Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

1:8 thank. Paul typically follows the greeting in his letters with a thanksgiving (cf. 1 Cor. 1:1-9; Phil. 1:1-8; Col. 1:1-8; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:3; Philem. 4). He is thankful not for any personal benefit but because he sees here the fulfillment of his goal in life, which was for the kingdom of God to advance throughout all the world. Paul likely means that the gospel is no longer confined to the Jews but has also spread to the Gentiles in the Greco-Roman world.

1:9 God is my witness. Paul appeals to God to hold him accountable if he is saying anything false.

1:10 Paul expresses his prayer that he might visit the Romans. The petition in this verse clarifies the request in v. 9.

1:11-12 mutually encouraged. Paul desires as an apostle to encourage the Christians in Rome, but it is also noteworthy that their faith serves to inspire and strengthen him as well.

1:13 harvest. Paul's ministry is like bringing ripened crops as a gift to God. Paul neither "planted" nor "watered" the church at Rome (cf. 1 Cor. 3:6), but its increased maturity and obedience would be a harvest nonetheless.

1:14 Paul was under obligation imposed by Jesus Christ, who ordained Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles. Greeks refers to those who spoke Greek and adopted Greek culture in the Greco-Roman world. Barbarians designates those outside of Greek culture.

1:15 Why would Paul preach the gospel to people who were already Christians? For Paul "the gospel" is not just a call to initial saving faith but also a call to continue in a daily walk of faith (6:4; 8:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:6).