Romans 1:8-15 (ESV)
o Paul is using a normal pattern found in Greek letter writing where a section of thanks and petition
follows an opening greeting.
 This is a reminder that the Holy Spirit inspiration of Scripture was done through the regular writing
practices of the time using the individual’s skills and talents for writing.
o “Through Jesus Christ” in v8 is the only place where Paul invokes Jesus’ name or title as the means
through which Paul thanks God for someone. Paul is highlighting the access Jesus provides to God
through prayer while also showing the common foundation of both Paul’s and the Romans’ faith.
 How should the phrase “in all the world” in v8 be understood? Is this hyperbole on Paul’s part?
What can this say generally about faith? Consider Rom 1:5 and the phrase “obedience of faith.”
o Paul provides more details of his prayer in vv9-10. Usually, Paul’s prayers continue with concerns for
the readers and spiritual growth, but here Paul makes known his personal prayer is to see them.
 Paul mentions his service to God and calls to God as his witness of service. In v9, how does Paul
say that God witnesses his service?
 Unlike other Pauline writings, this section lacks a clear statement of Paul’s authority or Paul’s
petition for the Romans to change. Why do you think that is the case? Consider Romans 15:20-22
o Paul using the word “for” (or because) to introduce his three-fold purpose in visiting Rome: impart
some spiritual gift (v11), reap some harvest (v13), and preach the gospel (v15).
o The phrase “spiritual gift” may refer to spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Cor 12, but more likely, it is
referring to a Spirit-given ability Paul has to gain insights into their situation and share what would be
strengthening and encouraging to the Romans.
o Paul makes clear in v12 there is a mutual benefit, and the phrase “that is” suggests that Paul in a
sense “corrects” the end of v11. While Paul desires their encouragement, he also desires his own.
 Does this at all diminish Paul’s words in v11? Is Paul being disingenuous?
o The phrase “in order that” is a common way for NT writers to express purpose or desired result. In
this case, Paul is sharing that one of his purposes is to “reap a harvest” among them.
 What is the harvest Paul talks of, and what is the significance of the phrase “rest of the Gentiles”?
o The phrase “I am under obligation” literally means I am a debtor, and v15 provides the answer to the
question “What is Paul’s debt?”
 Consider Rom 1:1,4-5,14. Usually, a debtor is a person who has received something and needs to
pay it back. What is Paul a debtor to? Who is Paul a debtor to? How does this apply to us as well?
o A necessary clarification in case of any confusion: Grace does not make us debtors to God in the
traditional sense. We are not given grace so now we owe God some repayment of that grace. That
defeats the purpose of grace. Rather, when grace is given, we are now debtors to those who have
not heard. We owe it to them to share the grace we have received because no one, including
ourselves, is worthy of God’s grace. So, we share this grace as a debt to those who are lost.
SUBSCRIBE.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxtN8eHbVmlvtNn8We6TVYQ/featured

Website. http://eternalcity.org
Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/EternalCityChurch
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/eternalcity.church/
Twitter. https://twitter.com/eternalcchurch

ECC Mission
Multiply passionate love for Jesus Christ and those made in his image

ECC Core Commitments
- Making disciple-making disciples
- Unifying peoples
- Training and challenging men to lead sacrificially
- Planting church-planting churches
- Equipping women for ministry

GCC Mission
To help make the gospel central to all of life