1:9,10
Although Paul has not been directly involved in the Roman church, he repeatedly prays for them. He has long had a desire to be able to go to Rome. Indeed, he knew that he would one day go there, though the final route there involved going to Jerusalem first, and the subsequent arrest and sea journey that we read of in Acts. “I serve with my spirit” is probably a reference to Paul’s prayer life. Paul considered his prayer life to be as important as his preaching ministry. It is not a matter of one or the other, but both.
1:11,12
Paul wants to see them so that he can strengthen them by imparting “some spiritual gift”. In Charismatic circles we may tend to think that this refers to one or other of the “spiritual gifts”, but this is unlikely. More likely is that it refers to giving more insight and understanding of the gospel. But Paul does not see himself as the superior person imparting a blessing to his inferiors. Rather he sees them as strengthening each other. They would be encouraged by each other’s faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment