to come to you—Though long anxious to visit the capital, he met with a number of providential hindrances (Romans 1:13; Romans 15:22; and see on Romans 15:22- :; Romans 15:22- :; Romans 15:22- :); insomuch that nearly a quarter of a century elapsed, after his conversion, ere his desire was accomplished, and that only as "a prisoner of Jesus Christ." Thus taught that his whole future was in the... read more